Friday

Nepal--Stunning scenery, Wonderful people


Nepal's cultural landscape is every bit as diverse as its topography. This small country covering a rough rectangular area of 800km by 300km, it has over two-dozen distinct ethnic groups and tribes with over forty languages and dialects. The numerous festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year mixed with Hindu, Buddhist, and other tribal traditions are a testament to this remarkable diversity.
Green paddy terraces, wind-swept deserts, dense forests and marshy grasslands are also features of the landscape. The country is well endowed with perpetual rivers, lakes and glacial lakes that originate in the Himalayas.
The variety in Nepal's topography provides home to wildlife like tigers, rhinos, monkeys, bears, yaks, leopards and different species of insects and birds. Nepal is a home to almost 10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500 species are found in the Kathmandu Valley.
Understanding the Geography Nepal is a landlocked country in Southern Asia, between China and India. It contains eight of world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the world's tallest - on the border with China.
Regions of Nepal
Kathmandu Valley
Annapurna
Everest - stunning scenery, friendly and honest people
Langtang
Mustang
Terai
Cities of Nepal
Kathmandu, काpital and cultural centre of Nepal
Bhaktapur, well-preserved historical city, centre of Nepali pottery making.
Patan, sister-city of Kathmandu and metal working centre
Pokhara, picturesque lakeshore town and base for many of Nepal's most accessible treks
Climate Conditions Nepal is subject to Monsoon climate with four main seasons. Nepal has traditionally six seasons: Basanta (spring), Grishma (early summer), Barkha (summer monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn) and Shishir (winter), but here only the international standards of four are described which is sufficient for planning you trip
The heavy rains from June to September Clear and cool weather (one of the two high-seasons for travel and trekking) from October to December
Winter in the mountains, creating weather too cold and snowy for some treks from December to March.
The temperature of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, can go down to 0 degrees Celsius at night, and cold waves cause several deaths in the city every season.
Spring-like and vibrant from April to June Note that every year can be different, with rains or freezes coming early or late, so check ahead before planning your travel.

Understanding the Culture Greet people with a warm "Namaste". Show marked respect to elders. Be friendly, be patient.
Feet are considered dirty. Don't point the bottoms of your feet (or your bum!) at people, or at religious icons. In this vein, be sure not to step over a person who may be seated or lying on the ground. Be sensitive to when it is proper to remove your hat or shoes.
Accept tea.
Circumambulate temples, chortens, stupas, mani walls, etc. clockwise.
When haggling over prices, smile, laugh, and be friendly. Be prepared to allow a reasonable profit. Don't insult fine craftsmanship, it's much better to lament that you are too poor to afford such princely quality.
Many Hindu temples do not allow non-Hindus inside certain parts of the temple complex. Be aware and respectful of this fact, as these are places of worship, not tourist attractions.
Things to See and Do Rafting - Overnight trips for all levels of experience leave from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Kaligandaki is a popular river.
Jungle Safari - Chitwan National Forest offers elephant rides, jungle canoeing, nature walks, and birding, as well as more adventurous tiger and rhino-viewing.
Parties - "The Last Resort", near the Tibetan border, has frequent Full Moon Trance Parties, lasting 2-3 days. Watch for posters and check music shops. Pokhara has started featuring its own brand of Full Moon raves and interesting Western takes on Nepali festivals.
Massage - "The Healing Hands Centre", in Kathmandu, has monthly five-day, ten-day and one-month Ancient Massage courses.
Trekking
Most of the trekking Nepal is called "Tea-House Trekking" as the day's hike is between guesthouse-filled towns. While this doesn't make the treks that much easier, it means there is no need for tents, food and water. Remote trekking is also possible, but unless you are an experienced wilderness trekker, it is recommended to hire a guide and porters.
Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek: Stunning scenery, Wonderful people.

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