Lumbini - Birth Place of Lord Gautam Buddha

Welcome to the historic place of Nepal, if you are looking for traveling to one of the most historical place of Nepal don't forget to visit "Lumbini - The Birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha"

Lumbini is the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam who later known as Lord Gautam Buddha. Buddha is known as "the light of Asia". Millions of people around all over the world come here to visit. Lumbini is listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO.

The Indian emperor Ashoka identified and set the Ashoka pillar in Lumbini which is the main attraction of this area. The other main attraction of this area is Maya Devi Temple, Scared Garden spread over 8 sq km and scared pond Puskarni where Mayadevi had taken a bath before giving birth to Gautam Buddha. Lumbini holds the historical and religious significance of Nepal.

Attractions:

Ashoka Pillar:

-built in the year 259BC, this pillar was built by King Ashoka,  When he constructed this pillar, the King exempted the villagers from paying tax and gave out 100 golden coins to the people. In the seventh century, the pillar was struck by lightning and split into two parts. The site was lost for six centuries and covered with dense forest before being re found in 1895. The place was cleared and the pillar reconstructed.

Maya Devi Temple:

-This temple is supposed to be dedicated to Maya Devi, who is Buddha’s mother, which seems natural as Lumbini in famed as the birth place of Buddha. The temple was built during the 2nd century. Next to the temple there is a pool where Maya Devi used to bathe, now days the Japanese Buddhist Federations is re constructing new temple at this site.

The Crane Sanctuary:

 - A sanctuary is being built for the protection and breeding of endangered cranes in this area. It’s an interesting place to visit.

The Sacred garden:

- is the beautiful area around the Asoka pillar where you can spend some time relaxing and wondering around.

Monastic Zone:

- Many countries have built monasteries in this area, it’s possible to walk around and visit them as you like. Though the buildings are mainly in the new style.

How to get there:

Air - Bhairahwa is the nearest airport, 22 kms , well connected to Kathmandu airport. At present, about 22 international airlines connect Nepal to various other destinations in Asia and the Middle East.

Rail - Gorakhpur, In India, is the nearest railhead, 122 km from Lumbini.

Road - Good motorable roads connect Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also other important cities of Nepal. India border is 22 kms.

Want to Know More about Buddha's Life ?

Buddhist Circuit Tour:  The circuit provides insight into the life of Lord Buddha and the development of Buddhism. There are 62 archaeological sites scattered around Lumbini. The tour goes through Tilaurakot, Kudan, Gothihawa, Niglihawa, Sagarhawa, Aurorakot, Devadaha and Ramagrama - all bearing significance to the life and enlightenment of the Buddha.

Tilaurakot: Identified by archaeologists as the capital of Kapilvastu, Tilaurakot lies 27 km west of Lumbini, where excavations are on to unearth the ancient palace of King Suddhodhan, Siddhartha Gautam’s father. The Buddha is believed to have spent the first 29 years of his princely life in Tilaurakot.

Kudan: Located some 4.5 km south of Tilaurakot, Kudan is where King Suddhodhan met Lord Buddha for the first time after returning from his enlightenment. It was here that the Kasaya (yellow robe worn by monks) was presented to Lord Buddha. It was also here that the Kasaya was presented by Lord Buddha to Rahul, his son.

Gothihawa : About 5 km from Tilaurakot, Gothihawa is where Krakuchanda Buddha, who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha, was born. Remains of a broken Ashoka Pillar and relics can be seen here.

Niglihawa: About 8 km from Tilaurakot, Niglihawa is where Kanakmani Buddha was born. Here too one can see remains of a broken Ashokan Pillar.

Devdaha: The capital of the Koliya kingdom and maternal home of Mayadevi, Devdaha is 35 km to the northeast of Lumbini. This is where Siddhartha Gautam spent his childhood.

Sagarhawa : Forest site is identified by archeologists as the “Palace of the Massacre of the Shakyas” by the invading forces. The ruins of the ancient site lie on the west and south banks of a large rectangular pond known locally as Lumbu Sagar, or long pond, in Niglihawa village. Sagarahawa is 12 km north of Taulihawa municipality in Lumbini.

Lumbini Village Tour: A walk through the villages surrounding Lumbini and interaction with the warm and hospitable local people, buying their handicrafts and observing their traditional rituals will bring one closer to understanding the diversity of the Terai cultures in Nepal. Village tours also give an opportunity to observe the Terai landscape and a peek into the locals’ agro-based rural lifestyle, colorful costumes, festivals which they celebrate with much joy and enthusiasm, and gracious hospitality. Visitors can also visit the local temples and mosques or partake in the cultural ceremonies. Wetland areas, lakes and ponds in the villages offer birdwatching opportunities. Visitors have the option of choosing to walk through the villages or ride in a local rickshaw or bullock cart. Some of the villages surrounding Lumbini are Ekala, Khudabagar, Tenuhawa, Lumbini Adarsh and Madhuvani.

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Massive Fire Breaks out in Thamel - finally brought under control

Firefighters have been trying to control a blaze that broke out in Thamel in the Capital on Thursday night.

Fire in Thamel

The fire which started at around 9:30 pm spread to five houses built in cluster in the alley opposite the Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel .

Meanwhile, Capital centered fire brigades, over 200 security personnel, locals, have been trying to douse the leaping flames in the narrow streets of Thamel till this morning.

It is learnt that the fire started from a house located behind Shisha Terrace Café and Bar, and later spread to adjoining houses and Shisha as well. However, no human casualties have been reported so far.

Thamel Fire Zone

Thamel is a popular tourist destination in Kathmandu. It has been the centre of the tourist industry for over four decades.

The fire is brought under control after using fire brigades form Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kathmndu districts and more than two dozens of private water tanks to douse the fire.

It has been estimated that the fire has destroyed property worth millions. The fire has destroyed the Thamel-based Pilgrim Books House and the books stored at the shop along with the three houses of Sher Bahadur Shahi and Ajaya Shahi.

According to Hemanta Pal, spokesperson at Metropolitan Police Commissioner´s Office, the fire had started from Faces Club last night.

Police said that they are yet to know the exact reason behind the fire.

However, they suspected that the fire might have broke out due to explosion of cooking gas cylinder.

View the Photos of Fire and Rescue here
https://plus.google.com/photos/108371418961487789629/albums/5878831023793570033?authkey=COXe-bOy6-PnZA

Source : Ekantipur and Republica
Video by: Avenues TV

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Nepal Airlines airplane crash landed in Jomsom

KATHMANDU, MAY 16 -

An aircraft belonging to Nepal Airlines has crashed while attempting to land at Jomsom Airport in Mustang on Thursday morning. Twenty-one passengers, including three crew members and eight Japanese nationals, were on the board.

NAC Aircraft Crashed into Pieces Photo by Sunil Rawal

The Pokhara-Jomsom flight (NA-9NABO) skidded off the runway and crashed into the banks of Kaligandaki River, sources confirmed. Captain D Pradhan was flying the aircraft.

The crash was likely caused by a sudden gust of wind that caught the plane while it attempted to touch down.

Five passengers have sustained critical injuries including the pilot, Local Development Officer Dilli Ram Sigdel informed. However, no human casualties have been reported so far.

They have been ferried for treatment in a local hospital. Meanwhile, preparations have been made to airlift the injured in Tara Air's aircraft.

Watch the Video here :

Source: Kantipur News Network 

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Russian Climber Found Dead in Everest

KATHMANDU — A 50-year-old Russian climber died Wednesday attempting to scale Mount Everest in this season's fourth death on the world's highest peak, a government official said.

Alex Bolotov was found dead on Wednesday morning at Khumbu Icefall at 5,600 metres (18,372 feet), the official told AFP by telephone from Everest base camp.

Alex Bolotov

"He seems to have left his tent at around three in the morning. When his Sherpa went looking for him, his dead body was found in the Khumbu Icefall" at the head of the Khumbu Glacier, government official Gyanendra Shrestha said.

Shrestha said the Russian, who has climbed several major peaks including K2, Makalu, Manaslu and Annapurna, was part of the Everest South-West Face Expedition and was trying to repeat his 2002 summit of Everest.

Three other climbers have died on the world's highest peak this season.

Last month Mingmar Sherpa, 47, a member of an elite team known as the "icefall doctors" who set up climbing routes, plunged to his death. DaRita Sherpa, 47, died from what is believed to have been cardiac arrest earlier this month.

Lobsang Sherpa, 22, a member of a team guiding a commercial expedition, died a week ago.

Some 300 people have perished trying to reach the 8,848-meter (29,029-foot) summit during the last six decades. The bodies of some of them are still there.

May is considered the optimum time for climbing in the Nepalese Himalayas and some 28 people have reached the top so far this year.

But a brawl that erupted last month between three European climbers and Nepalese guides cast a shadow over this year's season, which marks the 60th anniversary of the maiden ascent by Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary. — AFP

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Important Information to Visitors Traveling Nepal

Important Information to Visitors:

1)         People of these countries do not get visa on arrival at the immigration entry points of Nepal: - Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine and Afghanistan.

2)         All foreign visitors are requested to be mindful of the date of Nepalese visa and their passport number to avoid possible problems. As such, you are requested to apply for visa extension, if you wish so, apply within the valid period of Nepalese visa.

3)         You are requested to get the arrival/departure stamps on your passport at the entry /exit points to avoid further legal complications.

4)         Living in Nepal without passport or a valid visa is a punishable offense.

5)         Deviation from the prescribed routes mentioned in the trekking permit will be treated as the violation of the law.

6)         You are advised to be aware of brokers/cheaters or any counterfeit documents of visa/trekking permit to avoid legal complications.

7)         Change of purpose of stay without permission is not allowed and employment or voluntary services while on a tourist visa is strictly prohibited. It will be a punishable offense.

8)         Be sure to register at the police and Immigration check point along the trial. It will be wise for to register your trekking destination and schedule at your Embassy or Consulate.

9)         If you encounter problems along the trails, inform immediately to the nearest police or Immigration post.

10)      You are requested to change money with recognized dealers and do not forget to take formal receipts.

11)      You are requested to inform the Immigration Office or Police Station for any changes in your address previously given in the visa application form.

12)      You are advised to be mindful to contact the Dept. of Immigration for visa transfer in case of getting new passport or travel document from your embassy.

13)      Passport and trekking permits should be kept by the trekkers while trekking.

14)      Filming in restricted areas or notified areas without permission is strictly prohibited.

15)      Please don't take out the visa stickers from your passport and do not try to change records printed in your passport.

16)     We request for your co-operation to observe the following guidelines during your stay in Nepal. Respect local traditions, customs, values and sentiments, help to protect local culture and maintain local pride.

1.  Respect privacy while taking photographs.
2.  Respect holy places.
3.  Refrain from giving money to the children since it will encourage begging.
4.  Respect for local etiquette earns you respects.

17)      If you make change in your address of residence mentioned in the visa application form or disembarkation card, must furnish to the Immigration Department, Immigration Offices or local police offices with a notice containing name, passport number and new address as well within seven days.

18)      If your stay period as a tourist is more than 120 days in one visa year and wish to visit other places for spending more than 24 hours, you have to register in the local police office of such place with your name, passport number and address as well.

19)      Let Himalayas change you - Do not change them, so remember, while you are on trekking.

• Leave the camp site cleaner than you have found it.
•  No open fires.
• Burn dry papers and packets in a safe place.
•  Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants.
•  Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment.
•  Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures

20)      Protect the natural environment.

•  Leave the camp site cleaner than you have found it.
• No open fires.
• Burn dry papers and packets in a safe place.
• Keep local water clean and avoid using pollutants.
•  Plants should be left to flourish in their natural environment.
• Help your guides and porters to follow conservation measures

 21)     Information for Indian Citizens

To allow Indian citizens to make travel on the basis of the following document:

•  Passport, or
• Driving license with photograph, or
• Identity card with photograph issued by a governmental body, or
• Ration card with photograph, or
•  Voter identity card with photograph, or
• Registration certificate issued by the Indian embassy to the Indian citizen staying in Nepal, or
•  Ad hoc/temporary identity card issued by the Indian embassy to the Indian citizen in the event of exigency, or
• Document with photograph and setting out identity, issued by the sub-divisional magistrate or authority there above.

Entry/ Exit Points in Nepal

The entry and exit points for the purpose of the foreigners entering into and departing from Nepal are following. The Immigration offices in such points are opened 24 hours. Entering and departing from other places except the point is treated as the violation of Immigration Act and the Regulation.

1. Immigration Office, Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
2. Immigration Office, Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
3. Immigration Office, Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
4. Immigration Office, Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
5. Immigration Office, Belahia, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
6. Immigration Office, Jamunaha, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
7. Immigration Office, Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
8. Immigration Office, Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
9. Immigration Office, Pokhara (not the entry point)

Once again, welcome to Nepal, we wish you a memorable holiday in this country, Thank you.

Please Download Nepal Visa Form Here 

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Major Tourism Sites

Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world's oldest cities. The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. One can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic monuments in Durbar Square.


Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples 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.  Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen Kilometers to the east of Kathmandu.The city is 1,402 meters above sea level.


Patan
The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur which means a city of beauty. It is indeed a city of beauty and grace and is planned on a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four points of the compass. The city is three Kilometers south-east of Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like Kathmandu, its center of attraction is Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle of the market place. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is also know as the city of artists. It is believed that the city has been built during the reign of Vira Dev in  299 A.D.


Pokhara
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley, is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-trail summit of Machachhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it creates an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalayas. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, the city is connected by air and road not only from Kathmandu but from other parts of the country. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and other peaks.


Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam. The Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists this nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar as a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden which spread over 8sq km, possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Lord Buddha’s mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected the pillar in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, {Puskarni} where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Lord Buddha. Places of various interest surrounds the area There are other places of interest too nearby. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.


Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration of wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means the ‘heart of the jungle’ is among the last surviving example of the continuous band of forests and grasslands, which once extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The main attraction here is the Chitwan National Park, One of the largest forests regions in Asia teeming with wildlife such as the rare great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of dear, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water, dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips and jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors may also take a river raft. First driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. The five-hour drive to Chitwan (165km overland) from Kathmandu is filled with thrilling views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles on either side.


Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is scenic and town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with stupa and Buddhist Monastery is highly recommended site to visit. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarving, is a short distance from Dhulikhel.


Muktinath & Jomsom
It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it is 108 waterspouts from which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours via Kagbeni or trek all the way from Pokhara which takes 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimages of four Dhams in India. This temple is held sacred by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is a world-class accommodation facility in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.


Gorkha
Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhanth and Kali inside the place precinct. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana temple, on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting. The Nepalese believe that MANAKAMANA Goddess fulfills the wishes of all people and that's one reason why the temple is visited by the tourist and the locals all through the year.

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Panauti - Namobuddha - Dhulikhel Hiking

Dear Hikers and Travel Lovers, Padyatriz... The Travellers are finally back with its old rhythm with hikes in the different places around kathmandu and it starts with the Panauti - Namobuddha - Dhulikhel Hike. 

We will walk from Panauti to Namobuddha and to Dhulikhel which will be about 5 hours walk altogether. 

Where and when do we meet?

All the hikers will meet at the Old Buspark .2013/02/02 Saturday 7:00 am (sharp).

How much time it will take?

This hiking is a short hiking (3 hrs uphill and 2.h hrs downhill) max. We will return Kathmandu around 6:00 pm.

What do we eat?

we will provide you the Breakfast at Local restaurant in panauti, Lunch at Namobuddha and dessertation tiffin at Dhulikhel.

What do we wear?

Comfortable sports shoes (converse not recommended); loose summer wear; one jacket one umbrella (for backup); medicine (if you are under any medication); sun glass, sun cream and hat (optional)

Who can Go???

Anyone interested can participate in this hike. Please inform your friends as well, as it is an Open event to enjoy and make new friends circle.

We have also planned the special program to entertain the hikers and then we will decide the winner (The winner will get Special gift from Padyatriz Team)

How Much Does it Cost? 

The Price of the hike with all transportation(public) and meals is NPR 650.00/person

(If you feel easy please carry the light musical instruments which would helps us to entertain ...)

How to register?

Please call us 01-4269849(office) by 5:00 pm or 9851130397 (@Madan Prasain),

9841460395 (@Rabin Dahal) 

9841610887 ( @Suman Prasain), 

9843019393 ( @Samrat Kandel) to register before 1 pm, feb 01 2013

(For more information contact the above mobile number)

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Hiking Places around Kathmandu Valley - One Day Hikes

Hiking around Kathmandu offers you the opportunity to see Nepali rural life as well as superb mountain views without going too far and without climbing high. Besides you do not have to loose the comfort of the city while doing these hikes.

View From Nagarkot

Kathmandu is a valley surrounded by beautiful hills and traditional villages. These hills are covered by terraced farms, and lovely forests. Despite being near from Kathmandu the villages are still not affected by the modernity.


If you are interested in exploring the beauty of Kathmandu Valley there are many places you can #Hike  here we plan to suggest the most interesting place for a day hike.

1. #Champadevi Hike
2. #Lakuri Bhanjyang
3. #Namo Buddha
4. #Shivapuri Sundarijal
5. #Sankhu Nagarkot
6. #Godawori Fulchoki 
7. #Jhule Suryachaur 
8. #Balaju Jamcho  

For detail information please contact @Padyatriz  (www.padyatriz.com)

or +suman prasain +Rabin Dahal or +madan prasain 

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