Sports Tourism

Adventure/Sports Tourism

Attraction of Nepal

Outdoor Country

Nepal represents a blend of ancient history, vibrant cultures and scenic grandeur. Located between China and India, Nepal’s main geographical features include show-capped peaks, lower mountains, mid hills and fertile plains of tropical jungles. Nearly one-third of the total length of the Himalayas and 8 of the world’s 14 highest peaks lie in Nepal. The land-locked country covers an area 147,181 sq. kilometers ranging from 70 meters to the highest point at 8848 meters above sea level. Nepal’s popularity as a tourist destination has increased vastly over the years. While trekking and mountaineering have long been popular, an entire range of other activities are also being carried out.

Trekking

Trekking is the highlight of a visit to Nepal. On account of the wide range of geographical features, the country nurtures a variety of vegetation and landscape. In addition to the natural endowments is the rich Himalayan culture. Thousands of visitors trek to different parts of Nepal every year to experience the charm of nature and culture. Most treks go through altitude between 1000 to 3000 meters, although some popular parts reach over 500 meters.

Protected regions along the Himalayas, like Shey-Phoksundo National park, Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu Eco-Tourism Area, Langtang National Park, Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park provide excellent trekking options. For group trekkers arrangement for food and accommodation are managed by the trekking crew, while independent trekkers can find night rest and food halt at small lodges and tea houses that dot the main trails. Independent trekkers should be self sufficient. In remote areas like Makaly, Kanchanjanga in East Nepal or Jumal, Dolpa in West Nepal, one must be self-sufficient in terms of food and water. For further details - www.taan.org.np

Boating

Nepal provides excellent opportunities for boating from glacier-fed lakes up north down to where rivers ease into the Terai plains. With famous lakes like Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara is one of the most popular destinations for boating.

In the terai, one can go canoeing on Narayani or Rapti rivers near Chitwan National Park. Boats and canoes can also be rented from local dealers on hourly basis. Pokhara and Chitwan are accessible both by air and road from Kathmandu. A wide variety of accommodation and other facilities are easily available in both the places.

Rock climbing

Rock climbing is another challenging sport for outdoor lovers. Most of the areas for rock climbing are situated towards the north of Kathmandu Valley in the vicinity of the Nagarjun forest and the Shivapuri National Park Trip to these places can be combined with hiking, bird watching, nature tours and other activities. Nagarjun, 3 kilometers from Kathmandu City can be reached via Balaju near the New Bus Park. Shivapuri can be reached via Budhanilkantha which is 9 kilometers away form Kathmandu.

Bungy Jumping

The ultimate thrill of a bungy jump can be experienced at one of the best sites in the world. Nepal’s bungy jumping site is situated 160 meters over the wild river Bhote Koshi. The site is located close to the Nepal-Tibet border at Barahbise and is a three-hour bus ride from Kathamndu. A package deal includes the jump, bus ride to the site and even meals. Nepalese are entitled to a 30 percent discount. Accommodation and other facilities are available in Barahbise.

Golf

The popularity of golf is on the increasing stage in Nepal having five golf courses: Royal Nepal Golf Course and Gokarna Forest Golf Resort in Kathmandu, Himalayan Golf Club and Fulbari Resort Golf Course in Pokhara and Nirvana Country Club in Dharan. The best time for a play is during the dry season between October and March. Golf clubs in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer excellent courses with magnificent view of the Himalayas.

Golf is one of the most expensive sports, was started in Nepal by the Royal families. The history of golf in Nepal goes back to the time when a delegation of Rana ministers returned home with golf clubs from a visit to Scotland. They started playing golf in what is today's Gaucharan. The first real golf tournament Lava Cup was started in 1920.

The Gokarna Forest Golf Resort is one of the finest in South Asia. It is a 72-course golf area with 18 holes. The course is set in an old forest area of the Valley. Near the resort is Harmony Spa, for soothing golf senses. Established in 1829, Royal Nepal Golf Course in Kathmandu's Til Ganga is one of the oldest of Nepal and of Asia. The course was conferred the title of 'Royal' in 1911.

The Himalayan Golf Club in Pokhara situated about 6 kilometers away from the city is a recently completed pro-championship designed 9 holes golf course which is located in a beautiful amphitheater like setting of a river canyon scene with a panoramic view of the Annapurna Himalayan range.

Jungle Safari

The tropical jungles of Nepal’s Terai preserve some of the vest wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Jungle safaris on elephant back or jeep rides are offered at Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Bardia National Park, Chitwan National Park and Shukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve, all located in Terai. The best time to visit the Terai is during winter months when weather is more temperate. A wild range of tourist facilities are available in and around the areas.

Mountain Biking

Nepal’s diverse terrain is what mountain bikers’ dreams are made of. Biking offers an environmentally sound way of exploring the country. It is possible to go biking the entire length of Nepal. Centuries – old dirt roads and trails offer a chance to go on extended trips to exotic locals like Annapurna and Kanchanjunga areas. 21 to 27 gear bicycles are recommended when riding through tough terrain. Mountain bikes are available for rent for a day or longer in numerous bicycle rental outlets in and around Kathmandu or Pokhara. Riders can explore rims and ridges of Kathmandu and Pokhara through off routes that weave in and out of the cities. Food and accommodation are easily available around vally and the main trail. However, it is recommended to use the services of licensed biking companies.

Hunting

Licensed hunting is allowed in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve in West Nepal. Dhorpatan is a prime habitat of blue sheep, ghoral, serow, Himalayan tahr, black bear, pheasant and partridge. Endangered species here are chir pheasant and red panda. Hunting is allowed only after acquiring license from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation in Kathmandu and is restricted to a certain time in a year. Dhorpatan is four days treks from Baglung which is 72km from Pokhara. The best time to visit Dhorpaton is during February through April and August through October. Accommodation is offered in tented camps by agencies or at one of the village houses. For further detail – www.dnpwc.gov.np

Honey Hunting

Honey hunting is an age-old tradition here in Nepal. Local honey hunters show their exceptional skill by hanging themselves from cliffs as high as 300 meters using bamboo ladders and hemp ropes, while harvesting the honeycombs.

See the spectacular honey hunting on the steep bee cliffs to experience the tradition and culture of the

local people. See them while you trek in the foothills of The Himalayas.

Rafting, Kayaking and Canyoning

Rafting is one of the most exciting ways of exploring the wilderness of Nepal. Option ranges from paddle rafting a team to kayaking alone in the water. Yet another extremely popular water-sport option is canyoning to explore hidden landscapes. The best time for these activities is October through mid-December and March through early May. The government has opened 16 rivers graded on a scale of 1 to 5 for commercial rafting. Since safety is of utmost importance choosing veteran rafting company is a wise move. It is also important to observe all the safety rules and precautions provided by the River Guide. For further details - www.raftingassociation.org.np

Mountain Flights

Mountain flights offer passengers a spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks. The one-hour mountain flight takes within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world. The peaks seen are Gosaithan, Dorje Lhakpa, Phurbi Chyachu, Choba Bhamare, Mt. Gaurishanker, Melungtse, Chugimago, Mt. Number, Karyolung, Cho-Oyu, Gyachungkang, Pumori, Nuptse and finally Mt. Everest. Mountain flights are offered by several airlines especially in the morning from domestic airport in Kathmandu.

Paragliding

Paragliding in Nepal gives an opportunity for aerial view of the Himalayas. Pokhara, the beautiful lakeside town at the foot of the Annapurna Mountains offers paragliding services. Best season is from Octover through April. There are various deals for the paragliding veterans and novices. Three-day introduction course is offered to beginners while tandem flights where one can fly with instructor are offered.

Ultra Light Aircraft

Ultralight aircrafts offer a breath-taking bird’s-eye view of Pokhara Valley and the surrounding mountains. Best season is from October through April. Flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months. In the half-hour flight, one can fly over Pokhara city, Phewa Lake, Sarangkot hill and ger a close to the Mt. Fishtail (Maccha Puchhre). Another option is the coploration of the Annapurna range from 12000 feet or higher in an hour. Pokhara is easily accessible from Kathmandu, Chitwan and other major towns.

Fishing and Angling

Fishing is also gaining popularity in Nepal. There are approximately 118 varieties of fresh-water fish in the Himalayan Rivers ranging from the much sought after mahseer to the mountain stream trout-like varieties. The best season to go fishing on the white waters is before and after the monsoon from February till April and October and November.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering is another prime attraction of Nepal. The mountains of Nepal have stood as irresistible landmarks for the world’s adventures since Nepal opened its door to visitors in the 1950s. Mountaineering can range from climbing the highest peak of the world to climbing lower peaks. Although by Himalayan standards 33 “trekking peaks” are considered minor peaks, they nonetheless provide snow and ice-climbing opportunities and are technically quite challenging. Mountaineering teams can apply for permit at mountaineering section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism ad Civil Aviation. For further information log on to www.tourism.gov.np or www.nepalmountaineering.org .

Climbing gears can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Many of the mountaineering and trekking companies also offer packages, where they provide gear, food, transportation, guides, porter services and also arrange for insurance coverage. Knowledge of altitude sickness and acclimatization process is a must for every mountaineer. The fatal sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can he dangerous for climbers ascending 3000 meters and above. Symptoms include headache, loss of appetite and sleeplessness. Immediate descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the best cure.

Hot Air Ballooning

To look up into the sky and see the towering mountains of the Himalaya, or even walk amongst them, is a valid and popular reason to visit Nepal. However, to glide silently amongst them is perhaps the most thrilling of all. The adventure of hot air ballooning is now available from Kathmandu. The balloon will float approximately 1,200 to 1,500m above the valley, bringing passengers close to 3,000m high. From this altitude the entire Himalaya Range can be viewed due to the 360 degree visibility hot air ballooning affords, together with fantastic views of the Kathmandu valley below

Religion

One Can Enjoy the Diversity of Religion and Cultural Through Out Nepal

Though Nepal is a Hindu estate officially, it provides an equal haven for all religion. Here, Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions that are mingled into a complex blend that is often impossible to separate. The two have co-existed down the ages and many Hindu temples share the same complex as, Buddhist shrines. Hindu and Buddhist worshippers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites.

Nepal has been declared as a secular country by the Parliament on May 18, 2006. Religions like Hindusim, Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and Bon are practiced here. Some of the earliest inhabitants like the Kirats practice their own kind of religion based on ancestor worship and the Tharus practice animism. Over the years, Hinduism and Buddhism have been influenced by these practices which have been modified to form a synthesis of newer beliefs.

For centuries the Nepal remained divided into many principalities. Kirats ruled in the east, the Newars in the Kathmandu Valley, while Gurungs and Magars occupied the mid-west. The Kirats ruled from 300 BC and during their reign, emperor Ashoka arrived from India to build a pillar at Lumbini in memory of Lord Buddha. The Kirats were followed by the Lichchhavis whose descendants today are believed to be the Newars of the Kathmandu Valley. During this period, art thrived in Nepal and many of the beautiful woodcarvings and sculptures that are found in the country belong to this era. With the end of the Lichchhavi dynasty, Malla kings came to power in 1200 AD and they also contributed tremendously to Nepal's art and culture.

However, after almost 600 years of rule, the kings were not united among themselves and during the late 18th century, Prithvi Narayan Shah, King of Gorkha, conquered Kathmandu and united Nepal into one kingdom. Recognizing the threat of the British Raj in India, he dismissed European missionaries from the country and for more than a century, Nepal remained in isolation. During the mid-19th century Jung Bahadur Rana became Nepal's first prime minister to wield absolute power. He set up an oligarchy and the Shah kings remained figureheads. The Ranas were overthrown in a democracy movement of the early 1950s.

Hinduism

Hinduism is the largest religion in Asia in terms of the number of adherents. It is one of the oldest extant religions, with firm roots extending to before 1000 BCE.

Hinduism has a number of holy books, the most important being the four “Vedas”, or ‘Divine Knowledge’, which are the foundation of Hindu philosophy. The ‘Upanishads’ are contained within the ‘Vedas’ and delve into the metaphysical nature of the universe and soul. The Mahabharat is an epic poem describing in over 220,000 lines the battles between Kauravas ans Pandavas. It contains that the story of Rama, and it is probable that most famous Hindu epic, the Ramayana, was based on this. In one important episode of the Mahabharat, the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna relates his philosophies to Arjuna.

Hinduism postulates that we will all go through a series of rebirths, or reincarnations, that eventually lead to ‘Moksha’, the spiritual salvation that frees one from the cycle of rebirths. With each rebirth one can move closer to, or further from, eventual Moksha; the deciding factor is one’s Karma, which is literally a law of cause and effect. Bad actions during ones life result in bad Karma, which ends in a lower reincarnation. Conversely, if one’s deed and action have been good he will be reincarnated on a higher level and move a step closer to eventual freedom from rebirth.

The Hindu religion has three basic practices. They are ‘Puja’ (worship), the cremation of the dead, and the rules and regulations of the caste system. There are four main castes: the ‘Brahman’ or priest caste, ‘Chhetris’ or soldiers and governors, the ‘Vaisyas’ or tradespeople and farmers, and the ‘Sudras’ or menial workers and crafts people. These basic castes are then sub-divided, although this is not taken to the same extent in Nepal as in India. Beneath all the castes are the Harijans, or untouchables, the lowest, casteless, class for whom all the most menial and degrading tasks are reserved.

Westerners and other non-Hindus are outside the caste system and, being therefore unclean, are not allowed to enter many Hindu temples. Any food that is touched by a westerner, or put on their plate, becomes ‘polluted’ and must be discarded.

Westerners have trouble understanding Hinduism principally because of its vast pantheon of gods. In fact, one can look upon all these different gods simply as pictorial representations of the many attributes of a god. The one omnipresent god usually has three physical representations. Brahma is the creator, Vishnu is the preserver and Shiva is the destroyer and reproducer. All three gods are usually shown with four arms, but Brahma has the added advantage of four heads.

Nevertheless, Hinduism has attraction of many westerners, and India’s ‘export gurus’ are numerous. Because proselytizing and conversion are not part of Hindu tradition, Nepali law prohibits these practices, and the country has been spared the outside influence of missionaries and evangelists.

Except Hinduism people in Nepal follow different other religions. The law of the country has given the full right to people to accept or follow any particular religion. No citizen would be treated badly for the reason of religion he/she follow.

Mainly people in Nepal follow Buddhism, Christian, and Islam except Hinduism. Most of the Himalayan people, that include casts like Sherpas, Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, mainly follow Buddhism whereas the people live in hilly regions with casts like Brahmans, Chhetries, and other follow mainly Hinduism. In the same way people of Terai follow the religion that of Hindu and Islam and in some numbers Christian also.

Due to the modernization and other political reasons the capital city Kathmandu is over populated since years. The heterogeneous cultured population can be found in Kathmandu city those follow different religions. So, in Kathmandu Valley one can enjoy the diverse population with diversity in religion and culture living in one place, turning towards modernization with its uniqueness of unity and brotherhood.

Popular Divinities

Kumari - The living Goddess

From time immemorial the practice of worshipping an ordinary pre-pubescent girl as a source of supreme power has been an integral part of both Hinduism and Buddhism, a tradition which continues even to this day virtually in every household. They call this girl Kumari Keti and worship her on all the religious occasions. The predominance of the Kumari cult is more distinctly evident among the Newar community inside the Kathmandu Valley as she has become an inevitable feature of their worship almost in every Vihar and Bahal and including the nooks and corners of Newari settlements. However, it was the Vajrayana sect of Mahayana Buddhism that was responsible for establishing the tradition of worshipping a girl from the Sakya community as the royal Living Goddess.

The selection of the Living Goddess is a highly elaborate tantric ritual. Upon passing the preliminary test, which is merely concerned with their 32 attributes of perfection, the 4 to 7 year old poor girls from the Sakya community are made to confront a goddess in a darkened room. The sight of the buffalo heads scattered around, the demon-like masked dancers, the terrifying noises they encounter scare some of these innocent babies. The one who emerges victorious from these tests is the only girl who is entitled to sit on the pedestal for worship as the Living Goddess.

The god-house Kumari Ghar beside the Kathmandu Durbar Square is a store-house of magnificent intricate carvings where the Living Goddess performs her daily rituals. During her tenure in the god-house, Guthi Sansthan, the government trust fund bears her entire expenses including that of her caretakers. Under normal circumtances, her days in the god-house come to an end with her first menstruation, but if she turns out to be unlucky, as they say, even a minor scratch on her body that bleeds can made her invalid for worship.

On Indra Jatra, the Living Goddess in all her jewelled splendour travels through the older part of Kathmandu city in a three tiered chariot accompanied by Ganesh and Bhairab each day for three days. It is really a grand gala in which people in their thousands throng in and around the Kathmandu Durbar Square to pay their homage to the Living Goddess. During this festival she also blesses the King in keeping with the tradition in which the first king of the Shah dynasty, who annexed Kathmandu in 1768, received a blessing from the Living Goddess.

People & Customs

 

The population of Nepal was recorded to be about 25 million as of July 2002. Eighty-six percent of Nepalis follow Hinduism, while eight percent follow Buddhism and three percent follow Islam. The population comprises various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes. The distinction in caste and ethnicity is understood more easily with a view of customary layout of the population.

Some of the main groups are such: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country.

Nepali is the official language of the state, spoken and understood by 100 percent of the population. Multiple ethnic groups speak more than a dozen other languages in about 93 different dialects. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.

Ethnic Distribution

The Northern Himalayan People

In the northern region of the Himalayas are the Tibetan-speaking groups namely Sherpas, Dolpas, Lopas, Baragaonlis, Manangis. The Sherpas are mainly found in the east in the Solu and Khumbu region; the Baragaonlis and Lopas live in the semi-deserted areas of Upper and Lower Mustang in the Tibetan rain-shadow area; the Managis live in Manang district area; while the Dolpas live in Dolpa district of West Nepal, one of the highest settlements on earth at 4,000 meters.

The Middle Hills and Valley People

Several ethnic groups live together in harmony in the middle hills and valleys. Among them are the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans and Chhetris have long dominance in all pervading social, religious and political realms. There are also some occupational castes namely: Damai (tailor), Sarki (cobbler), Kami (blacksmith) and Sunar (goldsmiths). Though, there exist numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali.

The Terai People

The main ethnic groups in Terai are Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and other groups that have roots in India. They speak north Indian dialects like Maithili, Bhojpuri. Owing to the fertile plains of Terai, most inhabitants live on agriculture. There are, however, some occupational castes like Majhi (fisherman), Kumhal (potter) and Danuwar (cart driver).

Ethnic Diversity in the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley represents a cultural cauldron of the country, where, people from varied backgrounds have come together to present a melting pot. The natives of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars. Newari culture is an integration of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley were traders or farmers by occupation in the old days.

POPULATION OF MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS

ETH . GROUP
POPULATION

Brahman
2896477

Chhetri
3593496

Chepang
52237

Gurung
543571

Limbu
359379

Muslim
971056

Magar
1662241

Newar
1245232

Rai
635151

Raute
658

Sherpa
15462

Tharu
1533879

Thakuri
334120

Thakali
12973

Tamang
1282304

Ethnic Groups

Nepalese society was ethnically diverse and complex in the early 1990s, ranging in phenotype (physical characteristics) and culture from the Indian to the Tibetan. Except for the sizable population of those of Indian birth or ancestry concentrated in the Tarai bordering India, the varied ethnic groups had evolved into distinct patterns over time.

Political scientists Joshi and Rose broadly classify the Nepalese population into three major ethnic groups in terms of their origin: Indo-Nepalese, Tibeto-Nepalese, and indigenous Nepalese. In the case of the first two groups, the direction if their migration and Nepal's landscapes appeared to have led to their vertical distribution; most ethnic groups were found at particular altitudes. The first group, comprising those of Indo- Nepalese origin, inhabited the more fertile lower hills, river valleys, and Tarai plains. The second major group consisted of communities of Tibeto-Mongol origin occupying the higher hills from the west to the east. The third and much smaller group comprised a number of tribal communities, such as the Tharus and the Dhimals of the Tarai; they may be remnants of indigenous communities whose habitation predates the advent of Indo-Nepalese and Tibeto-Mongol elements.

Even though Indo-Nepalese migrants were latecomers to Nepal relative to the migrants from the north, they have come to dominate the country not only numerically, but also socially, politically, and economically. They managed to achieve early dominance over the native and northern migrant populations, largely because of the superior formal educational and technological systems they brought with them. Consequently, their overall domination has had tremendous significance in terms of ethnic power structure.

Within the Indo-Nepalese group, at least two distinct categories can be discerned. The first category includes those who fled India and moved to the safe sanctuaries of the Nepal hills several hundred years ago, in the wake of the Muslim invasions of northern India. The hill group of Indian origin primarily was composed of descendants of high-caste Hindu families. According to Joshi and Rose, "These families, mostly of Brahman and Kshatriya status, have spread through the whole of Nepal with the exception of the areas immediately adjacent to the northern border. They usually constitute a significant portion of the local elites and are frequently the largest landowners in an area." This segment of the Indo-Nepalese population, at the apex of which stands the nation's royal family, has played the most dominant role in the country. Other ethnic groups, including those of Indian origin that settled in the Tarai, have been peripheral to the political power structure.

The second group of Indo-Nepalese migrants includes the inhabitants of the Tarai. Many of them are relatively recent migrants, who were encouraged by the government of Nepal or its agents to move into the Tarai for settlement during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In the early 1990s, this group mostly consisted of landless tenants and peasants from northern India's border states of Bihar and Bengal. Some of these Indian migrants later became large landowners.

The north Indian antecedents of a number of caste groups in the hills (that is, the first group of Indo-Nepalese migrants), which, in the early 1990s, made up more than 50 percent of the total population, are evident in their language, religion, social organization, and physical appearance. All of these features, however, have been modified in the Nepalese environment. These groups--several castes of Brahmans, the high-ranking Thakuri and Chhetri (the Nepalese derivative of the Kshatriya) castes, and an untouchable category--generally are classified as Pahari, or Parbate. However, in most parts of Nepal (except in the Tarai), the term pahari has only a limited use in that the Paharis generally are known by their individual caste names.

Nepali, the native tongue of the Paharis and the national language of Nepal, is closely related to, but by no means identical with, Hindi. Both are rooted in Sanskrit. The Hinduism of the Pahari has been influenced by Buddhism and indigenous folk belief. The Paharis' caste system was neither as elaborately graded nor as all embracing in its sanctions as that of the Indians; physically, many of the Paharis showed the results of racial intermixture with the various Mongoloid groups of the region. Similarly, the Bhote or Bhotia groups inhabiting the foothills of the Himalayas--among whom the Sherpas have attracted the most attention in the mountaineering world--have developed regional distinctions among themselves, although clearly related physically as well as culturally to the Tibetans. The term Bhote literally means inhabitant of Bhot, a Sanskrit term for the trans-Himalayan region of Nepal, or the Tibetan region. However, Bhote is also a generic term, often applied to people of Tibetan culture or Mongoloid phenotype. As used by the Paharis and the Newars, it often had a pejorative connotation and could be applied to any non-Hindu of Mongoloid appearance.

An extraordinarily complex terrain also affected the geographic distribution and interaction among various ethnic groups. Within the general latitudinal sorting of Indo-Nepalese (lower hills) and Tibeto-Nepalese (higher hills and mountains) groups, there was a lateral (longitudinal) pattern, in which various ethnic populations were concentrated in specific geographic pockets. The deeply cut valleys and high ridges tended to divide ethnic groups into many small, relatively isolated, and more or less self- contained communities. This pattern was especially prominent among the Tibeto-Nepalese population. For example, the Bhote group was found in the far north, trans-Himalayan section of the Mountain Region, close to the Tibetan border. The Sherpas, a subgroup within the Bhote, were concentrated in the northeast, around the Mount Everest area. To the south of their areas were other Tibeto- Nepalese ethnic groups--the Gurung in the west-central hills and the Tamang and Rai in the east-central hills--particularly close to and east of the Kathmandu Valley. The Magar group, found largely in the central hills, was much more widely distributed than the Gurung, Tamang, and Rai. In the areas occupied by the Limbu and Rai peoples, the Limbu domain was located farther east in the hills, just beyond the Rai zone. The Tharu group was found in the Tarai, and the Paharis were scattered throughout Nepal. Newars largely were concentrated in the Kathmandu Valley. However, because of their past migration as traders and merchants, they also were found in virtually all the market centers, especially in the hills, and as far away as Lhasa in Tibet.

This geographically concentrated ethnic distribution pattern generally remained in effect in the early 1990s, despite a trend toward increasing spatial mobility and relocating ethnic populations. For example, a large number of Bhotes (also called Mananges from the Manang District) in the central section of the Mountain Region, Tamangs, and Sherpas have moved to the Kathmandu Valley. Similarly, Thakalis from the Mustang District adjacent to Manang have moved to Pokhara, a major urban center in the hills about 160 kilometers west of Kathmandu, and to Butawal and Siddhartha Nagar, two important urban areas in the central part of the Tarai, directly south of Pokhara. Gurungs, Magars, and Rais also have become increasingly dispersed.

Most of the Indo-Nepalese peoples--both Paharis and Tarai dwellers (commonly known among the Paharis as madhesis, meaning midlanders)--were primarily agriculturalists, although a majority of them also relied on other activities to produce supplementary income. They generally raised some farm animals, particularly water buffalo, cows, goats, and sheep, for domestic purposes. The Paharis traditionally have occupied the vast majority of civil service positions. As a result, they have managed to dominate and to control Nepal's bureaucracy to their advantage. It was not until the 1980s that a prime minister came from the non- Pahari segment of the population. Despite some loosening of the total Pahari domination of the bureaucracy in recent years, a 1991 newspaper report, summarized in the Nepal Press Digest, revealed that 80 percent of the posts in the civil service, the army, and the police still were held by the Brahmans and Chhetris of the hills, who comprised less than 50 percent of the population; 13 percent were held by Kathmandu Valley Newars, whose share of the total population was merely 3 percent. The report added that even in 1991, the eleven-member Council of Ministers in 1991 had six Brahmans and three Newars. Furthermore, six of the nine-member Constitution Recommendation Commission, which drafted the new constitution in 1990, were hill Brahmans. In spite of the increasing number of Newars holding government jobs, they traditionally were recognized as a commercial merchant and handicraft class. It was no exaggeration that they historically have been the prime agents of Nepalese culture and art. A significant number of them also were engaged in farming. In that sense, they can be described as agro-commercialists.

Most of the Tibeto-Nepalese groups traditionally could be considered agro-pastoralists. Because their physical environment offered only limited land and agricultural possibilities, the Tibeto-Nepalese groups who occupied the high mountainous areas, such as the Bhote and particularly the Sherpa, were almost forced to rely more on herding and pastoral activities than on crop farming. They also participated in seasonal trading activity to supplement their income and food supply. However, those peoples inhabiting the medium and low hills south of the high mountains-- particularly the Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Rai, and Limbu groups-- depended on farming and herding in relatively equal amounts because their environment was relatively more suitable for agriculture. Among these groups, the Gurung, Magar, and Rai historically have supplied the bulk of the famous Gurkha contingents to the British and Indian armies, although their ranks have been augmented from the Thakuri and Chhetri castes of the Indo-Nepalese Paharis. The term Gurkha was derived from the name of the former principality of Gorkha, about seventy kilometers west of Kathmandu, and was not an ethnic designation.

The Caste System

One integral aspect of Nepalese society is the existence of the Hindu caste system, modeled after the ancient and orthodox Brahmanic system of the Indian plains. The caste system did not exist prior to the arrival of Indo-Aryans. Its establishment became the basis of the emergence of the feudalistic economic structure of Nepal: the high-caste Hindus began to appropriate lands-- particularly lowlands that were more easily accessible, more cultivatable, and more productive--including those belonging to the existing tribal people, and introduced the system of individual ownership. Even though the cultural and religious rigidity of the caste system slowly has been eroding, its introduction into Nepal was one of the most significant influences stemming from the migration of the Indo-Aryan people into the hills. The migrants from the north later were incorporated into the Hindu caste system, as defined by Indo-Aryan migrants, who quickly controlled the positions of power and authority. Tibetan migrants did not practice private ownership; their system was based on communal ownership.

No single, widely acceptable definition can be advanced for the caste system. Bishop and others, however, view caste as a multifaceted status hierarchy composed of all members of society, with each individual ranked within the broad, fourfold Hindu class (varna, or color) divisions, or within the fifth class of untouchables--outcastes and the socially polluted. The fourfold caste divisions are Brahman (priests and scholars), Kshatriya or Chhetri (rulers and warriors), Vaisya (or Vaisaya, merchants and traders), and Sudra (farmers, artisans, and laborers). These Pahari caste divisions based on the Hindu system are not strictly upheld by the Newars. They have their own caste hierarchy, which, they claim, is parallel in caste divisions to the Pahari Hindu system. In each system, each caste (jati) is ideally an endogamous group in which membership is both hereditary and permanent. The only way to change caste status is to undergo Sanskritization. Sanskritization can be achieved by migrating to a new area and by changing one's caste status and/or marrying across the caste line, which can lead to the upgrading or downgrading of caste, depending on the spouse's caste. However, given the rigidity of the caste system, intercaste marriage carries a social stigma, especially when it takes place between two castes at the extreme ends of the social spectrum.

As Bishop further asserts, at the core of the caste structure is a rank order of values bound up in concepts of ritual status, purity, and pollution. Furthermore, caste determines an individual's behavior, obligations, and expectations. All the social, economic, religious, legal, and political activities of a caste society are prescribed by sanctions that determine and limit access to land, position of political power, and command of human labor. Within such a constrictive system, wealth, political power, high rank, and privilege converge; hereditary occupational specialization is a common feature. Nevertheless, caste is functionally significant only when viewed in a regional or local context and at a particular time. The assumed correlation between the caste hierarchy and the socioeconomic class hierarchy does not always hold. Because of numerous institutional changes over the years and increased dilution (or expansion) of the caste hierarchy stemming from intercaste marriages, many poor high-caste and rich low-caste households could be found in the society in 1991.

Although Paharis, especially those in rural areas, were generally quite conscious of their caste status, the question of caste did not usually arise for Tibeto-Nepalese communities unless they were aware of the Hindu caste status arbitrarily assigned to them. Insofar as they accepted caste-based notions of social rank, the Tibeto-Nepalese tended not only to see themselves at a higher level than did the Hindu Pahari and Newar, but also differed as to ranking among themselves. Thus, it was doubtful that the reported Rai caste's assumption of rank superiority over the Magar and Gurung castes was accepted by the two latter groups. Moreover, the status of a particular group was apt to vary from place to place, depending on its relative demographic size, wealth, and local power.

Language

Even though Nepali (written in Devanagari script, the same as Sanskrit and Hindi) was the national language and was mentioned as the mother tongue by approximately 58 percent of the population, there were several other languages and dialects. Other languages included Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tharu, Tamang, Newari, and Abadhi. Non-Nepali languages and dialects rarely were spoken outside their ethnic enclaves. In order to estimate the numerical distribution of different ethnic groups, the census data indicating various mother tongues spoken in the country must be used.

In terms of linguistic roots, Nepali, Maithili, and Bhojpuri belonged to the Indo-European family; the mother tongues of the Tibeto-Nepalese groups, including Newari, belonged predominantly to the Tibeto-Burman family. The Pahari, whose mother tongue was Nepali, was the largest ethnic group. If the Maithili- and Bhojpuri-speaking populations of the Tarai were included, more than 75 percent of the population belonged to the Indo-Nepalese ethnic group. Only three other ethnic groups--the Tamang, the Tharu, and the Newar--approached or slightly exceeded the one-half million population mark. Most of those non-Nepali linguistic and ethnic population groups were closely knit by bonds of nationalism and cultural harmony, and they were concentrated in certain areas.

Nepal - SOCIAL SYSTEM AND VALUES

In the mid-twentieth century, Nepal remained gripped in a feudalistic socioeconomic structure despite the influence of Western popular culture, growing commercialization, and some penetration of capitalism. The first challenge to this feudalistic power structure came in 1950-51, when the Rana autocracy was overthrown by the popular democratic movement that restored the authority of the monarchy.

There was no popularly elected government until 1959. During his reign, King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev frequently changed the government, pitting one ruling clan against another in a manner clearly reminiscent of Shah politics prior to the rise of Rana rule. He also reconstituted the system of palace patronage, replacing the system of Rana patronage. The Ranas, however, firmly controlled the armed forces.

In December 1960, King Mahendra launched a palace coup against the popularly elected government of Prime Minister Bishweshwar Prasad (B.P.) Koirala and reestablished his absolute monarchical rule under the banner of the partyless panchayat system. Until early 1990, the panchayat system, strictly controlled by the palace, remained firmly in place. The transition to a new social order was stymied; society remained entrenched in a feudalistic structure.

There was, however, a tide of Western popular culture and commercialization sweeping over Nepal. In the 1960s and 1970s, many Westerners, so-called hippies, were attracted to Nepal, looking for inexpensive marijuana and hashish. Nepal suddenly emerged as a "hippie Shangri-la." There were no laws or legal restrictions on the sale and purchase of such drugs, and they could be used openly. In fact, some Westerners thought the Nepalese were generally happy and content because they were always high. Although this view was a distortion, nonetheless it was very common to see elderly Nepalese men smoking marijuana, invariably mixed with tobacco, in public. Marijuana plants grew almost everywhere; sometimes they were found growing even along main streets. Locally produced hashish also was widely consumed, particularly during festivals celebrated by some ethnic groups and tribes. It was, however, very unusual for a Nepalese to develop a marijuana or hashish habit until reaching about forty years of age.

By the late 1980s, the situation had changed dramatically. There was an emerging drug subculture in the urban areas, and a number of youths, including college and high school students, sold and consumed drugs. Many of these youths had gone beyond using marijuana and hashish to more potent drugs, such as "crack" and cocaine--drugs unheard of in the past. In the 1960s, Westerners had sought release from the overbearing materialism of developed countries; they copied the Nepalese (and other Easterners) who smoked marijuana and hashish. Ironically, in the 1980s and 1990s, it was Nepalese youths who were enchanted by the North American material and drug culture. There were an estimated 20,000 heroin addicts in 1989. In response to the drug situation in the country, in the late 1980s the government initiated antinarcotics measures and narcotics training, and King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev directed extensive media attention to narcotics abuse. The effectiveness of the battle against narcotics, however, was limited by the lack of an official government body to target drug abuse.

National Parks, Conservation Areas and Wildlife Reserves of Nepal

 

The geography of Nepal can be divided into high mountains, mid hills and low lands. A wide range of ecosystem from sub-tropical jungles of the Terai to the arctic conditions of Himalayan highlands are found within an area of 147,181 square kilometers.

There are a total of 9 National parks, 3 wildlife Reserves, 3 Conservation Areas, 1 Hunting Reserve including 9 Buffer zones around national parks, covering a total of 28,585.67 km2 (19.42%) of the country’s total land. Nepal’s rich bio-diversity renders it ideal as an eco-tourism destination.

Khapad National Park (225 sq km)

Khaptad National Park in West Nepal is the home of Khaptad Swami, the renowned scholar and a hermit. The park with rolling hills of grasslands and forests of subtropical, temperate and sub alpine vegetation is also a rich natural habitat. The park boasts of 224 species of medicinal herbs and offers excellent bird watching opportunities, with 270 species of birds, the common ones being different varieties of Impheyan Pheasant, partridges, plycatchers, bulbuls, cuckoos and eagles. Animals in the park are barking deer, wild boar, ghoral, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, rhesus monkey and langur monkey. The Park also offers religious sightseeing at Tribeni on the way to its headquarters. There are several historical temples surrounding this area and an annual celebration of Ganga Dashhara is held here every Jestha Purnima. Another religious site is Sahara Linga at 3,200 meters, the highest point of the park. Other religious areas in the park include Ganesh Temple, Nagdhunga, and Kedardhunga. These areas are ideal places for meditation. Towards the northeast of the park is Khaptad Lake where a festival is held every august and September.

Activities: Trekking

Accommodation: Camping

Access: Fly to Dipayal from Nepalgung and then a three-day walk.

Best Season: Mar-May & Oct-Nov (10-20 degrees Celsius); Jun-Sep (rainy), Dec-Feb (snow)

Park Headquarter: Khaptad

Langtang National park (1,710 sq km)

The park extends over parts of Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchowk districts in the mountainous terrain of Nepal-China (Tibet) border.

Ther chief attraction of this park is the Langtang range in the north and several lakes in the south. High altitude jungles with diverse vegetation and wildlife, scenic lakes, glaciers and Himalayan peaks combine to make Langtang an attractive destination for visitors. Twenty five percent of the park’s total area is covered by forest, starting at sub-tropical forests below 1,000 meters giving way to alpine scrubs and grasslands toward higher altitude. Animals seen here are wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan Thar, Ghoral, serow rhesus monkey, common langur, snow leopard among others. Common birds seen here are tragopan impeyan and pheasants (kalij). The Langtang Valley is also renowned for its holy Lake Gosainkunda. Thousands of Hindu pilgrims visit the lake area every year, especially during the Janai Purnima festival every August.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering

Accommodation: Lodges, camping

Access: From Dhunche which is 117 km by road from Kathmandu

Best Season: Oct-Nov & Mar-May (Cold at higher elevation); Jun-Sep (monsoon), Dec-feb (Snow)

Park Headquarter: Dhunche

Makalu- Barun National park (2,330 sq km)

The park spreads over the districts of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu in northeast Nepal. One of the prime attractions for visitors to the park is experience the unique Himalayan bio diversity. The vegetation range from sub tropical forests to sub alpine and alpine as the altitude increases. The park boasts of 47 species of orchids, 67 species of medicinal herbs, 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 bamboo species, 15 oak species, 48 species of primrose and 86 species of fodder trees. The park also offers bird-watching opportunities with its 400 species of birds, including the rare spotted wren babbler and the olive ground warbler. Wildlife include the endangered red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard tops, ghoral, tahr, wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan marmot, weasel, langur monkey and serow. River Arun that flows through the park has 84 varieties of fish including salmon.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering

Accommodation: Camping

Access: Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu (1 hr) and then a six-day walk

Best Season: Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr; Apr-May (hot at lower elevations), Jun-Sep (monsoon) Park headquarter: Seduwa, Tel: 029-560136

Rara National Park (106 sq km)

Rara National Park in the far northwestern part of the country offers a representative sample of the region’s flora and fauna. Sprawled over Mugu and Jumla districts the heart of the park is the country’s biggest lake, Lake Rara, from where the park gets its name.

The lake is as deep as 167 meters at some places, and drains into the river Mugu Karnali via Naijar khola. The park is mainly covered with coniferous forest while the area around the lake is dominated by blue pine, rhododendron, juniper, spruce, oak and cypress and found around 3,000 meters while at higher altitude pine, spruce and fir are more common.

The rich vegetation of the park is a home to the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black beer, leopard, jackal, Himalayan Thar, wild yellow-throated martin, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and common otter. During winter the park abounds in bird varieties like coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganser and gulls. Migrant water fowl and gallinaceous birds can also be seen during certain seasons.

As for water life in the lake, the snow trout is the only fish recorded so far.

Activities: Trekking

Accommodation: Camping

Access: Fly to Jumla from KTM via Nepalgunj and then 3 day walk, or by bus from Nepalgunj to surkhet(114km) and then a week’s walk

Best Season: Feb-Apr and Oct-Nov

Park headquarter: Hutu

Chitwan National Park (932 sq km)

Owing to its rich adornment of nature, Chitwan National Park was declared UNESCO Nature Heritage Site in 1979. The park that includes in its area a part of the Shivalik Hills, is covered with deciduous forests overlooking the floodplains of Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers and offering a wilderness of rich ecosystem that includes mammals, birds, reptiles and water animals of several kinds.

There are around 600 plants, 50 mammals, 526 birds and 49 amphibians reptiles spices found in the park The highlights, of course, are the 500 Asian one-horned rhinoceros and some 100nocturnal Royal Bengal tigers that live in the dense forests of the park. Sharing home with these are other animals like rhesus monkey, grey langur, deer, leopards, white stockinged gaur, wild boar, wild dogs and wild cats. Among reptiles are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river areas breed amphibians like the endangered snouted gharial popularly known as Gangetic Crocodile and Marsh Crocodiles.

The forest is alive during summer with the arrival of migrant birds’ paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta and parakeets, while winter birds include waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed gees, cormorants and migratory birds form Siberia. Other bird varieties are woodpeckers, hornbills, peacocks, peahens, floricans and redheaded trogons. A rare attraction of the park is the world’s fresh water dolphin variety sometimes seen in River Narayani.

Another factor adding a distinct touch to the Chitwan experience is the colorful Tharu culture. There are also sites of religious and historical importance at Devghat, Pandavnagar, Balmiki Ashram and Kabilaspur.

Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep drive

Accommodation: Resort hotels and lodges

Access: The park headquarters at Kasara is a 21 km from Bharatpur which is 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu

Best Season: Oct-Feb(average temperature 25 degrees Celsius); Mar-Jun(hot, up to 43 degrees Celsius), Jul-Sep (rainy)

Park headquarter: Kasara, Tel: 056-529405

Sagarmatha National park (1,148 sq km)

The prime attraction in the Sagarmatha National Park is Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the world. The park was added to the list of World Heritage Site in 1979. The park, a part of the Himalayan ecological zone, has several other prominent peaks most of which are above 6,000 meters.

With most of the park above 3,000 meters, Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its unique culture, the park offers a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here.

The vegetation at lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forests, while above 3,500 meters the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper trees. During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen.

The common wildlife in the park are Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral Musk Deer, Pikka (mouse hare), weasel, jackal etc. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black bear, wolf lynx, and snow leopard. Beirs inhabiting the park are of over 118 species.Common ones among them are impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, red billed cough, yellow-billed cough, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon, and lammergeryer.

The national park also showcases the cultural trophies with the warm Sherpa hospitality and its many monasteries and cultural landmarks.

Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering

Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping

Access: Two-day walk form Lukla which is 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu

Best Season: Oct-Nov and Mar-May; Dec-Feb (snow, daytime temperature 5 degree Celsius), Jun-Sep (rainy)

Park Headquarter: Mandalphu, Namche Bazaar, Tel: 038-626043

Bardia National Park (968 sq km)

The Bardia National park is the largest and most undisturbed protected area in the Terai and is home to the endangered Royal Bengal tiger and Nepal’s famous one-horned rhinoceros. The national park located in the far western district of Bardiya, is borded by the river Karnali in the west, the Churia range in the north, while the River Babai flows right through the park.

The varied geographical factors together with the thick cover of Sal, savannah forests and grasslands render this region ideal as wild animal habitat. The park hosts 30 different mammals, more than 250 species of birds, and several varieties of reptiles and water animals.

Some of the other animals found where are elephant, swamp deer, blackbuck, gharial crocodile and marsh mugger crocodile. The exotic Gangetic Dolphin is also sometimesseen in river Karnali. Birds include endangered varieties of Bangel florican, lesser florican, silver-eared mesia and sarus crane.

The park offers the rare opportunity of fishing at River Karnali and River Babai.

Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle walk, jeep drive

Accommodation: Jungle lodges

Access: Three hours by jeep (95km) form Nepalgunj which is 1hour 10 minute by air or 531 by road from Kathmandu

Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun (hot, 45 degrees Celsius), Jul-Sep (rainy)

Park headquarters: Thakurdwara, Tel: 084-429719

Shey-Phoksundo National Park (3,555 sq km)

Shey-Phoksundo National Park is situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of north west of Nepal. It is Nepal’s largest national park.

With diverse terrain and altitude variation, the park spreads over Dolpa and Mugu districts and supports a broad range of wildlife and vegetation. Geographical landmarks of the park are the Himalayn peaks in the north and Lake Phoksundo, in the southern region.

Vegetation include pine, walnut, willow, oak and cypress and the lower altitude & pine, spruce, juniper & birch at higher regions. Berberis, wild rosea and caragana are seen in alpine areas while the regions higher up are mostly arid with grass alpine meadows with barely any trees.

The park contains 286 florea species of botanical importance. Animals found in the region are sheep, ghoral, musk deer, leopard, wild dog, marmot, weasel, mouse hare, rhusus & langur monkeys, Himalayan thar, Himalayan black bear and Jackals.

In the upper reaches is seen the rare snow leopard. Over 200 species of birds including yellow-throated marten, Tibetan partridge, wood snip, white-throated tit, wood accentor, & crimson-eared rose finch are found in the park. Other species of birds found here are Impeyan, cheer pheasant, chough, ravens, Tibetan show cock, Tibetan twit, brown dipper, Himalayan griffon & lammergeyer. Apart from these the park is home to 6 species of reptiles & 29 species of Butterfly.

Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering

Accommodation: Camping

Access: Fly to Dolpa’s Jufal airport from Nepalgunj or Pokhara and then a three-day walk

Best Season: Mar-May (high passes may still covered with snow) and Jun-Sep (clear weather)

Park Headquarter: Sumduwa, Tel: 087-550104

Shivapuri National Park (144 sq km)

The Shivapuri National Park (144 sq km) is the major watershed supplying drinking water to the capital city of Kathmandu. Lying in the transition zone between the subtropical and temperate climatic zones, its diverse vegetation is composed of pine, oak, rhododendron and others. The park is rich in wild mushrooms (129 species).

The wildlife found in the national park includes Himalayan black bear, leopard, jungle cat, and rhesus monkeys. The park is home to over 177 species of birds including 9 threatened species, over 100 species of butterflies including rare and threatened. The park has several rain-red rivers that are the major source of drinking water for the capital city. The park produces 227 million liters water per day of which 30 million liters per day are collected for consumption.

Towering over the Kathmandu valley, the Shivapuri National Park is a fog-free zone. During winter while Kathmandu and the other towns and settlements of the valley are still dark under the thick cold fog, the park get sparkling sunlight. It receives regular westerly winds blowing from the Trishuli river valley.

Situated only 12 km to the north of Kathmandu, the park is the main entrance of the trekking routes to Gosainkunda, Helambu, Kagarkot and the Langtang National Park. The major routes include Pani Muhan to Shivapuri peak (2,732 meter above mean sea level), Nagi gumba to the peak, Nagi gumba to Baghdwar, Sundarijal to Chisapani. The breathtaking views of the high Himalayan peaks can be seen from the top of the Shivapuri Mountain.

The park is a spiritually significant for the popular shrines and meditation centers in the natural surroundings. The park consists of several religious and cultural heritage sites for the Hindus as well as Buddhists. They include the peaks of Shivapuri, Manichur, Tarkeswor and the source of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. The other famous shrines that are worth visiting are Budhanilkantha, Sundarimai and the Nagi monastery attract thousands of pilgrims during festive seasons.

Activities: Hiking, rock climbing, bird watching

Access: 11 km to the north of Kathmandu, taxi or bus

Best Season: Sep-Jun; Jul-Aug (rainy)

Park Headquarter: Shivapuri, Tel: 01-4371644

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (176 sq km)

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve has carved a place for itself as a birdwatcher’s paradise. The reserve spreads over Saptari and Sunsari districts in East Nepal over the embankments of River Koshi. The reserve has been recognized as Wetland site from 1987. The vegetation of the reserve is mainly grassland with patches of scrub and deciduous reverine forests. The reserve has recorded around 439 species of bird variety, some of which fly all the way from Siberia during winter. A wide variety of ducks, herons, storks, egrets, ibis etc. are seen on the riverbanks. Koshi Tappu Reserve also has one of the few elephant stables of Asia. Other animals found here are wild buffalo, wild boar, hog deer, spotted deer, blue bell and jackal. Gharial Crocodile and Gangetic Dolphin are other attractions.

Activities: Game viewing, bird watching

Accommodation: Resorts & Tented camps

Access: 90- minute drive (40km) from Biratnagar which is 50 minute by air or 541 km by road from Kathmandu.

Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun (hot), Jul-sep (rainy)

Reserve Headquarter: Kusaha, Tel: 025-530897

Parsa Wildlife Reserve (499 sq km)

The Parsa Wildlife Reserve spreads over parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts. The vegetation is tropical and sub tropical mostly covered with Sal forests, while the hills are covered with chir pine. Khair, sissoo and silk cotton are found along water areas.

The reserve provides good habitat for animals like wild elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull and wild dog. Other common animals in the reserve are sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, langur monkey, rhesus macaques, striped hyena, rat, palm civet and jungle cat. There are 527 species of birds found in the reserve, one being the endangered great hornbill found in certain parts of the forest.

Other bird species include peafowl, red jungle fowl, flycatchers and woodpeckers. Birds and animals apart the reserve also habitats snakes like king cobra, common cobra, krait, rat snake and python.

Activities: Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle walk, jeep drive

Access: Fly to Simara from Katmandu (15min.) and then by road to the reserve headquarters (7km), or overland all the way from Kathmandu (150 km via Hetauda)

Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun (hot, 30-35 degrees Celsius), Jul-Sep (monsoon)

Reserve headquarter: Adhabar, Tel: 053-521051, 520246

Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve (305 sq km)

Shuklaphanta wildlife Reserve is located in the far-eastern lowland Terai of Nepal. The pristine sub-tropical jungle makes Shuklaphanta Nepal’s second largest wildlife Reserve in Terai.

The open grasslands and numerous waterholes of the park is a vast expanse of plain grasslands and Sal forests, while marsh vegetation is found along rivers and lakes. The park that was originally reserved as a hunting area was later converted to wildlife reserve to protect swamp deer.

The reserve now shelters almost 2,000 swamp deer, around 50 wild elephants and 30 tigers. Other animals found here are spotted deer, blue bulls, barking deer, hog deer, wild boars, leopards, jackals, langurs and rhesus monkeys. Among birds the reserve provides habitat to Sarus Crane Swamp Francolin, Gross Owl, Warblers, Flycatchers and the endangered Bengal Florican. Reptile species include marsh mugger, crocodile, cobra and python.

Activities: Wildlife viewing on elephant-back

Accommodation: Jungle lodges

Access: Fly or Drive to Mahendranagar 695 km from Kathmandu)

Best Season: Feb-Mar (22-25 degrees Celsius); Dec-Jan (cold, foggy), Apr-Jun (hot, upto 42 degrees)

Reserve Headquarter: Majhgaon, Kanchanpur, Tel: 099-521309

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (1,325 sq km)

Dhorpatan Hunting reserve is the only area in Nepal whee licened hunting is allowded. The reserve adjoins Myagdi district and Baglung district, just below the dhaulagiri range in West Nepal. The reserve begins at 3,000 meters reaches as high as 7000 meters. Trees like fir, pine, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce are available in the reserve.

One of the prime attractions for hunters is the blue sheep, which is abundant in the area. Hunters also get pheasants and partridges in viable populations for hunting. Other animals found here are leopard, ghoral, serow, himalayanm tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, rhesus macaque langur and mouse hare. Endangered animals in the reserve are musk deer, wolf, red panda, cheer pheasant and danphe.

Activities: Trophy Hunting, Game, Viewing

Accommodation: Camping

Access:Four days’ walk from Baglung which is 72 km from Pokhara by road

Best season: March-April; Oct-Nov; Jul-sept (Monsoon), Dec-Feb (cold, windy, snow)

Reserve Headquarters: Dhorpatan, Tel: 068-5211121

ANNAPURNA CONSERVATION AREA PROJECT – ACAP (7,629 sq km)

The Annapurna Conservation Area is one of the best trekking trails in the world. The area spreads around Kaski, Mustang, Manang and Lamjung districts of Central Nepal. Starting with an altitude of 790 meters, the area reaches as high as 8,091 meters of Mt. Annapurna. Ghandruk is the fist experience and further down is Ghorepani that provides fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges. Equally eye catching are hills of rhododendron that blossom every spring.

The turning point of the Annapurna Circuit is Jomsom. The trek southeast from Jomsom leads to the scenic Tilicho Lake area at an altitude of 4,919 meters. In the circuit route, is the famous Himdu religious sites Muktinath Temple.

The vegetation in this region includes various species of orchids and rhododendron. Wildlife includes around 100 different kinds of mammals including rare snow leopards and blue sheep. The region also boasts of around 478 species of birds including multi-colored Impheyan, Koklas and blood pheasants. In addition the region is also home to 39 species of reptiles and 22 species of amphibians.

Activities: Trakking, Mountaineering

Accommodation: resort hotels, lodges, camping

Access: From Pokhara which is 202 km by road or 30 minutes by air from Kathmandu

Best season: March-May; Sept.-Nov.

ACPA Headquarter: Hariyo Kharka, Pokhara, Tel: 061-521102, 528202

Kanchanjunga Conservation Area [KCA] (2,035 sq km)

Situated in north-eastern Nepal in the district of Taplejung, the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area is bordered by the Tibet-China in the north, Sikkim-India in the east and Sankhuwa -Sabha district in the west.

The area has alpine grasslands, low river valleys with temperate and sub-tropical forests. Ten species among Nepal’s 20 indigenous gymnosperms and 15 among Nepal’s 28 endemic flowering plants are found in this region. In addition, almost 30 varieties of rhododendron species and 69 varieties of orchids are found here. Wildlife includes endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear musk deer red panda, blue sheep and rhesus macaw. About 202 species of different birds including Impheyan pheasant, red-billed blue magpie, shy drongo are found in the area.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering.

Accommodation: Tea houses, camping.

Access: From Taplejung which can be reached by air from Kathmandu

Best Season: March- May; Sep- Nov

Park headquarter: Lelep, Tel: 024-460081

Manaslu Conservation Area (1,663 sq km)

The Manaslu area in Gorkha district is a classic setting to experience pristine mountain nature and culture. The conservation area starts at 600 meters and is crowned by the eithth highest peak in the workd Mt. Manasly at 8,163 meters. The region is home to 29 species of mammals including snow leopard, musk deer and Himalayan Tahr. There are over 20 species of birds and three species of reptiles and over 200 species of pants.

Activities: Trekking, mountaineering

Accommodation: Camping, lodges

Access: By bus to Dhading (87 km from Kathmandu) or to Besi Sahar (106 km from Pokhara) and then Trekking.

Best Season: March-May; Sep-Nov

Park headquarter: Prok

festivals of Nepal

It is said that there are more festivals in Nepal than there are days in the year. Most Nepali festivals are celebrated in homes and there is often little to see or photograph. Festivals complicate treks, however, because government offices remain close and porters leave to their home to enjoy the fetes.

Festivals are scheduled in accordance with the Nepali calendar and the phase of the moon, so they can very over a period of almost a month with respect to the Gregorian (western) calendar. Nepali months overlap Western months. The annual festival cycle, according to the Nepali year, is as follow:

Major Festivals

Nepali New Year and Bisket Jatra:-

The Nepali New Year always fall in mid-April. The people of Bhaktapur celebrate the Bisket Jatra (Death of Snake Demons Festival) on this day. Two chariots are drawn pell-mell through the narrow alleyways of the town and a mighty tug-of-war ensues. The winners draw the chariots to their locale. A huge lingam pole is erected in the middle of the town by drunken revelers.

Buddha Jayanti:-

The main festival celebrating the full moon (in May)Buddha’s birth is held all over Nepal especially in Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha. Similar festivals are held at the same time at Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. Processions carry the Buddha’s image and, all through the night, glowing butter lamps amd blazing electric lights celebrate the Buddha’s birth.

Mother's Day:-

Mother’s day also called as ‘Mata Tirtha Aunshi’ is the day when children offer gifts,money and sweets to their mother and literally look at their mother’s face. Those whose mother is deadmake a ritual pilgrimage to Mata Tirtha near Thankot.

Rato Machhendranath Jatra:-

The red (Rato in Nepali) Machhendra festival, also known as ‘Bhoto Jatra’ or the festival of the Vest, is held annually in Patan just before monsoon on a date decided by astrologers. Both Hindus and Buddhists celebrate the festival. The idol of Machhendra is brought from Bungmati village to Pulchowk and paaded on a huge, tottering chariot through the alleys of Patan to Jawalakhel. On an auspicious day, the King and Queen of Nepal, along with top government officials and thousands of devotees, descend upon Jawalakhel to catch a glimpse of the jewel-encrusted ‘Bhoto’(vest) that, according to fables, Machhendra has given to one farmer. The farmer lost the ‘Bhoto’, but one day when he saw the same ‘Bhoto’ with other person he complained the King. Since the dispute could not be solved as the real owner of the ‘Bhoto’ was not recognized king ordered to show the same ‘Bhoto’ every year on the day of Machhendra Nath Jatra.

Ghantakarna:-

Also called as Ghate Mangal ,on the first night of the Witch, street urchins set up barricades all over the city and solicit donations from motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians. A monk funeral procession is held later in the day, followed by a feast. Effigies of the devil, made of bamboo poles andleaves, are erected on every crossroads of the city.

Naga Panchami:-

On the Day of Snake God that falls on August, Brahman priests are hired by all households to cleanse their houses by pasting a picture of the ‘Naga’ (snake) over their doorways. Pujas (prayers) are performed and offerings of milk and honey are left for the snake gods. The Nagas are pacified through prayers and their protection and blessings are sought.

Janai Poornima:

The Festival of the Sacred Thread is also known as Raksha Bandhan and is celebrated on the full-moon day of August. Higher-caste Hindu men change the Sacred Thread they wear around their chests. In the hills of Nepal, devotees descend upon Shiva temples with a ‘Jhankri’ (medicine man) leading the throngs from each village.

Gai Jatra:-

During the festival of the Sacred Cows, children and adults dressed as cow pass through the city streets to honour the souls of their relatives who have recently died. It is also the day on which organized group of people and newspapers are legally allowed to defame and slander any aspects of the society and all peopl

Krishnastami:-

Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated with a huge festival at the stone temple of Krishna in Patan Durbar Square. Hymns and religious songs are sung all night by devotees. The King and Queen of Nepal pay their respects to Krishna at the Krishna Mandir.

Gokarna Aunshi (Father's Day):-

Father’s Day is similar to Mother’s Day. People offer sweets, money and gifts to their fathers and look at their father’s face. Those without fathers go to the Bagmati River at Gokarna to batheand have their father’s soulblessed.

Teej :-

On the day of fasting for wives, all Nepali wives fast from sunup to midnight to ensure that their husbands have good fortune and a long life. Heavily bejeweled women wearing red saris descend upon Pashupatinath to dance and sing the day away. Colorfully attired hill women trek down to Kathmandu for this festival.

Indra-Jatra :

The festival of the King of Gods is an eight-day festival at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The purpose of the festival is to ask Indra for post-monsoon showers for the harvest of the rice crop. This is the day the Living Goddess, or Kumari, of Kathmandu presides over a colorful ceremony attended by the king and queen, government officials and foreign diplomats.

Dashain :-

The 10-days festival of Dashain (Durga Puja), celebrating Durga’s triumph over evil, is Nepal’s biggest festival. All creeds and castes participate. People visit their families all over the country to rejoice over the goddess Durga’s Triumph. Banks and government offices are closed and most of the country comes to a standtill for the duration of this festival. It is difficult to start trek during Dasain because all the buses and planes are jammed and porter are totally unavailable.

Tihar (or Dipawali) :-

The Festival of Light is the second-most important festival in Nepal. During Tihar, people pay homage to Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Houses are given new coats of paint, hundreds of oil lamps and candles are lit, firecrackers are recklessly tossed into the streets and most houses are packed with men gambling the night away. The goddess blesses gamblers who have made her happy.

Chath Parba:-

The great festival that is celebrated among the people of Terai regions is fall just after ‘Tihar’. During this festival Terai people fasted throughout the day being clean by Heart. Speech and deeds. The other day worshipping the rising sun with various things like ‘Tikas, Insences and Flowers, the festival ends.

Shree Panchami:-

In this day people worship Goddess Saraswoti as the Goddess of knowledge and education. People go to the Temples and offer Puja to the Goddess for the better knowledge. Children are taught to learn on this day. It is said that the child would achieve a higher rank if starts learning on the day.

Lhosar :-

A two-week festival of revelry commemorates the Tibetan New Year in February. Although it’s strictly a Buddhist affair, Hindus (such as Tamangs) who believe in both religions also participate.

MahaShivaratri:-

On the sacred night dedicated to Shiva, thousands of pilgrims descend upon Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in the world – the abode of Shiva. Bonfires burn throughout the night to seek Shiva’s blessings. All wood that is not nailed down is stolen by urchins who then spend all night basking in the glow of Shiva’s glorious bonfires.

Fagu Poornima (Holi) :-

Nepal’s water-throwing festival is a merry affair during which people douse cach red power on their faces. The youngsters nowadays use acrylic paint and sewer water to enjoy themselves. Hashis cakes and bhang (a cannabis flavoured drink) are legally sold on this day.

Ghode-Jatra :-

The Nepal army takes over the Tundikhel parade ground in Kathmandu on horse-racing day to display its skills in warfare, acrobatics, motorcycle stunts and horse racing Legend has it the horses are raced to trample devils who may rise from the ground to create havoc.

Chaite Dashain :-

Also known as small Dashin, Chaite Dashain falls on the hot day of April. As Dashain this is celebrated for Lord Ram’s triumph over evil Ravana. Prople offer worship in the Durga Temples and the ‘Shakti Piiths’ and also sacrifice goats, hens, ducks etc. in such Temples.

Ram Nawami:-

Just next day of Chaite Dashain comes Ram Nawami, a birth day of Lord Ram and his triumph over the evil demons. People remain fasted on this day to offer Puja to the God.

Religious Festivals

Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal have religious significance. The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Laxmi.

Trekking in Nepal

Trekking

Equipments and Clothings:

Equipment needed depends largely upon where, when and how one is trekking. The main emphasis while trekking is on keeping warm and dry while still being lightweight. For lower altitude, fleece jackets are adequate, while at higher altitudes down jackets are advisable. Waterproof, wind-proof jackets and plants pants, well broken-in footwear, head covering are also recommended. Good sleeping bags sunglasses, drinking water bottle, torch light, sun block cream, toiletries, first aid kit and very good route map are other items necessary. Cameras, on the other hand, are handy for taking home memories.

Trekking equipments are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and Namche Bazaar.

Medication shops are few are i\on trekking route. Therefore, it is best to carry first aid kit and read about the possible problems before hand. On the Everest Base Camp route at Pheriche and on the Annapurna circuit route at Manang, there are clinics operated by the Himalayan rescue Association that specializes in treating trekker's health problems. These clinics are open only during the main trekking seasons. While on teaks, the following problems could occur:

1. Upset stomach, often caused by change in diet or contaminated food and water is a common ailment. To avoid it one should pay particular attention to hygiene and quality of food and drinks.
2. Cough, cold, sore throats, common in the dry mountain air can lead to chest infection. Sore throats can best be avoided by attempting not to breathe cold air directly through mouth. Smoking should also be avoided.
3. Joint muscle strains, foot problems, and blisters are other hindrances for trekkers. Wearing good footwear will go long way in avoiding these problems. For sprains and strains, apply cold water to reduce swelling and support the joint with crepe bandage.
4. Acute Mountain sickness (AMS) is a fatal sickness caused by random altitude ascension. Therefore climbers ascending 3,000 meters or above should acquire sound knowledge of proper acclimatization processes. Symptoms of AMS include headache, loss of appetite, swelling of limbs, dizziness, difficulty, etc. in sleeping, irregular breathing, nausea, and unusual weariness. Maintaining good fluid intake helps combat altitude sickness and hurried descent or evacuation to lower altitude is the only best cure.

Safety and Security:

Nepal is a safe country to trek provided the basic rules are observed. When with trekking agency most contingencies are handled by agency staff. However, one could get lost or hurt and have no one to ask for help when trekking alone. Therefore, trekkers should either trek with agencies or hire reliable guides if trekking in smaller groups. Women guides are available for women trekkers. The best way to avoid risk while trekking is thorough planning, playing by the rules and realizing human limitations. In case of misfortune, detailed message should be dispatched to a reliable organization or individual immediately for rescue operation. If communication facilities are unavailable, normal first aid principle should be followed till help arrives. Some of the safety rules to abide by are:

1. Do not trek alone.
2. Do not make the display of wealth.
3. Keep belongings secure and within sight.
4. Make arrangements for handling emergency situation before hand.
5. Register personal information and trekking path details with respective embassies.
6. Bye travel insurance policy that covers helicopter rescue cost. Leave a copy of details with an agency in Kathmandu.
7. Choose only authorized government registered trekking agencies, guides, and porters.

Environmental Issues:

A general advice to trekkers is to leave only footprints and take only photographs. However, the recent developments along trekking trails have been of concern to environmentalist and locals alike. The sprouting of teahouse along trekking trails demand wood for construction and fuel, which has led to deforestation. In addition, the amount of waste has increased without proper mechanism for disposal, making some of the popular trails both unsightly and unhealthy. With increased awareness on the part of trekkers and local people, this trend is changing. However, message still needs to be passed across for a more environmentally sound trekking. For vigilant trekking the following rules to be followed:

1. Ensure that your trekking company supplies sufficient kerosene or gas for cooking.
2. Dispose biodegradable waste properly and carry non-biodegradable waste out or dump them in properly constructed waste pit.
3. Ensure that campsites are left clean and that toilet pits are properly filled in after use.

Trekking Areas

Everest Region:

The Everest region is located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited part of this region is Solukhumbu district, Home of the legendry Sherpas and the highest peak of the world, The Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters. To the north of Solukhumbu is Everest National Park; while to the east is the Makulu Barun National Park. The major ethnic groups that live in the Everest region are Sherpas, Rais, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhettris. Diverse range of wildlife and vegetation are seen in the region. Animals to be sighted are mountain goat, musk deer and barking deer in the forests. Birds include Danfe, Ravens, Crows, Choughs and Snow Pigeons. The best time to visit in spring and autumn.

Popular trekking areas of Everest region are Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Lukla, Pike Danda, Dudh Kunda, Salleri, Chiwong Circuit, Hinkhu, Hongu Valleys, and Everest to Arun Valley. Interesting landmarks near Syangboche are khumjung school built by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1961 and Khunde Hospital north of Namche Bazaar established in 1968. How to treak in the Everest region depends on the route chosen. Teahouse trekking is possible on the main trail to Everest Base Camp or the route up the Gokyo Valley. The trail from Jiri to Lukla also has teahouse on the way.

Getting There:-

Everest region can be reached by air or on foot. Buses ti Jiri leave fron thr Old Bus Park near Ratna Park in Kathmandu. Jiri is ten-hour from KAthmandu. By air, there are three options. the most convenient for Everest trek is lukla,which is served by many airlines with daily flight from Kathmandu. Another option is the airstrip at Phaplu near the district headquarter which is served by the daily flights from the capital city. The last choice is the small airstrip at Syangboche, world's highest airport, which is located above Namche Bazaar. Despite being an option, altitude makes it an impractical and unwise choice as an arrival destination for acclimatization reasons.

Permits And Fees:-

Special trekking permits are not required to visit this area. Entry fees are charged for access to Everest National Park and Makulu Barun National park. Entry fees can be paid at the National Park desk in Thamel, Kathmandu.

The World's Best Trekking Trail: Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region lies towards the north of central Nepal. The region has been recognized as one of the world's best trekking trails according to a survey by Modern Maturity (USA). The highlights of this part of Nepal are Annapurna Peaks, Mt.Dhaulagiri, river Kali Gandaki and several other peaks. Gate way to this region is the famous city of Pokhara. The most prominent ethnic groups of Annapurna trekking region are Gurungs and Thakalis. Animals found here are Pika, Blue Sheep, and Himalayan Tahr and vegetation ranges from tropical species to temperate forests of Oak, Beech and Rhododendron.

The popular trekking routes of this region are Jomsong, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna foothills, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Upper mustang and around Pokhara. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Unlike other parts of Nepal, even the monsoon months are ideal to visit upper Mustang that falls in the rain shadow area. Most trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouses. Trekkers should, however, be careful while trekking to the more remote parts of the region.

Getting There: -

Regardless of the trek chosen, it is most likely that Pokhara would be either the starting or ending point of your trek in the Annapurna region. Pokhara is located 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu and can be reached by road in about 6 hours or by air in 30 minutes from the capital. For road travel there are a number of tourists buses available daily both from Kathmandu and from Chitwan. Food, accommodation and other tourist facilities of all ranges are available in and around Pokhara.

Permits and Fees: -

Entry fee is necessary for Annapurna Conservation Area Region. The permit must be purchased before starting the trek and can be obtained in Thamel, Kathmandu, or Lakeside, Pokhara. Trekkers are advised to arrange their trek through a government recognized trekking agency.

Langtang Area –

Langtang area is toward the north of Kathmandu Valley. The scenery here is spectacular, and the trek more adventurous as the area is visited by fewer tourists. To the west of Langtang is Ganesh Himal with a range of 6,000 to 7,000 meters. The main ethnic groups living here are Sherpas and Tamangs. The forests in the region have temperate and sub-alpine vegetation. Wildlife includes migratory birds, deer, monkeys, thar and pika. The best time for trekking in the Langtang area is spring and autumn. Most of the trekking routes in Helambu and Lnagtang are well served with teahouses making independent trekking quite possible. But, there are no such facilities in the Ganesh Himal area or Ganja La area.

Getting there–

Access to Helambu is particularly easy and quick. Sundarijal, which is one of the most convenient starting points, is an hour’s drive from Kathmandu. Other possible road heads are at Budhanilkantha, Kakani and four hour drive away at Melamchi Pul. For Langtang and Ganesh Himal the choice is limited – drive to Dhunche in Rasuwa district. The road then continues to Syabrubesi from where Ganesh Himal and Langtang treks can start. Hindu pilgrimage site and popular tourist place Gosaikunda can be reached from either of the two routes. However, the way via Rasuwa is easier. Buses leave regularly from the Balaju bypass close to the main bus park at Gongabu.

Permits and fees–

The northern parts of the area largely fall within the boundaries of Langtang national park. Entry permits should be obtained from Thamel, Kathmandu, before starting the trek. To reach Helambu from Kathmandu, a permit to pass through Shivapuri national park is required. This can be obtained at the entry permit counter at the Shivapuri national Park near Budhanilkantha.

Gorkha and Manaslu

The areas to the east of the Annapurna are the peaks of Manaslu group. Few visitors trek to this area, which makes a visit here all the more unique and unspoiled. The area is bordered by River Budhi Gandaki and to the west by River Marshyangdi. This area is marked by two cultural highlights: Gorkha, which is the ancestral seat of the reigning Shah dynasty and the temple of Manakamana. Since the treks in the Manaslu region originate at around 1,000 meters and reach as high as 5,200 meters, the trekker will see a wide range of flora typical of the middle hills and alpine regions of Nepal. Plants to be seen around here are pine, rhododendron, wildlife include barking deer, pika and Himalayan marmots. Birds to be sighted in the region are pheasant, raven and chough. People of Tibetan origin inhabit several villages. Other groups found here are Gurungs and Tamangs. The best time to trek here is between September and May. A few teahouse are seen in the Manaslu Conservation Area, however, teahouse trekking is not a suggested option. Government regulations require all the group trekkings to the Manaslu Circuit to be fully sufficient

Getting there–

The main hub for treks in Manaslu region is the town of Gorkha, which can be reached from Kathmandu in about four hours by bus or car. The alternative staring point is Dhading Besi, from where it can be reached by bus in about five hours. Permit and Fees – The major trekking route in the Manaslu region, the Manaslu Circuit, requires a special trekking permit which can be acquired through a registered trekking agencies.

The Far East

The far-east region of Nepal provides unique treks along rarely visited trails. One of the main attractions is the spectacular scenery of rhododendron in bloom on the hills and ridges along the way. Deer and wild sheep are often spotted in the area and birds are found in abundance. The region is home to ethnic groups notably the Rais and Limbus. The popular trekking areas in this region are Kanchenjunga area, Milke Danda and Jaljale Himal. In general, the region has not been developed to cater to independent trekkers. So groups must be fully self- sufficient.

Getting there–

The starting points for treks in the far-east are at Basantapur, Taplejung and Tumlingtar. Basantapur needs minimum of sixteen-hour drive from Kathmandu. There are no tourist bus services so trekkers must either use scheduled bus services or arrange private transport. Another option is flying to Tumlingtar or Taplejung from the capital. The flights take approximately forty-five minutes from Kathmandu, and about 20 minutes from Biratnagar to Taplejung.

Permits and Fees–

Much of the trekking area lies within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and a permit fees is required for entry. Trekkers arriving via Kakarbitta border point must first travel to Kathmandu to obtain trekking permits as the government immigration office at Kakarbitta does not issue the required permit. The best time to trek in the region is between September and May.

The West

Treks in the west of Nepal are quite different from treks in other parts of the country. The region is less developed and has fewer facilities available for the visitors. This makes trekking here much more of an exploration type and intending trekkers must be prepared for some delays and other hardships. It is also considerably more expensive to trek in the remote parts of the west. Ethic group of people seen in the northern parts of the area, particularly in Dolpa, are of Tibetan origin. Other groups found here are Magar, Gurung, and the people of Hindu caste origin. Commonly seen animals are leopard, Himalayan Thar and blue sheep.

Popular trekking areas in this region are Dolpa, Simikot and Lake Rara. The best time to visit is the traditional trekking seasons of spring and autumn. The northern parts are also suitable for summer treks. The region has not been developed to cater to independent trekkers, so all groups must be self sufficient, in all respect.

Lower Dolpa and Upper Dolpa–

Located in the central west of the country, the focal point of the area is the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This remote and rugged protected area is both scenically and culturally attractive. The lower Dolpa trek circuit can be completed in eight days from Juphal back to Juphal. The circuit can be completed either clockwise or anticlockwise, depending on preference but in both cases the focal points of the trek anre Phoksundo Lake and the Taprap Valley. In comparison to lower Dolpa, less number of trekkers enters the restricted upper Dolpa section of Shery Phoksundo National Park. The main attraction of the area is the wild and pristine landscape. Geographically, it is similar to Tibetan Plateau and is generally dry, cold and sparsely vegetated. The trekking season for both Upper and Lower Dolpa is generally from June to September.

Humla and Jumla–

The trek from Simikot, the administrative center of Humla District, to the Tibetan border is usually used to reach western Tibet, where Mount Kailash is the major attraction. Tourism related facilities are relatively undeveloped in this area although several organizations are working to promote community based tourism opportunities between Simikot and the Tibet border. The only way to reach Simikot is to fly from Nepalgunj or to trek from Rara Lake- the largest lake in Nepal. The area surrounding the lake is Rara National Park. Schedule flights to Simikot are generally unreliable due to weather conditions but large groups have the option of chartering flight.

The most common way to get to Rara is to take a flight form Nepalgunj to Jumla, from where it is two to three day trek to the park. An alternative way is to combine a trek to lower Dolpa and a visit to Rara National Park. By trekking west from Dolpa it is possible to reach Jumla and the park within a week. It is advisable to consult government registered trekking agencies before trekking to this region. The best way to trek here is in group through a good trekking agency that can meet the requirements and the contingencies that come up.

Permits and Fees – Most of the treks described here will require permit or entry fee.

Trekking Around Palpa–

The ancient town of Tansen is the headquarter of Palpa district. It is located about seven kilometers northwest of Bartung in Siddhaartha Highway. Tansen is famous for historical monuments, temples and lively handicraft industry. There are a number of short treks possible around Tansen that take the trekkers to local sites of scenic and cultural interest. The best short trek from Tansen is probably the circuit of Ranighat, on the banks of River Kali Gandaki. There are basic teahouses at Ranighat and camping on the beach is also possible. Another attractive short trek suitable in the wintertime is to follow the old trade route from Tansen, down to Sisnu Khola and end in Butwal. Another popular trekking route is the Dhorpatan Circuit. Food and accommodation facilities are available at Tensen.

Trekking In and Around Kathmandu Valley–

Kathmandu Valley offers excellent short treks. Some of these treks can be even completed in one day. It is also possible to turn the treks into overnight trips. Some popular treks around Kathmandu are Shivapuri area, Sundarijal to Budhanilkantha, Godavari to Phulchoki, Kirtipur to Champadevi, Nagarjan, Nagarkot to Changu Narayan etc. Permit is only required for trekking around Shivapuri National Park. Transportation is easily available at the end and beginning of these treks. Private vehicles or taxies can also be hired.

Note: Trekking to Dolpa, Kanchanjunga, Makalu and Upper Mustang can be undertaken through registered trekking agencies only.

For trekking through National Park Areas, an entrance fee of Rs. 650 is levied. Likewise, an entrance fee of Rs. 1000 is levied for trekking at the Annapurna Conservation Area.

• Trekkers should follow the route prescribed for them by the Department of Immigration.
• To Treks along routes that are not prescribed may create serious problems regarding security, food and accommodation.
• It is advised to arrange through the registered trekking agencies to prevent oneself from any unseen accident which may occur at any time during the trekking period.
• While trekking it is advisable to take only authorized guide and porter.
• Be careful with matches around wooded or grassy areas, forest an le grass fire causes serious damages.
• Be most economical with all fuel, specially regarding the local fire wood use minimum fuel for hot showers and discourage camp fire. Trekkers are strictly forbidden to cut any green forest resources and to kill any wild life. Give preference to lodges and trekkers companies that do not use fire wood and encourage their efforts to conserve the environment.
• Use washing and toilet facilities provided or if none are available make sure you are at least 30 meters away from any water sources. Bury excreta and toilet papers and use biodegradable toiletries. Avoid the use of non – biodegradable items possible. Support measures to reduce pollution and environment.