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| Nepal Holidays - Destinations |
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| Temperature: |
Live Forecast |
Population: |
26.46 million p |
| Time Zone: |
GMT + 5 |
Driving side: |
Drivers drive on the left hand side of the road. |
| Languages: |
English
Nepali |
| Religion: |
Hindu – 90%
Buddhist – 5%
Muslim – 3%
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| Emergency #: |
Medical Emergency – 211959
Police Emergency – 100/247041 for English speaking
Fire Emergency |
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Kathmandu Valley – The Kathmandu Valley consists of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, which are the most well known cities in this region. There are a number of other, smaller fascinating villages, temples and stupas, which are scattered around the valley. The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath or colloquially known as the “monkey temple”, fondly named after the large tribe of garrulous monkeys who guard the hill and amuse visitors and devotees with their tricks. At the base there is a continuous series of prayer wheels where pilgrims circumambulating the stupa and spin it as they pass. This temple is probably the best-known temple in Nepal.
Pokhara – Pokhara is renowned for its setting rather than its historical and cultural endowments. Its close proximity to the mountains and lakeside, means that it is an ideal place for recovering from a trek or even taking leisurely strolls. It is the perfect location to put your nose in a good book and simply enjoy the surroundings and relax.
The Terai – What you will find when visiting Terai is hot subtropical plains in some of the most fascinating attractions in Nepal. The Royal Chitwan National Park is located here, which was once the hunting ground of British and Nepalese aristocrats. The elephants, rhinoceros, tiger, leopard and deer are protected and probably the greatest thrill is to scout for wildlife on the back of an elephant. If you get too uncomfortable, you can always do the same thing in a jeep or canoe, or even take a walking tour through the jungle with an experienced guide.
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The best time to visit Nepal is between October and November, with the start of the dry season. The weather is balmy, the air clean and visibility is perfect. February to April is the end of the dry season where visibility is not as good because of dust, the weather is warm and many of the countries wonderful flowers are in bloom.
In December and January both climate and visibility are good, but it can get a little chilly. The rest of the year is generally unpleasant with May and June being too hot and dusty for comfort and Mid June to September the mountains are in cloud and the trails and roads turn to mud. |
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The country of Nepal is like stepping back in time to an era where religion is seen at every corner with spinning prayer wheels, trippy thangka scrolls and Tibetan carpets.
The people mutter chants and esoteric tantric hymns and the Nepalese music seems to hang in the air. Traditional folk musicians gather at evenings for singing and socializing. Classical dancing and trance like masked dances live on in the Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur regions. |
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Ballooning – Ballooning is one of the most unusual and enjoyable ways to view the Himalayas. The balloon climbs to a height of 10 000 feet, so you are guaranteed an unforgettable view of the Himalayas.
Mountain Climbing – There are 18 peaks which don’t require a great deal of red tape to climb and an additional 69 peaks, which require a lot of planning and you need to apply to the Nepal Ministry of Tourism at least six months in advance. The best time from climbing is between September and October and April to early June.
Hiking – In the Kathmandu Valley there are plenty of opportunities for hiking. There are several trails to choose from, trails through the forests, trails to remote temples and trails through terraced farmland. The Nagarjun Royal Forest Preserve has several trails to choose from, a 3 mile trails with a summit of 6 875 feet, and has a superb view across the Kathmandu Valley. Phulchoki trails provide excellent hiking opportunities and excellent views of the Himalayas.
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The domestic airline is the Royal Nepal Airlines, but there are several private companies, which offer domestic flights. They are usually rather expensive and are often delayed and even cancelled due to inopportune weather conditions. The airlines only accept payment in hard currency from visitors.
Public buses are the main form of transport in Nepal, they are incredibly cheap but uncomfortable and very slow. Some visitors come back with horror stories about ‘almost’ plunging into a ravine. There are other bus services aimed specifically at the tourist. Most visitors prefer then especially when the others have chickens and goats supplementing human traveling companions.
Unfortunately there are no trains or drive yourself rental car in Nepal. You can hire cars with drivers. Of course bike riding is an option and is gaining popularity with visitors.
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Dasain – Celebrated in October. This event is one of the most important celebrations and features the biggest animal sacrifice of the year.
Tihar – Celebrated in November. This festival is the second largest celebration of the year. At this festival the animals are honoured and not slaughtered.
Losar – Celebrated in February. This is the Tibetan New Year, and the communities in Swayambhunath, Jawalakhel and the highland communities celebrate this festival.
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