LETS MAKE SUCCESSFUL-NEPAL TOURISM YEAR 2011

LETS MAKE SUCCESSFUL

What are the activities to do while I travel in Nepal?

So you want to travel in Nepal huh ?
Nepal is a country that will stun you on many levels. Its variety of landscapes, cultures and people, offer a wide variety of activities for travelers to get engaged in. In many travel reviews, Nepal regularly comes in the top 10 places to visit before you die !
Here are some general ideas on what to do in Nepal, if you are clueless (I doubt you will be if you are in Nepal)

• Trekkinghills in Dolpo
• Mountaineering
• Sightseeing
• Adventure travel
• Cultural
• Recreational Activities
• Religious tourism
• Gambling
• Others

Trekking and mountaineering:

• Trekking is one of the most popular means of spending your time in Nepal. Various trekking routes are widely popular such as the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base camp trek, Mustang trek, Langtang trek, Annapurna base camp trek. More information on all these treks are available here.
• You could attempt to summit the Mount Everest, other mountains that are above 8000 meters or try smaller mountains and other trekking peaks.

Sightseeing:

• The Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square represent the arts and architecture of the the Kathmandu valley during the reign of the Malla kings. They were the capitals of the fragmented Kathmandu valley at that time. The temples, stupas like the Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bodhnath have gone through the changes of several centuries. They are landmarks and cultural heritages. There are some other cultural and historical heritages like Janaki Temple in Janakpur and Gorkha Durbar in Gorkha outside the Kathmandu valley.
• Taking an hour long mountain flight in the morning (October to June) to view up close the Mount Everest and other mountains on the Khumbu region.
• Organizing a jungle safari (jeep and elephant rides) and spotting the One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, countless birds. You can also take a cultural tour of the of Tharu community in Chitwan National Park and take a look at the Elephant Breeding Centre, Gharial Breeding Center and enjoying the elephant bathing in the Rapti River.
• Bird watching in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Rara Lake in Rara National Park, Mugu. Both of these places are the resting places for the migratory birds during the winter in the northern hemisphere.
• Viewing the spectacular sunrise and sunset from Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Sarangkot (Pokhara), Daman, Sauraha (Chitwan National Park) and any other vantage points.

Adventurous Activities:

• Rafting and kayaking in Bhote Koshi, Sunkoshi, Trisuli, Karnali, Marshyangdi, Seti and many more rivers which offer different kind of challenges which are suitable for people with a wide range of interests and capabilities.
• Hire a boat or kayak from the shores of Fewa and Begnas lake in Pokhara and enjoying the sailing.Porters carrying on their backs
• If you want to experience the Bungee jumping on a 160 meters deep gorge made by Bhote Koshi near border with China then contact The Last Resort. They also offer canyoning at the Last Resort.
• You could also enjoy the stunning views of Fewa Tal and the himalayan peaks while paragliding and parahawking from Sarangkot in Pokhara
• Take a ultra light (micro light) flight (skydiving is also offered for prefessional divers) from Pokhara Airport to take a view of the mountains of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna ranges and the surroundings of Pokhara
• Mountain biking is also a means of enjoying your stay here. There are many routes in and around Kathmandu, Pokhara and other destinations as well.

Cultural Activities:

• Participate in at least one of the many festivals that take place around the year.

Recreational Activities:

• Bars, discos are available in Kathmandu and other major cities like Pokhara. Nepali Folk Song (Dohori) restaurants provide uniquely look into Nepali folk music.
• Just roam around the cities and enjoy it. It is a way too different from what you used to experience back home.

Religious Tourism:

• Nepal is a destination for religious tourism all round the year for both the Hindus and the Buddhists. Hindus visit temples like Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha and also stupas like Swayambhunath and Bodhnath. They also visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Buddhists mainly visit the stupas and Lumbini. The sites are major hub for people during festivals like Shivaratri and Buddha Purnima.

Gambling:

• Recreational services like casinos are popular among the tourists, mainly from India.

Others:

• You could taste the Nepali (rice, lentils and curry), Newari (chatamari) and the Tibetan (mo mo, thukpa) dishes that are popular in Nepal
• You could try volunteering in the monasteries, orphanages, schools, health posts and hospitals, and communities. Combine volunteering with activities mentioned above.
• Buy curios, pashminas, thangkas, handicrafts and other souvenirs in shops and stalls in Thamel in Kathmandu and around the places tourists visit for your loved ones back home.

Where do I travel in Nepal?

Where to go in Nepal? That is always the first or second thing in a traveler’s mind! There are many exciting places in Nepal where you can visit. We have broadly categorized the interests of travelers who visit Nepal:
* Are you going trekking?
* Are you going Mountaineering?
* Are you going Sightseeing?
* Are you going to do adventure activities? like rafting, paragliding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, jungle safaris and much more.
Trekking:

Trekking

There are many popular places for trekking or hiking in Nepal. The most popular trekking routes are the Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna trek (Annapurna Circuit, Jomsom Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek ). Lantang and Helambu trek are also popular. Trekking to the Lo Manthang, Upper Dolpo are restricted and you need a permit from the government agencies which you can get for an extra fee. Some Places to be in are: trekking-1 Everest Base Camp. Villages along the Annapurna Circuit trek Gokyo Lake (near Mt. Everest) Annapurna Base camp Shivapuri Hiking (around Kathmandu)

Mountaineering:
Nepal is the perfect place to be for the mountaineering enthusiasts. You could attempt the highest mountain (Mount Everest) in the World or try other seven mountains which are more than 8000 meters above the sea level. You could try to summit the smaller mountains, 6000- 7000 meters. There are more than 30 trekking and expedition peaks as well where you could launch your expeditions. Some mountains to climb: Mount Everest (the tallest) Kanchenjunga (3rd tallest) Lhoste (4th tallest)Makalu (5th tallest) Choyu  (6th tallest) Dhaulagiri (7th tallest) Manaslu (8th tallest) Annapurna (10th tallest)climbing peaks
Sightseeing:

Sightseeing

Temples and Durbar Squares: Nepal, especially the Kathmandu valley, has been a center of unique and beautiful architechture that has been copied in China and India heavily. Architechtureal beauties, 11th to 19th century temples, stupas, medieval squares, monasteries, temples like Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha, Changu Narayan, Dakshinkali, Janaki Temple are very popular among the Hindus. The three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu valley; namely, the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and the Bhaktapur Durbar Square were the centers of the culture, arts and architecture during the reign of Malla kings for about five centuries. Buddhist shrines like the Bodhnath, Swyambhunath and Lumbini provide the Buddhist culture, arts and architecture found in Nepal. Some Places to go sightseeing are: Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Changu Narayan Patan Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bodhnath
Museums:
There are also several museums where you can gain insights into the Nepali culture, history, arts and architecture. International Mountain Museum in Pokhara provides the perspective on the mountain life. The museums in the Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares provide insights on their respective history. There are other museums in Pokhara and Kathmandu as well. Some Museums to visit are: a cottage Patan Museum in Patan Durbar SquareKing Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum in Kathmandu Durbar Square, International Mountain Museum in Pokhara, Pokhara Regional Museum, Natural History Museum and Gorkha Museum in Pokhara, National Museum and Natural History Museum in Chhauni, Kathmandu
Other Sightseeing Places:
Places like Nagarkot, Sarangkot, Daman and other vantage points are the perfect places to view the sunrise and sunsets. They also provide the panoramic views of the mountain ranges. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Rara Lake in the Rara National Park are ideal places to view variety of birds. You can enjoy the experience of seeing Mt Everest and other mountains of the Everest region by taking a morning mountain flight from Kathmandu on private airlines like Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, Agni Air, Sita Air.
Adventure Activities:
There are more than a dozen rivers assigned for rafting and kayaking in Nepal. Sunkoshi, Bhote Koshi, Trisuli, Karnali Rivers are some of the popular rivers for rafting. Pokhara is the main hub for adventure flying – paragliding, parahawking and ultralight flight are the main attractions of Pokhara. The scenery of the surrounding areas and the mountain ranges are stunning.expedition peak Moutain biking in and around Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on the highways from Kathmandu to various parts are a way of spending your time in Nepal. Bungee jumping near the Tibetan border along the Araniko Highway from Kathmandu to Kodari is thrilling. Chitwan National Park is the ideal place for jungle safaris – on jeeps and elephants; viewing one horned rhinoceros, royal bengal tiger and many other birds and other wild animals

Seasons in Nepal for travelers (When are the best times to come to nepal)

Here is a rough guide of best times for tourists /travelers to visit in nepal. Nepal usually has beautiful weather all around and has primarily 5 seasons. Winter , spring, summer, monsoon (rainy), autumn (fall).
Summer (June to September)
Also the torrential monsoon rainy season. Usually people go to rain safe areas like Mustang and Dolpa for trekking. The greenery of the hills and the plains make it an unique time to appreciate the beauty of nature. An interesting event is held throughout the country near the end of June to mark the importance of farming in Nepal where travelers can experience the sowing of paddy samplings, mixed with the fun of mud throwing at each other and enjoying Dahi Chiura -Â yogurt and beaten rice.
Rhododendron

Rhododendron

Sightseeing the temples, stupas and architectural heritages of the Kathmandu valley, namely the Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares.
Bungee Jumping takes place every Wednesday and Saturday.
Festivals like Gai Jatra, Nag Panchami, Krishnastami are held during this time.
Autumn (October to November)
Most popular tourist season and arguably the best all around weather in Nepal. Major festivals like dasain, tihar, chhath and Eid are held during this time. A good time to go for allaround cultural and nature experience.
Ideal for for trekking to all the routes available in Nepal like the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek.
This season is also ideal for rafting and kayaking, mountain flights, paragliding, parahawking, ultra light flight, mountain biking, bungee jumping, Â jungle safari in the Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.
Mountaineering expeditions are also launched during this time but the season is not as popular as the spring.
Sightseeing the cultural and religious heritages of the Kathmandu valley can be organized.

Winter (December to February)
A lot of cultural tourists come in at this time and southern nepal is cool enough to travel. Lumbini (birthplace of Gautama Buddha) is a good time to go to at this time.
Jungle safari in the Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park is offered during this season.
Festivals like Losar, Maghe Sakranti, Basanti Panchami, Bibaha Panchami are held during this season.
Bungee Jumping, mountain flights, adventure flying in Pokhara – paragliding, parahawking and ultralight flight – sightseeing the cultural and religious heritages of the Kathmandu valley can be organized.
Trekking to the routes which does not involve the high altitude passes and places can be organized. Hiking in the low hills can also be organized. There are very few mountaineering expeditions during this time.
Spring (March to mid May)

Himalaya

Favorite time for mountain climbers and expedition trips. Another favorite time for tourists as most of Nepal has beautiful weather at this time.The hills are colored with rhododendrons.
Trekking to most of the routes resume after the winter break at those routes with high altitudes.
Bungee Jumping, mountain flights, adventure flying in Pokhara – paragliding, parahawking and ultralight flight – sightseeing the cultural and religious heritages of the Kathmandu valley can be organized.
Festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Ram Nawami, Chaite Dasain, Buddha Jayanti are held during this period.
Frankly, anytime in Nepal is a captivating experience and there are plenty of options when it comes to adventuring in Nepal.
The table below provides information about the activities, places and time of the year where those activities are organized.

Activity	Place	Time of the year
Sightseeing the temples and the architectural heritages	Kathmandu valley	all round the year
Trekking	Trekking routes in the hills	ideal time – October to November ; December to February – except in routes passing high altitudes; March to May – not as popular as in October and November
Mountaineering	The mountains on the north of the country	October to May;Â March to May is the ideal time
Mountain flights	The Everest region from Kathmandu	October to May; October to November is the ideal time
Rafting and kayaking	Rivers permitted to raft	October to November – ideal time; March to May
Paragliding, parahawking and ultra light flight	Pokhara	October to May; ideal time – October to December
Mountain biking	Kathmandu valley, Pokhara and the highways	All round the year; ideal time – October to November
Bungee Jumping	The Last Resort	All round the year
Jungle Safari	Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park	October to May; ideal time October to November
Witnessing and participating in festivals	all round the country	all round the year, ideal time – October to November

If you want to know about the weather situation in Nepal for round the year, Weather in Nepal will help you. This document provides the weather averages of 19 locations across the country based on data from more than 20 years.
If you want to know the day to day weather or weather forecast for up to two weeks, then visit Weather Forecast in Nepal.
Enjoy!