Friday, April 13, 2012
The Annapurna Circuit, considered one of the best trekking/hiking trails in the world, is the classic long distance trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The trek is one of contrasts between the green, terraced farmland of the Marshyangdi valley and the semi-arid environs of Lower Mustang.
The two areas are separated by the Thorong La River (5416m), which we must cross on a long day, to reach the sacred site of Muktinath. The temple complex is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists and when seen from here the sunrise on Dhaulagiri is particularly striking.
We descend into the world’s deepest river gorge, carved by the mighty Kali Gandaki, as it slices between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The river meanders to the relaxing hot springs at Tatopani before ascending to Poon Hill for our last sunrise over the Annapurnas.
DAY
|
PLACE
|
ALTITUDE
|
Day 1
|
Arrive in Kathmandu – Transfer to Hotel
|
1,355 m
|
Day 2
|
Sightseeing in Kathmandu – Afternoon free
|
1,355 m
|
Day 3
|
Kathmandu to Besisahar
|
830 m
|
Day 4
|
Besisahar to Bahundanda
|
1,430 m
|
Day 5
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Bahundanda to Chamje
|
1,410 m
|
Day 6
|
Chamje to Bagarchhap
|
2,160 m
|
Day 7
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Bagarchhap to Chame
|
2,170 m
|
Day 8
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Chame to Pisang
|
3,190 m
|
Day 9
|
Pisang to Manang
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3,540 m
|
Day 10
|
Manang - Acclimatization Day
|
3,540 m
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Day 11
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Manang to Letdar
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4,250 m
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Day 12
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Letdar to Thorong Phedi or Thorong High Camp
|
4,420 m
|
Day 13
|
Thorong Phedi - Throrong La - Muktinath
|
5,416 m
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Day 14
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Muktinath - Kagbeni -Marpha
|
2,670 m
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Day 15
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Marpha to Ghasa
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2,080 m
|
Day 16
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Ghasa to Tatopani
|
1,190 m
|
Day 17
|
Tatopani to Ghorepani
|
2,834 m
|
Day 18
|
Ghorepani - Poonhill - Tadapani
|
3,210 m
|
Day 19
|
Tadapani to Ghandruk
|
1,950 m
|
Day 20
|
Ghandruk to Nayapul - Pokhara
|
820 m
|
Day 21
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Pokhara to Kathmandu
|
1,355 m
|
Day 22
|
At Leisure in Kathmandu
|
1,355 m
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Day 23
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End of Trip - Flight back Home
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1,355 m
|
Monday, April 2, 2012
Altitude Sickness
Altitude is defined on the following scale High (8,000 -
12,000 feet [2,438 - 3,658 meters]), Very High (12,000 - 18,000 feet [3,658 -
5,487 meters]), and Extremely High (18,000+ feet [5,500+ meters]). Since few
people have been to such altitudes, it is hard to know who may be affected.
There are no specific factors such as age, sex, or physical condition that
correlate with susceptibility to altitude sickness.
Some people get it and some people don't, and some people
are more susceptible than others. Most people can go up to 8,000 feet (2,438
meters) with minimal effect. If you haven't been to high altitude before, it's
important to be cautious. If you have been at that altitude before with no
problem, you can probably return to that altitude without problems as long as
you are properly acclimatized.
AMS is common at high altitudes. At elevations over 10,000
feet (3,048 meters), 75% of people will have mild symptoms. The occurrence of
AMS is dependent upon the elevation, the rate of ascent, and individual susceptibility.
Many people will experience mild AMS during the acclimatization process.
Symptoms usually start 12-24 hours after arrival at altitude and begin to
decrease in severity about the third day. The symptoms of Mild AMS are
headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea,
disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise.
Symptoms tend to be worse at night and when respiratory
drive is decreased. Mild AMS does not interfere with normal activity and
symptoms generally subside within 2-4 days as the body acclimatizes. As long as
symptoms are mild, and only a nuisance, ascent can continue at a moderate rate.
When hiking, it is essential that you communicate any symptoms of illness
immediately to others on your trip. AMS is considered to be a neurological
problem caused by changes in the central nervous system. It is basically a mild
form of High Altitude Cerebral Edema.
Golden Rules:
GOLDEN RULE # 1
If you feel unwell at Altitude, it is Altitude Sickness
until proven otherwise.
GOLDEN RULE # 2
Never ascend with symptoms of AMS
GOLDEN RULE # 3
If you are getting worse or have (HACE or HAPE), go down at
once!!!
Things You Must Know:
- Acclimatization
- Prevention
- Basic Treatment
- Severe AMS
- Medicines
Summery:
Acclimatization. There are no specific factors such as age,
sex, or physical condition that correlate with susceptibility to altitude
sickness.
- Causes. The major cause of altitude illnesses is going too high too fast.
- Prevention. "Climb High and sleep low." This is the maxim used by climbers.
- Prevention. Avoid tobacco, alcohol and other depressant drugs including, barbiturates, tranquilizers, and sleeping pills.
- Diamox allows you to breathe faster so that you metabolize more oxygen, thereby minimizing the symptoms caused by poor oxygenation.
- Dexamethasone (a steroid) is a prescription drug that decreases brain and other swelling reversing the effects of AMS.
- Basic Treatment. The only cure is either acclimatization or descent. Symptoms of Mild AMS can be treated with pain medications for headache and Diamox. Both help to reduce the severity of the symptoms, but remember, reducing the symptoms is not curing the problem.
- Moderate AMS. Moderate AMS includes severe headache that is not relieved by medication, nausea and vomiting, increasing weakness and fatigue, shortness of breath, and decreased coordination (ataxia). At this stage, only advanced medications or descent can reverse the problem.
- Severe AMS. Severe AMS requires immediate descent to lower altitudes (2,000 - 4,000 feet [610-1,220 meters]).
- HAPE. Anyone suffering from HAPE must be evacuated to a medical facility for proper follow-up treatment.
- HACE. Severe instances can lead to death if not treated quickly. Immediate descent is a necessary life-saving measure
WE GLADLY SUPPORT: TREK TO TEACH
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Nepal is a paradise for the birdwatcher with a vast array of exceptionally rich bird life of over 864 species recorded, which are home to over 8% of the World’s total bird population. From the lowland jungle of the Terrai and the Kosi Tappu barrage through dense rhododendron and Oak forest of the middle hills to the windswept plateaus of the high Himalaya there is always something to keep one twitching.
The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardia harbor a wide variety of birds. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the Daphe or the Impeyen Pheasant which is found in the Himalayan region.
Birds of the Kathmandu Valley: Within the Kathmandu valley alone, over 500 species of birds have been recorded. The surrounding hills offer a varied ecology ranging from primary and secondary forests to rhododendron, oak and pine forests. In addition, the wetlands and open fields inside the valley make up a diverse habitat for many species of birds. The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the Valley rim situated 20 km South East of Kathmandu, with some 265 species recorded to date. The birds have seen here including babblers, warblers, tits, thrushes, Minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchoki hill where the Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including the lesser racket-tailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted fork tail.
The Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve Situated to the North of Kathmandu, is another important location. Nagerjun Royal Forest on Jamacho hill is situated 5 km to the northwest of Kathmandu on the way to Kakani from Balaju, is a renowned sight for bird enthusiasts with blue magpies, kalij pheasants, Bonelli's eagles, great Himalayan barbets amongst the many species found here.
The wetlands in the valley, the banks of the Manohara River on the way to Bhaktapur, and the Bagmati River, which flows into the Valley from Shivapuri hill and out through Chobhar Gorge, are good places for watching waders and waterfowls. Harboring 40 species of birds mostly dependent on wetlands, Taudaha, a lake on the way to Dakshinkali, attracts flocks of migrant birds.
Popular Bird Watching Sites outside the Kathmandu Valley:
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve: As well as other kinds of fauna, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is renowned for being one of the best locations for birding. Still within Nepal’s sub-tropical Terai belt, this is the smallest (175 sq km) and easternmost reserve in Nepal, just to the North East of the convergence of the Sapta Koshi and Trijuga Khola rivers. Its situation on the Sapta Koshi floodplain means that the environment of this reserve varies dramatically according to the seasons. During the Monsoon (May to September) the flow becomes torrential and covers most of the floodplain, while during the dry seasons, many flat, sandy islands are exposed. The habitat is a combination of scrub grassland and deciduous riverside forest, with over 280 species of birds recorded so far, including 20 species of duck, ibises, storks, swamp partridges (Francolinus gularis), herons, egrets, Bengal floricans (Eupodotis Bengalensis), and many other exotic and migratory waterfowl not found elsewhere in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park is approximately five hours drive by road from Kathmandu or a 35 minute flight situated in the central Terai region. It is renowned for its array of birds, with over 255 species recorded, including many species of parakeets as well as Blue-Throat (thrush), Long-tailed Nightjar, Indian Peafowl, Great Barbet, red-billed blue magpie and Tick ell's red-breasted blue flycatcher. A two night/three day package, staying at a lodge in Sauraha, is an ideal way to combine bird watching with other pursuits.
Bardia National park: Bardia is also a popular destination for bird watching situated in the far West of Nepal it is an area of extensive jungle which is covered by sal forest riverine and grass lands. A boat ride on the slow moving expanse of the Karnali River provides plenty of opportunities to view a vast variety of birds including Ruddy Shelduck, darters, brahmini kites, brown headed gulls, cormorants, oriental pied hornbills, night heron & purple heron, cinnaon bitterns, orioles and majestic peacocks.
Some Itineraries for Bird watching Tours Itinerary 1:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to the Hotel. At the hotel briefing about the program by our representative
Day 02: Sightseeing
Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath, Patan city
Day 03: Kathmandu sightseeing
Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Bhaktapur.
Day 04: Drive to Phulchowki
Phulchowki is situated about 15km Southeast of KTM; this mountain is 2759m high. It is a good spot for hiking. Rhododendron of different varieties and colors from pure white to dark red are found here. This is also the most popular bird watching spot in the valley. 265 species of birds are recorded here. The birds seen here include flycatchers, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, rosefinches, babbkers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki hill where Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including lesser Rackettailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
Day 05: Flight to Biratnagar. Drive to Koshi Tappu
Koshi Tappu is easily accessible from Biratnagar after an hour and half drive. Biratnagar is well connected by road (519 km) and several flights with Kathmandu. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. The Reserve covers 175sq.km and established in 1976. The vegetation is mainly tall Khar-pater grassland with a few patches of Khairsissoo, scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverside forest. The Reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving populations (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalos are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and blue bull. A total of 423 species of birds are recorded here, including 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal Floricans. 183 species of different birds are recorded a day here. Visitors can encounter minimum 100 types of birds in a day.
Day 06: Koshi Tappu
A full day Bird activity on foot and in boat, Koshi Tappu is one of the Asia’s finest wetlands and fabulous bird watching area. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, tems and gulls occur here plus a great variety of land-birds that include such specialties as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Straited Marsh Wabler.
Day 07: Koshi Tappu to Chitwan National Park.
Drive to Chitwan for 9-10 hrs through the beautiful landscapes. There are ample chances to see White-rumped need tail Swifts and Ibis bills en-route. Upon arrival in Lodge, welcome and get information by the naturalist. Chitwan National Park is the most famous national park in Nepal. Offering 450 species of birds including four species of deer, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar and other wildlife. This park is well known for one horned Rhinoceros and it is a shelter for few Royal Bengal Tigers. Beside this Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna.
Day 08: Chitwan
After tea or coffee, go for a bird watching tour. Jungle Safari excursion by jeep or bicycle to the 'Twenty Thousand Lakes' or Wildlife Walk in the dense jungle of the Chitwan National Park, elephant ride, canon ride, village visit. In the evening enjoy a cultural dance performed by local villagers.Day 09: Chitawan
Full day jungle activities like jungle walk, canon ride, bird watching, nature walk etc.
Day10: Chitawan – Bardia National Park
Drive to the Bardia National Park, Bardia National Park is the largest lowland sanctuary and most undisturbed wilderness area in western Terai of Nepal. Thickly covered with the trees and carpeted with grass and savannah, the park has the second largest tiger population after Chitwan National Park. Other wild animal roams here are the one horned rhino, wild elephant, swamp deer, black buck antelope, crocodile and Gangetic Dolphin etc. Endangered birds include the Bengal florican, lesser florican, silver-eared mesia and Sarus crane.
Day 11: Bardia
Jungle activities: elephant-back safari, nature walks, jungle drive, bird watching, trekking in the Churia Hills to observe more birds, overnight in the tented camp.
Day 12: Bardia
Jungle activities: Cultural visits to Tharu village, Gangetic Dolphin viewing, rafting in the Karnali River. In the evening enjoy the Tharu (ethnic tribe) Cultural performance.
Day 13: Bardia-Nepalgunj/flight to Kathmandu
Drive to Nepalgunj about 2hrs then fly to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
Day 14: Free day in Kathmandu for shopping etc
Day 15: Departure to onward destination.
Itinerary 2 :
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at the airport, welcome by our representative and transfer to the Hotel. At the hotel briefing by our representative
Day 02: Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Kathmandu city, Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), Patan city
Day 03: Drive to Phulchowki
Phulchowki is situated about 15km Southeast of KTM; this mountain is 2759m high. It is a good spot for hiking. Rhododendron of different varieties and colors from pure white to dark red are found here. This is also the most popular bird watching spot in the valley. 265 species of birds are recorded here. The birds seen here include flycatchers, yuhinas, sunbirds, flowerpeckers, rosefinches, babbkers, warblers, tits, thrushes, minivets, woodpeckers, eagles and many migrant birds. Godavari, at the foot of Phulchowki hill where Royal Botanical Garden is situated, records over 100 species of birds including lesser Rackettailed drongo, Tibetan siskin and the spotted forktail.
Day 04: Flight to Biratnagar, Drive to Koshi Tappu
Koshi Tappu is easily accessible from Biratnagar after an hour and half drive. Biratnagar is well connected by road (519 km) and several flights with Kathmandu. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the flood plains of the Sapta Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari districts of Eastern Nepal. The Reserve covers 175sq.km and established in 1976. The vegetation is mainly tall Khar-pater grassland with a few patches of Khairsissoo, scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverside forest. The Reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving populations (about 100 individuals) of Wild Buffalos are found here. Other mammals occurring here are hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer and blue bull. A total of 423 species of birds are recorded here, including 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal Floricans. 183 species of different birds are recorded a day here. Visitors can encounter minimum 100 types of birds in a day.Day 05: Koshi Tappu
A full day Bird activity on foot and in boat, Koshi Tappu is one of the Asia’s finest wetlands and fabulous bird watching area. Almost all of Nepal’s long list of wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, herons, egrets, tems and gulls occur here plus a great variety of land-birds that include such specialties as Swamp Francolin, Red-necked Falcon and Straited Marsh Wabler.
Day 06: Drive Koshi Tappu-Biratnagar and fly to Kathmandu.
Day 07: Kathmandu sightseeing
City sightseeing of places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur
Day 08:Transfer to the airport for international departure.
For More Detail and Bookings Feel Free to Contact Us : [madanprasain@gmail.com]
Monday, June 6, 2011
 |
| Ilam Tea Garden |
The district is famous for tea and six 'As' - aalu (potato), alaichi (cardamom), aduwaa (ginger), akabare khursani (red round chilly), olan (milk) and amliso (a grass from which brooms are made, Thysanalaena). Among the six 'As', potato, ginger, cardamom, red round chilly and amliso are exported to Siliguri and Darjeeling in India and Tea is exported to foreign countries.
Ilam is inhabited by the people from various sects and ethnic group and is an interface of different cultures and religions. Ilam has natural green hills covered with tea plantation and forests, diverse climate, simple living style and houses depicting its own arts and unique style. The following touristic places with panoramic view are eager to welcome guests:
Shriantu: Antu Hill situated in the far east of Ilam, famous for viewing sunrise. Most of the flat land of the Terai, Mirik, Kurseong, darjeeling along with beautiful tea gardens can be seen from this place.
Sandakpur: Situated in the north of Ilam, Sandakpur is the main touristic place. Sunrise, sunset, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, all parts of Ilam district and Darjeeling in India can be viewed from this place. various kinds of animals like musk deer and red panda and rare species of birds like pheasant can also be seen here.
Siddhithumka: This place is also famous for panoramic views of sunrise and sunset and most of the flat land of the terai.
Mangmalung: This is situated in the middle of the forest at the upper part of Ibhang and is the important religious place for the Kiratis. This place is regarded as the origin of the Kirat religion. There is also a cave of Matrika Kirateswar and a festival is observed every year with a great pomp and show.Mai Pokhari: is a pristine lake amid natural forest. The pond surrounded by the thick forest of fir, juniper, birch and pine is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Various species of orchids, rhododendron, herbs; rare animals like musk deer, leopard, porcupine, jackal; numerous migratory birds and rare insects, are found in the region. The lake is also considered holy as the abode of Goddess Bhagabati. An annual fair is held here every autumn around the month of October or November. Mai Pokhari is about 18 kilometers from Ilam Bazaar which is about 30-minute drive.
Kanyam and Fikkal: have large estates for which Ilam has been famous for the last 140 years. These tea plantation areas are popular among tourists for picnicking, sightseeing, and taking photographs. Fikkal is a business center in the area. It falls on the Mechi highway on the way to Ilam.
Chhintapu: Mt. kanchenjunga along with most parts of Ilam can be viewed from here. 11 types of rhododendron, rare birds, butterflies important for research study, important herbs like yarshagumba (aphrodisiac) and Paanch Aaulay and rare animals like red panda and musk deer are found in here.
 |
| Mai Pokhari |
Access: Ilam Bazaar is in Ilam district Mechi Zone. It is approximately 700 kilometers and 18 hour-drive to east of Kathmandu. Daily bus services ply for Ilam from central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. Buses are also available from the major cities. There are flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and Bhadrapur from where Ilam can be driven to via Birtamod.
The famous Darjeeling city of India is just 2-hour’s drive from Pashupatinagar on the Nepal-India border of Ilam district. Nepali nationals and Indians can commute by the land to India from Pashupatinagar in Ilam. However, this entry/exit poin is for local use and Indian tourists only. Entry and exit from the eastern point for other travelers is allowed from Kakkarbhitta in Jhapa.
Food and Accommodations: Good to moderate facilities are available for food and accommodation in Ilam Bazaar. Besides home-stay facilities are also available in selected areas; telephone, medical and other tourist facilities are also available in Ilam Bazaar.
When to visit: The subtropical climate of Ilam ensures good weather throughout the year. The best time to visit Ilam is between October-December, or from April-February. People from different parts of Nepal visit Maipokhari in Ilam for an annual festival on Kartik Ekadasi which falls in October or November. Thousands visit Mai Beni during Maghe Sankranti which falls in January.
Predominant Culture: The main groups residing in Ilam are Brahimins, Chhetris, and Lepchas. A Lepchas is at initial stage at Antu and is in the process of being extended.
Pilgrimage Sites are numerous in and around Ilam. The popular ones are:
· Gajur Mukhi a stone tunnel with carved images of Hindu deities. It is on the bank of Deumai Khola, west of Ilam Bazaar. Gajur Mukhi is 4-hour drive from Ilam Bazzar.
· Pathibhara is in Ilam is believed to be as the younger sister of Pathibhara Devi in Taplejung. The temple is in Hanspokhari, southeast of Kolbung VDC and is on the way to Ilam on Mechi Highway.
· Mai Beni house the temple of Lord Shiva at the confluence of rives Mai Khola and Jogma Khola. It is located about 3 kilometers away from Ilam Bazaar. Thousands of devotees gather here on the day of Maghe Sankranti in January.
Besides these there are: Narayansthan in Ilam Bazaar, where a special festival takes place on Krishna Asthami; Bhimsensthan near Ilam Chowk; Singha Bahini in South Ilam, with a beautiful garden in the temple complex; Sati Devi Temple, on Puwa Khola west of Ilam Bazaar, which is a cultural, religious and magnificent site for domestic as well as other tourists.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A trek to Langtang valley starts with an overland journey to Syabrubesi, a small string of shops and hotels. Langtang is a narrow valley that lies just south of the Tibetan border. It is sandwiched between the Himalayan range to the north and a slightly lower range of peaks to the south.
This area was designated Nepal’s first Himalayan national park in 1971. This high and isolated region is inhabited by the Tamangs, whose religious practices, language and dress are more similar to those of Tibet then to the traditions of their cousins in the middle hills. According to a legend a lama following a runaway yak discovered the valley. Hence the name – lang its Tibetan for yak, and teng means to follow.Though is area is relatively close to Kathmandu, the region sees far fewer trekkers than Everest and Annapurna. This trek is easily combined with the Gosainkund Trek.
DAY | PLACE | ALTITUDE |
|---|---|---|
Day 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu – Transfer to Hotel | 1,355 m |
Day 2 | Sightseeing in Kathmandu – Afternoon free | 1,355 m |
Day 3 | Kathmandu to Syabrubesi | 1,300 m |
Day 4 | Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel | 2,470 m |
Day 5 | Lama Hotel to Langtang | 3,430 m |
Day 6 | Langtang to Kyanjin Gompa | 3,870 m |
Day 7 | Kyanjin Gompa (Kyanin Ri) | 4,773 m |
Day 8 | Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel | 2,470 m |
Day 9 | Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi | 1,300 m |
Day 10 | Syabrubesi to Kathmandu | 1,355 m |
Day 11 | At Leisure in Kathmandu | 1,355 m |
Day 12 | End of Trek - Flihgt back Home | 1,355 m |
For booking and Detail please write to Madan Prasain
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Gosainkunda:
A lake is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva when he thrust his Trisula (trident) into a mountain to extract water so that he could cool his stinging throat of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. People often claim that they see Shiva lying in the water. Devotees gather here in hordes on the full moon night of August to take holy dips in the lake Gosaikunda is situated at the altitude of 4380 m t. to the north of Kathmandu on the Lang tang trekking trail. The holy lake is a two daylong trek from Dhunche, which can be reached through an adventurous 118 km mountain road from Kathmandu via Trisuli Bazaar. Small hotels and pilgrim shelters are available here for travelers.
Manakamana:
The Temple of manakamana, a very popular pilgrimage in Nepal, is a temple of one of the manifestations of the Hindu goddess Bhagawati. Bhagawati is belived to have the power to fulfill wishes. It lies 125 km to the west of kathmandu. It is a steep three- hour hile from Abu Khairenion the Kathmandu-Gorkha highway. A cable car also takes travelers to manakamana.
Janakpur:
Janakpur is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila and the Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known in the Hindu Kingdom. Sita the wife of the legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Throughout the year, many pilgrims come to pay their respects to Ram and Sita who are the main religious attractions in Janakpur. The city is thronged by worshippers and visitors alike especially during the festival of Bibah Panchami. This annual festival is celebrated on the occasion of Ram and Sita's marriage and their wedding ceremony is enacted throughout the week. During this period, the city is enlivened by the wedding festivities.Ram and Sita (Janaki) are the two central characters of the great Hindu epic Ramayan. In the story, Ram strings a bow that originally belonged to Lord Shiva the Destroyer and in the process, the bow breaks into three pieces. One piece flies up to heaven. Another falls down into the depths of the underworld. Today, there is a huge pond called Dhanush Sagar above the very spot. The third piece flies to present day Dhanushadham, about 40 kilometers from Janakpur. There, visitors will see huge rocks shaped liked a bow. Thus, after Ram's successful attempt to string the bow, Janaki's father, King Janak gives his daughter's hand in marriage to the brave prince of Ayodhya.
Muktinath:
The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kilometers northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 meters. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.Simraunaghad:
The capital of the former kingdom of Tirahut, is the seat of a rich civilization, which peaked between the 11th and 14th centuries. The ancient city suffered terrible devastation in the hands of invaders but its cultural glory remained in the archeological treasures that are found here. They’re many Hindu temples that draw people to this place in large numbers. Simraunghadh is situated in the Terai plains to the south of Kathmandu. The most convenient access to this place, by air, is from Birgunj (270 Km away from Kathmandu). Another route to Simraugadh is a Flight to Simara (15 minutes) and then a drive to Birgunj (25 km) from where it is 45 km to simraughad.
Balmiki Asharm:
The Balmaki Ashram is situated in the forest on the banks of the Terbeni river, at the southwestern corner of the Royal Chitwan National park. It was a retreat used by the great Hindu sage, Balmaki. This is where Sita is sad to have live with her two sons, Labha and Kusha, after separation from Rama. Various statues were unearthed in this area during an archeological excavation in the late 60's. Recently, a Temple of Sita has been built here.
Varahakshetra:
Varahakshetra, located at the confluence of the Saptakoshi and Kaka rivers, is 20 km away from a town in eastern Nepal - Dharan. Varahakshetra is among the four great Hindu pilgrimages. Here, the boar-Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is sald to have a said to have killed demon Hiranakshaya. Apart from the main shrine dedicated to Varaha, there are many other temple with images of the Varaha is Varahakshetra. Every year on the first of Magh (November), a religious fare takes place here.
Devghat:
Devghat is situated 6 km to the north of Narayanghat, the gateway to the Royal Chitwan National Park. On the day of the Makar Sakranti festival in January pilgrims come here to take holy dips in the Narayani, formed by the meeting of the kali Gandaki and Trisuli. There is a settlement of a community of elderly, retired people here. Davghat can be reached by taking a daily flight or bus services.
Dhanushadham:
A historical and religious site, dates back to the time of the great epic- Ramayana. It is located 18 km northeast of janakpur in the south central region of Nepal. Dhanushadham was the place where Lord Rama had broke Shiva's divine bow, a condition for winning the hand of Sita in marriage. According to the epic, one of the three pieces of the bow fell in the present day Dhanushadham.
Ridi:
Ridi is among the most popular religious places in Nepal. Rikeshwor narayan Mandir, situated here, is the local version of the Pashupatinath temple with its auspicious Ghats (cremation grounds). It is situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi Khola, linked by a 50 km dirt road to the hill resort town of Tansen.
During the Makar Sankranti Festival, hundreds of devotees from different parts of the world throng the Dhanusha temple to worship the fossilized bow fragments and to take ritual dips in the river. Here, thee are other temples dedicated to Devendra and Ganesh too.
Lumbibni:
Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Rupandehi District, Lumbini Zone of Nepal. It the place where Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama who later became a Buddha(Gautama Buddha), and founded the religion of Buddhism. Gautama Buddha lived between approximately 563 BCE and 483 BCE. For Buddhists, this is one of the four main pilgrimage sites based around the life of Gautama Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath. Lumbini is located 25kms east of the municipality of Kapilavastu, the place where the Buddha grew up and lived up to the age of 29. Kapilvastu is the name of place as well as the neighbouring district. Lumbini has various Buddhist temples including the Mayadevi temple and many which are presently (2007) under construction. There is also the Puskarini pond and remains of Kapilvastu palace in Lumbini. There are other sites near Lumbini where, according to Buddhist tradition, previous Buddha were born and achieved enlightenment and died.Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupati Nath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is 6km. east of downtown Kathmandu. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. The two tier magnificient golden temple, with four triple silver doorways, is a unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South-Asia with hundreds of Shiva Lingam shrines and icons Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple is spread out over a large area.
The main entrance, for Hindu people only, is on the western side. Tourists may peak inside, or go on the other side of the river to have a glimpse of the temple complex from above. During the festival of Shivaratri (February – March) 10,000's of devotees and pligrims (many from India) visit this temple and make ceremonial fires.
Changunarayan Temple:
Situated on a small hillock overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this temple is 12km. east of Kathmandu. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works in metal and wood. This famous temple was built in the 3rd century A.D. An inscription opposite the temple tells about a historic event which is the first epigraphic evidence of Nepali history.
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