Travel Notes: Asia - Nepal Travel Notes.
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Discover rich culture and natural beauty on an unforgettable adventure in Nepal; where ancient temples and breathtaking Himalayan peaks await.
Known for stunning Himalayan mountains, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, Nepal is a popular destination for travellers seeking trekking adventures.
Nepal is locked between China and India and needs to keep on friendly terms with them both.
Mapping Nepal
Nepal is favoured by budget travellers, who loathe paying $200 a day to visit Bhutan.
The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu; the largest city in the country.
Nepal Overview
Nepal, officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country located in South Asia.
Nepal is situated mainly in the Himalayas, bordered by China to the north and India to the south, east, and west.
With a diverse geography that includes mountains, hills, and plains, Nepal offers a range of natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Nepali cuisine is influenced by its neighbouring countries, primarily India and Tibet.
Dal Bhat (lentil soup with rice), momo (dumplings), gundruk (fermented leafy greens), and sel roti (sweet rice bread) are some popular dishes in Nepal.
Nepal has a rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
The country is known for its ancient temples, monasteries, and palaces, which showcase exquisite architecture and religious significance.
The Kathmandu Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly renowned for its cultural treasures.
Nepal celebrates a multitude of festivals throughout the year.
Some of the prominent festivals include Dashain (the biggest Hindu festival), Tihar (festival of lights), Holi (festival of colours), and Buddha Jayanti (celebrating the birth of Lord Buddha).
The official language of Nepal is Nepali.
However, Nepal is a multilingual country, and there are many regional languages and dialects spoken throughout the country.
Nepal is famous for being home to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world.
Many mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts visit Nepal to trek in the Himalayas and attempt to climb Everest.
Nepal is a diverse country in terms of religion.
The majority of the population practices Hinduism, followed by Buddhism, Islam, and other religions.
Nepal is also the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.
Nepal is a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
Besides trekking and mountaineering, visitors can explore cultural sites, go wildlife spotting, participate in adventure sports like paragliding and white-water rafting, and experience the warm hospitality of the Nepalese people.
Nepal is known for its diverse flora and fauna.
The country has several national parks and conservation areas, including Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park.
These protected areas are home to various wildlife species, such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and snow leopard.
Visiting Nepal
Nepal is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Whether you're interested in exploring majestic mountains, ancient temples, or vibrant cities, Nepal offers a wide range of experiences for travellers.
Nepal offers thrilling adventure activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, canyoning, and mountain biking.
Adrenaline seekers will find plenty of opportunities to get their hearts pumping in Nepal's diverse landscapes.
Head to Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal for a wildlife safari experience.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to diverse flora and fauna, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, and various bird species.
Explore the park on a jeep safari, canoe ride, or a guided jungle walk.
Start your journey in the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu.
Explore its UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Temple.
Don't miss the opportunity to experience the bustling markets, sample delicious Nepali cuisine, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini holds immense religious and historical significance.
Visit the sacred Maya Devi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, and monastic zones to learn about Buddhism and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this pilgrimage site.
Known as the gateway to the Annapurna mountain range, Pokhara is a picturesque city nestled beside the serene Phewa Lake.
Enjoy boating on the lake, go paragliding for a breathtaking aerial view of the mountains, or embark on a trek to the nearby Annapurna Base Camp or Ghorepani Poon Hill.
Nepal is famous for its trekking routes, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and remote villages.
Popular treks include the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and many more.
Trekking in Nepal is an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Many people fly from Delhi to Kathmandu. Be warned though, this is a popular route so book well in advance.
If you're adventurous, and have time on your hands, then the overland route is always the most exciting.
There are buses from Delhi to Kathmandu, although you might prefer to take the night train from Delhi to Gorakhpur, in northern India, and then a bus to Sunauli on the Nepalese border.
A short walk across the border and you're in Nepal. From here you will need to take another bus to Pokhara or Kathmandu. Pokhara is about 200km west of the capital, Kathmandu.
Nepal can be similarly reached from Calcutta.
Visitors need to pay about $10 for a fifteen-day transit visa on entry. This can be extended to a thirty-day tourist visa, at no extra cost, at the immigration office in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Thirty-day tourist visas can be purchased from Nepalese embassies around the world (rates vary), and may be extended in Nepal.
If you're going to stray into the hills then you'll need a trekking permit too.
When To Visit Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal is between October and May, unless you especially want to be there during the monsoon.
October and November are considered the best months to be in Nepal, but then it is also the most crowded.
Nepalese are said to observe more festivals than there are days in the year. Hardly a day passes without some festivities, ceremonial observances or pilgrimages occurring in some part of the country or the other.
Religion in Nepal
The Nepalese monarchy was abolished on 28th May, 2008.
Although Nepal is predominantly Hindu, there are still many places of worship important to Buddhists.
LLumbini is believed to be the birth place of Lord Buddha and is an important pilgrimage site. 250kms. west of Kathmandu valley, special attractions are, the Sacred pond, May Devi temple, Ashok Pillar and Buddhist Monasteries.
The Temple of Pashupatinath is Nepal's most scared Hindu shrine and one of the four most important cities in the world for Shiva worshippers.
Lord Buddha, the light of Asia, was born in Lumbini in Nepal's southern plains, which makes Nepal a scared pilgrimage destination for Buddhists as well.
Religious practices are an important part of the lives of the Nepalese people. Mythologies of various Hindu gods and goddesses abound in this country and cultural values are based on the philosophies of holy books like the Gita and Ramayana.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu seems to be modernising too rapidly, and at times it looks like every overland traveller in Asia is in one of the guest houses.
The residential area of the old kings is located in Kathmandu. The Kasthamandap, built by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla in the early 16th century is believed to have been constructed from the wood of single tree.
The Kathmandu Valley is the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal.
Outside of Kathmandu nature speaks for itself, and who doesn't want to listen to the wise words of the Himalayas.
The Himalayas
The Himalayas is the highest mountain system in the world, and extends through most of Nepal to form its northern border.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world; straddling Nepal and Tibet.
In all, Nepal has nine of the 14 highest mountains of the world within its territory.
Around Nepal
The Chitwan National Park, 120km south of Kathmandu, is the most popular safari park in Nepal.
At an altitude of 827m above sea level, Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty with several beautiful lakes and stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks.
Nepal's first online news portal published by Nepalnews.
Nepal Accommodation
There's now no need to arrive in Nepal without a place to stay.
Choose your destination in Nepal and reserve your hotel online before you leave home.
Buddha Maya Gardens:
Three star category hotel with air-conditioned rooms, restaurant, conference hall, prayer
room and meditation centre. Spread in four acres of land, Maya Gardens is located just
behind the sacred garden; 10 minutes walk to the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Kathmandu Guest House:
A Rana palace built by the first Nepalese civil engineer, Kumar Narshing Rana, and
converted into a hotel by the Sakya family - the most popular budget hotel outside Europe
and North America.
Maya Manor Boutique Hotel:
The original building of Maya Manor Boutique Hotel was built by the
Commander in Chief Toran Shumsher Rana and his brother Balram SJB Rana
in 1935. The Chinese Ambassador lived in this mansion for 10 years.
Park Village Hotel: (Lumbini)
An Eco-friendly hotel built in duplexes and spread in 4 acres of woodland with lots of
birds and butterflies at the foot of the Mountain Wildlife Reserve - in Budanil-Kantha.
Hotels in Kathmandu - Hotels in Pokhara - Hotels in Sauraha.
Nepal Maps and Travel Guides
Nepal Travel Guides - Nepal Maps.
Weather in Asia:
Local weather forecasts for destinations around Asia.
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