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Nepal for Tourists

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  • 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.

Nepal, a tiny country located north of India, has long been popular with tourists looking to trek in the Himalayan peaks. Popular locations in Nepal, including the city of Kathmandu, the Khumbu Valley, and Pokhara, have a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and tourists will find it easy to locate transportation, accommodations, tours and food. Whether you are traveling on or off the beaten path, you will find the Nepali people to be warm and more than willing to welcome you into their culture and country.

Trekking

One of the most common reasons tourists’ visit Nepal is to trek among the most famous mountains in the world. The Himalaya Mountains run the length of the country, offering unparalleled hiking and climbing opportunities. The two most popular treks in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna trek. The Everest trek, which takes you to the base camp on the Khumbu Glacier, usually starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Annapurna treks begin in Pokhara. You can trek with a tour group or on your own; guides and porters can be arranged in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Budget travelers will save an enormous amount of money by trekking on their own. Lonely Planet’s “Trekking the Nepal Himalaya” is an excellent guide, and trails are well marked.

Transportation

Travelers in Nepal generally get around the country by bus or flight. Buses serve almost every location in the country, and generally come in a variety of classes. The tourist class buses are the most comfortable, and often include an on-board restroom. Second-class buses are less modern, but are perfectly adequate for medium-distance journeys, such as the one from Pokhara to Kathmandu. To book a bus, simply visit one of the tour offices that populate most cities or inquire at your hotel; most will be able to arrange tickets for you. For travelers with less time, Nepal has several domestic airlines: Buddha Air, Cosmic Air and Yeti Airlines.

Visas

Citizens of most western countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival. You will be required to pay $30 (as of May 2010) and to provide a passport photo for the visa. If you are flying into Kathmandu, a photographer will take the photo for a small fee. Be sure to have cash on hand for the visa and photo; there is a currency exchange before visa processing, but no ATM. Visas are generally given for a 60-day stay and can be extended by visiting the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a $50 30-day extension.

Airport Taxes

Nepal has exit taxes for all flights, whether you are flying domestically or internationally. For travelers leaving Kathmandu on an international flight, the tax is “Rs. 900 (about $13 in May 2010) if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1,100 (about $16) to all other international destinations,” according to the Visit Nepal website. Taxes on domestic flights are Rs.165 ($2.36).

Culture

The Nepali population and culture have been influenced largely by India to the south and Tibet to the north. According to Nepal.com, there are 35 different ethnic groups who are mostly Hindu or Buddhist. The website advises that visitors handle items and eat with their right hand, as the Nepalese “use their left hand to wash themselves after being to the toilet.” When traveling in Nepal, dress modestly to show respect, and refrain from public displays of affection. Regardless of the region in which you travel, says Lonely Planet, “many visitors, drawn to Nepal by the promise of adventure, leave equally enchanted by the friendliness and openness of the Nepali people.”

Source: USA Today

Nepal Participated ITB Berlin

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  • 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.

The 2015 edition of ITB Berlin concluded on March 8, 2015 with the visit of 115,000 trade visitors. Nepal’s participation in the fair was led by Secretary of the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and Chairman of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Suresh Man Shrestha. The Nepalese delegation included Mr. Kashi Raj Bhandari, Director of NTB, Mr. Lila Bahadur Baniya, Senior Manager of NTB, Mr.Vinod Gautam, and Officer from the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Kundan Sharma, Officer of NTB and 21 Nepali Travel Trade companies.
ITB Berlin featured 10,096 exhibitors from 186 countries in 26 display halls showcasing a spectrum of tourism products and services from all the world over.
During the fair, NTB team interacted with international travel trade professionals and media and disseminated tourism information about Nepal. NTB’s representatives also met with top-notch tourism officials from Europe and different parts of the world. Among the top visitors to Nepal’s stand were Mr. Jurgen Klimke, Member of Parliament, Bundestag, Germany and The Secretary of Tourism of Maldives.

Several visitors to the stall showed keen interest to include Nepal in their holiday packages. Individual visitors sought information for personal and family visits and there were a tremendous amount of general queries on travelling to Nepal. As usual the Mt. Everest, the Himalayas and Lord Buddha were the subjects of prime interest. There were also a considerable amount of inquiries and interest shown on Eco friendly or responsible tourism. The general queries of visitors hovered around the best places to visit for first time visitors, security concerns, travel information, trekking information, hotel information, visa rules of Nepal, etc.

Nepal stand with a space of 152 sq. meters successfully depicted the unique tourism products of Nepali culture, nature and adventures. A Statue of Lord Buddha was placed in the middle of Nepal Stand and it was of prime interest to visitors. Visitors flocked to the stall to take pictures of Lord Buddha.
About ITB Berlin
during 5 bustling days between 4 and 8th of March 2015, some 115,000 trade visitors (2014: 114,000) travelled to the ITB, Berlin. The share of trade visitors from abroad increased to 43 per cent (2014: 40 per cent) in comparison to the figures of 2014. According to an estimate by Messe Berlin, the organizer of the show, the volume of sales at the world’s leading travel trade show increased from around 6.5 billion euros in 2014 to 6.7 billion euros.The ITB Berlin Convention registered record levels of attendance with almost 175,000 total visitors attending the fair this year. Decision-makers and opinion-formers debated the key topics concerning the travel industry at a total of 200 events which took place in eight auditoriums. Around 5,180 accredited journalists from 75 countries and some 350 bloggers from 29 countries reported on events at ITB Berlin. Politicians and diplomats from Germany and abroad were also present at the show.
ITB is a global platform for the worldwide travel trade professionals to meet, network, negotiate and conduct tourism business. As per the ITB’s official press release, the exhibition ground at Messe Berlin was fully booked with overwhelming participation segments like Travel Technology and Adventure & Sustainable Travel in addition to the regular travel exhibitors.
According to the post event press release of ITB, Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin said, “More than ever ITB Berlin fulfills the function of the world’s leading think tank and a shop window for the travel industry. This is where the opportunities and risks are debated and the potential impact of the sharing economy on the international travel industry is analyzed. Over the past few days ITB Berlin has provided further evidence of how important personal exchanges and meetings between people are for an industry that is increasingly dominated by the digital transition”.
The first 3 days from March 4-6 were reserved for trade encouraging business-to-business sessions among the participating travel trade counterparts while the last two days were open for public. The exhibition presented a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to German, European and other international tourism professionals.
Mongolia was the partner country of ITB 2015. The mileage Mongolia got because of being Partner Country was incredible. Nepal should also contemplate on showcasing its tourism strength by hosting as a partner country at the ITB in the near future.

Places to hang out in Kathmandu Valley

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Places to hang out in Kathmandu Valley

There seems to be no place in the Kathmandu Valley that hasn’t been breached upon by the ambitious will of a domestic adventurer: That funky restaurant? Oh no, you went there last time with your peeps. That cool place to hang out? Nah, went there for a funny photo shoot with colleagues. Sometimes, it feels as if the Valley is the same old assortment of familiar people and even more familiar settings. But worry not. I guess looking for a needle in the haystack is even better for the true adventurer at heart. The Week, as usual, comes to your aid.

Newa Lahana, Kirtipur
This restaurant is famous for its spot on Newar delicacies and drinks.newa-lahana-kirtipur

To reach there, go past the Tribhuvan University Heights and take a right turn. With two and a half stories dedicated solely for food lovers, also find the place apt for hanging out with your friends and family. The views from the rooftop are ones that you shouldn’t miss. Look forward to a great experience at Lahana.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur
traditionally known as the city of devotees, Bhaktapur is always a supreme place to hang out in. With its old brick houses and lanes, any place you go there will be a treat to your eyes and senses. Take a look at the potter’s village, or even sign up for a pottery class! If you are in your walking shoes, then you can go for hiking around the famous Changu Narayan Temple. Although Bhaktapur is the smallest city among the three in the Valley, it still has a string of temples and places that are waiting for the right kind of visitors.

Bungamati/Khokana

bungamati_khokana
A bus from Lagankhel for 30-45 minutes – depending on the crowd in the vehicle – and you’ll reach this beautiful Newar village of Bungamati. Bungamati has grown to become a local tourist destination, with extended cultural events on auspicious days, and traditional music in full swing and the locals clad in traditional wears. If not, go for an evening to watch the sunset, from where you can also watch the Khokana valley in the right. Stroll around in the ancient hamlet where it seems time has decided to rest. This evening will definitely be memorable.

Nag Daha, Dhapakhel
Nag Daha is a big pond which, from afar, looks like a snake. It’s a haven for nature seekers: The pond with gentle water ripples surrounded by greenery is quiet and perfect for solace. To reach there, take a public vehicle from Lagankhel to Dhapakhel, and walk for a few minutes. The place even has a modest number of eateries if you’re looking to enjoy the place with food. If you’re lucky, you can even get a chance at boating. This will be a good opportunity for the legend seeker in you. This legendarily rich place may have some stories that you can share later on.

The Sankata Temple, New Road
If you’re tired of hanging around Basantapur and are looking for something less crowded, then you could give the Sankata Temple a visit. It has a big courtyard dedicated to it, and one can easily find a ‘chiya pasal’ along with a few other snacks. If you are really in the mood for local food, then seek the Sankata Restaurant which is hidden in a busy alley to the north of the temple. Aside from serving the regular lunchtime snacks, they have yummy baras that are worth dying for. The area is pretty big, with people doing their usual businesses. Sneak in for a laidback time with your buddies.

Source: Republica

Shivaratri is celebrated as birth-night of Lord Shiva.

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Shivaratri is celebrated as birth-night of Lord Shiva.

This day is the celebration dedicated to the Lord Shiva which falls on the Trayodashi of the month Fagun (February/March).

Maha-Shivaratri-pashupatinath

Nepal is the only Hindu kingdom in the world and thus the land of Lord Shiva, Lord of all Lords, for here you can feel his presence everywhere. Even in the sacred texts of the Hindus it has been stated that Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas is the abode of Lord Shiva or Mahadeva as he is also known. Shiva the Destroyer of Evil is among the most praised and worshipped of all the gods in the Hindu religion. Hindus all over the world know him through different names and forms. The country has thousands of idols and monuments, which glorify his name, the most common one being the Shiva Linga or the phallus of Shiva that represents him. For it is the Shiva linga that Hindus regard as the symbol of creation, the beginning of everything. Shiva Ratri is the night of Lord Shiva when He himself was created by His own Divine Grace and Hindus all over the world celebrate this day with a lot of zeal and enthusiasm. Shiva Ratri literally means ‘ the night consecrated to Shiva’. This auspicious festival falls on the fourteenth day of the waning moon in the month of Falgun, (February – March in the Gregorian calendar ). The temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu which is considered as one of the holiest shrines of the Hindus, glorifying Lord Shiva, thus receives more than 100,000 worshippers during the festival of Shiva Ratri. These worshippers come from far and wide to pay their respects and homage to Mahadev on his sacred day.

Lord Shiva

We worship Lord Shiva with the maha mantra “Om Namaha Shivaya”.  The Mahamantra   “Om Namaha Shivaya” also known as shadakshari mantra. Each letter in this mantra has spiritual meaning. This mantra is also known as maha mantra.

Om alone is the sound of life. It is the endless vibration that flows through the universe and provides life in every living being. Chanting revitalizes the mind and body and settles the mind. Om is the beginning and it is the end. In Sanskrit, the meaning of Om is avati, or rakuati. Rakuati means one who protects or sustains. Om is the most powerful mantra.

(Om as made up of three parts.  These are and .  Our sound starts with “a”, when we speak go to “O” and end with M, so Om is the totality. It is a mantra which provides complete rest to our body and energy to our mind. )

Maha-Shivaratri

Meaning of each letters of the mantra

Main god of all the regions (loks)

One who gifts supreme and spiritual knowledge (dnyan) and destroys greatest sins

Shi: generous, calm and responsible for the beginning by Lord Shiva

va: Symbol of vehicle (Nandi) the bull and the Vasuki and Vamangi Energies (Shakti)

Y: Positive residence of highest heaven and Lord Shiva.

Maha-Shivaratri-pashupatinath1

NAC announces fare to New Delhi

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NAC announces fare to New Delhi

Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), which is resuming its flight to New Delhi from February 25, has fixed one-way fare at Rs 7,084 and round trip at Rs 15,177 (including taxes).nnepal

The airline is using its newly acquired Airbus A320-200 aircraft for the flight. Issuing a statement on Tuesday, the national flag carrier said it will operate four flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays to the Indian capital city.

A320_Nepal_Airlines

The aircraft will fly to New Delhi at 8 am and return at 10:40 am. NAC is preparing launch scheduled flights toHong Kong and Bangkok soon. Meanwhile, NAC has also reduced its fare to Kuala Lumpur. It has fixed one-way airfare at Rs 14,000 (exclusive of taxes).

Maghe Sankranti Festival in Nepal

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Maghe Sankranti Festival in Nepal

Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually the mid of January. It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-december) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune. Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of Magh, usually the mid of January.

devghat

It brings an end to the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-december) when all religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the coming of warmer weather and better days of health and fortune. This day is said to be the most significant day for holy bathing despite the weather. This ritual usually takes place at the union of sacred rivers and streams. Sankhamole, on the banks of the holy Bagmati river, below Patan, is thought to be amongst the most sacred sites for this purpose, though there has been a decline in the fulfillment of this ritual in the recent years due to water pollution in the river. But people still go in the wee hours of dawn just to sprinkle themselves with the water. They pay homage to various deities specially the temple of Red Machindranath and Agima Ta.