What is the most strenuous job for you?

From Everest Base Camp trail

Yaks and Mules with creaking load on their back is one of the most heart rending sights you confront while trekking in the rugged trail of Nepalese mountain. You get to see a number of caravans carrying the heavy stuffs endlessly. A yak or mule can carry 60 kg. It is sad that those animals are destined to struggle along such tough and dangerous trails. If you look into their eyes, you will surely pity on their fate.  However, the next moment when you see human ( the porters) strapping 120 kg on their back along the same route, you will be compelled to forget the animal's woe ! A porter is paid 60 Nepalese Rupees per kg. Unless they can lift over 100 kg, there is not much rewards!

The porters often remind me the fate of Sisyphus. He  was forced to roll a massive boulder up a steep hill, only for it to roll back down each time he neared the top, condemning him to repeat this labor for eternity. Sisyphus and his punishment became a symbol of the endless struggle and futility of human existence. Although it applies in everyone's case, when you compare your back pack with their stuff you will definitely agree that you are far more fortunate. .

Life as a porter in the Everest region is a blend of physical endurance, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty. Porters are the unsung heroes of the Himalayas, carrying heavy loads for trekkers and climbers, enabling them to traverse some of the most challenging terrain on Earth.

For many porters, this isn't merely a job but a way of life passed down through generations. They hail from Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, and other ethnic communities residing in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. From a young age, they learn the art of balancing bulky loads on their backs and navigating the rugged trails that crisscross the mountains.

The work of a porter is grueling, with each individual carrying loads that often exceed their own body weight. These loads can include food, camping gear, oxygen tanks, and other supplies necessary for expeditions attempting to conquer Everest's lofty peak. Despite the physical challenges, porters exhibit remarkable strength and resilience, trekking for days at high altitudes with seemingly boundless energy.

 Their journey takes them through picturesque villages adorned with fluttering prayer flags, ancient monasteries, and terraced fields carved into the mountainsides. Along the way, they encounter fellow travelers from around the globe, forging connections and exchanging stories that transcend cultural boundaries.

Life in the Everest region is deeply intertwined with Buddhist traditions and Sherpa culture. Porters often pay homage to the mountains by offering prayers at sacred sites and performing rituals to ensure safe passage through treacherous terrain. Their deep reverence for the natural world is reflected in their harmonious coexistence with the environment, practicing sustainable methods of living and trekking.

Despite the hardship, being a porter offers a sense of camaraderie and fulfillment. Many porters take pride in their role as essential contributors to the mountain community, supporting not only themselves but also their families back home. Through their tireless efforts, they play a vital role in facilitating adventure and exploration in one of the world's most awe-inspiring landscapes, leaving an indelible mark on all who journey through the Everest region.

Hari Sharan

Kathmandu Bird Watching

In the surrounding forested hills of Kathmandu, more than 500 species of birds have been recorded.Therefore, the travelers staying in Kathmandu cities can make an amazing combination of heritage tour with jungle walk.The Green patch of lush vegetation around the busy city often triggers curiousity and indeed it is so close from the city that you can make an interesting jungle walk for bird watching in a couple of hours.

Kathmandu valley, situated at the elevation of 1400 meter from the sea level, is surrounded by serene Deciduous Monsoon Forest.Therefore, the outskirt of Kathmandu is already a popular destination for day walk and hiking. If you are in Kathmandu valley, you also have a good opportunity to enjoy bird watching in the pristine jungle. After just an hour's walking or a few minute's driving, you will soon forget the cacophony of the cities. Suryabinayak is an hour's walk from Bhaktapur.Godawari, Phulchowki and Chandragiri is half an hour drive from Patan.Similarly, from Kathmandu it is another half an hour drive to Nagarjun and Shivapuri jungle where you can spend a day for rare bird watching.

In the area you can easily spot the birds like:Indian Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Black Kite, Oriental Turtle Dove, Spotted Dove,Rose-ringed Parakeet, Asian Koel, Common Cuckoo, Spotted Owlet, White Throated Kingfisher,Blue Throated Barbet, Great Barbet, Black Drongo, Longtailed Shrike, Long tailed RedBilled Blue magpie,Large Billed Crow, Red- vented Bulbul, Barn Swallow, Common Tailorbird, Common Myna,Jungle Myna, Eurassian Tree Sparrow, Oriental Magpie Robin,  Wood Pecker, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Falcon etc.  

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

Solo Trip to Panch Pokhari

Basic gears carried: dawn jacket, sleeping bag, sun glass, normal sports shoes, dry food,water bottle, lighter.

Day 1  Kathmandu to Deurali Drive  and hike to Tupi Danda  2200 m (6 hours)

Day 2 Tupi Danda to Noshyampati  trek 3700 m(6 hours)

Day3 Noshyampati to Panch Pokhari trek 4200 m (3 hours)

Day 4 Panch Pokhari to Deurali and Drive to Kathmandu

 This time my destination was Panch Pokari. It is a well known destination for Buddhist and Hindus. Situated in Sindhupalchowk district, the area is well populated by Tamang. The local people visit this place on the day of Janai Purnima festival during August. Hundreds and Thousands of Nepalese - both Buddhist and Hindus go for pilgrim and take sacred bath on this day. Among them, a number of Shamans with their typical Drums seize your eyes. They go all the way drumming, Chanting and dancing in their trance state. They are the only people least affected by the high altitude geography and the difficult trail that goes mostly uphill.

But this time during December, there was nothing like that. Moreover, at this time of covid 19 pandemic, tourism ( both domestic and international) has been completely crippled. Obviously people are reluctant to travel although the government has lifted restriction in trekking.

It is daunting to take a solo trip to such remote mountainous regions in off season. I set up at around 11.30 am in my bike. It was 4.5 hours drive from Bhaktapur to Bhotang Village via Changu, Sankhu, LapsiPhedi, Chapabot Bharegaun and Melamchi. 

On Day 1, I stopped at Buspark located in Chimti, Bhotang viallge. I stayed at Arjun Shankar lodge, Chimti. It was the only lodge opened in the area. The next day , after I embarked my trek, I realized that I could go a bit more ahead uphill to the place called Deurali where I could park my bike and would be a lot more easier walking from. Further, I  discovered yet another option that I could park the bike at Deurali on the first day and start walking up to the place called Tupi Danda 2200m. This place can be reached in an hour of walk from Deurali. It would also help to acclimatize body. Most importantly, this would further shorten the next day's walking distance making it much easier to arrive Panch pokhari (4200 m) in one day .

On Day 2, after a short rest and chit chat with a boy looking after his cottage in Tupi Danda, I continued walking. From here, the trail dramatically grows lonely for me. The mossy dense forest makes you nervous and warns you to take your time before you continue. I literally was stunned by the deafening silence of the jungle and at a time I even thought to take U turn and run back downhill where I would feel more safe and comfortable. But promptly I realized that I could not thwart the mission. So, I rather kept going accepting whatever the challenges would possibly come ahead. 

As I walk further deep this temperate forest, I would some time be alarmed by the weird shaped rocks and trees covered in green moss. In many bends and corners, you take them for some kind of animal or someone waiting to surprise you. But as you go closer, you are happy to realize it is just your illusion. It is even more likely to happen if you are all alone in this ruthless forest. During winter, the shaded part of the forest can go freezing cold. So, the streams that flow along such bend are frozen. I had to be very careful walking on ice. After walking about and hour, the trail now goes along the bank of Gyalsin khola. There was a small wooden crossover on it. After crossing the river the trail again winds up hill.

Although the path gets more strenuous as you climb uphill, the wider horizon come in your view is extraordinarily mesmerizing. As you move ahead towards semi alpine zone, you leave the green patch of forest behind and hence they come in full shape. Continuous uphill walk makes you breathless, but I would say, the infinite layers of mountains that you can behold from the height make you forget to breathe. Moreover, varieties of birds welcome you with their sonorous carol. 

Further ahead, your heels can feel the trail growing harder. I could feel some sharp pointed pebbles under my heels despite wearing a good walking boot. Gradually, I ascended for about an hour and half up to Tapkharka.  From here onward, I figured out the effect of altitude, I felt like taking a break after every now and then. But, every time I stopped, my eyes would run over the infinite ranges of hills and mountain stretching far away in the horizon. It would quickly boost up my energy and tempt to climb higher out of curiosity and expectation to see wider view. Ahead was Noshyampati in my view. There were few small cottages made of corrugated tin. The urgency to arrive there for a good rest was throbbing. But for this, I needed one more hour of walk.

Noshyampati is at the height of 3700 m which is an ideal place for overnight stop so that your body is well acclimatized before you go for final climb to 4200 m where lies Panch Pokhari, my destination.

After long hike, I had finished my water bottle. My expectation to fill it at Noshyampati was shattered when two returning trekkers ( apart from them I did not meet anybody on the way) told me it would not be possible to get water until I arrived at Panch Pokhari. They explained that  Everything was frozen so the pipelines were dry too. I was really dismayed. Without water I would surely get worn out and make the journey painful. They also told me that I would not see any one before reaching Panch Pokhari and it was yet another 4 hours walking distance. It made me desperate.  They were so kind to empty their bottles to fill mine. They convinced me that I would be in more need of it. They were absolutely right. In next half an hour walk, I reached Noshyampati. Of course, there was no body and no water. The sign board shows 3700 meter above sea level. All the small cottages were locked except a couple of sheds made for sheep and mountain cow. The shepherd had moved them to low land for winter.

It was 2  o'clock in the afternoon. By now, I was completely exhausted. I could feel shortness of breath in this thin air. The first suggested option was to keep going for next 3 hours. But I was sure, this would hit me hard by altitude. It is not wise to go from 2200 m to 4200 m in a day. So, for my comfort, I preferred to stop here overnight. But, all alone!!!?  Definitely yes!  The second option is to keep going which I thought would be crazy.

I decided to stop. After an hour's rest, I was more determined about the possibility to spend night. There were three sheds opened for travelers. I chose the best one. It was a small wooden cottage with corrugated tin and plastic sheet on the roof. I quite liked the flooring made of long wooden planks placed above the ground. And there was a fireplace as well that delighted me most.

It was my first experience spending night alone in mountain where there was no electricity, no water and no food. But I had fire!!!

After an hour's rest, I explored the place to find any useful item. Luckily, I found a small aluminium utensil which could be used to melt ice and also to prepare my Noodle soup. Then, I collected enough fire wood. Thank god – there was ample amount of  leftover chips of wood.

Gradually, the Sun goes down. The beams of light peeping in through the loosely fixed wooden wall grew faint. The mountain ravines would caw on my roop top alarming me every now and then.  My heart started throbbing harder. My major concern was "I am all alone!". Soon, darkness ruled. It was pitch dark outside. There was cold wind blowing outside. Sometimes, I felt, the wind will blow my tin roof and plastic laid over it. But I was somehow feeling cozy with warm fire inside. As the fire got stronger I felt warm and sleepy.

Next morning, at 4 o' clock I woke up. I was happy and proud of myself. I survived the night at such an isolated mountain!

I soon, buckled up to hit the trail. The trail goes all the way up to the cold rocky mountain. The bends were innumerable and the steps were infinite. I went on navigatng the faint trail marks. A couple of time, I was was surprised by a sudden move of scared Danphe birds (Lophophorus) and Jharal ( the himalayan Tahr). Out of no where, they would make a swift dart into thorny Alpine bush.

As I climbed ahead, I found all the layers of mountains stretching far beyond the horizon. The clouds were forming down there. They looked like soft cotton lay over the valley. Ahead was more steps and it gets steeper. Now and then, the trail is obstructed by huge boulders.  I can figure out that they  perhaps often roll down. There were bigger boulders ahead and the trail took me through in between and round them.

It was continuous 2 hour walk before crossing Laureybina pass (4000m). After the pass, the trail led to first down and then up to the valley where the five sacred ponds lie. It was winter season, so the water in the ponds is frozen on the surface.

The valley is well set amidst precipitous Rocky Mountains. I figured out that the valley would be green and colorful with alpine vegetation during summer.

As I had already got the information, there was a team of engineer and representatives working on measurement of the ponds - a DPR project. So, there was a lodge opened for them. When I arrived, the lunch was almost ready. The owner heartily welcomed me with hot water and tea. Of course, he invited me for the lunch that I was eagerly looking for!

The beauty of the valley mesmerized me so much that I forgot I was breathing in thin air at the elevation of 4200 m. I overcame my fatigue at once. After sipping my tea quickly, I set out to explore around .

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

WHAT IS THE BEST trekking season IN NEPAL?

Nepal's climate varies with its topography and altitude, ranging from the tropical to the arctic. The low-land Terai region in the tropical southern part of the country has a hot and humid climate that can rise above 45 Degree Celsius (113 Degree Fahrenheit) during summer. The mid-land regions are pleasant almost all the year round, although the winter nights are chilling. The northern mountain region has an alpine climate with considerably lower temperature in winter, especially, at altitudes above 3000m.

The Season

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year that comprises of four distinct seasons each with different attractions to offer: 

Spring Season (Mid Feb – Mid June)

Springtime temperature is mildly warm in the lowlands and moderate at higher altitudes, with plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendron - splashes the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring. This is also the time of local festivals in Kathmandu Valley. The Local people, who are farmers by profession, welcome spring season with great fervor. The indigenous Newar communities go colorful in festive mood. The spring festival begins with HOLI (the festival of color) followed by numerous local festivals.

Monsoon Season (Late June to Mid Sep)

This is also the monsoon season in Nepal. The weather is hot and wet at times. It rains almost every day with occasional thunderstorms in the evening, though mornings are often clear and you can expect beautiful sunrises. This is the favorite season to trek in the arid rain shadow areas like Upper Mustang, Dolpo and Kailash. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and botanists. The advantage of trekking in the summer months is less crowded trails and the less cold in the high mountains. 

Autumn Season (Mid Sep_ Mid Dec)

This is the best trekking season in Nepal. The weather is very pleasant and clear so the mountain views are the best. This is the peak season for trekking as mountain views are guaranteed so it is wise to book your flights well in advance. This is also the season of festivals as Nepal celebrates the biggest Hindu festivals – Dashain (the National Festival) followed by Tihar (the festival of lights).

Winter (Mid Dec to Mid Feb)

This is a great season for those who do not mind cold weather in the Himalayas. During this season mountain peaks are more visible and the days are longer in the Himalayas being sunny almost every morning to late afternoon. We provide you with warm down jackets and the sleeping bag to keep you warm enough in the night. Most of the lodges are open this time too which offers you heated dining hall till late. Occasional snow can sometime prevent us to go further. Mid December to end of January is the best time to trek during the winter.

Temperature and Rainfall

Nepal is the country of extremes. The low-land plains of the Terai can have tropical temperatures and also mosquitoes, particularly in the summer months. The Himalayas can get to sub-zero temperatures, but the sun can bring some warmth during the day, even in the mountains. The temperature of Kathmandu goes below 1 Degree Celsius (34 Degree Fahrenheit) in winter and rises to an average of 25 Degree Celsius (77 Degree Fahrenheit) in summer.

The average temperature in Kathmandu during the four seasons:

* Spring season: 16-23 Degree Celsius (61-73 Degree Fahrenheit)

* Summer season: 23-25 Degree Celsius (73-77 Degree Fahrenheit)

* Autumn season: 15-24 Degree Celsius (59-75 Degree Fahrenheit)

* Winter season: 9-12 Degree Celsius (48-54 Degree Fahrenheit)

During the rainy monsoon season between June to August, it rains to an average between 200-375 millimeters in Kathmandu. There is occasional rainfall during the other seasons too. In an average, 1300 millimeters of rain falls in Kathmandu every year.

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS (AMS)

GOING HIGH

As most trekking routes in Nepal takes you above 3,000 meters, the schedules must be carefully designed to minimize the effects of Altitude. We ascend slowly, for safe acclimatization. Headaches and breathlessness (The first symptoms of Mountain Sickness) are common at altitude and are, in themselves, nothing to worry about. In rare cases, this may develop into Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS),so the Guide keeps a close watch on everybody, as he/she is trained to recognize the symptoms .If anyone shows signs of severe headaches, nausea, lethargy or in extreme cases, ataxia (loss of co-ordination) and serious breathlessness at rest, they will be evacuated to a lower altitude immediately. The Guide’s decision to descent is final. The worst effect of altitude is worrying about Altitude! As long as you maintain your body fluids with at least 3-4 liters per day, ascend according to the itinerary, and are adequately fit, you will most likely to have no problems apart from the normal breathlessness on hills. Please inform your guide if you have any symptoms and/or if you are taking medication. Your Group Leader/guide can give you more advice, or you can consult the Himalayan Rescue Association in Kathmandu or any trekking book on our Reading List.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)

Many people are concerned about altitude sickness. This problem, often known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal and Tibet. AMS rarely occurs lower than 2800 meters (9520ft) and only minor symptoms occur below 3000 meters (9,800ft). AMS occurs when the body does not adapt well to the lack of oxygen present at higher altitudes. At 5490 meters (18,000ft), there is just half the oxygen available as there is at sea level, while there is only a third available at the summit of Mount Everest. The itineraries of the treks of Nepal Trek Ways are designed to reduce the risk of altitude sickness as much as possible, although individual susceptibility to altitude sickness seems to be genetically determined.

Related Oxygen Rate at Different Altitude:

In Meters  In Feet

8.850         29.035    33%

8.000         26.247    36%

7.000         22.966    41%

6.000         19.865    47%

5.500         18.045    50%

5.200         17.061    52%

5.000         16.404    53%

4.500         14.764    57%

4.000         13.123    60%

3.500         11.483    64%

3.000         9.843     68%

2.500        8.202      73%

1.000        3.281      88%

Sea Level 100%

What happens to the body during altitude illness?

* The body tries to adapt to having less available oxygen by increasing the rate and depth of breathing, as well as the heart rate.

* Fluids accumulate in between the cells in the brain, the lungs or both, creating mild to severe symptoms.

* Mild symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and dizziness. These symptoms are usually resolved by spending one or two extra nights at the same altitude. If symptoms worsen, descent to lower altitudes is warranted.

* If you are resting at the same altitude and your symptoms worsen, then it is also necessary to descend.

* More serious symptoms of AMS include increased tiredness, severe headaches, vomiting, loss of coordination, shortness of breath and coughing fits.

* These extremely dangerous symptoms are called high altitude cerebral edema (or HACE). They can lead to unconsciousness and death within 12 hours.

* Increasing shortness of breath, cough and tiredness may also be signs of high altitude pulmonary edema or HAPE. This condition can rapidly prove to be fatal if ignored.

* Respiratory depression (the slowing down of breathing) can be caused by various substances, and may be a problem at altitude.

The following substances can do this, and should never be used by someone who has symptoms of altitude illness:

* Alcohol

* Sleeping pills (acetazolamide is the sleeping tablet of choice at altitude)

* Narcotic pain medications in more than modest doses

To prevent AMS and respiratory depression, drink at least three liters of liquid a day and avoid getting cold.

Altitude sickness can to a certain extent be prevented by acetazolamide (Diamox SR), 750mg per day. Some experts suggest a two-day trial of acetazolamide before the trip. Please seek the advice of your personal physician. Please note that taking Diamox SR does not mean that you can ignore advice about proper acclimatization.

To recap, serious symptoms of altitude sickness include:

* A severe, enduring headache, which is not cured by ordinary painkillers

* Nausea and repeated vomiting

* Irritating dizziness or actual difficulty with balance and direction

* Visual disturbances with flickering vision and problems judging distance

* Pressure in the chest, rapid breathing and pulse rate, crackles in breathing and shortness of breath

* Swelling beneath the skin (edema), typically around the eyes

* Swollen ankles and hands

* Confusion

* Convulsions

In the presence of these symptoms, medical attention must be sought immediately in conjunction with descent to the lowest possible height.

We have guides trained at the High Altitude Medical Training Center. Our staff is very experienced in dealing with the effects of higher altitudes. As they are natives of Nepal, they easily acclimatize and therefore can care for their clients.

They are equipped with necessary medical supplies and will assist with basic first aid treatment. We design our tours to ensure clients are ready for high altitude, and arrange alternative itineraries for those at risk.

For more information, please contact your doctor or hospital or contact us arrange High Altitude expert Doctors or visit their clinic in Kathmandu.

Getting acclimatized

The complications of Mountain Sickness are preventable if people listen to their bodies and follow simple guidelines:

 • Pay attention to your body and be aware of the initial AMS symptoms of AMS. Do not ascend with these symptoms.

• Ascend slowly. Increase your sleeping altitude by only 1000-1500 feet per day. Try climbing higher during the day and coming down to sleep. (Climb high, sleep low)

• Descend if the symptoms become severe or if you begin to experience HACE and/or HAPE.

• Drink 2 liters (2 regular size Nalgene bottles) of water per day, in addition to the usual tea and other beverages.

• Dress properly for high altitude treks, with synthetic under shirts for removing sweat, a warm fleece jacket, and a down jacket to prevent hypothermia, which can predispose you to AMS and its complications.

Nepal Trek Ways encourages all trekkers to procure emergency evacuation insurance prior to their trip to Nepal.

What is Altitude?

Altitude is height above mean sea level. If the sea level in a certain place is 100 feet and you are 250 feet above the ground, your altitude above sea level would be 350 feet, and your altitude above ground level would be 250 feet. We all enjoy the tremendous view from a high summit, but there are risks in going to high altitude, and it’s important to understand these risks. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude. This process is known as acclimatization and generally takes 1-3 days at that altitude.

How long does acclimatization last?

It varies, but if you were at altitude for a month or more your improved work rates can persist for weeks meaning you still feel fit upon returning to altitude. You still should not ascend faster than normal if you return to sea level for a few days, otherwise you are susceptible to HAPE.

If you have been to 5000m/16,404ft then go down to 3500m / 11,483ft for a few days, returning rapidly to 5000m/16,404ft should cause no problems, i.e. having been to Lobuche and Kala Pattar, and then rested for two days in Namche you should be able to ascend to Gokyo quickly without problems

Sleeping at altitude

Many people have trouble sleeping in a new environment, especially if it changes every day. Altitude adds to the problems. The decrease of oxygen means that some people experience wild dreams with this often happening at around 3000m. Compound this with a few people suffering from headaches or nausea, a couple of toilet visits, a few snorers and periodic breathers, and it takes someone who sleeps like the proverbial log (or very tired trekker) to ignore all the goings on at night in a large dormitory. Smaller rooms are a definite improvement, and tents, although not soundproof are still manage to be relatively peaceful.

Altitude Sickness Information

Individual rates of acclimatization vary enormously but ascending very rapidly and staying there will always result in problems. Altitude sickness often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (A.M.S.) in general may occur when people ascend too quickly normally in altitudes of over 3000 meter. We ensure minimal risk by building in rest days into our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some affect of altitude, shortness of breath and possibly light headed, which is fairly common. Acute mountain sickness is very different and normally involves a severe headache, sickness and loss of awareness. In almost every potential case there are enough warning signs to take appropriate action.

Our experienced and well trained guides will advise you about any health issues and also altitude sickness while you are on trekking, so you should not worry about it. Before leaving for the trip we suggest to consult with your Medical Doctor and get advice. The following information gives you an idea about high altitude sickness and how to minimize the effects.

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

Trekking

Trekking in Nepal is meant to walk or hike to rural heritages. Along the trails winding up, down, over and around, it takes you through serene villages brooded under the scintillating mountains. So, it is definitely a treasurable experience of lifetime, both, of beholding the hypnotic beauty of nature and meticulously tackling the challenges in the treacherous yet tantalizing mountain regions.
Trekking is not mountaineering although some of the popular trails are used by mountaineering expeditions to get to their base camps. Most of the trails you walk on are still used predominantly by Nepali people for everyday travel and trade. So, it is common to meet Nepali porter carrying supply like groceries or  lengths of corrugated roofing iron slung from a jute strap (namlo) around the head or a sick relatives being carried in a basket (doko) in the same manner to the nearest medical facility.
Trekking is a way of seeing a country and its people ‘warts and all’. You walk through the streets of cities, villages and past the open front doors of houses. At the same time, you see the people at their daily tasks. Often, you witness celestial clouds forming below you while the canopy of magnificent peaks of mountains towering over you.
Trekking means you will be involved in a way you could never be in a car, bus, train or aero plane. But, you can enjoy the friendliness of the people; feel the spell of the mountains and their culture.

A trekking trip can be of any length you choose. though, 10 to 15 Days are considered ideal trekking duration, there are a number of short treks around the Kathmandu and Pokhara valleys which only take a day to complete. There are two or three day treks or treks from a week to a month. For those with enough time can combine a number of treks and spend months just walking around.

 The trekking company also offer to customize your trekking itinerary further to suit your condition. Nepal is the ultimate destination for trekking and adventure holidays from easy to challenging base camp treks or Adrenaline adventures that may quite often test your physical aptitude. So, step on in Nepal, a trekking paradise where you will enjoy the most spectacular sceneries flipping one after another as you move on the trail.

Tours

Tours are often combined with your trekking activities. While you are in Kathmandu, it is worth spending 2-3 days for world heritage sightseeing such as at Swoyambhu Nath ( Monkey Temple), Basantapur Durbar Square ( the freak street), Pashupati, Boudha Nath, Patan city, Bhaktpaur city and Nagarkot.

Similarly, if your are on your way to Annapurna region, it is ideal to extend your tour to Pokhara City, and then further to Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha. On your way back home, Chitwan National park offers a very relaxing spots. The park has amazingly diversed flora and fauna preserved within the park including rare species like One horned rhino (the best wonder of the park), royal bengal tigers, Alligators, Mars Crocodile and over 4oo species of Birds.

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

Hardware For all Treks Essential:

Optional Gears

General : For Trekking in September, October, March, April and May

Winter : For  Trekking in November, December, Janaury and February

But add / adjust as follows:

Spring Festival Tour

Overview 

The coming of spring brings festive mood in Kathmandu among the Local Newari People. After long cold winter, spring approaches with better hope making the earth more fertile and lively. The winter is time for hibernation and symbolizes death while spring is the time for coming up and symbolizes life. Spring is the time that nature shows its kindest aspect and generously renders life to plants and animals. 

As such this is the time for plantation. Therefore, this season is welcomed with celebrations. 

So, while in Nepal, plan to combine your trip with one of the following festival. 

Holi, the festival of color

 Holi is celebrated across Nepal for two days. The first day is celebrated in Kathmandu Valley, while in the southern region it is celebrated on the second day. 

As a part of festival, people play with colors. They play with different colors wishing good health and prosperity. The color also represents the lively atmosphere that spring brings in Nepal. The colorful people gather in different squares and streets to enjoy festive songs and dance. 

Special venue recommended is at Basantapur Dubar Square in Kathmandu. 

Bisket jatra, the New Year celebration

 Bisket festival is celebrated in Bhaktapur city to celebrate New Year. This can be considered as the sequel of Spring Celebration. In the center of the city, a huge Wooden chariot is assembled which is pulled by two groups of people ( upper and lower part) This gives a glimpse of grand tug-of-war competition. When hundreds of participants uproar as they put effort to take the chariot to their side, you are enticed to join the troop. 

The chariot is finally taken into an open ground where a tree trunk, symbolizing Serpent, is erected and this marks the New Year in Nepali Calendar 

Thimi sindure jatra

 The New Year celebration is carried out in different part of Kathmandu valley in different form. Among them, Sindure Jatra in Thimi Bhaktapur is very unique. To celebrate festival, people gather in the street to make a musical procession led by special chariot built for their god. In the procession, they paint each other with Vermillion Powder

The Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra

 The Rato Machhindranath Rath Jatra is the only festival that lasts for months. Dedicated to the Rain God Machhindranath, this festival takes place in Patan and is supposed to bring rain to the Kathmandu Valley. 

The farmers of Kathmandu Valley wait for the monsoon rain to plant their rice paddy. A large chariot is made out of wood and tied with vines and pulled through the streets of Patan coming to rest at various traditional spots where crowds of devotees arrive to pay homage and lay offerings. 

The chariot procession is accompanied by Newar musicians playing traditional folk instruments. This is a Newari festival and the chariot is pulled by Newar youth who follow instructions from a senior who rides on the chariot. 

The idol of the red painted Rato Machhindranath deity first goes through a ritual bath and a make-over with fresh paint. When the initial rites are over, the idol is placed on the chariot. As Lord Machhindranath views his devotees from a high seat of his chariot, he receives rice and vermilion powder as offer. The four wheels of the chariot represent the powerful Bhairab the fiercefull incarnation of Shiva, 

The chariot is several stories high and with no nuts and bolts to hold it together, it is normally tilting to one side. The collapsing of this chariot is seen as portentous. 

After several months of moving through major parts of Patan, it finally comes to rest in Jawalakhel, the more modern section of the city, where a huge crowd gathers to watch the display of an ancient bejeweled vest on Bhoto Jatra. This event is attended by the head of state as well as the Living Goddess Kumari of Patan. 

Autmun Festival Tour

Overview 

Majority of People living in Kathmandu Valley are Indigenous Newars. By profession they are farmers. So, its agro based economy is justified by the feast and festival celebrated in autumn. In this season, the farmers feel rich and prosperous with the new harvest ready to store. So, this is the time to rejoice and feed lavishly. 

Yes, Kathmandu Valley gets colorful and musical in festive mood. Especially, after the end of long monsoon, the atmosphere becomes wonderfully pleasant. The blue sky, White snowcapped mountains, Green Hills and then gilded pagoda temples give a perfect setting for celebration. You will find them juxtaposed from top to bottom as if in their hierarchy! 

In the Kathmandu valley, the local Newars, also known by “Jyapu”, carry out the rituals of festival in a great fervor. They are not only the skilled farmer but also the good musician, dancer and festive leader. 

If you are planning to visit Nepal, it is advisable to witness and participate in the festival and its social part. 

Gai Jatra (July-August)

 Gai Jatra is a carnival of dancing, singing, mirth and laughter. Also known as ‘The festival of cow’, it is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate the death of loved ones. As a part of the festival family members of the deceased of the past year send people dressed as cows to parade on the streets. 

The festival is celebrated for nine days. However, the family commemorates the deceased member only on the first day. On the rest of the days, the carnivals are mainly meant to merry making and mocking. During the festivals, the streets in the city remain in action with different group of local Newari People dancing with mask and stick. 

Haritalika Teej , the festival of Women (August)

 Occurring around the month of August, Teej is a festival celebrated by Nepalese women in belief that it brings good health and prosperity for their family. They put on red saris, red tika, bangles to visit different Hindu temple of Shiva where they gather to sing and dance in traditional folk songs.

It is especially significant for married women as they get a special invitation to visit their maternal home and feast. Following a long feast also known as Dar, the women, sit for a 24 hour long fasting, where most do not eat or even drink water. What is fascinating is to watch women of all age group, young and old, dance for hours in the heat, rain, without a drop of water or food for an entire day. 

It is a sight to behold at the Pashupatinath temple, where thousands of women draped in Red and green throng the premises of the temple. Observers can take photos of these women dancing merrily, where sometimes foreigners, especially women tourists are requested to participate in the merry-making. The significance of such a festival is for women to ask for special blessings by Lord Shiva, to have a good husband in life, and to pray for his longevity and prosperity. On the final day of this three day festival Women satisfy seven saints offering them food, money and various offerings, and also bathing with Red mud and brushing their teeth with Datiwan (branches of a bush tree) hoping this purifies their body and soul. 

IndraJatra in Kathmandu (September)

 The eight-day long Indra Jatra festival falls in September and is one of the most exciting and revered festivals of the Newari community of the Kathmandu Valley. This also marks the beginning of a month-long festival season of autumn. It begins with the erection of a wooden pole made of pine at Basantapur Sqaure in front of the old Hanuman Dhoka Palace. For the pole-raising ceremony, hundreds of spectators gather at the Palace Square and on the surrounding temples. The chariot of Kumari, the Living Goddess, is taken out in a procession through the main streets of Kathmandu. Masked dancers known as Lakhay take to the streets almost every evening accompanied by loud drums. The festival commemorates the time when Indra came down from heaven in human form to look for an herb. Each night of Indra Jatra, the shrines and ancient palace buildings around Kathmandu Durbar Square are aglow with oil wicks. Each night on the platform in front of the temple of the Living Goddess, there is an enactment depicting the ten earthly incarnations of Lord Vishnu. In the afternoon of the day before full moon, ecstatic mobs gather near Hanuman Dhoka Palace for the long-awaited Living Goddess’ chariot procession to catch a glimpse of the revered little Newari girl who has been deified as Kumari. The chariot of the Kumari followed by two other smaller chariots carrying a representative of Ganesh and Bhairav is taken to different parts of the old Kathmandu. The festival of Indra Jatra ends with the lowering of the (lingam) pole bearing Indra's flag amidst religious ceremonies. 

Have glance of Kumari. She is a mascot! Kumari is derived from the Sanskrit word Kaumarya,which means princess. Learn the historical significance of worshiping a girl as a goddess; be a part of the tradition that dates back to the 17th century where two of the world’s oldest religions Hinduism and Buddhism interlink. 

Dashain festival all over Nepal. (September- October)

This is the longest Hindu festival in Nepal, traditionally celebrated for two weeks with prayers and offerings to Durga, the Universal Mother Goddess. The great harvest festival of Nepal, Dashain is a time for family reunions, exchange of gifts and blessings, elaborate pujas, ritual bathing and animal sacrifices. Dashain honors the Goddess Durga, who was created out of the shakti or energy of all the gods, armed with weapons from each of them. Goddess Durga, symbolizing valor and prowess, is worshipped and offered sacrifices to ensure the devotees' progress and prosperity. During the first ten days, pilgrims flock to various river confluences early in the morning and sacred shrines in the evening. 

Ghatasthapana, Phool Pati, Mahaastami, Nawami and Vijaya Dashami are the series of the events under Dashain each marked with a different set of rituals. During Dashain, men and women in their fineries visit their elders to seek tika (a dab of red vermilion mixed with yogurt and rice) accompanied by blessings. Sword precessions (Paayaa) are also held in various part of the Kathmandu Valley. A large number of animals are officially sacrificed at Hanuman Dhoka during Nawami which is attended by officials, invitees and visitors. During the ninth day, the Taleju Temple which is normally out of bounds is also open to the public. The last day, known as Kojagrat Purnima, is the full moon. New clothes, home visits, grand feasts, kite flying and village swings are the highlights of Dashain. Around this time the population of Kathmandu is greatly reduced as many head home to various parts of the country. On the tenth day known as Tika, people are seen moving around with their foreheads covered with rice tika, wearing new clothes. There is much feasting as people visit relatives’ homes to receive tika and blessings. 

Tihar, the festival of Lights (October)

 The 5-day festival of lights, known as Tihar honors Yama, the God of Death but the worship of Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth dominates the festivities. On the first day, the crow, the informant of Yama is worshipped. The second day is for worshipping the dogs as the agent of Yama. On the third day Laxmi is worshipped. The fourth day is for the draught animal, oxen when the Newari community does Mha puja dedicated to oneself. The fifth day is Brothers’ Day when sisters put tika on their brothers’ foreheads and give blessings.

This festival is notable for the lighting up of homes with anything from candles, oil-wick lamps and electric lights. Houses all over the country are lit up with extra lights and decorated with garlands. A great view of brightly lit-up Kathmandu city from the Swoyambhunath Stupa is a rare sight. The celebrations begin with the adoration of crows and dogs. Leaf dishes of rice, incense and light are set out for the dark messenger, while dogs are worshipped and offered goodies. During the day known as Laxmi Puja, the Goddess of Wealth, is welcomed to people’s homes by making a path of?footprints leading into the house. All lights are kept on and the doors and windows kept open to let in the goddess. Rows of lamps are placed along windows and doors, with the strong hope that Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth notices and enters. The day also belongs to the cow that represents Laxmi. Bhai Tika is the day people look forward to. Bhai means brother in Nepali. Brothers and sisters honor each other and the sisters pray to Yama, the God of Death, for their brothers' progress, prosperity and longevity. The brothers bring gifts to their sisters and the festival ends with feasting. It is also traditional to go from house to house singing Tihar songs and bestowing blessings, whereupon the residents of the house give money in return. Fireworks also fill the sky specially in cities. 

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

• Ghentang Gisi Dance – In this dance the local people participate following a very Jumpy music of Ghentang Gisi  note. As a part of dance, each carries a stout stick to strike with his/her partner following the beat.
• People disguise in hilarious dress up and mask and follow the procession. 
• The festival lasts for nine days. During the days, every evening till late night, you have chances to watch various traditional dances performed in the open streets and square.
• Foreigners are welcome to participate in the dance and merry making carnivals with the local

.

The atheist usually argue who has seen god and goddess ? It is one and only in Nepal that you can witness the real living god and goddess. She is popularly known as Kumari. Yes, visit  Basantapur Durbar Sqaure to experience this awe inspiring moment of seeing the living goddess kumari.

The famous Kumari House is situated at the South end of Basantapur Durbar Square. It was built in 1757AD by Jaya Prakash Mall, the last Malla King of Nepal. Built in typical Newari Monastery design, the house has an artistic lattice windows with peacock carved on them. The house enclosed a rectangular courtyard with Buddhist stupa in the center. Here, the devotees and tourists are found waiting to have  a glimpse of Kumari. An opportunity to see the Kumari is considered as a mascot.

Kumari, the living goddess is the best testimony of the religious tolerance that prevails in Nepal. While kumari represents the clan goddess of Nepalese Hindu King, the entire rituals is carried out by the Buddhist family. As such, the Kumari girl also has to be strictly from Buddhist "Shakya" family who are believed to be from the family line of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha.

"Kumari" means a virgin girl not yet in age of menstruation. So, as the kumari girl grows over 10 years, the team of priests goes for selecting a new one.

Being kumari means to accept a lot of restriction and rituals. As such, kumari lives in a house specially built for this tradition in 1757 AD. The kumari comes out into the world only once a year to observe local festival Indrajatra. During the festival, Kumari appears in her traditional attire that defines her divinity. Likewise, Kumari has regular life that includes daily Puja, to give blessing to the devotees and to appear once awhile at the Balcony window for the curious Tourists.

It is a great privilege and an honor for the parents to get their daughter selected for Kumari. Despite the fact that this does make the priest's job easy for selecting new Kumari, the procedure itself is not less rigorous because the Kumari is supposed to have 32 auspicious qualities that includes her beautiful eye lashes like of a cow, an attractive look like of princess, long black hair, well proportionate figure and sonorous voice etc. Apart from that, she should be very brave to be alone at Taleju Temple amidst the 108 beheaded water buffalos and goats. She also should have an aura that reflects the mighty goddess Taleju that she embodies.

Since Kumari is worshipped as the manifestation of Taleju or Tulaja Bhavani, she is deeply revered and it is ensured that her every "whims" are fulfilled. Hundreds of local Buddhist and Hindus devotees await to touch her feet and offer gifts. The king himself visits Kumari once a year to touch her feet and get blessed.

 The devotees also notice her gestures for the oracular message. When the Gorkha King Prithivi Narrayan Shah invaded Kathmandu in 1768 AD and captured, he immediately went to get blessing from Kumari. Goddess Kumari also blessed him as the new king of Kathmandu. This convinced the citizen that it is the will of Goddess Herself to have a new king for Kathmandu and of course they acquiesced.

There is a common belief that if a kumari marries, her husband will be ill-affected and destined to early death. So, people shun kumari girl to marry. To some extends it makes sense that Kumari is used to getting her every whims fulfilled. This might be a real trouble for her Husband!!!!!

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

Hindu Cremation Ritual

From Holy Cremation Ground, Pashupati Nath

 

Hindu Cremation ritual is a fascinating Culture. According to the culture, after someone’s death, the body is carried to holy river banks or on to the top of the hills as soon as possible. In a Hindu country like Nepal, each village, city or community has a particular designated spot (especially river bank) for cremation. Among many of such cemeteries, Pashupathi Nath in Kathmandu is considered the holiest of all. This cremation lies on the holy Bagamati River besides Pashupati Nath Temple, the most sacred Hindu pilgrim sites.

Cremation is a way to reduce the body back to the prime elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.

The entire cremation procedures can be observed in Pashupati Nath Temple every day (throughout the days). Therefore, this is a place of attraction for visitors.

The culture can be quite confronting for the western community where burial is not given public exposure. Nevertheless, it is equally a very special moment to witness the ultimate truth.

The cremation ritual is obviously directed by the Hindu philosophy of life and death. In Hindu community, people often take the reference of death to preach the young one for spiritual approach.

Hindus believe in soul. After the death of a person, the soul departs the body and makes another cycle of journey. According to Hindu philosophy, the soul has to dwell in the bodies of 8.4 million different species of lives before it finally gets reborn in the form of human. So, human life is considered the best form of life. Only in this life, it is possible to make effort to get free from “Samsara” (wheel of life) through good karmas (good deeds). In this very life, the Karma of the person will decide whether s/he should take another cycle of life or get emancipation. An emancipated soul will enjoy the grace of union with the Existence (the supper soul).

Once the news of relatives’ death is received, the family members, friends and relatives reach the mourning family for help and to participate in funeral procession.

A  person at his eleventh hour is rushed to the holy cemetery. The belief behind this practice is that at the time off death, the soul leaves the body. It is considered holy to take last breath at holy cremation ground rather than at hospital.

 “From which part of the body will the soul exit? The best expectation is that after the soul exits from the body, it should enter holy water in the river. Therefore, the body is positioned on the tilted stone slap in a way that the feet touch the holy water. The person is expected to take his last breath in this position. To make the job easy for him, the relatives and family member offer holy water to him/her. Each participant would cup a handful of holy water from the river and trickle it along the right thump into the mouth.

After this, the body is wrapped with holy clothes (white or yellow often with holy chant printed on them).

For Hindu, death is not the end of life but a point to make another journey. Therefore, the relatives wish the journey of departed soul into the heaven. To symbolize this journey, the body is symbolically decorated with cosmetics and holy color and clothes.

After this ritual, the final journey is arranged on a green bamboo stretcher. By then, the funeral pyre is ready which is often piled with vegetable butter, Sandal wood and other aromatic incense sticks.

When the body is placed on the pyre, the head part must be positioned towards North. Gradually, the fire is set beginning from mouth. When the body is burnt into ash it is finally submitted to Holy River.

 

Who sets fire also is a meaningful case because the eldest son offers the fire for father while the youngest son should do it for mother. In the case of parents who do not have son, their closest relatives can offer the fire who will also be an eligible heir then after. The one who sets the fire also should do Shraddha ( a ritual of offering food to the departed soul) which is done throughout the year can be costly.During mourn, the sons shave their hair/mustache/beard and wear white from head to toe for a year.

 

 

Shradha (Offering for departed soul)

Shradha or offering ritual is another important part of cremation culture. This is done several time during the year of death. From the second year, the family do remember their their ancestor once a year often during 16 sacred days that fall in September-October.

The Hindus show deep reverence to the departed soul of their ancestor and make every possible effort to satisfy them through different offering and worship.

Upper Mustang Adventure

Lho Manthang, the ancient Buddhist Kingdom

The Upper Mustang unveils the hidden world of Mustang – the Legendary Buddhist Kingdom in the hidden valley amidst Himalayas bordering Tibet.

 

Among several scattered Himalayan community, Lho-  Manthang, situated at the elevation of 3840m, is one of the major attraction of this trip.

 

The region remained restricted to the tourist until 1991, an still requires a special permit for the visit. The whitewashed settlements, surrounded by fields of barley, filled with several impressive small monasteries and colorful prayer flags reflecting the abiding Buddhist culture of the village can be accessed only after passing through incredibly fierce wind and mystical barren landscape.     

 

 

Jhong cave in Upper Mustang is an outstanding cave with 5 story high built into a cliff. There are more than 40 different rooms inside the cave. To enter this cave trekkers have to climb up steep stairs. Inside the cave there are many ladders to go from one floor to another. From the window of Jhong Cave you can see the stunning landscape of Chhoser valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nepal, the wonder world!

Nepal is a beautiful country rightfully called a paradise on earth. The enigmatic country boasts its diverse ethnicity, rich culture and awe-inspiring natural beauty. With a wide variety of flora and fauna in the country, Nepal holds some of the rarest species like the one-horned Rhino, the Bengal tiger and the national flower Rhododendron. Nepal is truly a god's playground with stunning landscapes, majestic mountains and mesmerizing lakes. 

Here we are listing the most fun and interesting facts about Nepal. The most baffling fact about Nepal is that all of the following happens within the limited area of 147,181 sq. km (56,827 sq. mi). 

a) Geography: 

1. Nepal has 8 out of the world's 14 highest mountains including the Mount Everest. 

2. The highest mountain in the world, The Mount Everest is in Nepal. Everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepali which translates to "Forehead of the Sky." In the local Sherpa and Tibetan language, Everest is called Chomolungma, which means "Goddess Mother of the World" The word Everest comes from George Everest, a British surveyor general of the Himalayas. 

3. In a span of 100 km going from South to North at any part of Nepal you can experience hot tropical climate to bone chilling Artic type weather.  

4. Nepal is the only country with altitudinal variation that ranges from 60 meters to 8848 meters. 

5. Nepal boasts the most extreme places on the earth such as the highest lake on the earth (Tilicho 4800 meters), the deepest gorges (1200 meter) in Kaligandaki, the highest valley on earth (Arun valley) and the tallest grassland in the world in Chitwan.  

6. Kaligandaki is the river older than the Himalayas. Therefore, it acts as a major ecological dividing line of the whole eastern and western Himalayas.  

7. Nepal is a four season destination. 

b) Bio-diversity: 

Nepal is called an Amazon of Asia. The hidden treasure of its rich biodiversity is not yet fully explored. Many new species could be discovered from Nepal. 

1. Nepal has more than 360 species of Orchid which constitutes over 2% of the world's orchids. 

2. Nepal has 8 % of the total species of birds found in the world. 

3. Nepal comprises 6% of the world's rhododendron species. 

4. Nepal harbors 5980 species of flowering plants which covers 2.4% of the world's total. Over 250 species of the flowering plants are endemic in Nepal (i.e. It is not found elsewhere else in the world.) 

5. Nepal has one of the largest concentrations of Royal Bengal Tiger in the world after India and Bangladesh. 

6. It is said that Nepal has largest moth in the world (Atlas Moth) 

7. Some of the largest wild honeybees are found in Nepal. 

8. The only natural breeding ground of the Long Snouted Gharial crocodile exists in Nepalese river. 

9. Nepal has nearly 870 species of birds, which arguably more than the whole continent of Europe and North Africa combined. 

10. Nepal has 4.2% of the world's butterfly species which is over 650 species of butterflies. 

11. Thirty six percent of the world's Meconopsis species "poppy" including Blue Poppies are found in Nepal of which four are endemic, only found in Nepal. In Nepal, one of the Blue poppy grows as high as 5400-meter altitude. This is perhaps one of the highest limits for the poppy to be found in the world. 

12. The mysterious creature of the Himalayas called Yeti is said to be spotted in the Nepalese Himalayas by many. Sir Edmund Hillary even led an expedition to find the Yeti in 1958. 

13. Second largest population of One-horned Rhino is found in Nepal. 

14. Nepal has one of the best habitats for Snow Leopard. 

15. Sukla Phanta in West Nepal harbors the world largest herd of Swamp deer. 

c) Culture, Lifestyle and pride: 

1. Nepal is the birthplace for the Lord Gautam Buddha, the light of Asia. Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha) was born in Kapilvastu, Lumbini which lies in Nepal. Lumbini is a sacred place for Buddhists. 

2. Nepal was never under any foreign invasion. Thus Nepal does not have an independent day because Nepal was never colonized. Nepal is also the oldest country in South Asia. 

3. Nepal has the densest concentration of World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu valley alone has 7 World Heritage Cultural sites within a radius of 15 kilometers. No wonder Kathmandu is called the living cultural museum of the world. 

4. Nepal is the only country with a non-rectangular flag. Nepal's flag is maroon with two triangular shapes stacked on one another with blue border. The upper triangle consists of moon and the lower triangle consists of the sun. The current flag has been in place since 1962 although the basic design has been used for over 2,000 years in Nepal. 

5. Cows are sacred in Nepal. Recently turned secular, Nepal still has the highest proportion of Hindus in the world. Cow is considered the national animal of the country. In Nepal, cows are not eaten and it is considered illegal to kill the animal. Due to this fact, it is not uncommon to see a cow wandering around the streets of Kathmandu. 

6. Nepal has the only living goddess in the world called Kumari. "Kumari" literally means virgin in Nepali. 

7. Nepal displays an incredible religious tolerance where the Buddhist and the Hindus worship together in the same temple.

8. People in Nepal greet one another by saying "Nasmaste" or "Namaskar" with their palms together and bow their forehead. Namaste is directly translated as "I salute the God in you". Like "Namaste" is common in the Hindu influenced culture, "Tashidele" is a common greeting in the culture close to Tibetan culture. 

9. Elephant polo game was originated in Meghauli, Nepal. Tiger Tops in Nepal is the headquarters of elephant polo and the site of the World Elephant Polo Championships. 

10. Some of the highest permanent human habitat exists in Himalayan region of Nepal. 

11. Nepal has  recorded over 125 ethnic groups and 123 local dialects so far.

 

 

12. Nepal opened its borders in 1949. 

d) Environment: 

1. Over nineteen percent of the total country’s landmass is protected under National Park and Protected Area in Nepal. 2. Shivapuri National Park at Budhanilkantha in Kathmandu is the only World’s National Park close to the capital and international airport. 

3. In the last 25 years of conservation work, Nepal has managed to save Blackbuck from extinction, successfully increased the tiger population, and brought back endangered wildlife species such as Gharial, Indian bison, wild buffalo and many others to a healthy and viable population.

4. Chitwan National Park and Everest National Park is listed in World Heritage Site. 

5. Multi conceptual park management system was first successfully implemented in Annapurna Area and now ACAP is the world model for conservation and sustainable development. 

6. During 70s, there were less than 80 rhinos in Nepal, now Nepal has more than 500 remnants. This is undoubtedly an excellent result in the context of global wildlife conservation record. 

e) Adventure: 

1. Nepal boasts few of the world’s most popular trekking trails such as Annapurna Circuit trekking and Everest Base Camp Trek. 

2. Nepal is one of the best arenas for Extreme & Adventure Sport tourism such as mountaineering, cannoning, paragliding, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, bungee jumping, high altitude marathon etc. 

3. Karnali in Simikot is one of the best rivers in the world for kayaking and most of the upstream Nepalese rivers offer the best rapids for white-water rafting. 

f) Facts about the Himalayas: 

1. The word "Himalaya" in Sanskrit means abode of snow. 

2. The geological age of the Himalaya is approximately 70 million years. It is the youngest Mountain Range in the world. 

3. According to Hindu mythology, God Shiva resides in the Himalaya. 

4. Nameha Barwa peak is the easternmost and Nanga Parbat is the westernmost peak of the Himalaya. 

5. Kumbhakarna is the new name of mount Jannu (7,710 m). 

6. Gosainthan (8046 m) is the Nepali name for Shisha Pangma. 

7. The ideal height gain per day for mountaineers is 1,000 ft above 10,000 ft. 

8. The Himalayas are the source for rivers such as the Indus, the Yangtze and the Ganga-Brahmaputra. All three are the major river systems of the continent of Asia. 

9. The Himalayas are the third largest deposit of ice and snow in the world, after Antarctica and the Arctic. There are approximately 15,000 glaciers located throughout the range. 

10. The Himalayas are alive geographically! The Indo-Australian plate is still moving at 67 mm per year, and over the next 10 million years it will travel about 1,500 km into Asia.  

 

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

The symbolic meaning of Stupa

 

Who are you?

Stupa, the sacred temple of Buddhist is built in accurate uniformity around the world. While a stupa can be in various sizes, the shape/design must follow the universal pattern. This is because, a stupa carries Buddhist message. Each and every part of the stupa has a symbolic meaning connecting to Buddhist teaching.

Stupa is a Sanskrit word that means “to heap” or “to pile up” and refers to the mound-like shape of the earliest stupas.

The Mahaparinirvana Sutra tells us that it was the Buddha himself who outlined the basic design of the stupa. The story begins at Buddha’s deathbed. When he realized that death was imminent, Buddha gave instructions about the disposition of his body. He said that his body should be cremated and the relics divided up and enclosed in four different monuments. These monuments were to be erected at the following places, marking important milestones in the Buddha’s spiritual journey: at Lumbini, where he was born; at Bodhgaya where he attained Enlightenment; at Sarnath, where he gave his first teaching; and at Kushinagar, where he died, entering parinirvana, or ultimate liberation.

Giving a practical demonstration, he folded his outer yellow robe over and over until it became a rough cube. Then he put his begging bowl over it. These two elements, the square and the dome, are present in every stupa (India), dagoba (Sri Lanka), chorten (Tibet), chedi or pagoda (Burma), t’ap (Korea), ta (China), tarp (Vietnam), thaat (Laos), sotoba (Japan), or chandi (Java).

The stupa, universal throughout Asia, evolved into more than a reliquary monument. It has become an expression of the ideal of Enlightenment. Statues represent the Buddha’s body, Dharma texts his speech. Stupas are representations of the Buddha’s mind. They reveal the path to enlightenment, or how the mind can actualize its full potential and be transformed into enlightenment. Stupas can be seen as an expression of the five elements.

§  Earth, which spreads out in the four directions, provides the solid basis.

§  The dome is the garbha (“womb”), primordial, creative Water – formless potentiality. It is also called the anda, or egg.

§  The conical spire is Fire, which always rises upwards. It represents the wisdom which burns away ignorance.

§  The crescent moon is Air, expansive, waxing and waning (an ancient symbol of the feminine).

§  The circle is Space, wholeness, totality, with no end or beginning.

§  Finally, above the circle is a jewel, which represents a higher state of reality, gone beyond the five elements. It is the ushnisha, present on the crowns of all Buddhas, revealing their perfect, enlightened state. This ascent to perfection is laid out with precision in an Enlightenment stupa.

 

Parts of Stupa

The Base: The base of Stupa represents Earth

White Dome: The white dome is for water element

Sphire: the sphire has four sides and each sides has a pair of enlightened eyes

A pair of Eyes: The Buddha’s eyes are so mesmerizing that you feel they are looking at you if you look at it. The eyes are in fact looking at the universe in compassion.

Questioning Nose: The nose looks like a question mark. It is indeed a question. The enlightened and compassionate eyes are looking at you with a question “who are You?” Obviously, this is a million Dollar Question. The Buddha’s teaching is focused on the fact that we are not what we think we are. We take our mind and body as our real entity. But, Buddha says, we are never a body or mind. Mind and body is impermanent. In absence of mind and body, what you can realize is the real existence.

13 Rings: The thirteen rings symbolize the ten mystic powers (they are also known as Paramitas or perfection. The ten perfection mentioned in the Buddhism are: Dana, Sila, Nekkhamma, Pana, Viriya, Khanti, Sacca, Adhitthana, Metta, Upekkha)  and the three essential types of mindfulness. They also symbolize the thirteen Bhumi.

In other words, the thirteen rings are thirteen stages of mind or thirteen stages of mind that one goes through before attaining enlightenment. Buddhism appeals all the people in the world to know their real existence. The answer to the question “who are you?” can be found through “Sila” ( way of life) and “Dhyan” (meditation).  

 

The top : The top is the position of enlightenment. After accomplishment of 13 different stages comes the top, the Enlightenment. The top most part of stupa contains an Umbrell that symbolizes the victorious state of Enlightment. Similarly, the moon symbolizes the elimination of all sufferings, while the sun symbolizes the radiance of the thousand lights of compassion. The nada (the jewel) symbolizes the realization of all the aspirations.

 

--Hari Sharan Bhuju

Holy Man, the Hindu Sadhu Baba. Who are they?

1.Durbar square

2.Mahbouddha

3.Rudra Barna Mahavihar

4.Golden temple

5.Banglamukhi and Sankahmul Ghat (Cemetery)

6.Visit Bahals on the way from Mahapal to Pulchowk.

7.Minnath temple

Mount Everest Base Camp Trekking, itinerary and cost

@ $1350 USD  (full package)

Trekking to Everest Base Camp requires both physical preparedness and logistical planning. Hikers must be in good health and fitness, capable of enduring high altitudes and long days of walking. Adequate training beforehand, including cardiovascular exercise and strength training, is essential. Proper gear is crucial, including sturdy hiking boots, warm clothing, and high-altitude equipment like crampons and ice axes. Altitude sickness prevention measures, such as gradual acclimatization and hydration, are imperative. Permits  are mandatory and it is highly recommended to hire a licensed guide  for the trek. Additionally, travelers should be mentally prepared for the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of the Himalayas.

Sagarmatha situated in the Solu and Khumbu district is justifiably renowned, not only because it encompasses Mt. Everest, the world’s highest mountain (8850m), but also because of its exotic Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, flora and fauna etc. After  Everest Base Camp at an elevation of about 5430m, climb Kala Pattar, a 5555m lap on the southern flank of Pumori (7145m). From Kala Pattar there is a dramatically marvelous view of Mt. Everest after a few minutes ascend.

If it is your dream to have this amazing adventure to the Mt. Everest Base camp, it is worth noting what it woud include.

- Fly early morning to Lukla

- Start trekkig to Phakdigma the same day.

-Enjoy the unique ambience in Namche Bazaar.

-Witness Buddhism in full swing in Tengboche.

- Meet the Sherpas - the mountain people and life

-Visit Everest base camp and Kalapathar.

-Capture awe inspiring mighty Himalayas and mystic landscape in your memory.

Tentative and customizable itinerary of EBC trek: 

Day 01     Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02      Flight to Lukla Start trek to Phakdingma

Day 03      Trek to Namche

Day 04      Acclimatisation day in Namche/Excursion to Everest View Hotel

Day 05      Trek to Tengboche

Day 06      Trek to Dingboche

Day 07      Acclimatisation day in Dingboche/Excursion to Ngazong

Day 08      Trek to Lobuche

Day 09      Trek to Gorakhshep/ Excursion to Everest Base Camp

Day 10      Trek to Pheriche after Early morning climb to Kalapathar

Day 11      Trek to Tengboche

Day 12      A day rest in Tengboche

Day 13      Trek to Monjo

Day 14      Trek to Lukla

Day 15      Flight to Kathmandu

Day 16      Departure Kathmandu

The Trek cost excludes: