Mount Everest ( Highest Peak of the World )

Mount Everest or Sagarmatha is the highest peak in the world with height equal to 8848 meters. Located in Solukhumbu District of Eastern Nepal , it is still the top destination to all the mountaineers allover the world. It lies 86º55'40' E longitude and latitude 270 45’ N and 280 0’ N.  The First Climbers were Tenzing Norgay from Nepal and  Sir Edmund Percival Hillary from New Zealand. They climbed the peak on 5/29/1953 via the South-East Ridge Route. The first woman to  conquer the peak was Junko Tabei from Japan. Everest ahs always been a challenging mountain to climb mostly due to its high altitude.

How to Reach Mount Everest Base Camp

• From Kathmandu to Phaplu or Lukla or Syangboche by Plane
• From Phaplu or Lukla or Syangboche  to Namche Bazar
• From Namche to Base Camp

  

Pashupati (Pashupatinath Temple)

Pashu means cattle,Pashupati means "lord of Cattles".The Temple of Pashupati is Pashupatinath Temple which lies in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the most holy places of Hindu pilgigrims.The temple is listed in Unesco World Heritage List.
Kathmandu is also known as "City of Temples" and Pashupati is one of the most important temples.It is one of the oldest temples of Kathmandu Valley. It is also one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva.

No actul date is known about it's foundation."Shivaratri" or night of lord Shiva is the most important festival celebrated in this temple.Similarly Teej another famous festival of Hindu women is celebrated here. Along the shores of the Bagmati river near the temple lies "Arya Ghat", the most widely used place of cremation for the deceased in Nepal, especially in and around the Kathmandu valley. There is also a large market in the streets surrounding.
The temple is of pagoda architecture. The two level roofs are of copper with gold covering. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. The western door has a statue of large bull or Nandi, again covered in gold. The idol is of black stone, about 6 ft in height and about 6ft circumference.

Map of Nepal

Nepal Map

Nepal in World Map

Where Is Nepal ?

Nepal is a small country lying in SOUTH ASIA between two powerhouse China and India.It is a landlocked country.Out of 4 sides,3 sides (east,west and south) is bordered with India whereas the remaining side(north) is bordered with China.It lies in 80 degree 12' east longitude and 26 degree 22' and 30 degree 27' north latitude.It's length is 885 km whereas it's breadth is 145-241 km.The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu.
Nepal is mountainous country. The country has a mountaious range which includes the highest mountain as well(Mount Everest,8848 m) and other tall peaks.Out of tall 14, 8 tall peaks lies in Nepal.

The country can be divided into three main geographic regions:

Himalayan Region:
The altitude of this region ranges between 4877 meters and 8848 meters with the snow line running around 48848 meters. It includes 8 of the existing 14 summits in the world which exceed an altitude of 8000 meters. They represent.
1. Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) - 8848 m(Highest peak of the world)
2. Kangchenjunga - 8586 m(3rd Highest peak of the world)
3. Lhotse - 8516m (4th Highest peak of the world)
4. Makalu - 8463m (5th Highest peak of the world)
5. Choyu- 8201 m (6th Highest peak of the world)
6. Dhaulagiri - 8167m (7th Highest peak of the world)
7. Manaslu - 8163m (8th Highest peak of the world)
8. Annapurna- 8091 m (9th Highest peak of the world)

Mountain Region:
This region accounts for about 64 percent to total land area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars upto 4877 meters. To its south lies the lower Churia range whose altitude varies from 610 meters to 1524 meters.

Terai Region:
The low-land Terai region which has a width of about 26 to 32 kilometers and a maximum altitude of 305 meters, which occupies about 17% of total land area of the country. Kechanakawal the lowest point of the country with an altitude of 70 meters lies in Jhapa District of the eastern Terai.

Trekking in Nepal

Trekking in general means walking that takes you along trails winding up, down, over and around mountains. Trekking is not mountaineering although some of the popular trails are used by mountaineering expeditions to get to their base camps. Most of the trails you will walk on are still used predominantly by Nepali people for everyday travel and trade.


Trekking is a way of seeing a country and its people, walking through the streets of cities and villages and past the open front doors of houses,seeing the people at their daily tasks, the clouds forming below you and the magnificent peaks of mountains towering over you. By trekking you will be involved in a way you could never be in a car, bus, train or plane; you can enjoy the friendliness of the people, feel the magnetism of the mountains, be at one with the country and at peace with yourself. 
The best way to discover Nepal has to be on foot. Trekking in Nepal allows you to enjoy the views across the valleys and the high mountain peaks. You'll pass through several villages where the friendly locals wave as you pass by and invite you in for a cup of tea in small tea houses. The trekking villages are usually only accessible on foot, so you won't see or hear many cars or other motorised vehicles. 




Trekking Regions in Nepal:

 Nepal is a mountainous country.The best way to discover Nepal is trekking.There are many regions in the country which are suitable for trekking purposes.























Eastern Nepal


This is a friendly relatively developed area where it is generally possible to find rough accommodation in villages. In the Everest region the teahouse accommodation is highly developed. There's an incredible concentration of BIG mountains, each with a pleasant walk in. The entire east also offers some incredible high altitude exploring.


Kangchanjunga
Can be partly tea-housed in (simple style, no menus!) then all camping in the upper mountain-surrounded sections. A classic trekking region with plenty of variety. It is protected from large numbers of trekkers by long a walk in and out.


Number of Days: 10-12 shorter cultural, 20-24 normal , 28+ ideal for exploring




Makalu Base Camp
Partly tea-house-able in very simple lodges then a wild uninhabited mountain region. Incredible neck-cricking mountain views but limited route options and problems with acclimatization.


Number of Days: 14 minimum, 18+ for better for appreciating the higher regions

Everest via Jiri (Walk in to Namche) - then Khumbu-Everest
Many hills on the route in to Namche but pleasant teahouses and not crowded. Part of the famous "expedition" route in.


Number of Days: 7-9 to Namche, 18 for Jiri + Kala Pattar, 22+ for Gokyo and Kala Pattar




Everest via Salpa-Arun
Longer route in than from Jiri but with more variety. It is still lightly trekked but there are enough simple lodges to make it pleasantly teahouse-able. Ties in well with a Sun Kosi rafting trip.


Number of Days: 8-12 to Namche and 20 including to Kala Pattar, 24+ visiting Gokyo and Kala Pattar






Everest: Fly in to Lukla
A popular trek. The choices are trekking to the top of Kala Pattar for a close-up of Everest or a trek to Gokyo where it is also possible to see Everest. Busy during high season but getting flights in and out is no longer a big problem.


Number of Days: 11 minimum, 13-14 is normal


Quick Everest: Fly in to Lukla
A one week trek to see Everest. Fly into Lukla then trek to Tengboche. Good for a quick experience of the region, but if you are trekker you will want to go higher. Busy during high season but getting flights in and out is no longer a big problem.


Number of Days: 7 or 8






Exploring the Khumbu (Everest region)


Fantastic exploration potential and the abundance of lodges and shops mean you never have to carry too much. Go camping then return to civilization for showers and apple pie before heading out again.


Number of Days: 16 or more, 20 or more is better
More info: Trailblazer's Trekking in the Everest Region by Jamie McGuinness


Exploring Near Everest
Dudh Kund, Pike Peaks and Lumding Kharka are rarely visited but magnificent destinations.


Number of Days: minimum 9 but 14 or more is better. Can be linked with a Khumbu trek.


Everest 'Trekking' Peak
Variety of 6000m+ peaks and see the region as well. Island Peak and Mera are over-run during the October season. All the 6000m+ trekking peaks require real climbing/mountaineering.


Number of Days: minimum 16 days but 21+ is safer and better




Rolwaling
You must get a trekking peak permit for Parcharmo or Ramdung-go to enter. Similar to Langtang valley, but bigger. Incredible mountaineering exploration possibilities.


Number of Days: minimum of 10 days but 12 to 15 or more, plus the number of days in the Khumbu





Central Nepal

The middle hills are densely populated meaning interesting cultural walks. Above are massif after massif of huge mountains: Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu range and the Annapurnas. These can be linked for some of the best trekking routes in the world. Annapurna and Langtang have good lodges making teahouse trekking easy.


Low Trade Route
Trisuli to Pokhara (or Gorkha or Besi Sahar road). Hot at any time except winter. No longer trekked but there are simple teahouses for those who can live rough.


Number of Days: 4-8.


Manaslu Circuit
Requires special permit (2x$90) and must go with a group, but this circuit is a classic. Lowland to highland cultures in mostly a surprisingly deep gorge and a 5000+m pass with great mountain views. Busy in October, no lodges.


Number of Days: minimum 18 but 20 to 22 is better
More info: Lonely Planet's Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya




Ganesh Himal
Ganesh is Shiva's son, the elephant-headed god who is the remover of obstructions. There is next to no info on this region between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Groups do venture there but expedition-style only. Mixed tea housing and camping is another rough option. Cultural but plenty of hills and a stunning set of 7000m mountains above.
Gorkha  Perched above this typical hill town is the stunningly set and historic Royal Palace. Strangely undiscovered by tourists (because of basic accommodation), Gorkha together with Trisuli, Dhading and Besi Sahar are the trekking gateways to the rewarding but little-known Ganesh Himal.


Number of Days: 12-21


Ganesh Himal - Paldor Peak 5928m
Usually approached from Trisuli via the Singla Bhanjyang or Syabru Bensi, this is a relatively straightforward climb. The main difficulty is planning a sensible acclimatization plan: visit the Jagewasor Kund (lake) first.


Number of Days: 12-21


Langtang Valley
Close to Kathmandu yet big mountains and plenty of lodges so that you can teahouse trek.


Number of Days: 9 minimum but 10-12 is better




Langtang exploring
Surprising potential if you take camping equipment. There are also some mountaineering routes over several passes.


More info: Trekking in Langtang, Helambu and Gosainkund by Jamie McGuinness


Langtang climbing
Officially there is only one peak, Naya Kang 5846m that has the 'trekking peak' classification but Yala, a glaciated 5500m ridge is often climbed, and there are many tempting 6000m peaks.

Gosainkund
A quick route to get relatively high but little to recommend it as a on its own. Join it with Helambu or Langtang and it is better.


Number of Days: 8 minimum




Helambu
A delightful cultural area with simple lodges or family homes that you can stay at. It is so convenient from Kathmandu that people tend to dismiss it.


Number of Days: 4-9
.


Shivapuri (Nagarkot)
Trekking on the ring of hills around Kathmandu takes you out of the madness and into the real Nepal surprisingly quickly. Despite its proximity you need to plan if you want to stay in teahouses. It is more usual to camp for the longer trips.


Number of Days: 2-5


Jugal Himal
Close to Kathmandu but rarely trekked.




Western Nepal:

Annapurna Circuit
A classic and popular trek. Teahouses all the way around. Can be shortened by flying out of Jomsom. There are plenty of areas to explore but nothing written about getting off the beaten trail. the start used to be Besi Sahar but a road has been pushed to Syangje, and is operational, and will be pushed in further in 2008.


Number of Days: minimum 14 but 18+ is better


Annapurna-Manang climbing
Near Manang are 5 'trekking' peaks. Chulu West and Chulu Central (attacked from the same base camp), Chulu East and Far East (attacked from the same base camp) and Pisang Peak. Chulu far East is straightforward in good conditions and is within the capabilities of an experienced trekker with a climbing guide. The other peaks are better attempted by mountaineers only, although to them will mainly be straightforward.


Number of Days: 16 minimum but at least 21 gives some chance of success.




Jomsom Trail
Popular walk up the Kali Gandaki river valley. Almost possible to trek via 1-2 star lodges. You can begin with Poon Hill or from the trailhead at Beni. Most people trek one way and fly to/from Jomsom the other.


Number of Days: 7-14


Poon Hill / Ghandruk
Popular, short and sweet but with a large hill climb.


Number of Days: 3-7




Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna South Face Base Camp)
Dramatic mountain scenery. Requires some backtracking and part of the trek isn't cultural. Beware of AMS, particularly on organized treks.




Number of Days: 9-12


Annapurna Sanctuary climbing
Dramatic mountain scenery, especially from the top of Tharpu Chuli (also called Tent Peak) and the top of the 6501m Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak).


Number of Days: 9-12


Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)
Jomsom to Upper Mustang to Jomsom requires US$700 permit to visit the last functioning walled city in the world. Wonderful Tibetan desert landscape.


Number of Days:- 10-12 if flying into Jomsom







Mid-west Nepal

Dhorpatan
Simple teahouses and some camping required. On a cultural walk the 3250m/10,660ft Jaljala is the highest point and you should camp here. Tansen is a beautiful untouristed hill station.


Number of Days: 9 minimum, 12 normal


Churen Himal Base Camp
Churen Himal Base Camp is an undiscovered sanctuary similar to, but not quite as grand as, the Annapurna Sanctuary. From Muri camping is required. Can end in Dolpo, Tansen or Beni.


Number of Days: 13 minimum


Around Dhaulagiri (Marpha to Pokhara)
One of the wildest, coldest and possibly most dangerous treks in Nepal. Must acclimatize properly first and must take a guide who has been there many times. Porters shouldn't be taken. Groups do, of course, take them and there have been many deaths.







Western Nepal - Nepal's Wild West




As trekking once was in all of Nepal: challenging, rough and undeveloped. All treks either require several days on buses plus a flight or two, or expensive and difficult to arrange flights. Crew costs add up quickly. It is remote and much less developed than east Nepal, sometimes shockingly so. District headquarters have shops and food available, but out of theses areas little is available for trekkers and their crew. Less spectacular mountains but more varied terrain.




Dolpa (Walk In)
The variety makes this a long but good trek. Begin with the cultural Dhorpatan Circuit then cross a series of 4000-4600m passes into the Tibetan area of Dolpa. For the next section see below.


Number of Days: minimum 16 but 21+ is better


Dolpa (Fly In)
Do-Tarap, Kagmara La, Phoksundo... There are lots of possibilities. The higher regions are pure Tibetan areas with dry rugged scenery while the barren middle hills are the domain of poor Chetris. Many groups visit in September and early October. November-December and May-June are still good months.


Number of Days: 12-18+
More info: Lonely Planet's Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya


Quick Dolpa
Trek up to Phoksumdo Lake and back. US$300 (+ flights in) but the very best of Dolpo in a surprisingly short timeframe.


Number of Days: 8-10 relatively easy days




Upper Dolpa
Requires US$700 permit. Essentially a taste of trekking in old Tibet.


Number of Days: 17+




Rara Lake
Fly to Jumla or walk in. 2 standard routes (not busy) and many exploration possibilities. Can end in Simikot.


Number of Days: 9-11 for an easier trek or 12+ to link from the south or to go Jumla to Simikot


Khaptada
Rarely trekked. Kaptada National Park is a beautiful 3000m forest plateau.


Number of Days: 7-10




Api-Saipal
Out there! And long. The West Seti hydro project may mean a road into this area soon.


Number of Days: not sure (depends on the new road) but plan 22 to 26 or more for exploring




Mt Kailash
Cross into Tibet west of Simikot. Return via Simikot or Lhasa. Must be organized thru a Nepalese agency, and the minimum price will be around US$2400.

Flights To Nepal

Flights to Nepal:

• Nepal Airlines more details
• Qatar Airways more details 
• China Southern Airways more details  
• Jet Airways more details 
• Gulf Air more details 
• Thai Airways more details 
• FlyDubai more details 
• Kingfisher Airlines more details
• Korean Air more details 
• Air Arabia more details 
• Cathay Pacific more details
• Etihad Airways more details 
• Oman Air more details
• Biman Bangladesh Airlines more details 
• Air China more details 
• Pakistan International Airlines more details 
• China Eastern Airlines more details 
• Singapore Airlines more details 
• Dragon Air more details 
• SpiceJet more details 
• Druk Air more details 
• SilkAir more details 
• SaudiArabian Airlines more details 
• Jetlite more details 

World Heritage Sites in NEPAL

World Heritage Sites in NEPAL

The small mountain Nation of Nepal is blessed with such astonishing and unique sites that within the area of 140,800 sq km Nepal holds a considerably high number of places recongnised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation) as 'World Heritage Sites'. There are altogether ten World Heritage Sites in Nepal, seven of which are in Kathmanduitself. The list includes both natural as well as cultural sites.

Cultural Sites 

The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. The seven sites include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, also known as Lalitpur, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Square and its surroundings are good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of ancient kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place - struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows - all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley came in existence in 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley.Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka.

Swayambhunath

The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple. Swayambhunath Stupa is a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. It has a lofty white dome and a glittering golden spire that are visible from all sides of the valley

Pashupatinath Temple

 Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.

Lumbini

Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the centre of holy faith for the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Located in south-western Nepal, Lumbini holds several reminders of Lord Buddha. One of the most important historical sites in Nepal is endowed by nature with rich natural beauty. The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a plce of reverence.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal, lies about 7 km east of the capital. The Bouddhanath stupa, also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. After 1959, many Tibetans arrived and settled in Bouddhanath area. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO. With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds its place among the largest stupas in the world.