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:::: Nepal ::::  
 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.
:::: General Information ::::
Area              

141,000 sq.km.

Altitude      

305 metres

Temperature:           Max.      Min.
Summer  

43.0°C    23.4°C

Winter    
26.2°C    4.3°C
Rainfall     

107 cms (July to September)

Clothing
Summer

Light Cottons

Winter

Woollens

Best Season:

September to April.

STDCode :

0141

Population :

2,23,361

Languages :

Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English

 
:::: HOW TO GET THERE ::::
       
Airways

Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu.

Roadways
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.
 
:::: Where to Stay ::::
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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:::: What To See ::::
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.
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.



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
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

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


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
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
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
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
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. 9
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
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. 11
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

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

 

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

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. 16

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 ::::
Hunting Reserve
Dhorpantn (1325 Sq.kms)
Adventures Tourism
Adventures tourism includes Trekking, Rafting, Mountaineering, Hot-Air Ballooning among other.
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.
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