Festival of Colors

It is also known as Phagu Purnima which is a festival of colours and water. This festival is celebrated from Falgun Shukla Ashthami to Purnima (full moon) as a celebration of Basanta (Spring) season. People have gathered with their friends and family since early morning today and commenced the celebration by applying colours on each other and making merry amongst themselves. This is joyful festival for children; they used Pichakari (water Gun of Bamboo or plastic) with colorful water throw each other. Even they filled balloon with water (Lola) and smeared over them. The festival is celebrated on two different days. Hilly region of the nation celebrates the festival on the day of the full moon while the Terai region celebrates it the next day.

According to Hindu Mythology, the demon king Hiranya kashyapu , who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the Lord Vishnu, he ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad.Holika had the power of emitting fire. She took Pralhad into her lap intending to burn him but with Lord Vishnu’s immortal blessings instead she was burnt to ashes. From then onwards, the Fagu Poornima celebration begins with a Holika dahan or making a bonfire commemorating the death of Holika on the eve of Holi, the symbol of triumph of good over evil.

The Holi start one week before than main celebration. As traditional rituals a long bamboo stick (lingo) decorated with colorful flags/cloths called Chir (Holi pole) which is standing in the three heritage squares of Nepal namely Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhakatpur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square. At the end of the festivities the Chir is taken to a bonfire. It is called Chir Haran or Holika Dahan.

This is great experience for every tourist from different world, who would like to know about unique Nepali culture.

Maha Shivaratri: Festival of Lord Shiva

Mahashivratri is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festival nights of Nepal. It is a festival that honors Lord Shiva. Mahashivratri is known as the ‘Great Night of Lord Shiva’ and according to Gregorian calendar, falls in February. According to Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated in the month of phaguna. As per astrological tenets, the cosmos is said to be replete with divine energy on the night of Shivaratri, and devotees offer prayers to tap into this energy.

This tradition has been followed till today and no worship of Lord shiva is considered complete without the offering of the six items- bael leaves, vermilion, unbroken rice and fruits, incense, diya and betel leaves. Rudraksha is the symbolize of the three eyes of Lord Shiva. Therefore, devotee wear a Rudraksha mala also (rosary created with the seeds of Rudraksha tree) on this day. Devotees and general pilgrims mark this festival on a grand scale by fasting and keeping vigil (Jaagran); that is staying awake the whole night in praise of Mahadeva (Shiva). Lord Shiva who is known by the name of Bholenath and is the supreme embodiment of perfect spirituality fulfills all the desires of a person who prays to Him sincerely. On this day, Married women pray to Lord Shiva for the well-being and long life of their husbands and children. While Unmarried girls offer their prayers to Lord Shiva to be blessed with an ideal spouse like Him.

This day and more so the night is dedicated by the devotees of Lord Shiva for his worship, practice of various austerities & meditation. Pashupatinath Temple is considered to be one of the major centers of pilgrimage for Hindus, especially Shaivaites. Thousands of devotee come to the Pashupatinath Temple to celebrate Maha Shivaratri and the Shiva Shakti Peetham nearby. The temple is open only to Hindus with several shrines and pavilions where yogis and priests chant or meditate. Thousands of sadhus from Nepal and India come to Pasupatinath to celebrate the festival of Mahashivaratri by smoking marijuana, smearing their bodies with ash and offering prayers to the Hindu Deity Lord Shiva.Devotees of Lord Shiva dance and sing on the Eva of Mahashivaratri festival inside Pasutaptinath temple and the Shiva Shakti Peetham nearby.

Foreigners heading to Pashupatinath Temple should be aware, because only Hindus are allowed inside the main temple. Tourists can access the Bagmati River site and the Sadhu area. Government will charge NRs.500/- entry fees for foreigners to entry pasupatinath complex.

Rice Plantation (Ropai) and Mud Festival

Nepal is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Also agriculture is considered one of the important occupations in Nepal.  The arrival of monsoon season in the month of Asar (Nepalese Calendar) which is usually falls around June-July. The rice plantation generally begins from the first week of Asar. It is cultivated as rice plantation needs lots of water. It is the time when farmers plant new seedlings of rice crops in their paddies with the hope of growing quintals of rice by planting kilos. The plantation is done by the female, the male will plow and level the field to ease plantation. During rice plantation, People Singing Ashare jhyaure geet (a traditional monsoon song) splashing each other with muddy water and relishing dahichiura (curd and beaten rice) farmers plant rice with joy and merriment.

Rice is a major staple food of Nepali people, thus planting of the important food is celebrated with lots of enthusiasm and fun. Nepal Government has decided to celebrate the 15th day of Asar as a Ropain festival – rice planting festival. The tourists who come to Nepal for the visit in this rainy season took part and enjoyed planting rice. This is the completely new experience for the local as well as tourists who participate in this festival besides hiking, trek, and sightseeing.

Likewise the every year, the “Ropai Mahotsab” was organized by Tourism board in pokhara. In between plantation, you can enjoy a friendly mud wrestling, tug of war, splashing the muddy water on each other, and plow racing competition.

Home stay Tourism in Nepal

The Government of Nepal generates this program in the Nepal Tourism Year 2011. The concept of village tourism was introduced for the first time in Nepal in Sirubari village (1700 m) inhabited mostly by people of the Gurung community. Home stay in Nepal, Travelers will have a chance to explore and understand the village life, unique opportunity to make positive environmental, exchange language, social and economic contributions in host communities through their visits. Villagers were welcoming with warm greetings by wearing their traditional customs to the tourist. Homestay opportunities range from a complete family experience to basic room rental. During home stay in Nepal, you will get local lodging, local food and the typical Nepali village lifestyle in the manner of touristic way. They also get to observe and participate in the day-to-day activities of these villages.

Homestays are universally considered an excellent alternative to hotel accommodation, which provides the opportunity for visitors to experience local culture and lifestyle firsthand. The major purpose of homestay is to enhance rural people’s participation in the tourism sector. This kind of plan is also suitable for backpackers as they can explore more of the Himalayan country with limited budget. If you are planning for a short vacation/ holiday in Nepal you would better plan for tours and travels from Homestay Plans. Because Nepal has got diverse in culture, climate, custom, creature and community. Living in a Nepali village as a homestay guest is an excellent way to know the real Nepal.

Island Peak

Island Peak (6,189m/20,305ft) is a getaway into Himalayan climbing and this is the most climbed peak in the Nepal. The peak is located in the Imja Valley that’s why it’s also known as Imja Tse in Nepali. The Island Peak located between the Mt. Lhotse and Imja glaciers is an extension of Lhotse Shar (8,400m).Among all the trekking peaks in Nepal, Island peak is the most popular as it is suitable to all novice climbers and experienced trekkers.  It’s a technically straight forward ridge, it is suitable for climbers without previous experience of climbing on snow and ice also you can experience traditional high-Himalayan Sherpa culture in the towns of the Khumbu region The peak climbing in Nepal is the adventurous combined form of trekking in Nepal and mountain peak climbing in Nepal.

If you are a novice climber who is aiming for your first real mountain ascent, it is an ideal choice. If you are an aspiring would-be mountaineer, but don’t have much clue on what it takes to venture into this exciting field of mountaineering, island peak can be your “first summit” climb. The top of Island Peak, You can see wonderful views of many Himalayan giants, including the huge south face of Mt. Lhoste (8,516m) and the peak of Mt. Ama Dablam (6,812m).

The best seasons for the Island Peak climbing are spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). But If you are well prepared for the winter season (December to February), this season is also a great time to climb.

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

Dhampus Sarangkot Hike is one of the most popular and most classic hiking route in Nepal. Dhampus Sarankot lower part of Annapurna Region. Dhampus Sarangkot trek is begins at Phedi (1080 m) after 30-minute drive from Pokhara. Sarangkot (1700m) village is perched high up on the northwest side of Pokhara with charming views of Pokhara valley and the Phewa Lake.

The  Dhampus Sarangkot trek passes through beautiful countryside inhabited by highly Explore the culture, lifestyle, Food  and traditions of ethnic Gurung villages  as well as wide spectacular mountain scenery and takes you north of Mt.Annapurna (8091 m), Mt.Machhapuchare (Fishtail-6993 m)), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Mt. Lamjung Himal and Mt. Manaslu (8163 m) ranges. Besides the breathtaking mountain views, Dhampus will also offer you an opportunity to experience the peace and beauty of Nepalese countryside,

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is more like a relaxed hiking for many trekkers. It’s short experience to give a feel about a typical trekking in Nepal. This trekking is perfect for those people who do not have trekking experience and want to walk less and who want to explore the Himalayan views from the lower elevation.  The maximum height 1600 m will not a problem for tourists. That’s why this trek is also known as the alternative trekking of Annapurna view trekking.

This trekking can be done throughout the year however January to May and September to December is better time comparing to rest of the year. You will generally have stunning Himalayan views and green scenery during these months.

Lukla: Entrance to Mt. Everest

Lukla is situated in the Khumbu region of Solukhumbu district. Located at a height of 2,860 meters (9,383 ft), It is also known as a gateway of Himalayas, that trekkers and mountaineers step into the world famous Everest Region. One of the most visited and attractive tourist spot in Nepal is Lukla. Nepal is a world famous tourist destination and every year there are millions of travelers who love to come to this Himalayan Abode.

Lukla is a small town inhabited by Sherpa community where you can explore tiny farming community as well. There have well equipped-modern hotels and lodges, shops and departmental stores. Every year thousands of tourist like: trekkers, mountaineers and tourists touch down at Lukla on their way to Everest region.This town is busy during autumn and spring seasons, in this seasons tourists come for adventure activities such as Trekking, Mountaineering, skydiving etc.

This town has a small airport:

  1. Tenzing Hillary Airport: This airport is also known as a Lukla airport also this airport situated in the highest point on earth.This Airport was built in the seventies in the initiation of Sir Edmund Hillary. This Is the World’s Most Dangerous Airport. It’s takes 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to the village of Lukla. This airport is the only convenient way to access to the base camp of the magnificent Mt. Everest. There is also a helipad located in the same airport used by helicopters for transport and rescue operation. The airlines that operate in the Tenzing-Hillary Airport are Nepal Airlines,Tara Airlines,Gorkha Airlines, Simrik Airlines and Sita Air.

Note: Those without the nerves to land at Lukla do have other options, however; either take an 11-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Jiri and hike uphill for seven to eight day to Lukla or pay in the four figures for private helicopter transfers, which are often no less harrowing.

Trekking Experience in Nepal

Nepal is famous for holding highest mountain peak of the world, Mount Everest. It is surrounded by lofty and majestic mountains. Nepal is one of the preferred destinations among adventure enthusiast, trekkers, hikers and mountain climbers. Adventure enthusiast from different corners of world visit Nepal to undertake the challenge of climbing the highest peak of mountains and explore the unexplored trekking trails.

Among fourteen highest mountain peaks, eight are in Nepal. Therefore, it is preferred by the daring adventure loving tourists. Tourist can enjoy the adventure games like hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, trekking, skiing, paragliding, ice skating, etc. Some of the popular trekking trails are Everest base camp, Annapurna region, Langtang region, Mustang region, Dolpo region, Kanchanjungha region, Langtang region, Manaslu region, etc. You will really enjoy trekking in Nepal in these regions. You can cross many beautiful mountain hamlets on your trek. You will get a wondrous opportunity to explore the Himalayan culture. You will also cross some famous wildlife sanctuaries. You can spot many exotic and rare mountainous flora and fauna. Nepal is said to be the perfect destination for bird watching. More than 750 species of avifauna dwell in the mountain valley of Nepal. Listen to their sweet chirping and warm up your mood in the cold climate.

Nepal trekking tours can be enjoyed by people of all age group and all physic. Even weak and old aged people can have fun in the Himalayan land and enjoy the adventurous game. All grades of trekking trails are there. There three trekking levels -low grade trekking trail, middle grade trekking trail and high grade trekking trail. Ages and weak strength people can enjoy trekking experience in the low grade trekking trails. If you are a novice trekker and mountain climber, you should start from low grade and proceed gradually to middle level. If you feel comfortable, you can go for daring high trekking trails. You should go for higher level only when you have a good health as these trails are very high altitude and you may face breathing problem there.

Before going for trekking tours Nepal, you should go for medical check up. If your physic allow, then only you should go for trekking. It is advisable to undertake the daring experience under the guidance of expert trekker. You can buy a tour package for trekking in the mountains of Nepal. The agent will provide you necessary safety gears. You must carry required medicine with you. You will not get medicine store in the mountain trail.

Top 5 tourist attraction in Nepal

Nepal draws a lot of tourist for a various reason. Some are lured by the call of the mountains and seeking to climb or trek in the Himalayas, others are attracted by its colorful and vibrant mix of culture and its famous cities. While some come in search of a spiritual awakening. More the less, Nepal can be just the right mix of culture, adventure and life-changing experience.

Most visitors spends sometime in the city of Kathmandu, visiting sacred and historical places and then move on to explore the beauty of the country’s nature in the other parts of the country. However, whenever we speak of Nepal there are quite the few things that strikes our mind at the start. We think of the capital city Kathmandu and we will relate Mount Everest to it.

Although, those are the most attractive places in Nepal, you would not be surprised to hear that there are more places, which are as attractive as Kathmandu or Mt. Everest. We have listed out the top 5 attractions in Nepal you can visit the next time you come in.

 

Trekking in the Annapurna Region

The Annapurna Region is one of the most popular trekking regions in the country. The option to trek around this region varies from few days to a few weeks. The Circuit trek around the mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is incredibly popular among trekkers who have enough time. The Annapurna Sanctuary rests between the peaks of Annapurna and takes five days to reach. The region has a good infrastructure to support many trekkers that come in through this area all year long. You do not have to worry about food and lodging as the place offers plenty of option for the travelers.

 

Lumbini

Lumbini is famous for being the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Buddha. The attraction is situated off the main tourist track, almost 250 kilometers south from Kathmandu. The place is listed in as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives the feeling of tranquility and peace. You will meet with many Buddhist pilgrims from around the world who comes in to visit the place to retrace Buddha’s footsteps through the stations of his life. In the spot in where Buddha was Born, is situated the Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Buddha’s mother. It contains an ancient stone relief from the 2nd century AD depicting Buddha’s birth.

 

Helambu Trekking

The Helambu region is a popular trekking destination, particularly among hikers who would like to have a less strenuous trek. This is largely because it is close to Kathmandu, does not reach astoundingly high elevations and offers beautiful mountain scenery. As for this very reason, many of the touring groups rate it as easy. But, trekking in Himalayas is always demanding and can be quite difficult to some trekkers out there as their expectation does not match the reality.

 

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang trek can also be called a peak into the hidden world of Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. The kingdom itself used to be a part of the Tibetan empire, and therefore is closely related to Tibet; not only the culture but also the landscape is very much like it. Huge boulders and rocks surrounds the region. Mustang is mostly a barren landscape where the villages with their bright colored fields are like an Oasis in deserts. The Major attraction is the culture of the people living in the region.

 

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is one of the highest lakes in the world at an altitude of almost 5000 meters located in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas in Manang district of Nepal. When you are on Annapurna Circuit trek you will cross this watersheds between Manang and Kali Gandaki valleys above the 5000 meters high Thorong La pass. The area offers various accommodation sites or even teahouses past the Tlicho base camp lodge. The Lake and the trek as a whole itself is a revitalizing experience, yet a very challenging and extremely adventurous terrain.

Is Nepal expensive to Travel?

Is Nepal Expensive?

Nepal, also a favorite destination for Backpackers is a beauty packaged in a comparatively worth value. But is it expensive to travel around it, let’s find that out.

Fascinated by the mysterious country offering a gateway to Mount Everest? Nepal is the place where you can observe raw adventure; towering Himalayan peaks, rare wildlife and ancient culture. Nepal is not only multiple in context to cultural heritages but also more diverse in vegetation, animal, natural landscapes etc. It has many historical places, which are archaeologically valuable, and an important source of income and study.

If you ever plan to travel in Nepal then assure yourself that don’t worry too much about your travel budget. The travel/trekking cost which you find in Nepal are very cheaper and affordable than other destinations in the world. In Nepal tourist fee can be charged differently according to the SAARC nation and outside from the SAARC nation. Nepal’s touristic site propose less charges for travelers belonging to the SAARC nations but it doesn’t charge much fees to anyone outside from the SAARC nations. Nepal will always be opening its doors to backpackers and traveler for many nationalities

Accommodation in Nepal is pretty standard and prices vary dramatically, depending on where you stay and when. Normally a simple guesthouses, will set charge between $5 – $35 per night. If you’re travelling outside of the valley in high season/non season, prices can up and down. Basically 3 star to Luxurious hotels rate are higher than guest house but not much that higher than other Asian countries. They will charge between $19 – $242. Nepal holds one of the most delicious local delicacies which come at a very affordable cost. Along with that it will be nice for you if you purchase adventure packages like bungee jumping, paragliding, zip flier, skydiving and rafting as they are way cheaper in Nepal than any other Asian nation you would like to travel. The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali Rupee. We recommend carrying a combination of Nepali Rupee and American dollars at any time.