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The Top Treks In Nepal

Apr4

Trekking in the HimalayasAs a country that boasts eight of the world’s fourteen highest mountains within its borders, it is unsurprising that some of the world’s best treks are to be enjoyed in the country.  The epic snow capped mountains and clear mountain air make these areas particularly attractive for visitors, and for those hardy souls willing to walk at altitude they really can get close to these majestic rock formations.  When choosing your trekking group or guide it is always worth having a good look at the itinerary, and ensuring that it does include some days scheduled for acclimatization to the high altitudes.

 The Trek To Everest Base Camp

 The real icon of Nepal is Mount Everest, or Chomolungma as it is known by the Nepalese, and standing at 8,848 meters tall it is truly a spectacular sight whether it is seen from land or from the air.  Base camp itself is at 5,380 meters above sea level, with most trekkers flying into LuklaAirport on a small airplane before ascending to base camp.  Here trekkers will rub shoulders with the mountaineers preparing for their ascent of Everest, and will already have enjoyed some superb Himalayan scenery climbing to this point.

Acclimatization is particularly important on this trek, as the airport at Lukla is already at 2,860 meters above sea level where altitude sickness can begin.  The base camp itself is almost a small town based from tents, with many of the organized groups having large groups of tents together.  Organized efforts to clear tons of rubbish from the area have also made base camp a much more pleasant place to be.

The Annapurna Circuit

The second most popular route among trekkers visiting Nepal is the epic Annapurna Circuit, which takes the walkers around the stunning Annapurna Massif.  The trek itself can often last up to three weeks, and includes a sensational pass walk from Pisang to Manang that has some of the best traditional Tibetan villages on the walk.  Those wanting to get a closer look of the peak can ascend to Annapurna Base Camp, which offers sensational views in good weather conditions.

This is a great trek for those who don’t want to stray too far from their home comforts, and many of the hostels along the route, particularly at lower altitudes can boast luxuries such as hot showers.  Although much of the trek was historically remote and away from civilization, roads have been built to help supply and fulfill the needs of the trekker industry.

Kanchenjunga North And South Base Camp

Kanchenjunga is a mountain that lies on the border between Nepal and India, and because of its remote location has not developed as much of a trekking industry as those around Annapurna and Everest.  For those looking for a traditional taste of Nepal this is certainly a journey that will take you through many traditional villages and allow you to meet some of the local people here who still enjoy a life largely untouched by the outside world.  This route also offers some of the best mountain views in the country, along with trekking through beautiful Rhododendron forests.

The Manaslu Circuit

Another hidden gem of the treks available in Nepal is the Manaslu circuit, which journeys around the eighth largest mountain in the world.  This idyllic area on the border with Tibet offers one of the best opportunities in the country, with a trek that rises from a low altitude through sub-tropical forests up to the stunning high altitude Larkya La pass.  Highlights that visitors can enjoy on this trek include a superb hilltop monastery that boasts great mountain views, and trekking through some of the most beautiful narrow gorges in the country.

The Top Adventure Sports In Nepal

Feb14

Mountain BikingThe presence of the HimalayanMountains has always been both a blessing and a curse for Nepal, bringing both benefits and hindrances to the native people in the country.  The high mountain ranges have helped to isolate this small country from many potential trade routes, with many of the journeys to Tibet, China and India all having to be done over high mountain passes.  The benefit that accompanies the HimalayanMountains is that they have given Nepal a burgeoning tourism industry, and with a period of peace after a turbulent few years, adventure sports have really started to grow in the country.

The traditional activities of mountain climbing and trekking are still massively popular, but for those looking for an adrenaline rush there are a range of other activities becoming available too.

Mountain Biking

One of the best ways to see Nepal is on two wheels, and there are a growing number of routes that are being opened up to cyclists ranging from valley tours up to high altitude adventures.  The cross country routes are excellent for novices and those looking for a relaxed cycling, while the mountainous routes will take visitors away from the more populous areas and out into the remote areas where visitors are rarely seen by the locals.

Although the industry for mountain biking is largely made up of organized trips, those who are thinking of trying a journey by themselves should be aware of the logistical problems of such challenges.  Transport is a big issue, as cycling on the roads of Nepal is certainly not a wise way to traverse the country, particularly around Kathmandu where the drivers are particularly fearless.

White Water Rafting

Another of the activities that has grown significantly in popularity over recent years in Nepal is white water rafting, and with the rivers flowing from the Himalayas it is certainly a great location for it.  As the water flows from the high altitude it comes crashing down on to the valley floors, and the white water often changes into a calm and tranquil river that will allow rafters to enjoy the scenery around them.

There are also several rivers that offer the short half day rafting trip full of excitement up to journeys that can last over a week that will give people a wide range of different rafting experiences.  Rivers like the Karnali river and the TamurRiver are excellent for those looking for longer rafting adventures.  The Trisuli river is within traveling distance from Kathmandu, and is ideal for those who are looking for and exciting day with rapids up to grade four, and want to fit the trip around other activities.

Bungee Jumping

One of the most famous adrenaline sports in the world is Bungee Jumping, and although its roots lie in the mountainous areas of New Zealand, the jump over the gorge of the Bhote Khosi river takes the sport to another level.  A 160 meter leap of faith from a cable car above the river is one of the world’s largest, and will have the blood thumping through the veins of even the most hardened adrenaline junkie.  The gorge is also close to a number of other adrenaline sports destinations too, and can be combined for great thrills and entertainment.

Canyoning And The Canyon Swing

Another of the newest adventure sports to be launched in Nepal is Canyoning, and although the sport is in its early stages it is certainly an enjoyable and thrilling adventure.  Combining abseiling, scrambling down river beds and leaping into deep water pools, Canyoning is a great adventure that puts the great scenery and topography of the Nepalese gorges to great use.  The organized trips are led by experienced guides, and this helps to ensure it is a safe experience as well as being exciting.

Another thrill ride for those who visit the bungee site on the Bhote Khosi river is the Canyon Swing, which is essentially exactly what it sounds like.  Instead of leaping vertically from the bungee jump platform, the Canyon Swing sends the jumper hurtling along the canyon at great speed, and is one of the biggest adrenaline rushes available in Nepal.

Top Things To Do In Nepal

Feb11

Trekking in the HimalayasLying to the south of a significant part of the Himalayan mountain range, Nepal is a country that can boast some of the most majestic and stunning scenery in the world.  However, the climate in lowland Nepal is actually very tropical, giving the country a wide range of different ecosystems and making it a very varied country too.  Because of these factors, it is no surprise that some of the most popular and interesting activities that can be enjoyed in Nepal make use of its wonderful geography.

Trekking in the Himalayas

One of the most popular reasons for people to visit Nepal is to go trekking in and around some of the highest mountains in the world, and these treks can range from short and relaxed family treks up to challenging expeditions that can last several weeks.  There are many companies that arrange organized treks for groups of visitors, and these will usually employ porters to carry any luggage giving visitors the best possible chance to enjoy their surroundings.  The benefit of going on an organized trek is that all of the required passes for national parks will also be taken care of.

Two of the most popular treks in Nepal are the treks to Everest base camp and the Annapurna circuit, both of which run near some of the highest mountains in the world.  These routes are very welcoming for visitors and have tea houses and hostels along the trek, while those looking for a more traditional taste of Nepal can look to treks around Kanchenjunga and Manaslu which are less developed parts of the country.

Climbing

For those people who have a thirst for even more adventure, the challenge of climbing some of the highest mountains in the world can be found in Nepal.  Experienced climbers who have all of the necessary equipment can climb to altitudes of above 8,000m, including the world’s highest mountain Everest, but this will often require years of training.  For those who are less experienced but still want to experience the thrill of climbing at high altitude, there are a range of ‘trekking peaks’ that can be ascended with a guide that are not as dangerous as the highest peaks.  However, it is worth noting that the ‘trekking peaks’ will still require experience of walking and climbing on ice and snow, and the use of crampons is vital.

White Water Rafting

One of the benefits of the high mountain landscape of Nepal is that it means that many of the rivers flowing from these high areas are excellent for white water rafting.  The deep gorges and glacial waters make the white water in Nepal challenging and exciting among the rapids, with plenty of wider valleys as well where rafters can relax and enjoy the majesty of the wonderful surroundings.  Organized trips can be booked in advance or from the offices in Kathmandu, with trips ranging from a half day experience up to a much longer trip lasting for several days.

Exploring Kathmandu

After all the excitement of the Himalayas, the bustling city of Kathmandu is a stark contrast to the quiet and peaceful countryside.  The markets and bazaars of the city have a massive range of goods from the everyday items through to the more traditional tourist mementoes such as stickers and fridge magnets.  It is always worth keeping a look out for traffic, and the motorbikes and mopeds around the city will often be found squeezing through the narrowest shopping streets in the city.

Durbar Square is also well worth visiting, as this boasts some of the most beautiful traditional buildings in the whole of the city, with each one adorned with fantastic carving and details.

A Flight Over The Himalayas

There is no doubt that Nepal boasts some of the best scenery on the continent, and when it comes to getting the best view of the mountains, this is definitely found in the air.  There are a number of small airlines that run a regular sightseeing flight around Everest from Kathmandu airport, and these will offer a great view from above.

It is also possible to arrange hot air balloon trips and glider excursions above the beautiful HimalayanMountains, and these naturally quieter forms of travel offer peace and tranquility to enjoy the views.

The Top Restaurants In Kathmandu

Jan24

Nepali ChuloA vital part of any trip to Nepal is to try the local cuisine, and this charming city has a wide range of restaurants and coffee houses that cater to all tastes and budgets.  However, the Nepalese cuisine isn’t the only one on offer in the city, with some of the best chefs delivering food from across that Asian continent and beyond.  Dal Bhat is a simple spicy lentil soup that is the staple of many Nepalese diets, and some of Kathmandu’s best restaurants will offer an interesting twist on this very traditional dish.

Nepali Chulo

This is probably one of the most popular Nepalese restaurants for visitors, and the traditional surroundings and carvings around the building make the dining experience as interesting as it is tasty.  The building itself is very large and has been well restored, with the surroundings feeling very grand and dramatic.  The range of Nepalese cuisine to be enjoyed includes the very traditional rice based dishes and there are also meat dishes available, and these can be washed down with a local beer or a traditional rice wine.

The food is fine at the restaurant, but it is the surroundings and the entertainment that make it a real experience, with Nepalese music and dancers to entertain the guests.

Bhojan Griha

Another of the best Nepalese restaurants to be enjoyed in Kathmandu is Bhojan Griha, which again offers a great combination of Nepalese cuisine and culture, with the food being accompanied by local entertainment and dancing.  The experience of dining is enjoyed from the traditional low tables and cushions, and although the menu doesn’t offer a huge variety the quality of the food is very good indeed.  Whether you go for the vegetarian curries or the meat options, the flavor of the traditional dishes are very good, and they are served in a beautiful setting too.

Kilroy’s

One of the most popular restaurants in Kathmandu, Kilroy’s bears the name of the founder and offers a wonderful combination of Nepalese and western dishes on the menu with something that will suit every taste.  This is the perfect restaurant for a celebration or for an end of trek treat, and with a good cocktail menu to go with the mouth watering food, Kilroy’s is a great place to eat.

One of the highlights to be enjoyed is the Grand Thali which offers a taste of a number of dishes on the menu including the Prawn Lababdor and the Mutter Paneer.  The dessert menu is also great, with a sampler dish offering a small portion of five of the desserts available there.

Fire And Ice

For those who are looking for something completely different after a few weeks of Nepalese cuisine, the Fire and Ice Pizzeria is one of the most popular restaurants among visitors.  The Italian cuisine on offer in Fire and Ice is very tasty, with the full range of pizza toppings available.  The restaurant also brews traditional coffee for those who are looking for the real deal.

Dwarika’s Hotel

This hotel has three restaurants on site, with Krishnarpan offering a tasty traditional Nepalese feast which can last up to 22 courses!  Mako’s Japanese restaurants is certainly one which makes very good use of the fresh produce grown on the hotel’s own farm.  The décor is also distinctly Japanese, making Mako’s stand out from the rest of the hotel which is authentically Nepali.

Hyatt Regency & Everest Hotel Restaurants

One of the major concerns that many western visitors will have when coming to visit Asia is to avoid food poisoning, and many of the hotel restaurants will be acutely aware of the needs of visitors in this respect.  The top hotels such as the Hyatt Regency and the Everest Hotel will boast a number of different restaurants, although much of the cuisine will be European and international in flavor.