Monday, July 19, 2010

Krishna's House

Conveniently located yet slightly off the beaten path Krishna’s House was perfect for our 4 night stay in Bhaktapur. We chose to visit during the New Years festival. Ajaya our host put an exceptional amount of care and attention into making sure our needs were met and we experienced the highlights of the festival, it’s customs and key points of interest. He arranged excursions to Kathmandu and Paten and accompanied us to the India Embassy to confirm additional travel arrangements.The accommodations at Krishana’s House were comfortable. The double room we stayed in was clean, spacious and well appointed with twin beds, bathroom and sitting area. The meals prepared by Ajaya’s wife were exceptional. Each meal included homemade Nepalese dishes that were plentiful. The presentation was excellent and the food was delicious.If you are a budget traveler but still require comfort, good food, and knowledgeable hosts, Krishna’s House is an excellent choice for a stay in Bhaktapur.

Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan

This is a short trip that lets you explore ancient temples and religious shrines of the three medieval kingdoms, namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. This trip takes you into a kind of mystical history where the past still remains alive in the present, tradition tirelessly repeats itself into a culture that remains seeped into an ancient history created by the kings of past generations and religious doctrines are strictly adhered till this very day. In Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, you will be taken for a visit to the holiest of Hindu shrine “Pashupatinath”. Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of the Hindus. As you approach cremation areas of the temple, you will witness Hindu’s ritual of cremating a corpse. Tour to Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath are other retreats that will be serviced to you. Another attractive prospect of this trip is cultural tour to the major cultural heritages and temples in Bhaktapur and Patan. A

Kathmandu & Nagarkot

This trip offers a religious and cultural journey to the most amazing places in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Traveling to these places will help you get completely acquainted with different facets of Nepal. Taking on this tour, you will get to become a part of the rich culture and traditions of Nepal. You also get to visit the ancient palaces and famous cultural heritage sites during this tour. Your next destination, Nagarkot, is blessed with sheer beauty of nature and panoramic Himalayan views, giving you a once in a lifetime experience. On returning back to Kathmandu, your trip will further resume towards exploring more of Kathmandu. Visits to Kumari Temple and Durbar Square are the bonus sightseeing trips packaged in this tour.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01:
Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Nagarkot
Day 03:
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 04:
Depart Kathmandu

TRISHULI RIVER RAFTING

Trishuli River originates from Gandaki river system and mixes with other rivers like Bheri River, Marsyangdi River and Seti River as it flows ahead. It is widely acknowledged for its most culturally stimulating and exciting river trips in the world. Rafting along the challenging rapids of Trisuli River like Twin Rock, Ladies Delight and Scout Upset can be extremely mind-blowing experience. During this meticulously organized river trip, you journey through the most scenic and secluded miles featuring incredibly blue water, breath-taking alpine scenery and amazing rapids cutting through some of the most varied geology. You also get to enjoy luxurious camps and wonderful off-river activities. Monsoon river rafting is the major attraction of Trisuli River.

SUN KOSHI RIVER RAFTING

Sun Kosi River is an ideal destination for pursuing a classic white water rafting trip in Nepal. Also popularly known as “Golden River", Sun Kosi is the longest river cascading 270 km through Mahabharat Lekh Mountains to the Himalaya. Journeying through this torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat with life-jackets on, we have nature accompany us all along the river trip bestowing ample opportunity to witness exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides this sheer awe-inspiring whitewater rafting against roaring rapids from put-in point below the Village of Lamosangu to the put-out point at Chatara, we can have cultural encounters as we approach pristine hamlets on terraced hillsides. En route, we may sightsee exotic animals like Languor monkeys, spotted deer, otter anteater etc and many unique bird species. Several Hindu temples come on the way which very well worth a visit. We conclude the trip with a flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.

KALI GANDAKI RIVER RAFTING

Kali Gandaki is a sacred river named after Kali, a Hindu goddess. Starting from Mustang glacier, this beckoning river flows down to Muktinath between Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Mountains. It has Nepal’s most challenging river runs making it the largest untapped whitewater potential in the world. There are many cremation sites and burial mounds on its river bank.
Kali Gandaki Expedition is a sheer delightful invitation to all rafters from novice to the most intrepid of adventurers. This rafting trip begins from put-in site at Nayapul and concludes at Ramdighat with a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu or a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The river trip takes us to steep canyon overhung with verdant foliage and punctuated by small waterfalls and sidestreams in counterpoint to rapids providing class III to IV+ runs. As we descend through verdant rainforests, we witness unique wildlife, amazing ethno-cultural heritages, fascinating village settlements and picturesque landscape. In a nutshell, this river trip not only quenches our thirst for adventure but also bonds us with nature and equally makes us culture-sensitiveAS

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Tiger Tops Jungle

Established in the early 60s in the lush sub-tropical jungles of the Terai of Nepal for wildlife enthusiasts, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge is the pioneer wildlife safari lodge of Nepal and Asia . Tiger Tops is located in the heart of Nepal ’s premier Chitwan National Park ; a world heritage site and provides sensible comfort and skilled staff to ensure the finest wildlife safaris in Asia today . Chitwan is one of Asia ’s richest and most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries and in 2003 iExplore, rated this park as one of the best “Wildlife Safari Destinations of the World”.Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (TTJL), in common with the entire Tiger Mountain Group, practices environmentally responsible and sustainable conservation tourism. Our lodges and camps are used as models throughout Asia . Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge’s famous tree houses and bungalows are built with sustainable natural materials. The lodge has twenty guest rooms with double, single and triple bed options available. Each room has solar powered reading lamps, ceiling fans, attached modern bathrooms equipped with solar-heated showers. The Lodge’s photovoltaic solar power plant is the largest in Nepal .
A feature of the lodge is the circular Dining Hall and Bar called a Gol Ghar with its huge domed roof and central open hearth; a special place to relax with friends and discuss the day’s adventures and wildlife seen. The lodge has a reputed kitchen that serves a range of western and Nepali cuisine utilizing fresh organic food supplies, some from
Tiger Mountain Organic Farms – the company’s organic demonstration and development farms are located just outside the park at Meghauli and adjacent toTiger Tops Tharu Lodge. All meals, tea, coffee, hot chocolate and light snacks are included in the rate. Special menus are available for children, those with special dietary needs and the kitchen can also supply a range of Japanese dishes on request. The fully stocked bar will provide international cocktails and a range of special local ones such as the renowned Tiger Tops Special. A selection of wines is also available. Each evening a range of complimentary snacks and nibbles are provided to go with evening drinks before dinner. The bar remains open until the last guest retires.
As the focus of the Lodge is wildlife safaris, you can expect the finest naturalists and guides available in Nepal. Unlike any other lodge in Chitwan, all Tiger Tops’ naturalists have passed a rigorous examination and have more individual years’ experience than the combined expertise of many other organizations. With highly trained elephants, environmentally cared-for vehicles and safe river boats, safaris can cover the surrounding jungles in search of Chitwan’s wildlife – the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian One-horned Rhinoceros, Indian bison – known as Gaur in Nepal – Sloth Bear, Leopard, Golden backed Jackal, four deer species and a wealth of bird life. One of the highlights of a visit to Tiger Tops is a jungle walk with an expert naturalist to spot rare birds and learn the diverse uses of local plants for medical and culinary purposes.
Apart from being a tourism organization, Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge is also the initiator of “Responsible” or “Sustainable Tourism” in Nepal long before Ecotourism became a buzzword. Tiger Tops, in association with the UK charity
International Trust for Nature Conservation (ITNC), conducts a range of research programmes and data collection, making this available to national authorities, individual researchers and other charities. The lodge has been recognized internationally as a leader in anti-poaching, wildlife crime and conservation activities.
Tiger Tops, although located in the remote jungle, employs many local staff and is honoured to have been part of the community for over 40 years. The Lodge organizes and supports a range of community programmes, education, rural health, family planning and other activities to enhance rural livelihoods and sustainability of the community.
Nothing can quite capture the mystical experience of travelling through the primeval grasslands of Chitwan atop an elephant that is rumbling its suspicions that a tiger is on the prowl in the first light of day. Come and experience this magic with Nepal ’s leading conservation organisation supported through tourism.

Tiger Tops

Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge (TTTL), one of the three Tiger Mountain properties in the Chitwan area, is just 13 km downriver from Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, on the edge of Royal Chitwan National Park . Situated in a tranquil garden setting on high ground overlooking lush green forests and villages, it is inspired by the lifestyle and rich culture of the indigenous Tharu people. Tharu Lodge is a living diorama constructed in the traditional longhouse style, and built from local materials. The spacious and comfortable double rooms have en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated water and are stocked with hand-made herbal soap.
Tharu Lodge offers the best of both worlds: wildlife plus cultural and resort activities, including birdwatching, jungle walks, sunset strolls, ox cart rides and walks into the different ethnic villages (Tharu, Bote & Mushyar), swimming, tennis and badminton. Visits to The Tiger Mountain Organic Farm and Lodge projects are also posssible.Sunset river safaris are available for guests staying two nights or more. The Tharu Lodge grounds and gardens are the home to 200 bird species and frequent visitors to the area include the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, Wild Boar, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Civet and Jungle Cats and many more. The elusive Royal Bengal Tiger is sometimes sighted.
Tiger Mountain , the pioneer of adventure tourism in Nepal with over 40 years experience, places a great emphasis on self-sufficiency at its lodges. Its own
Tiger Mountain Organic Farms produce fresh ingredients for its award-wining Nepali and Western cuisine: Wild-Boar cross, poultry, seasonal vegetables and fruit, herbs, salads, honey. All bread, rolls, quiches, pastries, cookies and pies are freshly baked on the premises, and we serve home-made marmalade and jams, chutneys, muesli, yoghurt, pasta, sausage, pate, and fresh organic coffee and herbal teas.

Tiger Mauntain


The comfortable rooms are arranged around the hilltop in hand-cut stone bungalows, blending into their surroundings for total privacy. Sited to maximise the breathtaking views and set in natural gardens, all the rooms have a spacious verandas, adjoining bathroom and are furnished with a twin or king sized beds. The lodge is the ideal retreat for honeymoon couples and those wanting smart discreet service in comfortable surroundings. Features include the highest quality Tibetan hand-knotted wool carpets in traditional designs, and original watercolours of the region by British artist, Luke Piper. For pure relaxation, the lodge has a range of massage treatments in the privacy of your own room, personal yoga sessions, and meditation training. What could be better than an ayurvedic massage to ease tired limbs as part of a post-trek relaxation programme?
The Main Lodge is the focal point for relaxing, with its cosy central fireplace, comfortable seating areas and bar, arranged around a typical Nepali-style courtyard. Decorated with local designs, there is an airy dining room and plenty of outdoor terraces for meals al fresco. A special feature is Colonel Jimmy's Library, containing a unique collection of Himalayan mountaineering literature and photographs belonging to the late Col. J.O.M. Roberts, the father of trekking and founder of Mountain Travel Nepal. As well as providing stylish accommodation, conservation and eco-tourism are actively promoted and the Lodge pioneers responsible / sustainable conservation tourism practices in the Nepal Himalaya.
Terraced and planted with indigenous shrubs, bamboo and fruit trees, the natural gardens emulate the local landscape and are a haven for wildlife. There are plenty of strategic viewpoints to enjoy a drink, or simply to meditate on the majestic white peaks. There is a secluded swimming pool that reflects the famous Machhapuchhare in its limpid waters. Activities at Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge include walks and village visits lead by expert local guides that can explain the flora, fauna and rich culture of the area. All the guides are keen bird watchers and welcome guests on birding walks. With over 275 species of butterflies in the lodge grounds alone, butterfly watching (with a guide to help identify them) is also available. The lodge’s tranquil setting is a haven for artists and writers as well as for those who wish to experience the village lifestyle of rural Nepal.
Award-winning meals feature locally supplied organically grown products of the highest standards. Fresh herbs and salads come from the Lodge’s own organic gardens. Fruits and vegetables are grown in the village. All food is prepared daily on site with home baked breads and cakes. Breakfast is in the English tradition and lunch is a Nepali buffet of a range of authentic dishes using local spices. An alternate light lunch of fresh salads and soups is available on request. Dinner is a daily changing table d’hôte menu featuring a range of European dishes or a traditional Nepali Thali. Special healthy-eating menu options are available on request. The kitchen welcomes special requests and personal favourites as well as offering a range of menus for children, vegetarians and those with special dietary needs.S

Tiger Mountain


Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge sets the standard for comfortable hotel accommodation in Pokhara. This boutique lodge is just half an hour's drive from Pokhara in western Nepal. Situated on a spectacular hilltop ridge a thousand feet (305m) above the Pokhara Valley, it has panoramic mountain views of Machhapuchhare, and three of the world's 8,000m (> 26,000ft) Himalayan peaks, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. The Lodge sets a new style of elegance for Nepal's second tourism destination with its relaxed atmosphere, tranquil setting, eco-tourism and conservation ethos. It has won several prestigious awards including the PATA Heritage and Culture Gold Award and the Conde Nast Traveler magazine Ecotourism Award. With just nineteen rooms, this boutique hotel provides simple comfort and total attention to personal service. The Lodge provides a base for diverse activities including walks and day hikes, paragliding, golf, tennis, spa therapy, bird watching, fishing, sightseeing in Pokhara, and good home-style food in the hotel’s award-winning dining room.

Pokhara information

Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its centre of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds.
Pokhara is a place remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchchre (6,977m) rising behind its create an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayas.
Moreover, Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and world-renowned brave-Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneur.
Places of interest in Pokhara:Fewa LakeBarahi TempleSarankot ( 1,592m)Seti GandakiDevi's FallMahendra CaveThe Old BazaarMuseums
How to reach PokharaPokhara, 200 km west of Kathmandu, can be reached either with flight (30 minutes) or 5 hours car/bus ride from Kathmandu. The flight to Pokhara itself is a semi-mountain flight and a wonderful bird's view of central Nepal. The enjoyable drive on the bank of river passes through small towns and village is fantastic to observe the life in Nepal.
How to reach Base Camp ResortLet us pick you up at airport or the bus stop by car. It is 5 minutes drive from airport and walking distance to the tourist bus stop in Pokhara. Just come by the lakeside, find us and be our guest.

Kantipur Hotal

Kantipur is the poetic name of ancient Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal. Now, this poetic essence although disappearing in Kathmandu, has finally materialized in Pokhara 200 km all the way west of Kathmandu along with the combination of beauty, comfort and taste. That is in the class from of an exotic place to relax and enjoy delicious cuisine amidst the magnificent views of the most beautiful Himalaya "Fish Tail" of Annapurna range reflecting itself within the PHEWA LAKE.
Our hotel expertise started a decade ago from Kathmandu, promises to provide very special services which, we believe, will meet your every expectation required to make your stay memorable in the natural bowl of Pokhara Valley.
Kantipur, under the Europe-trained personnel, extends its typically Nepali hospitality in Kantipur Restaurant for varieties of savoury cuisine and beverage in an ambience of home away from home

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Arun Valley Trekking Nepal


As an alternative to Jiri or Lukla the Everest trek can be started or ended by trekking across to the valley in the eastern side of Nepal. The starting point can be Hile if traveling by road or Tumlingtar if a flight is preferred. Getting to or from Hile involves a lengthy bus journey from Kathmandu of around fourteen hours. If this route is taken an entry permit for Makalu Barun National Park is required..



If using the Arun valley as an alternative exit, the route leaves the main Everest trail at Kharte, the village above Khari Khola. It generally travels south east crossing the major rivers in the area, the Hindu Khola and the Hongu Khola, and two high passes, the Pangkoma la (3350 meters) and the Salpa La (3350 meters). Both of these passes give good views of the mountains to the north. The scenery along the trail ranges from mixed farming land and scattered Sherpa and Rai villages to stands of forest including rhododendron and oak. After trekking for five days from where several flights a week connect with Kathmandu and Biratnagar. A further two days trek to the south is Hille from where daily buses operate to Kathmandu

Lukla Namche Bazzer


Thame is not on the regular beaten path to Everest there were no tourists on the trail to get there. Even more special was that during our final 1,500 foot ascent towards the village it started to snow! Upon arrival, we were treated to a traditional dinner in Thame. If you are dead set on seeing Mount Everest from the ground and have only a few days to spare for a trek, you can realize your dream by flying in & out of Lukla and then hiking 2 days to Namche Bazaar.

If you are dead set on seeing Mount Everest from the ground and have only a few days to spare for a trek, you can realize your dream by flying in and out of Lukla and then hiking 2 days up to Namche Bazaar. From a hill above this large Sherpa village, there is an excellent view up the valley to Mount Everest.

Mani Rimdu festival observe most of Sherpa villages of Nepal. The renowned monastery called Thyngboche 3800m. lying in the Everest region and also situated in lap of Ama Dablam 6,812m. mountain is the main place. From here the visitor can view the highest mountain of the World, Mt. Everest 8848m, and other snow capped mountains. To arrive here it takes 12 days from the Jiri and 4 days trek from Lukla. From Kathmandu to Lukla, it takes 35 minutes of flights. On this occasion most of visitors from the World wide comes to see it. Seeing all the ceremony, returned through the Everest base camp (Kala Patthar 5545m.) back to Lukla & flight to Kathmandu

Lukla Bazzer

Thame is not on the regular beaten path to Everest there were no tourists on the trail to get there. Even more special was that during our final 1,500 foot ascent towards the village it started to snow! Upon arrival, we were treated to a traditional dinner in Thame. If you are dead set on seeing Mount Everest from the ground and have only a few days to spare for a trek, you can realize your dream by flying in & out of Lukla and then hiking 2 days to Namche Bazaar.

If you are dead set on seeing Mount Everest from the ground and have only a few days to spare for a trek, you can realize your dream by flying in and out of Lukla and then hiking 2 days up to Namche Bazaar. From a hill above this large Sherpa village, there is an excellent view up the valley to Mount Everest.

Mani Rimdu festival observe most of Sherpa villages of Nepal. The renowned monastery called Thyngboche 3800m. lying in the Everest region and also situated in lap of Ama Dablam 6,812m. mountain is the main place. From here the visitor can view the highest mountain of the World, Mt. Everest 8848m, and other snow capped mountains. To arrive here it takes 12 days from the Jiri and 4 days trek from Lukla. From Kathmandu to Lukla, it takes 35 minutes of flights. On this occasion most of visitors from the World wide comes to see it. Seeing all the ceremony, returned through the Everest base camp (Kala Patthar 5545m.) back to Lukla & flight to Kathmandu

Lukla

Tenzing-Hillary Airport (IATA: LUA, ICAO: VNLK), also known as Lukla Airport, is a small airport in the town of Lukla,[1] in Khumbu, Solukhumbu district, Sagarmatha zone, eastern Nepal. In January 2008, the airport was renamed in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first persons to reach the summit of Mount Everest.[2] Sir Edmund Hillary died on January 11, 2008.[3] Tenzing Norgay died in 1986.[4]

The airport is popular since Lukla is the place where most people start their climb of Mount Everest. There are daily flights between Lukla and Kathmandu during daylight hours and good weather. Although the flying distance is short, it can easily be raining in Lukla while the sun is shining brightly in Kathmandu. The paved tarmac is only accessible to helicopters and small fixed wing short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft such as Twin Otters or Dornier Do 228. There is about a 700-metre (2,000 ft) angled drop at the end of the runway to the valley below. The airport is contained within a chain link fence and patrolled by the Nepal armed police or civil police around the clock.[citation needed]