China vows support in development of Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
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    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
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    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

A Chinese official has expressed readiness to provide China’s support in the development of Gautam Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini, during a meeting with Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav.

Wang Zuoan, director of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs, made the remarks when he called on the Nepalese president on Sunday.

On the occasion, Yadav thanked the Chinese government and the people for their continued support in Nepal’s socio-economic development, an official at the President’s Office told Xinhua.

In a separate meeting between Wang and Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Deepak Chandra Amatya on Sunday, the two discussed Nepal-China cooperation in the culture sector, an official at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, told Xinhua.

Wang, who arrived in the Nepalese capital on Sunday for a three- day visit, toured Lumbini on the same day and he is expected to offer donations to the local people on Monday.

Source: news.xinhuanet.com

Top 10 Most Popular Himalayan Trekking Routes

Top 10 Most Popular Himalayan Trekking Routes

One of the greatest adventures you can possibly have in a lifetime is trekking in the Himalayas. Walk at the feet of these majestic giants with snow covered peaks, pass by mystical temples, walk on ancient trails, and experience the culture and the daily life of the hill tribes and breath in the most amazing nature and scenery that you have ever seen. For many people it remains just a dream, sadly. When talking about the highest mountains of the world they picture snow covered paths, climbing gear and extreme physical strength and stamina they must bear with. Well, this is not the case. Or at least not for every route. Make sure to pick a suitable itinerary, have a knowledgeable guide and do not expect luxury accommodation. Apart from that? Take with you the love of nature, sense of humor and a pair of comfortable walking boots.

1.    The Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Lukla-Airport

Photograph taken by Andrew McDougall

The EBC trek in the Khumbu region is one of the most popular routes in the Himalayas. It starts with a mountain flight to Lukla and gives you the opportunity to explore the mountains and valleys around the highest peak on Earth, rest in Nepalese tea houses in the evenings and to learn about the traditions and cultures of the famous Sherpas.

2.   Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Annapurna- circuit-trekking

Photograph taken by Dragan Tapshanov

The Annapurna Circuit is the second most popular trekking route in Nepal. It passes through various terrains starting from jungle to high alpine, ending in dry deserted region and gives a chance to have a closer look into Tibetan Buddhist culture and with an extension you can enter into the restricted Upper Mustang Region, which goes all the way to Tibet. The highest elevation and also the toughest part of the trek is climbing to Thorung La Pass (5416m).

3.  Markha Valley, Ladakh, India

Markha Valley, Ladakh, India

Found journeys2remember.blogspot.com

It is one of the greatest treks in North India, Ladakh. A truly beautiful and very diverse route, passing through charming valleys, picturesque villages, colorful canyons, and high alpine grasslands. The highest pass on the trail is Kongmaru La (5200m).

4.  Mount Kailash, Tibet, China

Mount-Kailash

Photograph taken by Raphael Bick

Mt. Kailash described as the spiritual center of the universe in ancient texts, is a sacred mountain to four religions and the greatest mountain pilgrimage on Earth. Many Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims walk the very strenuous sacred circuit around the mountain to cleanse themselves of sins of a lifetime. Given that Tibet is not available for solo travelers this trek is only accessible with tour guide lead groups.

5.  Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill, Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill, Nepal

Photograph taken by Nathan C. Potter

This route combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7000 and 8000 meter high peaks in a short period of time. The entire trek can be completed in 7 to 11 days depending on the itinerary. The Annapurna Base Camp trek famous for it’s variety of people, rich culture, beautiful landscapes and panorama view.

6.  The K2 Base Camp Trek, Karakoram Range, Pakistan

The K2 Base Camp Trek, Pakistan

Photograph taken by Javier Camacho Gimeno

The K2 Base Camp Trek is an extremely strenuous, long and challenging walk through an isolated and craggy land. K2 is considered to have one of the world’s most magnificent scenery that can not be compared to anywhere else in the mighty mountains. Unfortunately trekking in Pakistan can be difficult or even impossible due to the unstable political situation.

7.  Ganden to Samye, Tibet

Ganden to Samye, Tibet

Photograph taken by Carlo Marrazza

With its mysteries and legends, Tibet has long been a desired destination among trekkers. This route East of Lhasa, is one of the most beautiful trekking routes of central Tibet linking two of the most prominent monasteries together and providing access to Tibet’s first monastery of the 8th Century.

8.  Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand, India

Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand, India

Photograph by Leonid Tit

There are many legends associated with the enchanted and magical Valley of Flowers National Park. Due to its outstanding natural beauty locals believe it is the playground of fairies and that they descend in the valley in the absence of humans. The best time to visit the valley is from the beginning of July when the plants begin to bloom. In September, the plants prepare for over eight-months of hibernation. By the end of September, the valley is again covered with snow.

9.  Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

Found on Pinterest.com

Bhutan is one if the most isolated countries on this planet, also called “Land of The Thunder Dragon“. It requires previous planning and organization but it worth’s all the effort, time and money.
This trek takes normally six days to complete and it is the most popular in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes offering the opportunity to visit some ancient villages and monasteries.

10.  Chadar Trek on the Frozen River of Zanskar, India

Chadar Trek on the Frozen River of Zanskar, India

Found on Pinterest.com

This is the ultimate experience for adventure lovers. Walking on top of the frozen river of Zanskar creates the most exciting and unique experience, a very special and an extraordinary trek on shiny ice.
For the local people for centuries it has been the only possible way of accessing snow-bound villages in winter. Nowadays this is a popular route among thrill seekers for the breath-taking views of ice-peaks and hanging icicles.

Source: Top Inspired

KAILASH FIXED DEPARTURE for 2015

KAILASH FIXED DEPARTURE for 2015

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia. It is believed to be the physical embodiment of the mythical Mt Meru, said to be the center of the universe or ‘navel of the world’. Mt. Meru is depicted as a mandala, and its image occurs throughout both Buddhista and Hindu parts of Asia. Mt Kailas is holy to followers of four religions. To Hindus, Kailash is the abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarobar Lake is the means or soul of Brahma. Tibetans call Kailas Kang Rimpoche. Jains worship it as Mt Ashtapada, the peak from which the religion’s founder, Rishabanatha, achieved spiritual liberation. Followers of Bon-Po, the ancient pre- Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet, revere Kailas as the soul of Tibet. Mt. Kailash has long been an object of worship for four Major religious, for Hindu, it is domain of Shiva, It is also the abode of samvara-a multiarmed, wrathful deity worshipped in the chakrasamvara Tantric cycle of Tibetrian Buddhism. The joins of India also reverse the mountain as the site at which the first of their saints emancipated. And in the ancient Bon religion of Tibet, Kailash was the secred nine storeys Swastika Mountain, upon which the Banpo founder Shenrab alighted from haven. The 53 Km. Kailash circuit is the holist of all-Hindu as well as Buddist pilgrimages and the beacon, which draws most traveller to western Tibet. It is said that a single Parikarma erases the accumulated sins of a lifetime, while 108 cicurmbulation will achieve Salvation.

Kailash Fixed Departure 2015
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by Overland – 13 Days
(Guaranteed Fixed Departure Date 2015)
Months Fixed Departure Dates by Overland
April 22, 29 (Full moon trip)
May 06, 13, 20, 27 (Full moon trip), 29
June 03, 10, 17, 23, 26 (Full moon trip)
July 01, 08, 15, 22, 26 (Full moon trip)
August 05, 12, 19 (Outer & Inner Kora trip), 24 (Full moon trip)
September 02, 09, 16, 23 (Full moon trip)

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra by Helicopter – 10 Days
(Guaranteed Fixed Departure Date 2015)
Months Fixed Departure Dates by Helicopter
April 30 (Full moon trip)
May 06, 12, 18, 24, 29 (Full moon trip)
June 04, 10, 16
September 03, 09

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Lhasa’s Drepung Monastery comes alive for Shoton festival

Lhasa’s Drepung Monastery comes alive for Shoton festival

  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP:  KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

LHASA, China:    The usually quiet city came to life with hundreds of people, if not thousands, thronging the Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR). They came as early as five in the morning for the Shoton festival that started this year, according to the Tibetan calendar, on August 25.

“This is a regional Tibetan festival and it´s celebrated in different parts of Tibet,” says Zou Yuheng, a staffer at the TAR Information Office, explaining that Drepung Monastery in Lhasa, which is the largest monastery in the world, is the main venue for the festival.

Built in 1416, Drepung Monastery is situated at the foot of Gambo Utse mountain. The monastery looks from afar like a heap of rice, and hence its name. Dre in Tibetan means rice and pung signifies collecting. To reach the monastery on the first day of the five-day festival, people have to walk for two to three hours as all motorable roads leading to it are closed off. What makes the journey even more strenous is the fact that almost half the going is up a steep hill. Some people opt to head for the monastery surroundings on the eve of the festival and pitch tents for the night.

Lhasa_scene

In terms of crowd size, Shoton is Tibet´s equivalent of Maha Shivaratri in Nepal. The multitude gathered at the monastery includes people not only from different parts of Tibet but also from various other cities in the People´s Republic of China, just as Maha Shivaratri sees devotees from all over Nepal and even neighboring India.

“The highlights of the event are the unrolling of a huge thangka painting, drinking of yogurt, and family picnics throughout the five days,” explains Yuheng, adding that all schools and offices remain shut during the entire festival.

The thangka, as Yuheng elaborated, is an 80×60-meter scroll painting of Lord Buddha that is carried up the mountain of Drepung Monastery by monks on the first day of the festival and slowly unrolled to finally reveal the eyes. Partaking of yogurt signifies the end of a month-long fast by the monks during which they are confined within the walls of their homes and take only simple meals.

“As the thangka is rolled up again, devotees throw white silk scarves on it as offerings. It is believed that the higher your scarf reaches, the greater the blessings you will be bestowed,” Yuheng adds.

Though the festival is observed across Tibet, there are two places which are the major focus. At Norbulingka in Lhasa also the festival is celebrated with much aplomb. After Drepung Monastery, this is the second major venue for Shoton. Built in 1751 over 36 acres, it is also the Dalai Lama´s former summer palace. Norbulingka is a popular place for family picnics. On the premises, one gets to see many Tibetans in bright colored tents just lazing around and enjoying the ideal weather. The weather is just right in August, which is why this month is considered the best for travel to Tibet.

Puci, a local who works as a guide at Norbulingka, says many locals come during the Shoton festival as there is a Tibetan opera on from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. People with infants and toddlers in tow spend almost the entire day, or days, at Norbulingka during the festival period.  “Usually, this place isn´t so crowded, and you see a few tourists at most. But during the festival, it´s brimming with locals,” she says. The children play among themselves while adults indulge in some gossip and comment, laughing as tourists point their fancy tablets and DSLR cameras.

“It´s a mini vacation for families and also a time for different communities to come together,” says Yuheng, adding that locals and tourists alike enjoy the festival that showcases Tibet´s culture and traditions in their full glory.

The festival concludes on Friday.

Source: myrepublica.com