Bandipur

Bandipur is a beautiful place blessed with natural scenery that anyone at the first instance lose themselves towards its beauty .In previous days road being rough then, only Landrovers made it up there but these days, things have changed and blacktopped road takes you all the way. Bandipur Bazaar (1,030m) sits atop a solid rock rising 500meters above the Marshyangdi valley is the main attraction of Bandipur.

From Kathmandu its 4 hrs drive to Dumre (143 km west of Kathmandu) and. There we have to turn left and headed up to the long and winding road’ except that it wasn’t long, just winding. After 30min drive the surprisingly large Tundikhel overlooking the huge expanse of the Marshyangdi valley with a backdrop of Himalayas. The turquoise Marshyangdi meanders like a giant serpent. The view is astoundingly beautiful. It’s a straight drop to the Prithvi Highway on the valley below. Feasting our eyes on the mountain ranges of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri and Ganesh Himal. People of the Bandipur are well-known for their hospitality.Good facilities of food and lodging in Bandipur and Mountain Resort beside the Tundikhel makes tourist fully facilitated with natural touch .

Bandipur has got its religious importance too.Famous temple ,The Khadga Devi Mandir (temple) was built in 1819. An ancient sword that belonged to Mukunda Sen, who once ruled here, is kept in the inner sanctum and is displayed once a year during the Khadga Jatra (festival) in October. The Newars who immigrated here from Bhaktapur (supposedly after Prithivi Narayan Shah invaded the Kathmandu valley) also brought the Bisket Jatra here, which is celebrated in April.

Gurungche Danda, the top of the hill or rock rather is accomplished with a small shrine. The shrine however, was not the attraction, but the spectacular sunset makes anybody’s mind behold. The climb wasis little bit steepy, but rewarding with a great view of the mountains. At sunset, the sun appears to melt away, painting the sky in different hues of red and yellow.

Walking back through the small bazaar we came across the pagoda style Bindhebasini temple built in 1918, and the famous Old Inn, an hotel that retains the local architecture. We were to have breakfast here the following moring. Back in the Mountain resort, we relaxed in the spacious immaculate rooms, which open out to the balcony with yet more views of the snowy peaks.

Early the next morning, I took off on my own for the hill. The skies were clearer at 6:30 am than the previous day, so I hurried up the steps and took some pictures as I knew the clouds would soon be coming up to obscure the mountains. On the way back to the Old Inn for breakfast, I climbed up to the terrace of an ex-British army soldier’s house to capture Bandipur Bazaar on film. Originally inhabited by Magars, Bandipur has witnessed a major change as Newars slowly outnumbered the local residents. But today, it’s the Gurung ex-servicemen who have moved in as the Newars are leaving for greener pastures in search of business ventures. “the Gurungs are slowly dominating the Bandipur population, replacing the Newars,” said the guide. The very well known Ghantu dance of the gurungs can be Observed here from time to time.

After breakfast, we headed down the rock face towards the famous Siddha Cave. It was tough going down the narrow steps that were wet as the winter sun stays south of the hill. After an hour of careful treading, we finally reached the mouth of the cave where the guide distributed headlamps and led us in. The cave is massive, rising 64m up and stretching 220m awards. The paths are treacherous, which adds to the adventure, but a fall can be quite serious. The stalagmites and stalactites stand like words of art and one that resembles a crown has been aptly named “Shripech”. There are those that look like plants reaching up to the ceiling. The cave is located 1,016 m above the highway where a small settlement called Bimal Nagar is the starting point. Here you will also find a well-established restaurant if you’ve worked up an appetite.

Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project (BECTP) has been in the forefront of developing and promoting Bandipur. “Our project made the steps leading to the cave and we also did the fence that you see in Tundikhel, besides the places where people can sit around. In the bazaar, we are renovating old building and one of them will house the Tourist Information Center,” informs Pawan Chitrakar, the tourism officer of the BECTP.

If you haven’t visited Bandipur, I don’t know what you’re waiting for. As for me, I left a piece of my heart there, and know I’ll be going there again someday.

FACTS ABOUT BANDIPUR: It’s a 4 hr drive from Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara. Paragliders take off from the hill above Bandipur.

Nature walks are arranged and visitors can also trek through Magar villages that’s are known for their unique round houses.

The entry fee for the Siddha Cave is NRs 20/- for foreigners and NRs 5/- for Nepalis. Tickets can be bought at Bimal Nagar. Headlamps can be hired for NRs 20/- Guides are also available.

Source:- Sahiho.Com

Annapurna Trek

It is hard to describe the effects of trekking on the bold and adventurous minds that endeavor in this pursuit. One may say it’s the depart from society, others the scenery of the mountain’s clean air and maybe a vast number of other well elaborated explanations to justify the benefits of walking those rough trail labyrinths that the great mountains provide, but it doesn’t matter, reasons apart trekking inspires the mind and challenges the body towards something which may not be described into words.

And from those millions of majestic trails that this worlds put a our disposal with great variety of sceneric beauty and physical challenges one may never question the high position the Annapurna Round Trip ranks among them being neither too strenuous, nor easy, It is a well balanced trek offering a good amount of physical exercise even for the most seasoned trekkers and indescribable views of this expressive massive of mountains. Amounted from 15 to 20 days of dawn to sunset walks the trail, squlmirshes thru more trac 200km which easily compress a great variety of habitats of the world. The Annapurna circuit is a micro ‘ Around the World’ In 15 days (despite what Julio Verne ‘ would say).

It is a journey thru lands time has forgotten With beautiful people whose costumes Mountain imposes haven’t changed for thou sand of years and of natural beauty that will move the most hardened heart.

Starting at the low altitude of 760 m at Besi Sahar, just a few KM from Pokhara, the pleasant warm climate and the easy going pretty much leveled walk surprise most trekkers, which, will realize after a short period of time he is walking thru a dense tropical forest not lest impressive than those of the South American countries. But this feeling will not last long too passing thru the villages of Bulbhule, Ngadi Bazar and Bahundanda which still in offer great comfort to the wanderer traveler which is still in the beginning or on the end (for those who attempt the circuit clockwise) of their journeys soon trek trek shows a littel bit more of its true nature.

As we ascend more, close to the village of Jagat, the climate starts to change, getting colder, however the tropical forest still manages to advance even In such harder conditions. Now the villages show a more austere look, resembling those of medieval times for long forgotten. Stone cottages and polished stone paths Illuminated by flashes coming from the tree tops are now a constant part of the mid-day walk. Following the Marsyangdi river bed we are still in Hindu land, which is easy to recognize by the Shiva’s and Pavarti’s beautiful adorned pictures of the tea house’s walls

Long 4 to 6 hour days now take a tool of the body, although the shoulders are already getting used to the 15 kg loads of the backpacks, the trek get steeper and before you can imagine the trees start to lose the greenness of the tropics acquiring a more brownish tone, We are now moving to Alpine lands.

The cold increases and spots of bare rock become frequent, steeper paths become longer and the days are more strenuous. However now nights are more delightful, the hardness of the day easily move the tired bodies to a drowsy slumber which fastly turns out to be comfortable sleep nights.

After a long rocky a breathless climb we reach a vast river plateau where you will find one of the treks Shangrila’s bathing in the mid afternoon sun,we reached Tal. This astonishing white sandy ground village right beside the river seems like just out of an European picture .

Its stone narrow streets sided by waist high stone walls in a labyrinth of righ wangles draws travelers to stay a while and admire its different beauty.

Now clearly on Alpine lands we ascend higher sharing the trail with a few other trekkers and plenty colorful adorned donkeys with full loads, taking city goods to the mountain dwellers (this sided by porters being the main mean to transport goods). Soon at Dharapani we turn left towards the right side of the Annapurna’s massive.

The views of these giants start to peck in between the tree leaves, first Lamjunr gives its grace. which seems out of the massive as a deserter, a 6.083 m bandit which abandoned its Annapurna’s companions, later we soon arrive at Feaswand this curious formation which puzzle anyone who might check the maps having almost perfectly curved level lines. Now just time separates us from clear views of Annapurna II ,III and IV which form the mountain chain the path side walk.

The region now acquires a Tibetan like air, for its dryness and cold just allow these well seasoned bold men adepts of Budism to dwell in its lands. Pituresque chortens appear on the way as we arrive at 3.540m Manang, the 1st stop to avoid AMS, this curious illness which haunts trekkers and climbers who attempt altitudes above 3,000m.

By now trekking mood has already rooted deep into one’s mind and few are those who spend their whole free day resting at the lodges rooms. Most trekkers either choose one of the interesting side trips to Milarepa’s cave and the two nearby ice lakes to fill in the need to hit the dirt path, or just wander around Manang’s narrow streets, admiring the Tibetan architecture and stopping at a nearby many wall to roll its prayer wishing good omen to the days to come.

Tree line is reached in the high altitude and soon left behind. Now its just bare rock path so covered by rough terrain and a few bushes. Early in the morning iced puddles and streams give a hint of what lies ahead.

View is breathtaking Annapurna II ,III and IV with its arms stretching thru the skies and jet streams casting mist and snow from Its tops make everyone take a break on walking to bewilder these wonders Another rest slop is required, on height of around 4 000m the air really rarefied being hard on our lungs, it is necessary to let the body adapt to this condition adverse to life however, it is not an unwelcomed halt for to lay on the shadow of these faints and watch the time go by is a trandescending experience Which words do not dare to describe.

Walking days become smaller due to the high altitude, and the last goal before crossing to the other side of the massive is reached– Thorong Phedi at 4,450m. One more rest day, now the heads pound faster and the dinning halls are never I empty, for no human being can help but share this exciting experience with its fellow men. Hours slowly pass by, the highest pass that can be crossed without mountaineering skills seems on the reach or our hands. Mountaineering dreams fill everyone’s minds during the few moments one can get some sleep, for now its 4 AM, and we are off in the dark towards Thorong La pass.

Some headlamps are feebly visible far away just in front of the shadows of those trekkers who started before. The route is sleep and full of pebbles, breathless out of excitement we move forward into the night. The moon casting its light over the help the headlamps on finding the way. -8 C the ground becomes softer and light increases it is still 5 AM but the snow under our feet reflects the moons shine so brightly that headlamps become almost of no use. Dawn arrives, the vast snow mounts, the cat walk path, the lack of air, everything is overwhelming, 5.416m, nobody talks, everyone is trapped in its own world too bewildered to utter a word, Thorong La has been reached.

Hugs, smiles into tired faces, many pictures are taken, the highest pass achived And the Annapurna round is only on its half. We are already astonished by it. What more could anyone expect? It is a hard way down, siperry icy paths and snow covered steep descent. Still 1000m to cover, the day becomes long, and finally we reach Mukithnath (3.760m) by late afternoon. More than 10 hours of walk since we left Thorong Phedi. It is time to celebrate ! But everyone is too tired and only a few hours are spent on party as everyone soon i retire to the rooms. Too much of a day, too much on the body and mind we fall sound asleep into the peaceful night.

At daybreak we now can figure out where we are everything has changed. Mustang valley is a dry desert like region on the other side of the massive light brown colors as far the eye can I see. The ground is just sand and rocks and only a few living plants dare to dwell in this hardened soil.

Some trekker take a day to rest in the sacred Budist Mukithnath, others follow their feet on the urge to reach lower grounds, now finally contemplating the other side of the Annapurnas.

The path follow the Kali Gandaki soon reaching Johnsom, constant wind blows sand out of the river bed, the climate is still cold and the trek shows that there is still more marvels to be unveiled.

This side of the Annapuran is a lot busier and better furnished with lodges and a great variety of conforts, but the even here the Circuit didn’t lose its charms as the trail moves from the apple orchards of Marpha towards orange land in Lamjung. Warmer lands are reached as we leave the Nepali Tibet behind, now Hindu and Budist people share villages on the way down.

For those who think the route has finished some surprises still are on the way Daulaghiri majestic appearance on the right side of the path opposite to the Annapurna .The corridor in between these giants is know as the deepest valley in the world (Aurn Valley) and it is here where we set foot towards the end of the trek.

But there Is stall time to enjoy the interesting distilleries of brandy in Tukuche. as well the most welcomed hot springs of Tatopani leading to the last of the great views of the giants at Poon Hill.

Tired but with a renewed spirit, seems like we traveled half world, thru Tropical forests, Alpine regions, desert sands. On the bus back to Pokhara reality and dreams are mixed together and no parallels are drawn on the 20 days journey around the world in the Annapurna Circuit.

Source:-Sahiho.Com

Trek

Trekking

Another popular tourism activity in Nepal is trek- king. The experience of walking through Nepalese villages, learning their cultures and natural views on the way along are considered once in a life time experience. The Nepalese landscape with varying altitudes up to 5300 meters for trekking at various routes are to experience true Nepalese lifestyle of indigenous people, their culture and their habitat.

Along with forests of rhododendron, isolated hamlets, small mountain village, birds, animals, temples, monasteries, and beautiful landscapes, one can also meet the very friendly people of different ethnic groups offering a glimpse of fabulous cultures and traditions. Trekking is possible any time round the year but depends upon the place one is visiting. However the popular seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring and autumn.

During Winter trekking is possible in low lands with low altitudes where as in Monsoon, the rain shadow areas- north of the Himalaya like Mustang. Upper Manang and Dolpa would be perfect. Nepal has many government registered trekking agencies operating trekking activities with skilled and experienced human resources.

The agencies also provide all the necessary gears and equipment for trekking depending upon its length and type.

Short treks or day hike also can be done to the nearest of Kathmandu if one doesn’t want to take a long trek but they might not be as adventurous as the ones done In Annapurna, Everest and Langtang areas. For those who have already been to most of the popular trekking areas, newly opened destinations such as Nar and Phu if Manang, Ghana Pokhara and Ghalegaun could be the right choice.

A permit is necessary for trekking which can easily be received with the help of trekking agencies.

Lonely Planet ” Draped along the grestest heights of the Himalaya, the Kingdom of Nepal is a land of sublime scener, time-worn temple, and some of the best walking trails on earth.”

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■Annapurna Trekking, Annapurna Trek, Round Annapurna Trek, Annapurna base camp —Annapurna Trekking, Annapurna basecamp trekking, Round annapurna or annapurna circuit is operated by Angel Treks and Expedition from last two decades with world renouned Sherpas.
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■Langtang Trek, Langtang Trekking, Langtang circuit, Trekking in Nepal, Helambhu Trek, Langtang/Gosainkunda & Helambu–Langtang trek and langtang circuit is one of the best and world famous trekking rout in Nepal closer to Kathmandu capital city.
■Mustang Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, Lower Mustang Trek, Trek Mustang, Trek Manang, Tour/Trek in Nepal,-Lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif in central Nepal is the hidden Kingdom of Mustan, an intriguing parched region, forming part of the Tibetan plateau.
■Rara Lake Nepal, Rara Lake Trekking, Tour in Nepal, Trek in Nepal--Rara Lake lies in the remote far northwest of Nepal surrounded by verdant alpine meadows and steep densely forested ridges abundant with wildlife.
■Poon Hill Trekking Nepal, Nepal Poon Hill Trekking, Tour in Nepal, Trek in Nepal, Asia Journey, Bhutan Treks, Tibet tour, tours to tibet, Kailash yatra, kailash mansarover tours, Poon Hill–Poon Hill a best trekking option in Nepal near Pokhara valley.
■Jomsom Trekking, Muktinath Trekking, Pokhara-Jomsom-Muktinath, Annapurna Trekking –Jomsom-Muktinath is a holi mountain with a temple of lord shiva and beautiful range of mountains.
■Royal Trek, Royal Trek Pokhara, Royal Trekking Pokhara, Pokhara Valley Trekking, hiking in nepal –we offer Royal Trekking around beautiful Pokhara valley and Mountaineering & Expedition in Annapurna region, Everest region, Langtang region since last two decked with speacilized manpower and world renouned sherpas.
■Langtang Trekking, Trekking langtang, Gosainkunda Trekking, Helambu Trek, Langtang circuit, Langtang Trek–Details of information on langtang trek and langtang circuit through kyanjin camp and ganja la.
■Dolpo Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Lower Dolpo Trek, Dolpo-Mustang Nepal, –A vergin trekking land of Nepal-Upper Dolpo, Lower Dolpo and Mustang which are full of Tibetian culture and the land of magic.

Source:-Sahiho.Com