Info Trek Tour Nepal

Everest Base camp Trek Tips! to success Everest Base camp Trekking

2015-03-18T05:44:00.001-07:00

Everest Base Camp Trek Tips! This trek is absolutely an epic adventure, there are no words to describe!

Nepal is one of the best adventure destinations in the world. Trek in Nepal and the Everest Base Camp Trek are the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. Every year hundreds and thousands of trekkers from all around the world journey to the base camp of worlds highest mountain, Mount Everest. Trekking in (Khumbu) Everest region offers wide and stunning mountain ranges including worlds four tallest peaks Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Makalu (8,443m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), and Cho Oyu (8,201m).

What is the best time to trek Everest Base Camp? What is the Everest base camp trek weather?

Between February to May and October to December is the best time for trek to Everest Base camp. Mid October to November, weather normally clear and dry and amazing views.

November, December, January, and February: These months are very cold but the sky will be clear. During this time there will be snow and trekkers need to be well prepared.

February, March, and April: These are the end of dry season also a best time of year for trekking.

May to June is the hot (summer) season in Nepal, trekking in mountains will be hot and humid. Mountain views will be fair because of haze.

June to mid September is Monsoon season and less trekker will go to Everest Base camp. During this time the lukla flight mostly cancelled or delayed because of rain and clouds. Its possible to Trek Everest Base camp on these months but you have to be mentally prepared and need extra 2 -3 days to fly from Kathmandu to lukla or from lukla to Kathmandu (in case of flight cancelled).

What are the options if flight cancelled?

1) If the flights cancelled for long then we can fly on helicopter.

2) Walking from lukla to Jiri is another option but you need 3-4 days extra to reach Kathmandu. From Jiri we can take a bus or jeep ride back to Kathmandu. (For strong hikers). This is the original route that Sir Edmund Hilary and his team took on the first ascent of Mt. Everest in history.

3) Another option is walking to the Phaplu airport which is 2-3 days from Lukla. From Phaplu we can fly to Kathmandu or after 1 hour walk with jeep ride back to Kathmandu.

What is the helicopter price from lukla to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to lukla? I dont have enough money, how can I fly on helicopter? Normally helicopter services charges per one way flight maximum 265 USD but there should be minimum 4 people in one helicopter. If you cant afford this much price then contact Rugged Trails Nepal will try to accommodate your budget.

How difficult is to trek Everest Base Camp? This depends on the individual person trekking and their level of fitness and adjustment to high altitudes. Trekking to Everest base camp does not require ropes, ice axe, and it is not a technical climbing peak. However, it does require trekkers to hike for many hours day after day. People think trekking to base camp is technical and need to be super athlete! But normal people can do this trek, and no prior experience is required. All we require is a positive attitude and motivation to reach the top! EBC can be a challenging trek because of extreme altitudes (Highest point 5,500m {18,044ft}) and the air will be thin. No matter how fit you are or how healthy you are, altitude can hit anyone.

I am not hiker, havent trek before, and definitely not a super athlete. Can I go to Everest base camp?

Absolutely! You can do this trek; mostly people remember the word Everest and start thinking about summits, blizzards, and the technical climb. You will be walking in normal trekking path; surely its up downhill also a long walks your ankles might hurts of caution. I would say mentally you have to prepare that you going to do it!

What are the tips to prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek?

Here are some tips to make your trips memorable, enjoyable, and successful on the worlds highest mountain.

1) Train before you come. This is not a technical climbing but remember you have to walk above 2500m from sea level. At least 3 to 4 months before trek you have to train your body to complete this trek. Cycling, running, and stair climbing about 1 hour a few times a week is the best way to train and prepare your legs for trek. Yoga is a great way to stretch and strengthen your muscles.

2) Pack the right gear; this is most important things to what and which are the best gear to pack. There are several brands not matter which brand and cost but you have to carry a right gear. You can see the trekking gear list below. Visit this page to know about everest base camp kit list.

3) Be mentally prepared. Another main thing is you have to mentally prepare for this beautiful yet challenging trip. Trekking in the mountains its not easy and you will not find the comfortable as you are getting in your home and major cities. Nowadays there are nicest hotels in Everest region than before but above Namche there small tea houses run by local Sherpa people. You will find bugs, dirts, and in some lodges smells even Toilets (bathrooms) are not good, small beds. Some hotels and tea houses has western style toilet but mostly there are not, there are options for showers in tea houses but most of trekker use wipes. Be sure that you are ready to explore the true mountain life and immerse yourself in the trekking culture!

4) Drink plenty of water; your body will be dehydrate faster in high altitudes than at sea level so it is very important to drink water throughout the day. Water can be purified from mountain streams, boiled in tea houses, or our less favorite and not environmentally conscious way is to buy bottled water along the way.

5) Slowly but Surely! Do not walk fast; always maintain your walking pace. Dont run if the trail is flat and easy! Remember you are in marathon! The more you push yourself, the more difficult the days will be ahead, and the more difficult it will be to adjust to the altitude. Follow your guides instructions, they are the experts.

6) Dont forget, you are on Holiday, make it memorable! This is the most important thing to keep in your mind that you are on vacation and another main thing to have an open mind. Being nervous and tense will not make your vacation memorable so chit chats with your guides, porters, and there will be many other fellow trekkers from around the world. Be friendly with your guide and porters then they can share you and give you more information about the places, cultures, and people.

What are the Everest base camp trek reviews? Everest base camp trek reviews!! Everest Base camp trek is highly recommended on TripAdvisor, Lonely planet, and many other travelers blog, and forums. Thousands of trekkers has posted pictures, written books, and reviews on their personal blogs or in different social media such like Facebook, Instagram, Google +, Pinterest, Stumbleupon, Getyourguide and many others...

What is the Everest base camp trek cost?
There are many different trekking prices for Everest base camp we have seen around the market, starting from 699 USD to 5000 USD or above. Everest base camp tours normal or standard trek price is 1295 USD per person. But if there will be groups more than 5-6 person then the Everest base camp trek price will be 900 to 1000 USD per person. But, be aware that some companies does cheap marketing to get customers like 699 USD, which is not believable and not reliable. 15- 16 days Everest base camp trek generally on standard price will includes: 3 Nights in Kathmandu hotels on b/b. Permits, roundtrip flight tickets to lukla, accommodation with 3 meals in trek, guide, porters, etc.. But your personal travel insurance, visa fees, trekking equipment and other personal expenses are not included. For Indian Nationality (citizen holders) the Everest base camp trek price will be in 55,000 to 60,000 INR per person.

Hiring just a guide or porter to Everest base camp trek cost 25 to 30 USD per day. IF you hire a guide from Kathmandu then you have to pay Guide airfare which will be about 100 USD for both ways. Make sure and ask with the company that the guide is experienced with Nepal Government license.

Is it cheaper and trustable to book trek and tour with local agency in Nepal versus a company from my home country?

Booking your trek through local agency will be much cheaper and also you are helping sustain the local people by supporting our economy. Read this.

Where can I buy Everest base camp trek map? Normally once you book your trip with local agency they will provide trekking map for each member. You can buy in Kathmandu trekking shop or in any bookstore in Thamel, the popular tourist area. You can also buy trekking maps online Amazon.

What is the best and normal Everest base camp trek itinerary?

Average and normal trekking itinerary for Everest base camp trek is 15 Nights 16 days including stay in Kathmandu. 13 Nights 14 days itinerary is the minimum days itinerary for Everest base camp trek. If you cannot hike up to Everest base camp whether due to time constraints or physical limitations, then there is a short and easy Everest view trek up Namche, which offers stunning views with a smaller time commitment.

- See more at: http://ruggedtrailsnepal.com/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-tips-know-before-trek.html#sthash.nqnrGa9r.dpuf

Everest High Passes Trek

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Trekking in Nepal Himalayas is the most amazing adventure sport in the world. Trekking in Everest region “land of yeti” is another dream of travelers. Everest three high passes trek or Everest circuit trek is the ultimate Everest trekking experience. Three passes trek is longer than Everest base camp trek, 3 passes trek itinerary is about 19 nights 20 days but Ebc trek itinerary is 15 nights 16 days. 3 passes trek is challenging trek this trek cross three high passes which are not standard Everest trail. Crossing via Renjo la Pass (5,388m), Cho La Pass (5,380m), and KongMa La pass (5,535m) are the amazing vista of the world’s highest mountain. If you love photography and willing to take an excellent shots of High Mountains in the world then 3 passes trek Everest region is best place.

For Everest base camp trek (classic trek) you don’t need to be super athletic but for high passes trek Nepal you need to be athletic, healthy, physical fitness, and hiking experience above 3000meter. If you are looking less adventure and less days then Gokyo Valley Trek with Everest base camp can be another option. You will be provided three passes trek map once you book trip with trekking agencies or you can buy maps online. There are fixed departure dates for high passes trek and other treks in Nepal; please visit or contact rugged trails nepal. Check three passes trek cost and compare.

TRIP FACTS OF 3 High Passes Trek

Duration: 20 Day(s)

Trip Grade: Strenous
Duration: 19 Nights 20 days
Trip Cost: $ 1785
Max Elevation: 5555 M.
Trip start from: Kathmandu
Trip end at: Kathmandu
Style of trek: Tea House
Minimum group size: 1 pax

High Passes Trek Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrival, Check in Hotel. Evening Welcome Dinner. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 2 :Full Day Kathmandu Sightseeing. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 3 :Kathmandu to Lukla and then Phakding (2610m, 3hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 4 :Trek from Phakding to Namche (3440, 5hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 5 :Rest day
(Hike to Khumung village,Everest View Hotel which is best of Mt.Everest) 4 hours round trip and then overnight at same place.

Day 6 :Trek from Namche to Thame (3800m, 4 hours walking).
We explore to Thame Monastery in the afternoon. This village is well known by all Everest climbers, overnight at Lodge.

Day 7 :Trek from Thame to Lungdeng (4380m) 5/6 hours walking) and then stay overnight at Lodge.

Day 8 :Trek from Lungdeng to Gokyo (4790 m.) via Renjo La Pass (5338m, 6 hours walking) and then overnight at Gokyo.

Day 9 :Visiting 5th Lake
Explore fifth lake (4/5 hours walking) for view of Mt.Everest and close view of Cho oyu back to Gokyo and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 10 :Early morning Gokyo Peak (5360m) and trek to Dragnag (4700m)
Visit to Gokyo Peak (5360 mtr.) in the morning (4 Â½ hours walking) for sun rise view and all mountain views, from here we able to see 4 highest Mountain which more than eight thousand meters high, and trek to Dragnag (4700m, 3/4 hours walking) overnight at Lodge.

Day 11 :Trek from Dragnag to Zhonglha (4830m, 6/7 hours walking) via Chola Pass (5368m) and overnight at Lodge.

Day 12 :Trek from Zhonglha to Lobuche (4910m, 3/4 hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 13 :Trek from Lobuche to Ghorakshep (5140m,3/4 hours walking).
Same day visit to Everest Base Camp (5364m,5 hours walking) and back to Gorakshep, over night at Lodge.

Day 14 :Visiting Kalapattar (5555m,3/4 hours walking) and trek back to Lobuche (4910m)
Early in the morning for the best Everest view) trek back to Ghorakshep and the trek down to Lobuche (4910m,2 hours walking) and then Overnight at Lodge.

Day 15 :Lobuche Trek to Dingboche (4410m) via Kongma-La Pass (5535m)
Trek from Lobuche to Dhingboche (4410m, 7/8 hours walking) via Cross to Kongma-La Pass (5535m) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 16 :Dingboche trek to Tengboche (3860m)
Trek from Dingboche to Tengboche (3860m, 4/5 hours walking) rest of the explore Tengboche Monastery and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 17 :Trek from Tengboche to Jorsalle (2740m, 5/6 hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 18 :Trek from Jorsalle to Lukla (2853m, 5/6 hours walking) and then overnight at Lodge.

Day 19 :Fly back to Kathmandu early in the morning (30 minutes) overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.

Day 20 :Departure your home country.

Island Peak

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The world’s best climbing peak, Island peak is located on top of the Chukung glacier between Ama Dablam and Lhotse Mountains. Island Peak is the most popular peak to climb after trekking to Everest Base camp Trek because of its challenging geographical conditions. Each year more than 300 to 350 groups attempt to scale the summit of Island peak. This trekking peak in Everest region offers an excellent opportunity to climb a Himalayan Summit [Island peak height 6189m] together with an exciting Trek to the Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar.

Island peak itinerary starts from lukla, after a challenging flight to lukla, which is known as world’s dangerous airport. Passing through Dudh Koshi valley from Lukla, we will be heading up to Namche, Tengboche, Pheriche, Lobuche, and Everest base camp. Some travelers called this trip as “Island peak trek” because normally people who head up to Everest base camp they put island peak on their bucket list. Rugged trails Nepal climbing guides, who had summit Mt. Everest; those Sherpas will lead your trip from Kathmandu, Island peak summit is like normal hike up Everest base camp “you will hear this from our sherpas”. We combined this trip with Everest base camp island peak and this island peak cost about 1650 usd per person to 1900 usd per person.

Most of the travelers has question regarding the Island Peak, here the below you can see FAQ of island peak.

1) How many days is the island peak climbing itinerary?

a. Normally island peak itinerary is about 18 Nights 19 days with Everest Base camp Trek.

b. Just Straight up to island peak without everest base camp itinerary is about 11 Nights 12 days

2) How many days for island peak summit?

a. Within 1 day you will be summit island peak and return but we will be staying in island peak base camp.

For more details about the island peak, pisang peak climbing, mera peak climbing contact rugged trails Nepal team.

Trip facts of Island Peak

Trip duration: 19 Days
Grade: Strenuous - Peak Climbing - Alpine grade: PD+
Activity: Sightseeing and trekking
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel, camping or lodge (tea house)
Transportation: Flights, private car or tourist bus
Maximum altitude: 6189m

Island Peak Itinerary

Day 1 :Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m)

Day 2 :Rock climbing course at Kathmandu or Half day guided city tours of Kathmandu.

Day 3 :Kathmandu- Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft) & trek to Phakding (2,652m/8,700ft), 3-4 hrs

Day 4 :Phakding- Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,283ft), 5-6 hrs

Day 5 :Acclimatize day & Excursion

Day 6 :Namche Bazaar - Tyangboche (3870m) 5-6 hours

Day 7 :Tyangboche- Pheriche

Day 8 :Pheriche- Lobuche (4,928m/16164 ft), 5-6 hrs

Day 9 :Lobuche- Gorekshep (5,160m/16,929ft) - Everest Base Camp Excursion (5,320m/17,450ft), 5-7 hrs

Day 10 :Gorak Shep - Kala Pattar - Pheriche: 7-8 hours

Day 11 :Pheriche- Chhukung

Day 12 :Island Peak Base Camp (5,200m/17,060ft), 3-4 hrs

Day 13 :Island High Camp (5,600m/18,372ft), 2-3 hrs

Day 14 :Island Peak summit (6,189m/20,305ft) & return back to Chhukung, 8-10 hours

Day 15 :Chhukung to Tyangboche (3,867m/12684ft), 4-5 hrs

Day 16 :Tyangboche- Namche (3,440m/11,283ft), 4-5 hrs

Day 17 :Namche to Lukla (2,800m/9,186ft), 6-7 hrs

Day 18 :Lukla- Kathmandu

Day 19 :Final Departure.

Tukuche Peak Expedition

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Tukuche is a spectacular peak situated in front of Dhaulagiri 1 and the Annapurna Range. Tukuche was first climbed by a Swiss team in 1969. Due to its remote location and the seriousness of the terrain, the area is seldom visited by commercial trekking groups. As far ...as risk factor is concerned, the expedition to Tukuche Peak Expedition is regarded as ‘low risk’.

Our summit attempt for Tukuche Peak begins once we reach Hidden Valley BC. Having set up Base Camp we will begin pushing out the route and acclimatizing. Once the climbing phase is, over we will descend to Jomsom for a flight out to Pokhara and then on to Kathmandu.

Tuckche peak trip fact

Trip length: 25 Days
Grade: Extremely Strenuous
Mode of Trek: Camping
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Season: Autumn
Accommodation: Hotel and camping
Transportation: Flights, bus
Altitude maximum: 6920m / 22,703ft

Tukuche peak Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu – Free day
Day 03: Fly Pokhara
Day 04: Fly jomsom / Trek to Marpha (2670m)
Day 05: Trek shelters (3720m)
Day 06: Trek to Yak Kharka (4200m)
Day 07: Rest day - Yak Kharka
Day 08: Trek to Hidden Valley/ Kalopani (5100m)
Day 09: Hidden Valley BC (5100m)
Day 10: At Hidden valley BC
Day 11-21: Climbing period of Tukuche Peak (6920m)
Day 22: Back to BC
Day 23: Trek to Jomsom
Day 24: Fly- Jomsom / Pokhara / Kathmandu
Day 25: Depart Kathmandu

Eco Tourism

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Ecotourism,a concept in tourism sectors which is getting momentum – enjoying the natural beauty and keeping intact and protecting surrounding environment for the use of future generation. Tourist will get the chances of first hand experience of nature and its beauty while people will get opportunities to earn for their living from it.

Nepal has wide varieties geographically from low plain as much as 70m from sea level to highest peak of the world Mt Everest. Plain, hills and mountain combination of these where many species of flora and fauna, flowers, exotic orchids, butterflies, birds, mammals were found in Nepal and it has huge potentiality in ecotourism or nature tourism.

Nepal is known around world as a land of Protected Areas with National Parks, Hunting Reserve, Wildlife Reserve, Buffer Zone and Conservation Area. Worldwide renown Annapurna, Chitawan, Sagarmatah, Langtang regions, Gaurishanker are protected area where tourist come each year for trekking, safari and sporting activities. So ecotourism will become main income source of surrounding area while protecting natural environment.

Definition of Ecotourism

Eco-tourism is now a popular term that most of resort, hotel and travel agency operators use to promote their products and services. But what does it really mean? Well, the word eco-tourism comes from two words, ecology and tourism. In Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary it says that ecology is the relation of plants and living creatures to each other and to their environment, or the study of this. Well, it is easy to understand the terminology of eco-tourism but it is difficult to implement it. As different geographical places have their own ecological conditions, those who promote tour packages under the banner of eco-tourism have to be aware whether such tourism activities will support the preservation of the environment or not.

General Perception and Impact to Local Communities

Sometimes people think that eco-tourism means going to the beach or traveling around the tropical island instead of embark on a city tour. As a matter of fact, it is more complicated than just sun bathing at a white sandy beach. Eco-tourists are encouraged to interact with the natural environments which they visit to understand their values. For instance, when I guide tourists to a hiking destination in the Nepal mountains that are covered with green plants, I will always try to explain the medicinal functions of certain herbs there and the roles of tropical rainforest in absorbing CO2 gases that we emit everyday and in releasing Oxygen gas that most living matters need. Small scale tours to coral reef and tropical rainforest will not cause negative impacts on the environment where travelers visit. They also have to be smart tourists who see this travel industry as a way to empower the economic livelihood of the villagers whom they meet on the way. These can include boat owner, guesthouse owner or just a local guide.

Hotel owners pay attention to these environmental issues

For instance, I live in Kathmandu, a capital of Nepal where the surrounding environment is hot (around 35 degrees celcius, has a lot of rain all year round and high humidity. Most of the island is still covered with dense tropical rainforest. Tourists who come to this tropical coastal town must understand that they have to adapt with the tropical climate. If there are hotels in town that offer eco-tourism package to foreign tourists but at the same time install huge Air Conditioning installation in their buildings then their promotion is only empty words. Hotel owners must provide enough green areas around their hotel buildings to be planted with trees so that the surrounding atmosphere will be cooler and healthier. Dirty air that has been polluted with smokes and dust can be filtered by the plants that grow around the hotels. When the temperature near the hotel is not high, the electrical consumption to run AC machines will be lower.

If they really know how to implement eco-tourism principles in their accomodation or hotels, they should design rooms that have high walls with openings for air ventilation and plant green plants in their yard as well as construct swimming pool and water fountain in the building of the hotels. This will reduce much of the electricity consumption and preserve the environment.

My personal experience in implementing principles of ecotourism

I always escort the tourists to the mountain where they can see various species of trees, orchids, mushrooms, and animals live there. Some local indigenous people are also involved in this tour as guides. This is a simple instruction which all the tourists and guides must know if they really want to implement eco-tourism. Tourists are also told not to throw plastic bottles anywhere inside the jungles or in the rivers, must bring all their trash back to the hostel where they can dispose them off into the garbage beans.

Public Education about Environmental Protection

Actually the best way to implement eco-tourism practices is to educate all the city or town dwellers to be more friendly to their surrounding environment by not throwing garbage along the street, or drainage tunnels (which most of them will end up at sea polluting the marine environment), by traveling more with bicycle, by not walking on the corals when swimming at the beach and by encouraging their friends to do the same. When all of the citizens have changed their lifestyle, then the term eco-tourism which we want to realize in our town or city can effectively be implemented and really bring positive impact to the surrounding environment and to the economic livelihood of the whole community.

Environmentally Friendly Souvenirs

And the last but not the least, the souvenirs that are made by artists or handicraft makers must not be made of skins, fur, or plumage of threatened animals such as birds of paradise, kuskus, and soa-soa. Bracelets and necklaces must not be made of fragments of corals either.

CHITWAN

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Asia’s most well-preserved conservation area is the Chitwan National Park, where wildlife thrives and habitats remain intact. Only a half-hour flight away from Kathmandu, the park lies in the 'Tarai' region (plains) and is home to a range of wildlife including endangered species like the Greater One-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has a particularly rich flora and fauna boasting more than 450 species of birds. Resorts within the park facilitate safaris on elephant back, boat ride or jeep drives.

Jaunty rides on elephant back, crossing rivers on dug-out canoes and catching unsuspecting wildlife in their natural habitat; these are thrills one is not likely to forget even years after the mystical holiday in Nepal. Chitwan owes its fame to Chitwan National Park, the most well-preserved conservation area in all of Asia. The park is home to a large variety of wildlife including the endangered Greater One-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Chitwan, only a 30 minute flight away in southern Nepal, has a sub-tropical climate. Resorts both inside and outside the national park cater to the needs of tourists who come down for safari adventure in the jungles. Chitwan is easy to reach both by road and by air. The nearest airports are in Meghauli and Bharatpur and flights leave for these airports on a regular basis.

Chitwan National Park is the favorite destination of tourists looking for an enduring safari experience. Once this large tract of land was declared a national park, illegal settlements were halted and deforestation brought under control within its boundaries. At the same time poaching was controlled to some extent. The natural habitat of wildlife was preserved and they flourished. Major Projects were initiated to save the tiger and rhinoceros with the help of friendly nations and foreign institutions. As a result rhinos are quite commonly seen in Chitwan and occasionally the Bengal tiger can be spied well camouflaged among the tall grass. The Rapti River has been dammed to create a man-made lake called Lamital where waterfowl and many other exotic birds are found in abundance. Elephant grass that are five to six feet tall, provide excellent cover for animals.

Accomodation:
There are resorts and lodges of varying standards that cater to the needs of tourists both inside and outside the national park. Most include elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoeing and a variety of cultural activities in their programs. Reservations can be made at the Kathmandu offices of the various resorts and lodges. Accommodations range from the luxurious to some that offer simple food and shelter. The rich culture of the indigenous Tharu people of Chitwan can be observed first hand during village walks. Tharu cultural dance are performances to the delight of tourists who sometimes join in. There’s never a dull moment in Chitwan with a choice of activities to fill your day, whether you stay two days or a week.

Wildlife and Breeding centers

Besides the rhinos and tigers there are sloth bears, wild boar, gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, leopard, wild cats; a large variety of reptiles and over 500 species of birds. Apart from jungle safari, there are many places of interest within the park such as the Elephant Breeding Centre and Crocodile Farm where these animals have been successfully breeding in captivity.

LUMBINI

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Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site. This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout Buddhists from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great Emperor who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist communities.

Birth place of Lord Buddha

Lumbini is hallowed ground as Shakyamuni Buddha was born here in southern Nepal more than twenty-five hundred years ago. As a sacred birthplace, it is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the globe. Many excavations have taken place here around this small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal. Ruins of the old city are clearly visible and many artifacts were unearthed during the excavation. Shakyamuni Buddha was born a prince to the ruler of the little principality. Important landmarks are the Maya Devi temple and the Ashoka pillar. The remains of many ancient stupas and monasteries can be found in the surroundings of Lumbini The Ashoka pillar is said to have been erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC and bears an inscription confirming this as the birth place of the Buddha. A stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch is seen in the Maya Devi temple. The belief that touching it will render a woman fertile has led to erosion as thousands of hands have stroked it.

South of the temple is the sacred pool where Maya Devi is said to have given her son his first purification bath. Shaded by the leafy Bo tree (the type of tree under which Buddha received enlightenment), it is a quiet garden and a newly planted forest nearby brings an atmosphere of tranquility to it. A Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust was drawn up decades ago and development is finally under way. The plan, completed in 1978 by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, will transform three square miles of land into a sacred place of gardens, pools, buildings, and groves. The development will include a Monastic Zone, the circular sacred Garden surrounding the Ashoka pillar and Maya Devi temple, and Lumbini Village, comprising lodges, restaurants, a cultural center and tourist facilities. Over the years, many stupas and monasteries have been built representing Buddhist communities of numerous countries from around the world. In Kapilvastu near Lumbini, is an excavation site that evokes the ancient palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. The ruins include scattered foundations of the palace and thirteen successive layers of human habitation dating back to the 8th Century BC; a must see for students of archeology and history.

Access: Nepal Airlines along with other airlines fly regularly to Bhairahawa airport near Lumbini, and there are regular bus services from Pokhara and Kathmandu. Accommodation: There are several good hotels and lodges in Lumbini, but accommodation is also available in monasteries of the various countries.

Places to see

Maya Devi temple, Ashoka pillar, Pushkarni pond

Maya Devi temple is one of the important sites as the place of birth of Lord Buddha. Inscriptions on the Ashoka pillar confirm the spot as the birthplace. Of special interest are several ruins of ancient stupas and monasteries. Recent excavations have unearthed a stone bearing a "footprint" indicating the exact location of the Buddha’s birth. Pushkarni pond is of special significance as Queen Maya Devi is said to have taken a bath here before giving birth. The International Gautami Nuns temple found here is a replica of the Swoyambhunath stupa in Kathmandu.

Lumbini Museum

Other places of interest are the Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, and Kapilvastu Museum situated 27 km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot. In the Kapilvastu museum can be seen ruins of the ancient capital of the Sakya kingdom where the Buddha grew up as Prince Siddhartha.

The Sacred Garden is best visited in the morning. Spread over 8 sq. km., it possesses treasures from the past. Today as part of the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many Buddhist communities from various countries have built or are building temples, monasteries or stupas near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. Monasteries built by these communities showcase the architecture and culture of their respective nations and are part of the attraction of Lumbini today. The Monastery of Royal Thai (Thailand), Chinese Monastery (China), Vietnam Phat Quoc Tu (Vietnam), Mahabodhi Society of Kolkotta (India), International Nun's Society (Nepal), The Great Lotus Stupa (Tara Foundation, Germany), Myanmar Monastery (Myanmar), Manang Sewa Samaj (Nepal), Linhson Monastery (France), Sokyao Temple (Japan), Geden International (Austria), Sri Lankan Monastery (Sri-Lanka), Korean Mahabodhi Society (South Korea), Dharmodhaya Sabha (Nepal), Drigung Kagyud Meditation Center (India), Cambodian Monastery (Cambodia) Panditarama Meditation Center (Myanmar), Vipasana Mediation Center (Nepal), Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, World Peace Pagoda, Eternal Peace Flame, Peace Bell and Crane Sanctuary add beauty and serenity to Lumbini.

About 31 kilometers west of Lumbini is Gotihawa in the Kapilvastu district. It is considered a very important religious site for Buddhists from around the world. It is revered as the spot where the Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Sakyamuni Buddha, was born and attained nirvana.

Another spot if significance is Kudan where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha. It is about 4 ½ km south of Tilaurakot.

Niglihawa is situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. It is believed that the Kanakmuni Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha, was born, enlightened, and met his father in this place.

Getting there

Take a 45-minute flight from TIA in Kathmandu to Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa or catch a bus that leaves from the Gongabu Bus Park. Bhairahawa can also be reached by bus from other parts of the country. Buses to Lumbiini leave every hour or so from 6 am to 5 pm from Bhairahawa.

POKHARA VALLEY

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Pokhara valley, the ‘Jewel of the mid-west’ is a favorite of tourists from around the globe. With the magnificent Annapurna range of mountains as a backdrop and the serenity of the three lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas, Pokhara is the ultimate destination for relaxation. Yet the valley has grown in recent years as the destination for adventures sports such as paragliding and ultra-light flights. With boating, bird watching, trekking and mountain biking as the other attractions, Pokhara has it all.

Pokhara sits high on the list of ‘must visit’ places in Nepal. Tourists on extended holidays in Nepal make multiple visits to this famous valley of the three lakes. The tourist district of Pokhara better known as ‘Lakeside Pokhara’ is quite distinctly separate from Pokhara city. Lakeside sprawls beside Phewa Lake and is reminiscent of Thamel except for the ample space and miniscule traffic which makes Pokhara so much more enjoyable and relaxed than its counterpart in Kathmandu. The enchanting Pokhara valley with the dominating presence of Mt. Machhapuchhare (Fishtail Mountain) in the background is the gateway to the Annapurna region where many a trekker finds his Shangri-la. Pokhara is also ideally placed for adventure sports such as: rafting, paragliding and ultra-light flights. The relaxed atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake gives a trekker a much needed respite from days of hiking up and down the hills and mountains on one of the popular Annapurna treks. The crowded bars and restaurants are the places to seek companionship, where tall stories and real life experiences are shared with perfect strangers. The friendly Nepalese make a tourist feel at home to the point where many stay on for extended periods and come each year to seek those friends he’s made and find peace of mind.

Pokhara’s bewitching beauty has been the subject of many travel writers. Its pristine air, the spectacular backdrop of the snowy peaks, the serene lakes and the surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural beauty. Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,977 m) has a mesmerizing effect on any nature lover and the Phewa Lake creates an ambience of peace that is magical. Warmer than Kathmandu because of it lower altitude, Pokhara is pleasant in the winter and has a rich flora and fauna making it ideal for bird watching.

Pokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains arrive and set up camp on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods from remote regions of the Himalaya including Mustang. The people of this region are predominantly Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers who are known for their valor and have earned world-wide fame as fierce Gurkha warrior soldiers. The other well-known ethnic group found here are the Thakalis. Known for their entrepreneurship, they run many tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region.

Places to see

Mountain Views

Pokhara is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Although not the highest in the range, Machhapuchhare dominates because of its proximity to the valley and can be seen from anywhere in Pokhara. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV and Annapurna South. Further away are seen the giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Manaslu (8,163m).

Phewa Lake

Pokhara owes its popularity to enchanting Phewa Lake and along its eastern shore has grown the Lakeside town where tourists gather. It is the largest and most beautiful of the three lakes attracting a large number of visitors who enjoy boating on its placid waters. Boat can be hired and many visit the island temple that lies out in the middle of the lake. The other past time is sailing. Lakeside or Baidam, is a thriving resort town of hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops that allows travelers to relax and yet have all they need.

Barahi Temple (Show in Map)

Located in the middle of Phewa Lake, the Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. The two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of' Ajima who represents the female force Shakti. Sacrifices take place here and the largest crowds of devotees are seen on Saturdays, the official holiday in Nepal.

Seti Gandaki (Show in Map)

An amazing aspect of Pokhara is the vanishing river. A natural wonder, the Seti Gandaki goes underground, vanishing from sight in many places along its route through the city. At various points the river is barely two meters wide where its depth reaches an astonishing 20 meters! A good spot for watching the river below is Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital. Here the river can be seen in all its ferocity gushing down the deep gorge that it has carved over millennia.

David's Fall

Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Nether Fall), David's Fall (known variously as Devin's and Devi’'s Fall) is a charming little waterfall located about 2 km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Many years ago a trekker named David or Devin is said to have been washed away by the river Pardi Khola and disappeared in an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave

A major attraction of Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha, a limestone cave reached after a two-hour walk north of Pokhara. Known as the ‘House of Bats’ owing to a number of bats living within its walls, the cave is an interesting labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors will be well-advised to bring their own torches to closely inspect the formations. There is another deep cave called Bat's Cave known as the ‘House of Bats’ owing to a number of bats living within its walls.

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda can be seen on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The dome shaped pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands a great view. It is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna.

The Old Bazaar

A stark contrast to Lakeside Pokhara, the old Pokhara Bazaar is 4 km away from Phewa Lake. It is a traditional bazaar and a colorful gathering place for an ethnically diverse group of traders. The temples and monuments bear a close resemblance to the Newari architecture of Kathmandu Valley. Except for the large concrete buildings that have cropped up, the market place retains much of its original charm. It makes for a pleasant walk; there are shops selling anything from edibles and clothing to cosmetics and gold. The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrines', the Brindhyabasini Mandir. Perched on a shady hillock, this white dome-like structure dominates a spacious stone-paved courtyard.

Museums
The Pokhara Museum is worth a visit. Located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, it showcases the ethnic mosaic of the diverse cultures that thrive in western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of the Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus are attractively represented by models, photographs and artifacts. Of much interest and also a major attraction is the recently discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang. Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Tuesdays and public holidays.

Another interesting museum in Pokhara is the Annapurna Regional Museum which is also known as the Natural History Museum. Run by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds and models of wildlife found in the area. Located at Prithvi Narayan Campus, east of the old bazaar, it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm except on Saturdays and public holidays.

International Mountain Museum

The International Mountain Museum (IMM) has an impressive façade. It was built with the objective of recording, documenting, exhibiting and chronicling the entire past up to the present day, the development of mountain and mountaineering activities in the world. It has received much support from the many mountaineering clubs and associations as well as individual donors from around the world. The museum was established by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with the theme ‘Man, Mountain and Mountain activities around the world’. Accordingly, the entire display area of the museum has been divided along the theme. The exhibition Halls are:

Hall of Mountain People: This hall exhibits the customs, traditions, heritage, culture and way of life of the mountain people.

Hall of World Mountains: This hall showcases all fourteen peaks over 8000 m. and displays geological facts related to the origin of world mountain systems. The hall also exhibits and explains the flora and fauna of the Himalaya. Another aspect of the museum is the focus on great personalities like Kumar Khadga Bikrum Shah (founder president of NMA), Dr. Toni Hagen (Renowned geologist and lover of Nepal, who published the first pictorial "Nepal"), Reverend Ekai Kawaguchi (The first Japanese to visit Nepal in 1899), and Dr. Harka Gurung (Renowned scholar, geographer, development planner and first Tourism Minister of Nepal).

Hall of Mountain Activities: Highlighting historical ascents and explorations in and around the mountainous regions, this hall is dedicated to mountain activities such as mountaineering and trekking. Interestingly, it also showcases the development of climbing gears and other essential mountaineering equipment.

Surrounding Areas

Pokhara is where some of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region begin and end. Among them, the highly recommended treks are the intensive Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom Treks. For those with limited time on their hands, there are a number of short treks that are equally fascinating like the Sarankot, Naudanda, Ghandruk or Ghorepani treks. The Sarankot (1,592m) trek is popular for its bird’s eye view of Pokhara and the spectacular panoramic view of mountains. It lies west of Pokhara and the hilltop was once the location of a Kaski Fort.

BHAKTAPUR CITY

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Perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the City of Devotees, is a major tourist attraction taking visitors back in time. Covering an area of 4 sq. miles, this city retains the charming paved roads, red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. The extraordinary ‘Durbar Square’ with its celebrated Golden Gate and extraordinary Palace of Fifty-Five windows reflects the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley. Situated 14km east of Kathmandu, this ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively.

Around Bhaktapur

Siddha Pokhari: For a small city, Bhaktapur has the largest number of public water tanks built within the city limits. Siddha Pokhu (Pokhari) is one of the largest tanks meant to supply drinking water to the people of Bhaktapur. Built in the 15th Century by King Yakshya Malla, this large rectangular tank is teeming with fish and is occasionally open to the public for fishing and boating.

Nyatapola: The unique temple of Bhaktapur, the Nyatapola literally means ‘Five storied’ and rises above the city as a remarkable landmark. It also has the distinction of having withstood the devastating earthquake of 1933. Dedicated to a tantric goddess, the steps leading up to the temple, is flanked by stone sculptures. At the base are two statues of Malla era wrestlers representing humans and in ascending order of power and strength, there are creatures each ten times more powerful than the preceding statue.

Batsala Temple: One of temples built out of stone is the Batsala Devi of Bhaktapur which has many intricate carvings. Beside it is the famous bronze bell, locally known as 'the bell of barking dogs' as its ringing was invariably accompanied by the howling of dogs in the vicinity. This large bell was put up by King Ranjit Malla in A. D. 1737 and its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew. Today, it is rung every morning when the priests worship Goddess Taleju.

Bhairavnath Temple: Dedicated to Kasi Bhairav, the three storied temple of Bhairavnath has only the head of Bhairav in the inner sanctum. Legend has it that Kasi Bhairav’s head was cut off by a tantric expert in order to keep him in Bhaktapur. Built in the pagoda style, it stands adjacent to the more famous five storied Nyatapola temple. Bhairav is the dangerous aspect of Shiva. Originally built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla, the temple was improved by King Bhupatindra Malla, a zealous lover of the arts.

Thimi: 10 km east of Kathmandu close to Bhaktapur, is the potter’s town of Thimi. Besides farming, most households here are engaged in pottery. This laid back town not only supplies Kathmandu its pottery but also its vegetables. The most important deity here is Goddess Balkumari. The charming medieval lifestyle of these farmers is a major tourist attraction.

PATAN CITY

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Patan also known as ‘Lalitpur’ literally, the City of Artisans, lies 5km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who preserve ancient techniques such as repoussé and the lost wax process, still producing exquisite pieces of sculpture. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and the multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries (Vihars). The predominant sound in Patan is not motor vehicles but the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other and the religious harmony is exemplary.

Around Patan

Hiranya Varna Mahabihar: Dating back to the 12th Century A.D. the three storied golden pagoda of Lokeshwar in Patan was built by King Bhaskar Varma. Located in the courtyard of Kwabahal, this temple is in a class of its own. On the upper floor is a golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel on a pedestal. Intricate decorative patterns on its outer walls add charm to the mellow richness of the shrine.

Kumbheshwar: The temple of Kumbheswar is the only five storied pagoda in Patan and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that a natural spring within the courtyard of this temple has its source in the very popular glacial lake of Gosainkunda. Built by King Jayasthiti Malla, the golden finial was added later in 1422 A.D. During his time the pond was cleaned and various images of Narayan, Ganesh, Sitala, Basuki, Gauri, Kirtimukh and Agamadevata were added around the pond and in the courtyard. A large gathering of devotees arrive here for ritual bathing on the day of Janai Poornima each year.

Jagat Narayan: The Jagat Narayan temple on the banks of the Bagmati River at Sankhamul is a tall shikhara-style temple consecrated to Lord Vishnu. Built of red bricks, the temple has many fine images. An attractive metal statue of Garuda mounted on a stone monolith is accompanied by several images of Ganesh and Hanuman.

Mahaboudha: The famous temple of Mahabouddha in Patan is unique for its thousand little images of Buddha in terracotta. This artistically built shikhara-style temple is a fine specimen and owes its existence to a priest named Abhaya Raj. Every brick on the surface of this shrine bears a small image of the Buddha. After it was completely destroyed during the great earthquake of 1933, a new one was built replicating the original to the exact specifications. Mahaboudha is one of the major attractions of Patan.

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Ashoka Stupas: Although there is little evidence that the Emperor Ashoka ever visited Kathmandu valley, there are four stupas supposedly built by him in 250 AD. Marking the four corners of Patan, three of these stupas are merely mounds of earth with prayer wheels around them while the fourth near Shankamul is a beautiful concrete stupa. At the time they were built, Buddhism flourished in the Kathmandu Valley.

Machhendranath Temple: The temple of Red Machchhendranath, the God of Rain is of great importance in Patan. The temple lies in the middle of a wide, spacious quadrangle just at the outer rim of the market place. A clay image of Red Machchhendranath or Avalokiteshwar is kept here for six months each year, after which it is placed on a chariot and taken round the city of Patan in a boisterous colorful procession as part of a festival that begins in April-May and lasts for several months.

The Tibetan Refugee Camp: A large number of Tibetans fled their homeland in Tibet and settled in Nepal during the early 1960s. To shelter these homeless people the government of Nepal set up the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Patan. The Tibetans brought their carpet weaving skills to Nepal and soon a carpet industry was thriving in the valley. The camp has become a tourist attraction with its souvenir shops that sell carpets and handicrafts such as prayer wheels made of wood, ivory, silver or bronze along with an assortment of belt buckles, wooden bowls and jewelry. A stupa and a number of shrines have also been built within the camp.

NEPAL'S HISTORY

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The recorded history of Nepal is centered on the Kathmandu valley and begins with the Kirantis who are said to have ruled for many centuries beginning from the 7th or 8th Century B.C. with their famous King Yalumber who is even mentioned in the epic, ‘Mahabharata’. The Gopalas who were herdsmen are believed to have ruled before the Kirantis but little is known about them. Their descendants are said to still live at the edge of the valley. Around 300 A.D. the Lichavis arrived from northern India and overthrew the Kirantis. The descendants of the Kirantis are the Rais and Limbus who predominate in eastern Nepal. One of the legacies of the Lichavis is the fabulous Changu Narayan Temple near Bhaktapur which dates back to the 5th Century. In early 7th Century, Amshuvarman, the first Thakuri king took over the throne from his father-in-law who was a Lichavi. He married off his daughter Bhrikuti to the famous Tibetan King Tsong Tsen Gampo thus establishing good relations with Tibet. Bhrikuti went on to convert the king to Buddhism. The Lichavis brought art and architecture to the valley but the golden age of creativity arrived with the Mallas who came to power around 1200 A.D.

During their 550 year rule, the Mallas built an amazing number of temples and splendid palaces with picturesque squares that are lined with architecturally beautiful temples. It was also during their rule that society and the cities became well organized, religious festivals were introduced and literature, music and art were encouraged. Sadly after the death of Yaksha Malla, the valley was divided into three kingdoms: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) and Patan (Lalitpur). The rivalry among these kingdoms led to the building of grand palaces and the uplifting of the arts and culture. Around this time, the Nepal as we know it today was divided into about 46 independent principalities. One among these was the kingdom of Gorkha with a Shah king in power. Much of Kathmandu valley’s history around this time was recorded by Capuchin friars who lived here on their way in and out of Tibet.

Nepal, as a state, was established when an ambitious Gorkha king named Prithvi Narayan Shah embarked on a conquering mission that led to the defeat of all the kingdoms in the valley (including Kirtipur which was an independent state) by 1769. Instead of annexing the newly acquired states to his kingdom of Gorkha, Prithvi Narayan decided to move his capital to Kathmandu establishing the Shah dynasty which ruled unified Nepal from 1769 to 2008 when the last Shah ruler, Gyanendra relinquished his power to make way for total democracy under the rule of a Prime Minister.

The history of the Gorkha state goes back to 1559 when Dravya Shah established a kingdom in an area chiefly inhabited by Magars. At this time the Kathmandu valley was ruled by the Malla kings. During the 17th and early 18th centuries, Gorkha continued a slow expansion, conquering various states while forging alliances with others. Prithvi Narayan dedicated himself at an early age to the conquest of the Kathmandu valley. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation.

During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power relegating the Shah king to a mere figurehead. He started a hereditary reign of the Ranas that lasted for 104 years during which time the Shah kings had no real power. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s with support from an unlikely person, the monarch of Nepal, King Tribhuvan. Soon after the overthrow of the Ranas, King Tribhuvan was reinstated as the head of the state. In early 1959, Tribhuvan's son King Mahendra issued a new constitution, and the first democratic elections for a national assembly were held. The Nepali Congress Party was victorious and their leader, Bisheshwar Prasad Koirala formed a government and served as prime minister. But by 1960, King Mahendra had changed his mind and dissolved Parliament, dismissing the first democratic government.

After many years of struggle when the political parties were banned, they finally mustered enough courage to start a people's movement in 1990. With the public rising up against absolute monarchy and demanding democracy, the then ruler King Birendra accepted constitutional reforms and established a multiparty parliament with himself as head of state and the prime minister heading the government. In May 1991, Nepal held its first parliamentary elections. In February 1996, one of the Communist parties (Maoist wing) went underground to wage a people's war against monarchy and the elected government.

Then on June 1, 2001, a horrific tragedy wiped out the entire royal family along with many of their close relatives. With only King Birendra’s brother, Gyanendra and his family surviving, he was crowned the king. King Gyanendra tolerated the elected government for only a short while and then dismissed Parliament to grab absolute power. In April 2006, strikes and street protests in Kathmandu led to a 19-day curfew and the political parties joined forces with the Maoist rebels to bring pressure on the monarch. Eventually, King Gyanendra realized it was futile holding on to power and relented. He agreed to reinstate parliament. But the political parties and a majority of the general public had had enough of dynastic rule and their abuse of power. On May 28, 2008, a newly elected Constituent Assembly declared Nepal a Federal Democratic Republic, abolishing the 240 year-old monarchy. Nepal today has a President as Head of State and a Prime Minister heading the Nepal Government.

BIODIVERSITY

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Nepal

’s biodiversity is a reflection of its unique geographic position and variations in altitude and climate. The protected areas add up to 28,585.67 sq km (19.42% of total land cover) of land. There are nine national parks, three wildlife reserves, three conservation areas, one hunting reserve and nine buffer zones. Share of Bio-resources is: Amphibians: 1.0%; birds: 9.3%; reptiles: 1.6%; mammals: 4.5%

ANIMALS

Mammals
Nepal has 185 different mammals found in various parts of the country. The Asiatic Elephant was once found in great numbers in the Bardia National Park in western Nepal, but are now fewer. This park falls on a traditional elephant migratory route from the western Tarai to Corbett National Park in India. The Greater one-horned Rhinoceros can be found in the parks along the Tarai. There are very few wild buffalo left near the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Tarai, but recent reports say their numbers are growing. The Royal Bengal tiger is an elusive animal found in the national parks. The Gangetic dolphins are found in the Narayani and Karnali rivers along with the Royal Bengal and one horned rhino are endangered species. Rarely seen is the leopard and bear. High in the Himalaya are found the even more elusive snow leopard. Other mammals that live in high altitudes are the Yak, blue sheep, tahr and musk deer. The jungles of the southern tarai have sloth bear, monkeys, langur, chital or spotted deer, barking deer and many other species. In the Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve in the south west corner of Nepal there are herds of swamp deer, while the endangered blackbucks are found in the Bardia region. The Nepal Government has made an effort to preserve the blackbuck by declaring an area of 15.95 sq.km. in Bardia as Blackbuck Conservation Area where they are now thriving. Nepal has an amazing variety of mammals such as hyenas, jackals, wild boar, antelope, wild cats, Red panda, otters, wolves and others. Most animals are found in the Chitwan National Park while the Red Panda is encountered in the Langtang National Park and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Otters are found in the Rara lake in the Rara National Park. In the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve are found the blue sheep and tahr.

Reptiles
Nepal has two indigenous species of crocodile: the fish eating gharial with the long narrow snout and the marsh mugger which is omnivorous, eating anything it can catch. A very successful breeding project has brought the gharial back from extinction. Some of the snakes found in Nepal are: cobras, kraits, vipers and the Indian Python. Other reptiles found in the country are turtles and monitor lizards. Some of these reptiles can be seen in the Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park.

Birds
Nepal has 874 recorded species of birds. Amazingly, half of these birds can be seen in Kathmandu valley alone. However, a keen bird watcher can travel the length and breadth of Nepal doing little else but bird watching. In Nepal, bird watching is possible from the tarai in the south, in the middle hills right up to the Himalayas in the north.

There are four major areas that are rich in bird life within the Kathmandu valley, and one can begin right from the banks of the Bagmati River that flows through this city or the Manohara River that flows down Bhaktapur. Birds sighted along these rivers are: egrets, herons, kingfishers, ibisbill, Wood sandpipers and plovers etc. The Chobar gorge is also a good area for birds as its isolation from human habitation encourages their presence. Phulchowki is a popular site, with a Red-headed Trogan, a very rare bird sighted there in April 2000. Phulchowki is 2,760 m in height and 18km south-east of Kathmandu, and can be reached via Godavari. The hillside is covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as a rich variety of birds. About 90 species have been recorded in this area including the endemic Spiny Babbler, which was thought to be extinct until it was spotted in Nepal. Other birds found are: Cutia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied pied woodpeckers and the Black-throated parrotbill, to name a few. Migratory water fowl also arrive in the winter, staying in the Tauda lake until spring.

Other birding sites in the valley are the Shivapuri National Park, 12km north of the city, and Nagarjun in the north-west. Shivapuri can be reached two ways, either from Sundarijal or Budhanilkantha. Koshi Barrage together with Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Tarai is one of the best habitats for water fowl and waders and harbors an amazing variety of birds. The Koshi has about 26 varieties of ducks alone. Birds can be viewed during walks or by boat, gliding through the waters in the stillness of the early morning and evenings. 485 species have been sighted here, including Black ibis, Honey kites, ospreys, Black headed orioles, Peregrine falcon, partridges, ruddy shelduck, storks, vultures, eagles, etc.

Chitwan is in the lowlands of Nepal, known as the Tarai. Chitwan National Park is one of the best known sites in Nepal for bird-watching. In Pokhara, the forests around the banks of Phewa Lake and Begnas Lake are ideal for bird watching, particularly in the less inhabited areas. In winter, around Phewa Lake you find egrets, herons, pipits, buntings plus gulls, terns, ducks and falcons. Begnas Lake has slopes and wet fields surrounding it, where ducks, pheasant-tailed Jacana, Happie Grey Bellied tesias, and bulbuls are seen.

Bardia National Park is covered with Sal forest and riverine forest and grassland much like Chitwan, but this park has the mighty Karnali river flowing through the park. Boating on the Karnali is a great way to watch herons, cormorants, orials, and many more. The higher regions of Nepal along trek routes are good for birdwatching too. A rare bird known as Jerdon's Baza was sighted in

Nepal

Over the past few years a conservation group has worked specifically in the Lumbini area to conserve the Sarus Crane. Wetlands have been constructed in the Lumbini area to provide refuge for Sarus Cranes and other wetland birds. In Chitwan, endangered vultures are being protected from contaminated food by establishing what is known as the Vulture Restaurant which feeds them safe carcasses.

Nepal

’s national bird is the Impeyan Pheasant known as Daphe in Nepali.

Butterflies
Butterflies have been studied in Nepal for over 150 years, with much of the original study and collection done by the British, including one or two British Residents (i.e. British Consuls of the day). After 1950 the Japanese became involved in collection through scientific expeditions, and this resulted later in the establishment by Tribhuvan University of the Natural History Museum at Swayambhu in 1974. Butterfly

The record books state that Nepal has 11 out of the 15 families of butterflies in the world, or over 500 species, and still today in the 21st century new species keep turning up. It is said that you never really know with Nepal's butterflies; they just may turn up unexpectedly . From 1974 to 1981, only a period of seven years, a further 24 specimens or sub-families were added to the records, and in 1981 two alone, the BLUE DUCHESS and the SIKKIM HAIRSTREAK were discovered, with this last one known only from a single specimen from Sikkim, with this one female found in 1981 in Godavari, Kathmandu Valley ; and later in 1986 an entirely new race of the CHINESE HAIRSTREAK turned up. The original collectors were not allowed outside the Kathmandu Valley, so much of their research documented only the valley. Only after 1950 when Nepal opened up to expeditions and limited tourism, did the butterfly collectors venture outside the valley.

Nepal is divided into 5 regions based on altitude, and the seasons are specified as Spring, Pre-monsoon, Summer-monsoon, Post-monsoon, Autumn and Winter. In winter below 3,000 metres.

Within the Kathmandu Valley, the climate which is quite mild with day temperatures reaching 18ºC in mid-winter, there are butterflies all the year round. The best seasons for butterfly watching are late March/April, mid May/ mid June, late August/September. There are forested areas in the valley which are still remarkable places for butterflies, and they include open country near Chobar and there is very little activity except for the very common Oriental Species, with the distribution of butterflies in Nepal being quite specific with about 10% of the butterflies being Palaearctic species above 3,000 metres, and about 90% Oriental species Swyambhu; the base of the hills and forest streams at Godavari, Nagarjun, Budhanilkantha and Sundarijal; the forested hilltops of Phulchowki, Jamachowk and Shivapuri, and the open scrubby bush areas of Nagarkot , Suryavinyak and Chandragiri.

There are about 20 Kathmandu Valley species on the endangered or vulnerable list. Outside the valley in the areas of the National Parks scattered throughout the country, the butterflies too are in profusion, and in undisturbed areas away from settlements are the ideal places to sit and watch.

Flora
Records from 2006 show that Nepal has 6,391 flowering plant species representing 1,590 genera and 231 families whereas in 1997, they recorded 4,259 species representing 1,447 genera and 194 families. Nepal’s share of flowering plant species is 2.76% of the global total compared to earlier records of 2.36%.

Nepal

’s share of pteriodophytes is 5.15% compared to earlier records of 4.45%.

There are 2,532 species of vascular plants represented by 1,034 genera and 199 families in the protected sites. Some 130 endemic species are found in the protected sites.

For ecology and vegetation purposes Nepal could be divided into four floristic regions i.e. (a) western (b) north-western (c) central, and (d) eastern, and bio-climatically these are broken down into twenty regions from humid tropical climate to the arid, alpine regions. But for the purpose of identifying Nepal’s flora for the special interest tourist, the following shows the zones from the point of view of altitude i.e. Tropical zone (below 1,000 m), Sub-tropical Zone (1,000 to 2,100 m), Temperate Zone (2,100 to 3,100 m), Sub-alpine Zone (3,100 to 4,100 m), the Alpine Zone (4,100 to 4,500 m), and the Alpine Steppe region.

There are 399 endemic flowering plants in Nepal of which about 63% are from the High Mountains, 38% from the Mid Hills, and only 5% from the Tarai and Siwaliks. Similarly, the central region contains 66% of the total endemic species followed by western (32%) and eastern regions (29%).

Fossils
To the geological world, Shaligram is one of the coiled chambered fossil shells of the extinct Cepalopod Mollusks that came into existence as part of the initial emergence of the Himalayan heights from the depths of the Tethys-sea millions of years ago. The Nepali, however, sees the Shaligram from a religious aspect because of its embodiment of Vishnu, one of the major manifestations in the Hindu Trinity. Puranas like Scanda, Padam and Baraha written around 2000 years ago, give an exhaustive account of Shaligram, which are divided into a wide variety of color, shape and size. They can be found in the north of the Nilgiri range right up to Damodar Kunda, and also in the waters of the Kaligandaki river right up to Tribeni in Dolalghat. However, the most popular belt is on the banks of the Kaligandaki river at Jomsom where pilgrims who pass through on their way to Muktinath search for a wide variety of Shaligrams.

Medicinal Plants

Medicinal plants, Ayurveda and the Himalayas are intertwined in a very special manner and Nepal, with a large section lying in the Himalayan region, has special significance. Medicinal plants are used in traditional rural remedies, Ayurvedic medicines, Homoeopathic medicines, and many of them find a place in allopathic medicine as well.

There are thousands of species easily available and most of them are only available in the Himalayan Zone. The demand for these herbs is high and they can be cultivated on a large scale, but care must be taken to preserve these species of medicinal plants.

Some of the important and well-known medicinal plants are: Alpine & sub-alpine medicinal plants: Aconitum Spp., Picrorrhiza scrophularaeflora, Swertia multicaulis, Rheum emodi, Nardostachys jatamansi, Ephedra gerardiana, Cordyceps sinensis, Dactylorhiza hatagirea.

Tropical and sub-tropical medicinal plants: Terminalias, Cassia fistula, Cassia catechu, Aegles marmelos, Rauwolfia serpentina, Phyllanthus emblica, Ricinus recemosus, Acorus clams, Acacia concinnity, Butte monster.
Temperate zone medicinal plants: Valeriana wallichii, Berberis, Datura, Solanum, Rubia, Zanthoxylum armatum, Gaultheria fragrautissima, Dioscorea deltoidea, Curulligo orchoidies.
Some of the regions where medicinal plants are abundantly found are: the Tarai region of Nawalparasi, Chitwan, Bardia, Dhanusha, Mid-hilly Region of Makhwanpur, Syanja, Kaski, Lamgjung, Dolakha, Parvat, Ilam, Ramechhap, Nuwakot, and the Himalayan region of Dolpa, Mugu, Humla, Jumla, Manang, Mustang and Solukhumbu.

Orchids
In ancient Rome, Theophrastus, a student of Plato, was intrigued by the sight of a plant with a pair of roots. Orchis was the name he gave them, the Greek word for testicles. Worldwide, there are some 500 to 600 genera and some 20,000 to 35,000 names, the largest of all plant families, and out of this, Nepal has 57 genera (27 Terrestrials and 30 Epiphytic) with a few Lithophytes. Spread over a large area in different ecological zones, from the foothills of the Himalayas to the plains in the Tarai, orchids are quite widespread in Nepal giving nature lovers and horticultural experts a treat.

Some beautiful terrestrial orchids that flower during July-August have a stem with only two leaves and purple flowers while another orchid from the same genera in west Nepal blooms orange-green flowers during February-March.

Greenish fragrant orchid flowers bloom in March-April around the Godavari area and in Shivapuri and Kakani, orchids with white or pale yellow flowers are seen. During September-October, Sundarijal comes alive with green orchids streaked with purple, and on the way to Daman, pale mauve orchids line the banks of the road in November. All of the areas mentioned above are accessible in a couple of hours or less from Kathmandu. Further away in Dhankuta and Hetauda, there are bright yellow orchid flowers while in Khandbari, purple-brown orchids with pale borders are found.

Nepal is endowed with an incredible variety of orchids scattered across the country. Dedrobium is the largest species, followed by Habenaria and Bulbophyllum. Anthogonium, Hemipilia and Lusia are some of the other varieties amongst the nearly two dozen single species families.

Rhododendron
During spring, between March and May, the hills burst into brightly colored flowers. These Rhododendron flowers can be seen in all the hilly regions of Nepal above 1,200m. More specifically, the middle mountains vertical belt between 2000 and 4000m serves as the 'wild' preserve of the Rhododendron, or Gurans as it is known in Nepali.

There are four major areas that are specified for Rhododendron treks –

1. Milke Danda-Jaljale Himal, a transverse mountain range which separates the two river systems of the Tamur and the Arun

2. Upper Tamur River Valley

3. Makalu Barun National Park

4. The Langtang Valley inside Langtang National Park

Nepal has 30 indigenous species of Rhododendron, and one which is endemic to Nepal and not found elsewhere, is R. lowndesit. It has lemon or creamy yellow flowers, which are short, well-shaped and are solitary or in pairs on the stem. It grows in the drier areas of western Nepal near Muktinath and Phoksundo.

A Rhododendron Trek to the Upper Tamur River begins with a flight to Bhadrapur followed by a drive to Ilam, which is a well-known tea growing region of Nepal. Trekkers can make an interesting side trip to a tea plantation and observe the fascinating process of manufacturing tea. The trek starts on the south-west side of the Kanchenjunga area and the upper valleys of the Tamur River system. Trekkers enjoy grand views of forests resplendent in rhododendron bloom which the region is famous for.

And closer to Kathmandu, Dhunche at 2000 metres is a 5 to 6 hours drive away. Treks to the upper areas of the Langtang Valley begin here. This region boasts of nine species of rhododendron.

LANGUAGES

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Nepali is the official language of Nepal, with over 93 other languages and dialects spoken as mother-tongues in different parts of the country. Nepali is of the Indo-Aryan family of languages brought from central Asia by the Aryans. The original Old Indo-Aryan language gave rise to Sanskrit from which Nepali derives. Nepali uses the Devanagri script (the script of the city of the gods, sometimes known as Nagari) which derived from the Brahmi script of ancient

India

Most ethnic groups have their own languages and some like the Rais have many dialects spoken in the various regions where they live. Newars, Rais, Limbus, Lepchas all have their own script which are still in use. One of the most well-known script is the Ranjana Lipi used by the Newar people. They have used various other scripts over the centuries. In the tarai regions, various languages like Maithili, Hindi and others are spoken. Most people can speak Nepali, which is the lingua franca of

Nepal

English is widely spoken in the cities and with more and more schools teaching in the English medium, a large population of the younger generation can speak English. Both English and Nepali are used for official purposes.

Foreign students can study Nepali (spoken and Devanagari script), Newari, Sanskrit and Tibetan languages at the Bishwa Bhasha Campus (at Bhrikutimandap) of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. They may pursue BA and MA studies in the Nepali language at the Department of Nepali Studies, Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur.

CUSTOMS

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The amazing diversity that is seen in the Nepali society also means there is much diversity in the customs and beliefs of each different ethnic group. The major division is along religious lines where the two major players are Hinduism and Buddhism. Then there are Jains, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and ethnic groups that follow their own unique religious beliefs and customs. Even among the Hindus and Buddhists there are groups like the Newars who besides following religious customs, have unique rituals such as the Bel Biwa where a young girl is symbolically married to a Bel fruit. Newars are divided into two religious groups: Hindus and Buddhists.

Among all the customs and rituals, the rules of marriage are particularly interesting. In traditional families, marriages are arranged by consenting parents after the boy or girl comes of age. Child marriage and polygamy still exist in Nepal although abolished by law. Each ethnic group has a different set of rituals for the wedding ceremony while many in general follow the Hindu customs. For many it is customary to elope before being officially accepted by the parents and among some it is even normal to wait for the girl to get pregnant before the official ceremony. Nepali customs are as diverse as the people themselves.

The marriageable age has been legally set at 18 for women and 21 for men, but such laws are not strictly adhered to. Even today, most marriages are arranged by parents, but love marriages are becoming common especially among the educated people. In the villages, child marriages are still practiced and in Kathmandu especially among the Newar community, two siblings getting married off simultaneously is also common. Weddings are elaborate often lasting days. Ceremonies include bringing the bride to the groom’s house in a procession accompanied by music played by a brass band. Originally, the band consisted of an ensemble playing ‘Panche Baja’ comprised of Nepali folk instruments. But more and more Nepalis are opting for the brass band which is deafeningly loud.

The pasni (rice-feeding) ceremony is one of the important occasions for a child. In the presence of family and priest, the seven month-old child is dressed in finery and fed rice presented on a coin by all members of the family. He is shown several objects on a tray: a heap of earth, paddy (unhusked rice), bricks, toys, rings, a pen and ink-pot, and a book. It is said his parents can tell the child s future profession from the object he first picks up.

ETHNIC MOSIAC

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Brahmans
Brahmans belong to the priestly caste. There are two different categories of Brahmans viz. 'Kumai Brahmans' and 'Purbiya Brahmans'. The 'Kumai Brahmans' are said to have come from the mountainous regions of Kumaon in northern India, west of Nepal. They are mainly confined to western and central Nepal and the capital city of Kathmandu. The 'Purbiya' Brahmans derive from the eastern part of Nepal and are found scattered across the country with a greater concentration in the eastern part of Nepal and Kathmandu.

Chhetris and Thakuris

Chhetris and Thakuris are traditionally rulers, leaders and warriors. The Brahmans are their teachers and family priests. They are orthodox Hindus. Chhetris and Thakuris are among the most influential and well-to-do social classes. They are mostly in government service, in the army and police force. Some of them have remained farmers and are relatively poor.

Tamangs
The Tamangs live mainly in the high hills in the east, west, north and south of Kathmandu Valley in central Nepal. The Tamangs are divided into several exogamous clans and are Buddhists. There are several gompas or gumbas (Buddhist temples) in most Tamang settlements. All their festivals and ceremonies are performed in accordance to Buddhism. Many of them are engaged in thangka painting.

Gurungs
In the middle hills and valleys along the southern slopes of the Annapurna Himalaya in mid-western Nepal, the Gurungs live together with other ethnic groups like Magars, Brahmans and Chhetris. These sturdy, hardworking people are Mongoloid in features. They are spread out over a large territory from Gorkha in the east through Lamjung, Manang and Kaski to Syangja district. They also have a tradition of 'Rodi', a club for boys and girls of similar age group where they sing and dance to their traditional music.

Magars
The Magars are similar to Gurungs in physical features but enjoy a separate identity. Along with the Gurung, the Magars for centuries have served in the British and Indian Gurkha/Gorkha regiments and in the Nepal Army. The Magars celebrate the festival dedicated to the goddess Kali in great pomp (a Hindu festival). Mainly in Gorkha, they sacrifice plenty of goats during the occasion. Magar villages are known for their traditional round and oval houses.

Newars
The natives of Kathmandu valley, the Newars, are mainly traders and farmers. With a purpose to trade, they are scattered across the country; with greater concentration in the Kathmandu Valley, Banepa, Dhulikhel, Bhojpur, Bandipur and Tansen. Despite their small population, their contribution to the history, art, architecture and business activities of Nepal is outstanding.
Newars speak their own language, 'Newari' better known as Nepal Bhasa which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages. There are both Buddhist and Hindu Newars. Like elsewhere in the country, religious syncretism is blended into the culture and tradition. They celebrate numerous feasts and festivals throughout the year. Most of the spectacular festivals of the valley like the chariot processions are Newari traditions. The traditional art and architecture of Nepal is dominated by that of the Newari community as they are known for their skilled craftsmen who took their craft as far as the Mongol court in China.

Rais and Limbus

The Rais and Limbus jointly known as Kirants are said to have ruled the Katmandu valley from around 7th century BC to the time they were defeated around 300 AD. After their fall they moved to the area now known as Patan and later to the east of Nepal occupying the Arun valley up to the Sikkim border. They have strong Mongoloid features and speak a Tibeto-Burman language. Today the Rais are found mostly in the hilly regions of eastern Nepal mainly around Dhankuta, Terhathum, Bhojpur and Arun and Dudh Koshi valleys. The Limbus are spread out in the extreme east of Nepal, mainly in and around Taplejung, Khotang and the Arun Valley. The Rais are neither Hindu nor Buddhist but worship their own deities and ancestors. They are divided into many sub-groups each of which speaks a different dialect. The Limbus follow a mixture of Shaivism and Animism. Among the Rais and Limbus marriages are monogamous. Many have served in the Gurkha regiments of the Indian and British armies.

Sherpas The most famous among the Himalayan people are the Sherpas because of their natural mountain climbing skills which has made them an indispensable part of mountain expeditions as leaders, guides and porters. As an individual or in groups, they have set records of many 'firsts' in the mountaineering world. They live in the high Himalayan region of eastern Nepal, in the vicinity of Mt. Everest, along the Arun Valley, the Dudh Koshi River and its tributary areas. Sherpas are strongly Buddhists and observe a number of festivals during the year including Lhosar which is their New Year and also the most important of festivals. In the higher regions like Thyangboche, Chiwang and Thame, they celebrate an interesting festival called Mani Rimdu which has become a major tourist attraction. With strong Mongoloid features, they are said to have originally come from Tibet and resemble them in their traditional costumes and religious beliefs. The sherpas have adapted to the high altitude where they live.

Tharus The Tharus are the indigenous ethnic group of the Tarai with a concentrated population in the middle and west of Nepal. Most of the Tharus have Mongoloid but dark features which distinguishes them from the other Mongoloid people. They are aboriginal Tarai settlers and are said to be partially immune to malaria. The Tharus have their indigenous dialect, known as 'Naja'. But they speak a mixture of local dialects, such as Prakriti, Bhojpuri, Mughali, Nepali, Urdu and Maithili. They live in long houses accommodating large extended families. They are divided into three major groups: the Desaura, Dangaura and Rana Tharu. The Tharus believe in animism but celebrate some Hindu festivals as well. Each village has its own local gods and goddesses protecting the people. Some Tharus are believed to have immigrated from Rajasthan while others claim they originated in Dang. During festivals Tharus dress up in spectacular costumes and large silver ornaments.

Thakali 'Thakalis' are believed to have originated from Thak Khola, the valley of the Kali Gandaki river in western Nepal. They are famous for their neatly tended kitchens and are mostly engaged in running hotels, inns, and restaurants. They are encountered mainly in the Around Annapurana Trek, one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal. The religion of the Thakali is a mixture of Buddhism, shamanism, Bonpo and Hinduism. Lha Feva is the most significant festival for the Thakalis. Although they have Mongoloid features they are quite distinct from the other ethnic groups. They once played an important part in the salt trade with Tibet.

Manangé or Manangba

Manangé people resemble Tibetans but are believed to be originally of the Gurung ethnic group and most use the surname Gurung. They live in the lower hills and valleys of Manang in the upper reaches of the Marsyangdi River towards the north in central Nepal. The Manang district encloses three distinct areas of Neshyang, Nar and Gyasumdo; all of them culturally interrelated. Skilled traders, they have been travelling in south-east and far-east Asia for centuries dealing in jewelry, herbs and whatever fetches a good price. Later they switched to importing clothes and electronic goods from Hong Kong and Bangkok. They are strongly Buddhist and celebrate Lhosar as their New Year. They also celebrate interesting events like the Archery Festival known as ‘Metha’ which lasts for weeks involving competition between various villages around Manang and the horse racing festival known as ‘Yartung’ which is also celebrated in Mustang.

Dolpa People

The Dolpa or Dolpo settlements are concentrated in the remote and fascinating region which is confined by the Dhaulagiri massif in the south and east; the Sisne and Kanjiroba in the west and Tibet on the north. They generally settle at altitudes of 3,660 m to 4,000 m. They are probably the highest settlements in the world. The people of Dolpo have mongoloid features and bear a close resemblance to Tibetans. They share the same religion, Buddhism and also speak Tibetan. Their homeland is famous for the pristine turquoise lakes and beautiful landscape. They trade with Tibet and transport their barter goods on yak caravans often travelling for extended periods. Their lifestyle was portrayed in the film “Caravan”.

Chepang and Kusundas

These backward ethnic communities belong to a well-defined traditional area in the south of Dhading, the west of Makawanpur and east of Chitwan along the steeper slopes of the Mahabharat range of middle

Nepal

. Although nomadic people, a few of these tribal people have started deriving subsistence from agriculture otherwise they are hunter gatherers. They have the ability to survive by hunting and searching for roots to eat. Though, they are economically backward, they have a rich and unique cultural tradition. In recent time there has been an attempt to get them to settle down in one place.

Raute
One of the vanishing tribes of Nepal, the population of Rautes is down to 658. This nomadic tribe lives in the mid-western part of Nepal. They are known for making wooden bowls which they barter with other goods especially foodstuff like grains. They also use the wooden bowls to keep grain and maize. They make temporary residences near the forest where they search for food. They are hunter gatherers who hunt monkeys most of the time.

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

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According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the total population of

Nepal

was 26,427,99 in 2007. The population comprises people of more than 100 multiple ethnic groups who speak about 93 different languages and dialects which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste still plays a significant part in a Nepali’ life when it comes to marriage.

Some of the main ethnic groups are: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern middle hills; Sherpas, Manangbas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the Kathmandu valley; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Tarai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country.

Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by almost all the people of Nepal. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.

ETH. GROUP		POPULATION
Brahman		2,896,477
Chhetri		3,593,496
Magar		1,662,241
Tharu		1,533,879
Tamang		1,282,304
Newar		1,245,232
Rai		6,35,151
Gurung		5,43,571
Limbu		3,59,379
Thakuri		3,34,120
Sherpa		15,462
Thakali		12,973
Chepang		52,237
Raute		658

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLS

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Shree-Yantra - Among the many different religious symbols, the Shree Yantra is said to be the most important and is called the King of Yantras by the Tantric adepts. Shree Yantra is composed of two sets of triangles one of which is composed of Shreekanthas (four male Shiva triangles denoting gradually involved energy) and the other set of triangles is composed of Shivayavatis (five female or Shakti triangles denoting five senses of knowledge and action, and five subtle and gross forms of matter). These two triangles reflect the unison of Shiva and Shakti.

It is believed that Shakti is always in unison with Shiva, existing within each and every being as the inner self. Shiva is the Ashraya (basis) of Shakti which in turn, being his creative faculty, is the basis of the whole universe. Hence, she is known as Shree the primordial energy existing within Shiva and Yantra is her divine extension network. Without her operation, this visible cosmos would not be possible.

This universe and all its contents are basically composed of Panchtatva or five basic elements comprising of Prithvi (earth), Apas (water), Tejas (light), Maruta (wind) and Aakaash (sky). It is believed that our body is also composed of the same basic elements called Pinda. The unison of Pinda, the individual body, with Brahmaanda, the cosmic body, is beautifully represented by Shree Yantra.

The objective of meditation on Shree Yantra is to unite with the universal mother, in her forms of mind, life and matter, to attain consciousness and divinity. The Yantra is, therefore, transformed from a material object of lines and curves into a mental state of union with the universe.

Satkon - The Satkon is composed of two sets of overlapping triangles. One is the symbol of Shiva, which stands for eternal being (static by nature), and the other is a symbol of Shakti, the most active female. This popular symbol of the union of Shakti and Shiva, is represented in several Nepali works of art like the Mandala paintings ,windows and doors etc. The beautiful temple residence of Devi Annapurna Ajima, at Ason Tol in Kathmandu, has one of the most exquisite Satkon patterns in its windows. The Satkon signifies the five basic senses and the extra sensory perception that significantly makes it the six pointed star. This symbol is believed to have originated from ancient Tantric Hinduism. On the other hand the Buddhist believe that Satkon symbolizes the perfection of the highest form of wisdom (Pragya), however, the Mahayanists accept it as a great symbol of Pragya (knowledge or enlightenment) and Upaya (active force or the power of the female) united.

Swastika - Swastika, a Sanskrit word which means doing good for all, is a very ancient oriental symbol. This symbol can be seen in wood-carvings, bronze castings, Thangka paintings and many other traditional forms of art. In Buddhism, the four hands of Swastika signifying Maitree (friendship), Karuna (compassion), Mudita(happiness) and Upekshya (indifference), are four divine merits or talents. This theory is very dominant in our culture. According to Sadhanmala (one of the most authentic Buddhist texts), the four merits represent four ideal ways to Nirvana every aspirant should meditate on. It is believed that the Mahayanists, in due course of time, developed an iconography based on all those four merits and soon created Swastika to proudly add to their pantheon of gods. The many deities were all given the same merit names like Maitree, Karuna, Mudita and Upekshya. Hindus as well Buddhists worship them in Nepal. Among many such deities of Nepal, the four most beautifully built bronze statues of these merit gods can be seen in Hiranyavarana Mahavihar (Golden Temple) of Patan built by Vaskar Varma in 12th century.

Shiva Linga - The Linga is the phallic symbol that represent Lord Shiva and it displays supreme power generally identified analogue of cosmic deity. It occupies the "womb cell" in temples while the outer structure of this double sex deity signifies its determined creative function. According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva assumed the form of Lingam (the phallic symbol of universal pro-creation), on the night of Shiva Ratri, to save the universe from the threat of major destruction. According to another legend, when Lord Shiva swallowed the Halahala poison, which had emanated from the intensive churning of the milky ocean, the heat of the poison proved to be so unbearable that he could not wait for a Himalayan shower. Ganga, the river goddess, is said to have rushed to him and poured all the water she had in possession. This helped him and so, even today, holy water is offered through Jalahari (a copper cup that is placed above the Shiva Linga in most temples).

Sankha - Sankha is a Sanskrit word used to denote a sleek and smooth conch shell. It is believed that if the Sankha is blown with skill, it can scare away evil spirits and is described as a killer of germs and enemies. According to some scholars, it can also be used for preparing many kinds of Ayurvedic medicines and that a certain dose of its powder can cure jaundice, gall bladder etc. The Hindus as well as the Buddhists drink water from a Sankha before they break a fast and almost all temple prayers are accompanied by the blowing of the Shankha. It is strongly believed that the Sankha had been shaped from the holy waters showered from heaven. Thus it is regarded as a divine jewel always held by Lord Vishnu on his right hand. It was also used as safety bands for young ladies to wear, around their hands, in the form of bracelets, and its necklaces were worn to cast away evil eyes.

Chakra (The wheel of right action) - Chakra or the wheel of righteousness is an emblem or tool used as a holy symbol by Hindus and Buddhists. Lord Vishnu, the Hindu God of Preservation, always holds a chakra to do away with demons and to protect his devotees and to make sure that Dharma (righteousness) does not retrograde. In Buddhism, some interpret the Chakra as the wheel of life and see it as the teachings of Buddha. We might as well say that its purpose is similar in Buddhism and Hinduism because the first teachings of Buddha began with the turning of the wheel of Dharma.

NEPAL FESTIVALS

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Festivals in

Nepal

begin with religion, ending as social event. There are more than 50 major festivals in a year celebrated by Nepalis. Although most of these festivals are religious some have historical significance, while others are seasonal celebrations.

The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Other important religious festivals are: Machhendranath Jatra, Indra Jatra, Lhosar, Teeji, Dumji, Mani Rimdu, Maghi, Chhat, Christmas, Id, Shivaratri and many more.

It is not hard to catch colorful processions of festivals in different streets of the Valley almost every other day of the week. Cultural acts of dances and songs are integral parts of some celebrations while some celebrations are just quiet family gatherings. Grand celebrations like Ghode Jatra, Gai Jatra and Shivaratri entertain participants and spectators every year.

Buddha Purnima - Nepal is the birth place of Lord Buddha. The anniversary of the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death is observed on a full-moon day in May every year. People celebrate the occasion by paying homage to Buddha. Lumbini and Swayambhunath, Bauddhanath in Kathmandu are thronged with devotees during Buddha Purnima.

Dashain - Dashain is the most important festival among Nepalis. The entire population of Nepal celebrates the festival that falls between mid September to mid October. Nepalis celebrate Dashai by buying new clothes, eating good food and visiting family members. Card games are very popular during this time. Various fairs and celebration events are organized during the Dashain fortnight in both villages and cities.

Dumji - Dumji is one of the sacred ceremonies of the Sherpa community celebrated in the month of July in the Namche region. The Sherpas of Kathmandu and Helambu regions also participate in dancing on this day.

Gai Jatra - Gai Jatra is an eight-day carnival of dancing, singing, mirth and laughter. The festival usually falls in July or August. As part of the festival family members of those who died in the past year send people dressed as cow to parade on the streets. The festival seems to be a reminder that despite death and separation, life still needs to go on.

Tihar - Tihar is the festival of lights. This five-day celebration of Tihar falls either in October or November, generally a fortnight after Dashain and are partaken with equal joy by all Nepalis. Houses are illuminated at night and special sweets of different varieties are prepared. Tihar, like Dashain, is a series of family events. Goddess Lakshmi is remembered and offered worship on Lakshmi Puja Day.

Lhosar - Lhosar which falls on a new-moon day in February is celebrated by Tibetan-speaking population. Songs and dances are organized and devotees throng Bauddhanath in Kathmandu and other Buddhist shrine for celebration and worship.

Maha Shiva Ratri - Shiva Ratri which literally means the Night of Lord Shiva, is celebrated by all Hindus in the month of February. Religious fairs are organized at several places. Thousands of devotees throng Pashupatinath Temple for a 'darshan' of Lord Shiva on this day.

Teeji - The Teeji festival is celebrated in Mustang in May or June and lasts for about three days. This festival commemorates the victory of Dorjee Sonnu, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Buddha, over a demon called Man Tam Ru, a vicious creature which ate human flesh and caused storms and droughts. During this festival dances are performed by the lamas at Lo Manthang.

Mani Rimdu - Mani Rimdu is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the Tengboche Monastery in the Everest region of Solukhumbu. This nine-day festival is s string of ceremonies and supplemented by periods of meditation (Drupchen) and concluded by a special blessing given by the Tengboche Rinpoche to the audience. It is also famous for the mask dances performed by the monks at Tengboche Monastery.

POPULAR DEITIES

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Buddha is widely worshipped by both the Buddhists and Hindus of Nepal. Mahakaala and Bajrayogini are Bajrayana Buddhist deities and worshipped by Hindus as well.

Hindu Nepalis worship the ancient Vedic gods. The much worshipped are Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer, different manifestations of the Supreme Hindu Trinity. Shiva Linga or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva represents the supreme power in most Shiva temples.

Female deities are revered and feared in this Himalayan country. Their Shakti cult aspires to appease the dynamic element in the female counterpart of Shiva. Mahadevi, Mahakali, Bhagabati, Ishwari are some of the names given to Shiva Shakti. Many temples in Nepal are dedicated to Shakti. Kumari, the virgin goddess, also represents Shakti.

Other popular deities are Ganesh for luck, Saraswati for knowledge, Lakshmi for wealth and Hanuman for protection. Krishna, believed to be the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu is also worshipped widely. Hindu holy scripts Bhagawat Gita, Ramayan and Mahabharat are widely read in Nepal.

Islam and Christianity, being monotheistic religions, do not have different deities but believe in supreme power.

Some popular Hindu deities are:

Brahma , the self-created God of Creation, is said to have created the cosmos. Brahma, in art forms, is depicted as having a long beard, radiant skin, wearing white robes, with four arms and at times mounted on a goose. Legend has it that after the world was created Brahmaji started feeling unbearably lonely, and so he created a female partner (also identified as Savitri and Saraswati) who was extremely beautiful and Brahma fell in love with her at very first sight. It is also believed that Brahmaji had to pursue her over many times before she finally gave in and that Brahmaji's fifth head was cut off as a punishment for his passionate affair with his creation.

Indra is traditionally regarded as the God of Heaven. The Vedas describe him as the valiant fighter who destroys devils, dispels drought and gives people rain and food. This could be the reason for his popularity. The Puranas too speak highly of Indra, often dramatizing his numerous battles against devils. Indra Jatra is a very famous festival celebrated in to honor of Indra.

Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge and Fine Arts, is often portrayed having a pure white form seated on a full blown lotus or mounted on a Hansa (swan). The Hansa is often regarded as our inner-consciousness and is said to be capable of driving away Avidya or ignorance. Among her four arms the two lower arms are shown playing the Veena (musical instrument) and the upper hands are shown holding a book and a rosary.

Manjushree, the Buddhist Goddess of Knowledge and Inner-vision, is also worshipped equally as Saraswati is worshipped among the Hindus. Saraswati Puja is a festival celebrated during spring by students. According to an age-old tradition a young child is introduced to alphabets for the first time on this day.

Kumari , the Living Goddess also known as Virgin Goddess, represents the state deity of Nepal known as Taleju and is said to be the incarnation of Kanya Kumari. A Kumari candidate is selected for a highly honored Hindu temple from a Buddhist family of Shakya clan. Once she is selected, she is highly honored by both Hindus and Buddhists including the head of state. She is taken out of her temple to participate in several festivals. Once a Kumari attains puberty, she loses this divine status and the selection for another Kumari begins. The famous Kumari Temple is situated right across the historical Gaddi Baithak Hall at Basantapur in Kathmandu Durbar Square. There are different Kumaris in Patan, Bhaktapur, Bungmati, Thimi and other Newar towns.

Hanumana, or the Monkey God, is worshipped as the God of Protection. He is said to be full of strength and power, thus, his whole body is shown to be red. He symbolizes courage, strength and loyalty. The image of Hanumana, found in most temples and palaces, is always in a state of devotion towards Lord Ram. The powerful god is said to be a devout Brahmacharya.

Dhyani Buddhas, Vairochana, Akshobhaya, Rathasambhava, Amitabha and Amoghasiddhi, represent the five basic elements of which the world is made- earth, fire, water, air and space. These Buddhas, described as the progenitors of the five kulas, or families, termed as Dvesa, Moha, Raga, Chintamani and Samaya, are associated with the fulfillment of desires as well as the attainment of Nirvana. Buddhist philosophy conceives these Gods to be the manifestation of Sunya or absolute void. We often find the images of the Dhyani Buddhas in stupas. Akshobhaya is placed facing the east, Amitabha facing the west, Amoghasiddhi facing south, Ratnasambhava facing north and Vairochana in the center. Except for Vairochana, which is considered to be the presiding deity of a stupa, all the other Dhyani Buddhas are seen in meditation. In most stupas the central Buddha is either hidden or seated next to Akshobhaya. Though there are only five Dhyani Buddhas, sometimes an additional Dhyani Buddha- the Vajrasattva is also included. Vajrasattva is regarded as the priest among the Dhyani Buddhas and is seen holding a Vajra on his right hand and a Ghanta(bell) on the left.

Ganesh , the God of Luck, Wisdom and Success, is a very popular deity worshipped by both Hindus as well as Buddhists in Nepal. The figure of Ganesha is childlike and unique as it has an elephant head, a big round belly, an exceptionally short body and four or more hands. His upper right hand holds a hook, representing the right path to follow, and the lower hand is seen holding a noose, representing self-restrain. The rosary on his third lower hand represents concentration, which is very important for the development of spiritual knowledge, and his lower four hands are in a gesture that assures his devotees fearlessness, indicating that he is the protector. A religious text describes the bulky body of Ganesh as the cosmos and his elephant-like shape as the embodiment of cosmic intelligence. A legend has it that he even broke his most valued tusk so that Vyasa, a great Hindu Vedic writer, could write the Mahabharat.

Laxmi is the Goddess of Wealth and the consort of Lord Vishnu. Laxmi is among the most worshipped of all gods and goddesses in Nepal. One of the most important festivals, among the multitude of Nepali festivals, is Laxmi Puja. Laxmi Puja is significant for those who celebrate it for it gives them a reason to hope for financial progress in the years to come. The celebration is usually done with elaborate preparations. Lights play a huge role during Laxmi Puja since it is celebrated at night. Oil fed clay lamps are kept burning throughout the night. Laxmi Puja is also known as the festival of lights.

Mahakaala is one of the highly fascinating Bajrayana Buddhist deities. In art forms the deity is portrayed as dark, dwarfed and big bellied, with a Mukuta or headdress with skulls set in and a garland of human heads. He holds a Kurtri (flaying knife) in his right hand and a Kapala (a skull cup) on the other. He has three eyes, opened wide giving him a fierce look, and teeth dripping blood. He wears tiger skin as girdle and snakes as various ornaments. Though he looks fierce, he is said to be very kind hearted. According to Sadhanmala, a very old Buddhist text, the number of arms and heads Mahakaala would have depended on the nature of purpose he was called for. He could have one face with two, four or six arms or even eight faces with sixteen arms. It is popularly believed that his fierce look is not to scare every other person but to scare away evil.

Rato-Machhendranath or Bhunga dyo , the Buddhist Rain God, is also known as Karunamaya Lokeshwara (most compassionate god of the universe). Bunga Dyo is worshipped in its male as well as female form like Umaneshwara, Laxminarayan, Praynayopaya and so on. There are two temples of Machhendra, one is at Bungmati, which is about 8 km away from Kathmandu and one is at Patan. The festival of Bhunga dyo begins every year on the first day of Baishakh (March- April) and continues for a month or so. Since Nepal is an agricultural country, the monsoons are very important for the Nepali people. This festival frees the farmers from worries about not getting ample amount of rain as this festival implies the worship of the rain god. During this festival a chariot carrying the Macchendra is pulled and thousands of people participate.

Bhimsen is one of the heroes of the Mahabharata and the God of Trade and Commerce. Bhimsen is portrayed in images as a red-faced deity with angry eyes and a thick black moustache. He is often shown lifting a horse in the air and pressing an elephant under his knee with a huge cobra and a lion watching in awe. This fierceness in his images is meant to symbolize his determination to kill Dushshasan, his enemy who had insulted Draupadi in public. Bhimsen is worshipped widely by Nepali traders. Several Guthis (a sort of trust) are devoted to the regular service of this deity. One of the most remarkable statues of Bhimsen can be seen in Patan Bhimsen Temple built by Shreenivas Malla in the early 18th century.

Vishnu , in his various forms of incarnation Vishnu Dharma Purana (an old Hindu text) describes him as the Preserver of the Universe and the Upholder of Dharma. According to the Geeta, whenever Lord Vishnu sees Dharma declining and the weak and innocent suffering he comes down in different forms of incarnation to undo the wrong. The different incarnations of Vishnu are:

Matsya - The Fish : Manu, the first founder of human civilization, was saved from a terrifying flood by Vishnu in the form of a fish. The flood is said to have been caused by Hayagriva, the most cruel sea-monster dwelling deep in the ocean with innumerable fierce marine animals.

Kachhap or Kurma - The Tortoise: When Vishnu saw the sins of Danavas or devils weighing down the earth he assumed the form of a tortoise and dived deep into the sea to raise the earth on his back and changed the earth to its natural self.

Baraha - The Boar: When a demon named Hiranyakashyapa drowned the earth, Vishnu rushed to rescue the earth incarnated as a Boar (Varaha). He plunged into the water and rescued the earth by killing the demon.

Narasimha - Man-lion: Vishnu, in this incarnation killed Hiranyakashyapa by tearing open his stomach for his attempt to kill his own son- Prahlad, the most sincere devotee of the Lord Vishnu.

Bamana - Dwarf Brahman: In this Avatar (incarnation) Vishnu reclaimed the earth from Mahabali, the lord of all the three worlds, by visiting Bali in this avatar and asking him to give the land measured by three steps. As soon as Bali agreed he got back to himself and in three steps covered the universe and won it.

Parashurama - The heroic Brahmin: with a militant personality Vishnu in this form, with an axe on his right hand and a bow on the next, is said to have annihilated all the "kshatriyas" (warrior class) in 22 battles.

Rama - The highly perfected human-god: Vishnu incarnated as Rama, the ideal king and the hero of the Ramayana, killed the king of demons- Ravana.

Krishna - The most widely worshipped incarnation of Vishnu. This incarnation of Vishnu killed the ogress Putna when she tried to kill him by feeding him poisoned milk when he was a child. Later, Krishna subdued the most fatal cobra- Kaliya, and then went on to kill the evil Kansa, the King of Mathura.

Buddha - The Supreme Teacher: Buddha, the enlightened one, was born in Lumbini of Nepal around 563 B.C. This incarnation of Vishnu was born to guide suffering souls to the right direction. He has taught lessons of humanity, truth and peace.

Kalaki - The last incarnation: The last incarnation of Vishnu has yet not come, but people believe that it will appear at the end of the Kaliyug. It is believed that this incarnation of Vishnu will come mounted on a horse, killing all the evil and saving only pious souls.

PILGRIMAGE SITES

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Nepal

has several ancient pilgrimage sites. Each temple is attached to a legend or belief that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity. Kathmandu Valley is home to famous well-known temples, stupas and pilgrimage sites. In addition there are numerous other revered pilgrimage sites in different parts of Nepal. Pashupatinath, Temple in Kathmandu, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered one of the holiest Hindu destinations in Nepal. Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha and popularly known as the "fountain of world peace", and Janakpur, the birth place of Sita of the Ramayana fame, are also very popular pilgrimage destinations.

Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal can be roughly divided into four categories:

1. Muktinath Kshetra comprising Muktinath, Damodar Kunda, Shaligram, Kagbeni, Galeshwardham, Riddhi Hrishikesh Tirtha, Manakaman, Devaghat, Gajendramoksha Divyadham, Lumbini, Swargadwari, Vageshwari, Chandannath, Vindhyabasini.

2. Pashupat Kshetra comprising Pashupatinath, Guhyashwori, Gokarna, Changu Narayan, Shree Shesha Narayan, Swoyambhunath, Gosainkunda, Dakshinkali, Bajrayogini, Janakpur, Jaleshwor Mahadev, Dolakha Bhimsen, Gadi Mai

3. Baraha Kshetra comprising Barahkshetra, Pindeshwor, Budhasubba, Haleshi Mahadev and Pathibhara

4. Baidyanath Kshetra comprinsing Baidyanathkshetra, Badimalika, Sahashreshwor of Khaptad, Saileshwori, Siddhanath Baba

Muktinath in the Annapurna region and Gosainkunda in the Langtang region are well-known pilgrimage sites that fall along popular trekking routes. There are also churches, mosques and gurudwaras located in different parts of the country and in capital city Kathmandu. Nepal is also the gateway to Mt. Kailash, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva and the holy Mansarovar (high-altitude lake) nearby

RELIGION

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In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. The two have co-existed down the ages and many Hindu temples share the same complex as, Buddhist shrines. Hindu and Buddhist worshippers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites.

Nepal has been declared as a secular country by the Parliament on May 18, 2006. Religions like Hindusim Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Bon are practiced here. Some of the earliest inhabitants like the Kirats practice their own kind of religion based on ancestor worship and the Tharus practice animism. Over the years, Hinduism and Buddhism have been influenced by these practices which have been modified to form a synthesis of newer beliefs.

For centuries the Nepal remained divided into many principalities. Kirats ruled in the east, the Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, while Gurungs and Magars occupied the mid-west. The Kirats ruled from 300 BC and during their reign, emperor Ashoka arrived from India to build a pillar at Lumbini in memory of Lord Buddha. The Kirats were followed by the Lichchhavis whose descendants today are believed to be the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. During this period, art thrived in Nepal and many of the beautiful woodcarvings and sculptures that are found in the country belong to this era. With the end of the Lichchhavi dynasty, Malla kings came to power in 1200 AD and they also contributed tremendously to Nepal's art and culture. However, after almost 600 years of rule, the kings were not united among themselves and during the late 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, King of Gorkha, conquered Kathmandu and united Nepal into one kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. He set up an oligarchy and the Shah kings remained figureheads. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s.

Religious Festivals

Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal have religious significance. The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.

CLIMATE OF NEPAL

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Spring (Mid Feb - April),
Summer (May - Aug),
Autumn (Sep - Nov) and
Winter (Dec – Mid- Feb).

The climate changes rapidly from the sub-tropical Tarai to the cool dry temperate and alpine conditions in the northern Himalayan ranges within a short span of 200 km. In the Tarai, which is the hottest part of the country, summer Temperatures rise above 45°C. The climate here is hot and humid. In the middle hills, the summer climate is pleasant with temperatures around 25°C - 27°C.

The winter temperatures range from 7°C to 23°C in the Tarai and sub-zero to 12°C in the mountainous regions, hills and valleys. The northern Himalayan region has an alpine climate with temperatures reaching below -30°C. The valley of Kathmandu has a pleasant climate with an average summer and winter temperatures of 19°C - 27°C and 2°C - 12°C respectively.

BHAKTAPUR CITY

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Bhaktapur City, or Bhadgaon as the city is also known, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a conch shell, one of the emblems of the god Vishnu, and was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 A.D. The altitude of the city is 1,402 metres above sea level. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen kilometres to the east of Kathmandu, and is linked by a highway. Some of Bhaktapur's important sightseeing places are as follows:

Siddha Pokhari-This is a big rectangular water tank located near the main city gate. It was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in the early fifteenth century and is associated with a number of different myths. From this spot a wide range of snowy peaks are visible on clear days.

Durbar Square-Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of the kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place - struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are:

(a) The Lion Gate-Dating as far back as 1696 A.D., this gate is guarded on either side by two huge statues of lions. Alongside there are two stone images of Bhairab (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and ugrachandi (the consort of Shiva in her fearful manifestation).

(b) The Golden Gate-The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical man-bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is also embellished with monsters and other mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy. In the words of Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and historian, the Golden Gate is 'the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom; it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings'. The gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of fifty-five windows.

(c) The Palace of Fifty-five Windows-This magnificent Palace was built during the reign of King Yaksha Malla in 1427 A.D., and was subsequently remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls, with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of fifty-five windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.

(d) The Picture Gallery-The Picture Gallery is of considerable value which contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism of various periods and descriptions. This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.

(e) The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla-This statue showing King Bhupatindra Maila in the act of worship, can be seen placed on a column facing the palace. Of the square's many statues, this is considered to be the most magnificent.

(f) Batsala Temple-The stone temple of Batsala Devi depicts many intricate carvings; however, it is most famous for its bronze bell, known to local residents as 'the bell-of barking dogs', as when it is rung, all dogs in the vicinity begin barking and howling! The colossal bell was hung by King Ranjit Malla in 1737 A.D. and was used to sound the daily curfew. It is nowadays rung every morning when goddess Taleju is worshipped.

(g) The Pashupati Temple-This temple is a replica of the famous temple by the Bagmati river in Kathmandu and is widely noted for the erotic carvings on its struts. 11 was built by King Yakshya Malla.

Nyatapola Temple-This five-storeyed pagoda was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 A.D. It stands on five terraces, on each of which squat a pair of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini - the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below, while the lowest pair, the two strong men Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla, were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagoda-style temples in Kathmandu Valley and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Just beside temple is a monastery (Math) with exquisitely carved peacock windows. These famous windows were also carved during the reign of King Vishwa Malla. The monastery is full of artistic facades of latticed windows and engraved columns.

Bhairab Nath Temple-This is another pagoda temple of lord Bhairab, the dreadful aspect of Shiva. It stands a short distance away from the temple of Nyatapola and was originally constructed by King Jagat Jyoti Malla on a modest scale. It was later remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla, a zealous lover of the arts, into what it is now a three-storeyed temple.

Dattatraya Temple-The temple of Dattatraya is as old as the Palace of fifty-five windows. Consecrated by King Yakshya Malla in 1427 A.D., this temple, according to popular belief, was built out of the trunk of a single tree. It was subsequently repaired and renovated by King Vishwa Malla in 1458 A.D. There is much more to the Kathmandu Valley than its museum-like cities. All over the Valley, there are beautiful and interesting towns, each with its own history and legends, shrines and stupas. Most of these smaller towns and villages can be approached by car or bus while others require a good walk or cycle ride. There are also several scenic spots on the edge of the Valley that command dramatic views of the great Himalayan peaks. In fact, the Kathmandu Valley is ideal for a short visit and a mini trek.

Kathmandu Tour

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Kathmandu valley (Central Nepal) offers the most praised modes of adventure holiday trips. Cultural tours of this valley and temples are certainly the most compact concise adventure program found anywhere in the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal well known to the world as the city of Living Goddess ( Kumari) who is worshipped and taken in a chariot procession annually.

» Machchhendrananth Temple - The temple of Sweta Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a Pagoda of considerable artistic beauty is also called as Janmadyo or Machchhendra deity.

» Akash Bhairav Temple - A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indara Jatra, the festival of Indra - the God of Rain.

» Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square) - It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized.

Interesting things to see here are;
Taleju Temple built by king Mahendra malla in 1549 A.D.; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, The Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. On the right hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.

» Temple Of Kumari (Kumar Ghar) - The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari - the Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

»Bhadrakali Temple - As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of the main Shakti temples of Kathmandu city.

»Budhanikantha - About 8-kms north of Kathmandu, at the base of sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snake. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This 5th century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Swayambhunath Stupa.
Swoyambhu literally means 'Self-Existent One.' Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth century Swoyambhunath had developed into an important Buddhist learning site. The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started with the beginning of Swoyambhu. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the Stupa. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities dot the Stupa complex. Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit Swoyambhunath. Swoyambhu is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The Stupa is atop a hill, and requires considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to the base of the statue.

Kathmandu Tour Itinerary.

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Pick up from airport and transfer to Hotel.

Day 02: Full day tour of Kathmandu Valley. O/N Kathmandu.

Sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple- the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to lord Shiva, built in 1696. Boudha Nath Temple- the worlds largest stupa; a sight of great reneration to the Buddhist., Swayambhunath temple - the oldest Buddhist shrine. Looking east from here, one can see the entire Kathmandu valley spread out below. and lunch break in Kathmandu durbar square. – the temple of the Living Goddess and the old Royal Palace. Finally, visit Kasthamandup – a temple built from a single tree from which the Kathmandu derives its name.And then transfer to Hotel.

Day 03: Departure from Kathmandu.

TIBET WINTER SPECIAL TOUR

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This tour has been designed to give you a full insight into the culture of Tibet and its amazing landscapes. The most incredible sights of Tibet are included in this well-organized program which allow you to not only cross rapidly the Tibetan plateau but to immerge yourself completly in the mystery of this Asian High Land.

Trip length: 12 Days
Grade: Cultural tour
Starts in: Lhasa
Ends in: Lhasa
Accommodation: Hotel
Maximum altitude: 5250m

Day 01 - Arrive Lhasa (3660m) & drive to Tsedang (3550m) - 183km
Day 02 - In Tsedang - Yarlung Valley & Samye monastery
Day 03 - Tsedang - Lhasa via Mindroling - 200km
Day 04 - Lhasa Sightseeing
Day 05 - Lhasa Sightseeing
Day 06 - Day excursion to Namtso Lake
Day 07 - Day tour to Ganden and Tsurpu
Day 08 - Gyantse (3950m) 261 km
Day 09 - Drive Gyantse - Shigatse (3900m) 90 km
Day 10 - Drive Shigatse – Lhasa (280 km)
Day 11 - Day excursion to Drak Yerpa Caves
Day 12 - Depart Lhasa