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Nepal one of the world's most incredible
countries, home of 21 million Nepalese their language and customs
as diverse as the terrain and climate. Within a single day one can
fly past Everest and its neighbouring peaks,pause amidst the palaces
and temples of Kathmandu, then desend through the terraces.of the
middle hills to the plains and ride elephants.
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:::: General Information
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| Area
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141,000 sq.km.
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305 metres
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| Temperature: |
Max.
Min. |
| Summer |
43.0°C 23.4°C
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Winter
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26.2°C 4.3°C
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| Rainfall |
107 cms (July to September)
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Clothing
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| Summer |
Light Cottons
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| Winter |
Woollens
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| Best Season: |
September to April.
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| STDCode : |
0141
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| Population : |
2,23,361
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| Languages : |
Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English
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:::: HOW TO GET THERE ::::
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| Airways |
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Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu.
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| Roadways |
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The overland tourists entering Nepal with their vehicles must possess
an International carnet passport and visa
All visitor to Nepal except the Indian national must hold valid passport
and visa. Indian nationals must possess identification card to prove
their nationality. |
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Hotel Buddha, Hotel Jagat, Hotel Moonlight, Hotel
Paradise Plaza, Hotel Rara, Aloha Inn,Blue Horizon Hotel, Cottage
Aurora, Hotel Dynasty Thamel, Hotel Ganesh Himal, Hotel Impala P.
Ltd, Hotel Melungtse, Hotel Mt. Fuji, Hotel Tayoma, Nirvana Garden
Hotel, Amar's Hotel(P)Ltd, Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Aquamarine, Hotel
Blue Dlamond (P)Ltd, Hotel Dipnkar(P)Ltd, Hotel Excelsior, Hotel
Garuda, Hotel Gautam, Hotel Harati, Hotel Kanna .
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THE POKHARA VALLEY AND
BEGNAS LAKE
A 200 km. scenic mountainside drive or simply a 25 minute flight
away from Kathmandu lies the lushly vegetated sun-kissed valley
of Pokhara, famed for its emerald lakes and awesome snow peaks looming
overhead. Here the Himalayan skyline stretches into an overwhelming
sweep to cover some 140 km. of such prominent peaks as; Manaslu
(8156m), Annapuma (8091m) and the Dhaulagiri (8167m). You can go
boating on the Phewa Lake, go on tours or on hikes into the neighbouring
hills. Pokhara is also the starting point for treks into the Annapurna
region. Located in a quiet corner Some 12 km. east of Pokhara town
lies the second biggest lake in the Pokhara Valley -The Begnas Lake,
well-known for its clear spring-fed water and pristine surroundings.
The Begnas Lake Resort, the only resort in this area spans a whole
hillside of unspoilt forestland with guestrooms built on rice-terraces
close to the water's edge. All rooms overlook the tranquil waters
of Begnas, beautiful ethnic villages scattered on the hillsides
and the majestic mountains beyond. Activities offered are; Boating,
Swimming, Fishing, Day hikes, Culture tours, Nature walks or simply
Sunbathing by the tranquil lakeside.
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ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL
PARK:
Perhaps the most famous of game sanctuaries in Asia, Chitwanis just
a 5 hour drive from Kathmandu or a 4 hour drive from Pokhara. You
may also take a 20 minutes flight from Kathmandu to visit this dense
jungle located south in the Terai belt of Nepal. If you wish you
may raft down for a couple of days part of the way to visit Chitwan
where over 450 species of birds and 50 species of animals have been
identified. A number of jungle lodges and camps operate within the
park which offer activities such as elephant back safaris, nature
walks and jungle drives to spot animals and canoe rides to see crocodiles
and water-birds. In the evenings slide shows on Nepalese wildlife
and Tharu folk dances are also held.
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BOUDHANATH:
The stupa of Boudhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu, The biggest
Stupa in Nepal, it is located on flat land arid encircled by houses
and monasteries where Rinpoches reside. This colossal stupa is set
on concentric ascending terraces in the powerful pattern of a Mandala.
Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa is
a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer
wheels. 1
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BUDHANILKANTHA:
9 km north of Kathmandu in a small pond at the foot of the Shivapuri
Hills, lies the , half submerged massive black stone statue of the
reclining Vishnu resting on a bed of snakes. Worshippers strew the
sleeping Vishnu with offerings of flowers and rice.A monumental
sculpture from the Lichchhavi period. 2
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CHABAHIL:
The lovely Buddhist stupa at Chabahil is built by the side of the
road to Boudhanath. This stupa is older than Boudhanath and built
by Charumati, daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, in the third
century B.C. after her marriage to a local prince Devapala. Hence
Chabahil is also known as Devapatan.3
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CHAMPA DEVI:
The hike to the top of Champa Devi,2278 metres,the highest peak
on the Chandragiri Ridge south west of Kirtipur, affords a panoramic
view of the west Kathmandu valley, back dropped by the snow covered
Himalayas. Either starting from Chovar or from Pharping the trail
climbs steeply to join at a saddle close to the top. A Hindu shrine
and a white stupa marks the Champa Devi summit. Several return routes
are possible. Staying close to the ridge continuing west, a trail
descends from the second saddle north to Kirtipur. Another descends
from the third saddle and reaches Kisipidi. 4
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CHANGU NARAYAN:
Richly decorated with priceless stone sculptures and carvings, the
temple of Changu Narayan situated on top of a hillock 153 meters
above the level of Kathmandu Valley, has a wonderful view of the
surrounding countryside. Located 18 kms east of Kathmandu, past
Bhaktapur.5
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CHAPAGAON:
A rough track to the south of the Kathmandu Valley winds steeply
downhill, through intricately terraced fields of reddish brown soil
to the ancient Lichhavi village of Lele, on through terraced mustard
fields and bamboo groves to Chapagaon. An important Tantric temple
of Vajra Varahi is Located here in a sacred grove of trees, built
in 1665- however, the site is much older. Various naturally sculpted
stones strewn about are regarded as images of Ganesh, Bhairav and
the Ashta Matrika. 6
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CHOVAR:
Carved out of a hillside, the Chovar gorge is the only outlet
for all the waters of the valley. Legend has it that Manjushree,
an ancient saint cut the mountain with his magical sword, to drain
out the water from the Kathmandu Valley which was then a lake.
There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top
of the hill, with a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks.
Just beyond the gorge is a temple of lord Ganesh. The main images
of the shrine is a massive rock, naturally carved.7
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DAKSHINKALI:
A 45 minute drive south from Kathmandu brings you to Dakshinkali.
Located in a dark valley at the confluence of two streams, the
shrine of Dakshinkali is the most spectacular of all Kali temples.
Animal sacrifices are offered to this deity every Tuesday and
Saturday. The animal is presented to the priest who will ritually
decapitate them with a khukuri knife and bathe the black stone
image of Kali in blood. 8
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DHUUKHEL:
30 kms east of Kathmandu lies the town of Ohulikhel set on a hilltop,
enveloped in copper soiled terraces with magnificent views of the
central Himalayas. Ohulikhel is well known for its mountain views
at sunrise and a number of day trails lead along the north ridge
of the town. A good way to get a glimpse of Nepalese village life.
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GODAVARI:
20 kms away from Kathmandu lies the Royal Botanical Garden at Godavari.
With its rushing streams and shady meadows i t is a popular picnic
spot. It also has a notable collection of orchids, cacti and ferns.
A quiet path leads to the Godavari Kunda, a spring where the sacred
waters of the Godavari river pour from the mountains. 10
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KAKANI :
The village of Kakani lies 29 kms north west of Kathmandu city.
Famous for magnificent views of the sun setting over the north western
Himalayan range; the Ganesh Himal massif, Gaurishankar (7,134 m),
Choba Bhamare (6,Olh m), Himalchuli (7,893m), Annapurna (8,091 m).
The drive to Kakani and back along the Trishuli Road is scenically
rewarli- ing, with the green forest and mountain grandeur on one
side and fertile river flats and terraced cultivation on the other.
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KHOKANA & BUNGAMATI :
The twin villages of Bungamati and Khokana date from the 16th cenhlry
and are Iocated south of Kathmandu, down a rutty r(Jali dotted with
Chaityas. Bungamati is the winter home ofRato Machhendranath, the
God of Patan. The shrine of Karya Binayak is 1ocated between the
two villages. At Khokana the oil presses can be seen at work in
village houses. 12
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KIRTIPUR:
Perched on twin hillocks and clinging to a saddle about 5 km south
West of Kathmandu lies the village of Kirtipur. A long flight of
steps leads up to Kirtipur from the valley floor and a motorable
road goes part way up the hill. Steep paths link brick houses built
on terraces. The villagers, dressed in traditional costumes work
on ancient I00 ms. The people are well known for their strength
and valour. Many historical battles were fought and won by the inhabitants
of Kirtipur. 13
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KOPAN MONASTERY:
A centre of Mahayana Buddhism was established in 1969 by two Lamas,
Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche and Lama Thubten Yeshe. Since its inception
the centre has been responsible for introducing thousands to Buddha's
teaching through meditation courses, lectures and retreats. 14
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NAGARKOT:
The tiny settlement of Nagarkot clings to a hilltop 35 kms east
of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2099 metres. A one hour drive along
a winding road from Bhaktapur bring you to the best vantage point
to view the peaks- from the Annapurnas to Everest, the peaks seem
no more than a day's walk away. It is also possible to do a day
hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel along t~e valley rim. 15
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NAGARJUN:
Nagarjun, a prominent forested hill, west of Kathmandu topped with
a Buddhist stupa with superb views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and
the Kathmandu valley. A dirt road winds to the top (2,096 metres)
though a trek would take two hours. A return trail descends the
south-west side of Nagarjun to Ichangu Narayan and reaches Kathmandu
via a direct road that eventually comes out behind Swayambhunath.
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NAMO BUDDHA:
Namo Buddha- meaning "Hail to the Buddha" a sacred site where according
to legend Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starVing tigress
and her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa depicts the
moving story A dirt road (suitable for vehicles) leads up to Namo
Buddha from Dhulikhel and a different trail returns descending south
through a forest heading west up a long vale for a round trip walk
of six to seven hours, or 2 to 3 hours to Panauti. 17
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PANAUTI:
Located at the confluence of the Punyamati and Roshi Khola rivers,
Panauti was once an important staging post on the Tibet trade route
with pre-Lichhavi origins. The banks of the river are now crowded
with temples, shrines and cremation ghats. Across the river lies
the recently restored Brahmayani temple. The lndreshwar Mahade temple
is a 15th century Newari structure with exquisite wood- carvings
especially on the roof struts. 18
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PASHUPATINATH:
Situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati
River, temple of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden
roof and silver doors, is famous for its superb architecture. As
entrance into the temple precinct is permitted to Hindus only, visitors
can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple
premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. 19
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PHULCHOWKI:
The triple peaked hill of Phulchowki the "flower-covered hill",
is highest on the valley rim at 2762 metres. Lying 20 kms south
east of Kathmandu, a road winds its way to the top where a small
shrine has been built to the mother of the forest, Phulchowki Mai.
The trail up to the top takes about 4 hours through lovely rhododendron
and oak forests crossing the motorable road a couple of times. From
the top you get a breathtaking view of the white peaks from Himal
Chuli to Everest. There is a trail connecting Phulchowki to Panauti
on one side and Pharping on the other. 20
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SANKHU:
The village of Sankhu surrounded on all sides by hills was once
on the trade route to Helambu. The important temple of Tantric God
dess Bajra Jogini is 1ocated in the forest above the village. The
temple was built in the 17th century & behind it are other shrines
and sculptures. 21
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SHIVAPURI:
Shivapuri, at a height of 2732 meters, allows one a 360 degree view
of the Himalaya in the north and the Kathmandu valley in the south.
The trail up to Shivapuri hill leads through small farming villages
and a protected forest of Rhodod~drons and orchids with little mountain
streams running through it. This can be made into a most enjoyable
full day's programme. 22
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SWAYAMBHUNATH:
A 2500 years old Buddhist stupa located on a hillock with the eyes
of Bul;idha painted on its pinnacle overlooking righteous behaviour
of the valley inhabitants. 23
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THIMI:
A name derived from the world "Chhemi" meaning "Capable people"
is well known for its colourful painted masks, dolls and for its
terracotta work including delightful peacock and elephant flower
pots and imaginative moulded candlesticks and ashtrays. This village
of Thimi lies on the old road to Bhaktapur. 24
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:::: Tourism Resources ::::
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Hunting Reserve
Dhorpantn (1325 Sq.kms)
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Adventures Tourism
Adventures tourism includes Trekking, Rafting, Mountaineering, Hot-Air
Ballooning among other.
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Mountain Flight
The Mountain flight is an hour-long experi- ence which takes one
on a breath-taking view of the entire Nepal Himalaya range including
the Mt. Everest. It is a lifetime experience for just a nominal
cost of As. 4800.
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Jungle Safari
Chitwan offers exciting safari destination in the world. Jungle
activities here include ven- turing into deep jungle on elephant
back or four wheel drive to view wild animals in their national
habitat, canoe rides on the jungle rivers, nature walks, bird watching
and village tour excursions
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