Thursday, May 28, 2009
Welcome to Nepal
Welcome to Nepal, the most happening destination in the world! With a heady mixture of unique culture proudly preserved, mind boggling adventure and remarkable natural beauty, Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Imagine a trekking with a breathtaking view on eight of the ten highest mountains in the world or an elephant ride in the jungle, all within a distance of only 150 kilometers!
General information in Nepal
General Information in Nepal:
Nepal is a land of scenic beauty with unrivaled attraction. The sovereign and ever independent country situated in the southern slopes of the glorious mountains having frontiers with both the Tibet, an autonomous region of the people’s Republic of China in the North and India in the up to 880 km. east to west and 145 km to 241 km north to south. The country due to its geographical variation is divided into three main geographical regions.
1. Himalayan Region :This region comprises about 15% of the total land area .The altitude of this region is above 5,000m. The region encompasses eight of the 14 highest summits of the world crossing over an altitude of 8,000m including Everest, Annapurna etc.
2.Hilly Region:This region accounts for about 68% of the total land area. The region lies between the Himalayan and Tarai regions soaring up to 4.877.
3.Tarai Region:The low-land that occupies about 17% of the total land area of the country .It’s elevation ranges from 70 to 200m with subtropical climate. It extends from the Nepal-India border in the south to the base of Siwalik Hills (Churia) in the north .
Climate
Nepal possesses diverse climate and weather due to its unique topographical variation. The country though smaller In size has its altitudes ranging from 70m. in the southern Terai area to 8848m. of the mount Everest. The country experiences tropical, subtropical, alpine and Trains-Himalayan types of climate. Such climatic and topographical variations have made the country centre of attraction for the people around the world .
Sight seeing
Nepal’s second city, at least in tourist terms, Pokhara is the end point for the famous Annapurna Circuit trek and the starting point for a dozen more treks through the mountains of the Annapurna Range, including the perennially popular Jomsom and the equally dramatic ( but less busy ) trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary . Its unashamedly touristy, in the Thamel mould, but the setting is spectacular the perfect pyramid of Mt Machhapuchhare looms high above Pokhara, reflected in the placid waters of Phewa Tal.
For many travellers, Pokhara represents a last chance to stock up on creature comforts before hitting the mountain trails. For others, it’s place to enjoy a steak dinner and cold beer after weeks of daal bhaat in the hills. Even if you aren’t a dedicated trekker, there’s plenty here to keep you busy. Pokhara has numerous museums and there are some fascinating caves, waterfalls and Tibetan villages in the surrounding hills.
For the adventurous, travel agents in Pokhara offer a slew of adventure activities, from trekking and micro light flights to river rafting and jungle safaris. Paragliding from Sarangkot view point has to be one of the most thrilling experiences in the subcontinent. Alternatively, bring a good book and spend your days reading in café overlooking languorous Phewa Tal.
Nepal Wildlife Safari:
Nepal is a country of exceptional biodiversity and a beautiful natural environment. The tropical jungles of the Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Nepal has 16 national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas, occupying 16 percent of its total geographical area.
For those who wish to experience the natural environment at its best there is no better place to visit than Nepal. The outdoor adventure sports into the wilderness to see wild animals, birds and natural beauty. You ride on an elephant's back or on a four wheeler jeep accompanied by a fully trained guide (also known as expert Naturalists) for the love of nature and animals. In Nepal, Chitwan and Bardia are two hot dishes on the menu. Pick Chitwan as this is Nepal's most popular National Park offering excellent opportunity to see Royal Bengal Tigers, One horned Rhino, crocodile and thrilling wilderness experience into its deep and thick jungle. Pick Bardia also, as this is another National Park, which offers excellent jungle safari. Here too you can ride on an elephant or a take four wheel to discover some of Nepal's unspoiled natural habitats. Most jungle safari consists of canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks, birds watching excursions and quick tours around the villages to discover unique culture and traditions of the local village people. There are also scheduled cultural-musical programs performed by the villages, which are also in the Jungle Safari itinerary.Chitwan and Bardia national park have excellent accommodation.
Bardia National Park :-
Bardia National Park is the largest National Park situated in the mid-far western region lowlands of the Terai, and covers 968 sq. km. The park is home to the largest population of the elusive Bengal Tiger and there are 30 more species of other mammals, such as Bears, moneys, civets, hyenas, wild dogs, otters, wild boar, leopards adn deer. It is regenerated habitat for endangered animals like the Tiger, Rhinoceros, wild Elephant (the park harbors the largest wild tusker in Asia) and the black duck. Crocodiles, Masher fish and the Gangetic dolphin cavort in the river waters. There are more than 350 spces of birds which include the cormorants, egret, stork, geese, jungle foul, Kingfisher, horn bills plus endangered species such as the Bengal florican, silver eared mesia and the saurus crane, making the park a true delight for bird watchers. more.........
Bhaktapur :This is third important sister city of the valley. The local people call it Bhadgaon. This city is named Bhaktapur, which means the place (pur) of devotees (Bhaktapur is a very sanskritiesed name which is difficult to pronounce. Therefore, the natives of this place, for their convenience, changed it to Bhadgaon, where ‘Gaon’ means ‘village’ and ‘Bhad’ could be the simplified form of ‘Bhakta’ . Bhaktapur is the ancient capital of Mallas. Historically, the city way built in the ninth century (889 A.D) during the reign of King Anan Deva. However, it might be older than that. The city was originally built in the shape of a sacred conch shell, which is associated with Lord Vishnu, the Lord Protector.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Begnash Lake of Pokhara
Pokhara valley abounds in lakes. Phewa, Rupa and Begnas are the most famous ones while Khaste, Dipang and Mardi are some other smaller lakes situated further away. Sporting activities like canoeing and swimming are conducted on Phewa Lake, together with angling of carp fish. On a small island is a temple dedicated to Varahi, and in contrast to the gaiety of holiday makers, devotees go about their worship undisturbed by the goings-on in the water as well as occasional barbeques on the banks of the lake. Apart from the lakes, the floor of the valley is made up of a layer of gravel, cut into intricate terraces and deep canyons by various tributaries of the Seti river.
Entertainment
Nepal is an early to bed country and even in Kathmandu you’ll find few people on the streets after 10pm, especially where the capital’s political situation is tense. Most bars close their doors by 11pm, though a few keep serving those inside.you
Bands play at various Thamel restaurants on Friday and Saturday nights in the high season, particularly at Himalatte, Jatra and New Orleans just follow your ears.
Beyound this, could take in a Bollywood blockbuster or try to earn back your flight money at one of half a dozen casinos. Major sporting events such as Premier League football and Formula 1 grand prixs are televised in all the major bars.
There are also several cultural performances which generally involve local youths wearing a variety of dress over their jeans and performing traditional dances from Nepal’s various ethnic groups, accompanied by a live band that includes a tabla, harmonium and singer.
Music and Dance
There are a few performances of Nepali music and dancing in the restaurants of the top-end hotels but little is scheduled.
The New Himalchuli Cultural Group is a dance troupe that performs nightly at a crummy restaurant in Lazimpat. The hour-long show costs Rs.350 and starts at 7pm in summer (October to April) and 6.30pm in winter (May to September).Ring in advance to check that a performance is planned.
Gandharba Association
This is an organisation for the city’s musician caste. There are informal music jams between 5pm and 7pm at their offices on the third floor above Equator Expeditions but they play in local restaurants such as the Northfield Café. Individual musicians offer music lessons for around Rs.100 per hour and they also sell their own CDs.
Casinos
Kathmandu’s casinos are all attached to upmarket hotels and open 24 hours. Dust off your tuxedo, polish up your best Sean Connery impersonation (Aah, Mish, money- penny..) and make a beeline for the Casino Royale, Rana place at the Yak & Yeti Hotel. Hang around the tables long enough and staff will ply you with free drinks and a dinner buffet .
Other casinos, like Casino Anna at the Hotel de l’Annapurna attract a mainly Indian crowd.
At all casinos you can play in either Indian rupees or US dollars, and winnings (in the same currency ) can be taken out of the offered are roulette and blackjack, and the main clients are Indians. Nepalis are officially forbidden from entering.
Religion in Nepal
Religion in Nepal :From the simple early morning puja of a Kathmandu housewife at a local Hindu temple to the chanting of Buddhist monks in a village monastery, religion is a cornerstone of Nepali life. In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism have mingled wonderfully into a complex, synergetic blend. Nowhere is this more evident than in Kathmandu where Tibetan Buddhists and Nepali Hindus often worship at the same temples.
The Buddha was born in Nepal over 25 centuries ago but the Buddhist religion first arrived in the country later, around 250 BC. It is said to have been introduced by the great Indian Buddhist emperor, Ashoka. Buddhism eventually lost ground to Hinduism, although the Tantric form of Tibetan Buddhism made its way full circle back into Nepal in the 8th century AD. Today Buddhism is practised mainly by the people of the high Himalaya, such as the Sherpas and Tamangs, and by Tibetan refugees.
Officially Nepal is a Hindu country but in practice the blending of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs and deities, and the subsequent overlaying onto both of Tantric aspects make it hard to separate the religions. Perhaps because of this there is little religious tension in Nepal, and religion plays almost no part in politics.
Take the concepts of Hinduism and Buddhism, add some Indian and Tibetan influence and blend this with elements of animism, faith healing and pinch of Tantric practice, and you get a taste of Nepal’s fabulous spiritual stew.
One thing you’ll quickly learn as you travel through Nepal is that is fruitless to look for rational responses and distinctions in questions of Nepali faith.
Ganesh Hinduism
With his elephant head, Ganesh is probably the most easily recognised and the most popular of the gods. He is the god of prosperity and wisdom and there are thousands of Ganesh shrines and temples across Nepal. His parents are Shiva and Parvati, and he has his father’s temper to thank for this elephant head. After a long trip, Shiva discovered Parvati in bed with a young man. Not pausing to think that their son might have grown up a little during his absence, Shiva lopped his head off ! Parvati then forced him of the first living thing he saw which happened to be an elephant.
Chubby Ganesh has a super sweet tooth and is often depicted with his trunk in a mound of sweets and with one broken tusk; he broke it off and threw at the moon for making fun of his fatness.
It seems that the first people to set foot in the ancient Nepal were Aryans. The Aryans' basic beliefs are recorded in the Vedas, a collection of over one thousand religious hymns that were to form the foundation of the polytheistic religion of Hinduism.
Hinduism has a basic trinity of three gods-Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. Most Hindus, while revering Brahma, do not usually include his worship in religious ceremonies as his role in the universe is regarded to be essentially completed. Vishnu and Shiva, however, are very important to all the Nepalese Hindus.
Vishnu, whose primary duty is to assure the preservation of the world and all living forms, is believed to have visited the earth ten times as "avatars" or incarnations. He is also believed to have come to the earth as a Varaha, as Prince Rama, as the god Krishna and as Lord Gautam Buddha.
Shiva, the Destroyer, is believed to have three forms-Natraj the god of artistic skill, an anthropomorphic form and the Lingam form, the latter being the most famous Lingam is situated in the north-west of Katmandu. In front of any Shiva temple, one usually sees a statue of Nandi, the divine bull that serves as Shiva's vehicle. In anthropomorphic form, Shiva is depicted with his consort Parbati and usually holds a trident and a small drum. Another popular form of Shiva is terrifying Bhairav, who himself has a number of different forms. somany other this is only for example
Like :-
- Hinduism
- Buddhism
- Islam and Christianity serially..............
Pashupatinath:
It is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage spot situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva. The richly ornamented pagoda houses, the scared linga, or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva fascinates everyone. There are also small temples dedicated to other deities. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple from the eastern bank of Bagmati River. Locals have long regarded it as a very important part of the city, both religiously and culturally. Basically thousand of pilgrims from Nepal and India pay homage to this temple everyday. Locals daily worship and receive blessing from lord Shiva early in the morning. Near the temple at the edge of Bagmati River lies "Arya Ghat" where cremation is performed. There is also a large market in the streets surrounding the temple.
Swayambhu Nath Stupa:
Golden statues
Swayambhu Nath Stupa is 3km west of Kathmandu city situated on a hillock about 77m above the sea level of the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and the best place to observe religious harmony in Nepal. Both Hindus and Buddhists worship here. It is said to be 2,000years old. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
A large image of Buddha is in a monastery next to the stupa. It is also known as the Monkey temple, and the major landmark in the valley. From the top of a hillock on its western side it provides an excellent viewpoint over Kathmandu.
The feastival of Nepall
Dashain
Celebrated in October-November.Dashain festival is the major festival of the Nepalese. Entire country is in enthusiastic holiday mood at the time of the festival. Dsashain, the longest and most favorite festivals right after the monsoon is a time for shopping, eating and socializing with friends, and family. The Dashain celebration marks the victory of good over evil. Durga Bhawani is the emblem of the good. Durga conquered evils on this day. Huge amount of animal sacrifice take place during the festival in temples and in home to please the Goddess, Durga. The final day of the festival is known as ‘Tika’, a day on which then elder ones give ‘Tika’ to the younger ones and to other relatives who come for blessings.
Tihar
Tihar, the festival of lights is one of the most dazzling of all Hindu festivals. In this festival we worship Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth. During the festival all the houses in the city and villages are decorated with lit oil lamps. Thus during the night the entire village or city looks like a sparkling diamond. This festival is celebrated in five days starting from the thirteenth day of the waning moon in October. We also refer to tihar as 'Panchak Yama' which literally means 'the five days of the underworld lord'. We also worship 'yamaraj' in different forms in these five days. In other words this festival is meant for life and prosperity.
Goddess Laxmi is the wife of almighty Lord Vishnu. She was formed from the ocean and she has all the wealth of the seas. She sits on a full-grown lotus and her steed is the owl. On the third day of the festival at the stroke of midnight she makes a world tour on her owl looking how she is worshipped.
Teej
'Teej' is the fasting festival for women. It takes place in August or early September. The festival is a three-day long celebration that combines sumptuous feasts as well as rigid fasting. Through this religious fasting, hindu women pray for marital bliss, well being of their spouse and children and purification of their own body and soul.
Traditionally, the ritual of Teej is obligatory for all Hindu married women and girls who have reached puberty. Exception is made for the ones who are ill or physically unfit. In such circumstances a priest performs the rites. According to the holy books, the Goddess Parbati fasted and prayed fervently for the great Lord Shiva to become her spouse. Touched by her devotion, he took her for his wife. Goddess Parbati, in gratitude sent her emissary to preach and disseminate this religious fasting among mortal women, promising prosperity and longevity with their family. Thus was born the festival of Teej.
Loshar
This is the New Year of the Tibetans and Sherpas of Nepal which falls in February. The Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu like Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are decorated with eye catching colorful prayer flags pulling the crowd. The people perform their traditional dances and welcome their New Year with feasts and family gatherings wearing all the new clothes and finest jewelries and exchanging gifts.
Festive activities like singing, dancing and feasting are observed.A colorful crowd gathers in the area around the stupa. Hundreds of Tibetans are dressed in a wide variety of beautiful traditional costumes sometimes mixed with western clothes. They smile, laugh and greet family and friends as they bump into them in the crowd. The atmosphere is saturated with anticipation. A group of monks led by a high rank teacher appear and pass through the lion-framed gate into the inner area of the stupa.
These are just like examples if you want to know about it then you have to visit in Nepal.
Stone sculpture art of Nepal
History of stone sculpture art work in Nepal were long way back, hundred of years
ago The survival of the oldest stone sculpture art in the Nepal indicates that stone
sculpting was among the first art forms to have developed in the Nepal. The history of Nepal is told by stone sculpture. Few manuscripts have survived, the oral tradition fails to identify the nation's ancient culture, wooden images beyond the seventeenth century have mostly rotted away and metal work barely reaches the tenth century. So for scholars and for those seeking an insight into Nepalese minds, stone tells the clearest stories. There was time when stone art was waning. Particularly after the fall of the Mallas, there was no real demand, but now stone carvers are busy again.
Shakyamuni Buddha Stone Statue
Buddha Statues were shown in various poses and forms incluing this popular lotus position. Made of solid cast stone.
Ganesh Stone Statue
Sri Ganesha, the deity to which the Hindu pray before starting any new task.
Saraswati Stone Statue
Saraswati is a Hindu goddess of learning. She is the goddess of speech .
Metal Sculpture
Yogini more..........
The History of Art in Nepal
Nepali culture, languages,music and another..
Nepal is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Culture has been called 'the way of life for an entire society'. The statement holds particularly true in case of Nepal where every aspect of life, food, clothing and even occupations are culturally classified. In a society so feudalistic and so fractured across class lines, cultural heritage comes as a fresh wind. The culture of Nepal includes the codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and systems of belief.
The culture of Nepal is a unique combination of tradition and novelty. The traditions are followed as they were and new customs are created to keep pace with the changing times. It is surprising to note that a country as poor, illiterate and backward as Nepal displays such flexibility when it come to incorporating traits from other cultures. Culture in Nepal is an assemblage of music, architecture, religion and literature. The mountain kingdom of Nepal is multi-ethic and multi-lingual. The land is rich with unique cultural groups like Tharu,Yadav, Ahir, Newars and others.
Nepalese are among the most hospitable hosts. This is the reason for which tourists from far and wide enjoy coming to Nepal time and again. Nepalese are culturally warm, hospitable and affectionate hosts who place their heart above their head. Religion is the lifeblood of the Nepalese. Officially it is a Hindu country, but in practice the religion is a syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs with a pantheon of Tantrik deities tagged on.
Nepal's food is surprisingly dull given that it lies at the intersection of the two great gastronomic giants India and China. Most of the time meals consist of a dish called dhal-bhat-tarkari that is a combination of lentil soup, rice and curried vegetables. It can hardly be considered, a dynamic national cuisine. On the other hand, Nepal has adapted famously to Western tastes, markedly evident in Katmandu's smorgasbord of menus: Mexican tacos; Japanese sukiyaki; Thai chocolate; Chinese marshmallows; onion and minestrone soup; borscht, quiche and soy burgers; and some of the best desserts - apple and lemon pies, almond layer cakes, fruit cakes - found anywhere in the world.
About Trekking in Naple
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Welcome to great Adventure Treks and expedition
The Great Adventure Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd is one of the pioneer government licensed trekking and touring agency in Nepal. We have a team of experience trekking guide and mountain hero “Sherpa” to guide you through your most memorable days of your life. From its establishment we have successfully conducted trekking and peak climbing in different peak and mountain and other tourist activities in Nepal and have satisfied our valuable customer. All the activities have operated so far have been 100% safe and success record with the help of our experienced guides and Sherpa’s.With our well trained and experienced expert team with years of personal experienced members The Great Adventure Treks & Expedition is a modern organization equipped with the latest equipment and best facilities to ensure that your stay and travel are undertaken in the safest and the most hygienic condition under the friendly environment. more.............................
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Special packages of Tour
The Everest region (or Solu Khumbu region, as it is locally known) is the second most popular trekking area in Nepal (the Annapurna is the first). The popularity of this region is derived, of course, from its proximity to the world's highest mountain, but also from its Sherpa people and buddhist monasteries.
Of the trek's strongest difficulties are it's up-and-down walking (resulting from crossing ridges instead of walking along them) and it's steep gain of altitude (especially for those starting at Lukla).
Although the trek is named the Everest Base Camp trek, the main highlight of the trek is the walk up to Kala Pattar ("Black Rock") peak, a magnificent view point at 5545 meters, offering astonishing views of Mt. Everest and it's surrounding mountain peaks. more..........
Dolpa
The word Dolpo refers to a specific area of Tibetan heritage located in the northern portion of Dolpa District. Actually, Dolpa District, as a whole, is home to many diverse ethnic groups, including Hindu, Shaman, Buddhist and Bonpo. Dolpa is one of the most remote and sparsely populated Districts in Nepal. The landscape is characterized by high steep valleys and relatively dry climate. No roads exist; access is by small plane or many Day walking.
Rhododendron
This trek starts from a high vantage point at the township of Hille. For a few kilometers the trail follows a new road being built by the Nepali Army before turning back on to the original trail and the commencement of a long and steep descent to the floor of the valley
Activities : Sightseeing/Trekking/Rafting & Jungle Safari. (optional)
Best time to go : Sept to Apr more..............
Gokyo lake
Description : The Gokyo Lakes trek is one of the best treks in the Khumbu region. Much of the trek takes place at moderate to high altitudes, venturing through rich Buddhist villages, red birch and dwarf rhododendron forests together with magnificent views of the peaks of Sagamartha, Cho Oyo, Lhotse. Makalu and Tawetse. Highlight of this trek is the walk to the sacred lakes of Gokyo. Two days will be spent exploring the Gokyo area, including a steep climb to the top of Gokyo Ri to witness what is the most comprehensive and impressive panoramas in all the Himalaya. This trek will appeal to those who wish to see the major mountains of the Sagamartha region from a less-trekked trail, as well as visit the regions key monasteries. more...........
Another place package tour and Traveling
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small sovereign country hidden in the Eastern Himalayan Mountains between the China to the north and the India in the south. The area of 38,394sq km with the longitude of 88, 45’ and 92 10’ east and latitude of 26 40’ and 28 15; in the north. The Kingdom of Bhutan is Mountainous country from the little above the sea level to High Himalayan Mountains of 7, 600m in the north with varying climatic conditions ranging form hot humid to High Himalayan Mountains of 7, 600m in the north with varying
Geography of Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small sovereign country hidden in the Eastern Himalayan Mountains between the China to the north and the India in the south. The area of 38,394sq km with the longitude of 88, 45’ and 92 10’ east and latitude of 26 40’ and 28 15; in the north. The Kingdom of Bhutan is Mountainous country from the little above the sea level to High Himalayan Mountains of 7, 600m in the north with varying climatic conditions ranging form hot humid to alpine
The population of the country is 752,700. Comprising of four main ethic groups namely Sharchop in the eastern region, Kheng in the central and partly in southern region, Lhotshampa in the southern region, Ngalong in the north western regions of the country. These four groups of people become a Drukpa. Climate
In Bhutan you would experience the different types of climatic conditions, depending upon different altitudes and seasons. To the south it is hot and humid, while the up hills and Mountains towards the north are under perpetual snow. Rainfall can differ within relative short distance due to rain shadow effects. We do have four seasons which are Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. The month of July and August is the heavy rainfall and Bhutanese believe that in September there will be a festival called Thrue (blessed rainy day), the rainy season ends. Spring and autumn is great seasons to travel tourist in the kingdom of Bhutan. In winter the temperature drops down to minus because of snowfalls. Days are normally hot and night are cold. more...............
We at Trekking Tibet offer a complete Tibetan travel service. Tibet adventure tours, Tibet cultural tours, North side Mt. Everest tours, Monastery tours, Motorbiking tours, Kailash Mansarovar tours, budget package tours, Ganden to Samye trekking. We also organise Nepal tours and trekking in Nepal. Beside tours, Trekking Tibet also offers Tibet travel information including travel itineraries, Visas, Tibet tourist packages and other travel tips. Tibet, a land of mystery, adventure and spirituality; a home of legends, awesome landscapes, artistic monasteries and centuries-old caravan trails, Tibet is a destination out of an ordinary, long closed to the outside world...
As you can see we offer many different types of Tibetan tours, with a range of activities and hotels to suit all needs. What's more, as we understand that a visit to this special country is a highly personal experience, we can also arrange specific tours to meet you or your groups needs.more..............