Travel Destination Pokhara 2011

Government of Nepal is going to celebrate 2011 as a Nepal tourism year (Visit Nepal 2011). There are various travel destinations in Nepal but pokhara is one of the best place to visit. The main attraction are Phewa lake, Sarangkot, trekking and rafting, Mahendra Cave, Pokhara Museum.and many more.

1. Pokhara:-Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City is a city of close to 200,000 inhabitants in central Nepal located at 28.25°N, 83.99°E, 198 km west of Kathmandu. It is the third largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. It is the Headquarters of Kaski District, Gandaki Zone and the Western Development Region. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations of the country.

Pokhara is the end point for the famous Annapurna Circuit trek and the starting point for a dozen more treks through the mountains of the Annapurna Range, including the perennially popular Jomsom Trek and the equally dramatic (but less busy) trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary. It's unashamedly touristy, in the Thamel mould, but the setting is spectacular - the perfect pyramid of Mt Machhapuchhare looms high above Pokhara, reflected in the placid waters of Phewa Tal. 

For the adventurous, travel agents in Pokhara offer a slew of adventure activities, from trekking and microlight flights to river rafting and jungle safaris. Paragliding from Sarangkot viewpoint has to be one of the most thrilling experiences in the subcontinent. Alternatively, bring a good book and spend your days reading in a café overlooking languorous Phewa Tal. 

Langtang Region Trek

Langtang is a region in Nepal to the north of Kathmandu and bordering Tibet. It is protected as Langtang National Park and has a number of high peaks including Langtang Lirung (7246m). As of 2008, the entrance ticket to the park cost 1000 Nepali Rupees for foreigners.About 4,500 people live inside the park, and many more depend on it for timber and firewood. The majority of the residents are Tamang.

The park contains a wide variety of climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park is forested. Trees include the deciduous Oak and Maple, and evergreens like Pine, and various types of Rhododendron. Animal life includes Himalayan black bear, the goat-like Himalayan tahr, Rhesus monkeys and Red Pandas. There are also stories of Yeti sightings.

The park contains the Gosainkunda lakes, sacred to Hindus. Pilgrimages are made there in August. Another spiritual site is the Buddhist monastery Kyanjin Gompa.

Popular activities for tourists in the park include trekking, climbing, and white-water rafting.

The trek up the Langtang valley is another of those finest mountain treks. Situated directly north of Kathmandu, this region has three relatively short yet interesting treks: Langtang, Helambu and Gosainkund. The regions are usually visited separately but can be combined in as 16-day trip. Lower regions like Helambu are perfect for winter treks and in springtime this region's rhododendrons are especially beautiful.The people are a mixture of Tamang, Sherpa and Bhotia. Food and lodging are easily available along the main routes.

Langtang, at 3,307m above sea level, extends from north of Helambu to all the way up to the Tibetan Border. It is the largest village of the region despite its small size. Its upper valley is a grazing paradise, rich in flowers and grass and dotted with stone huts used in the summer

time for butter making. Sewn in skins and exported to Tibet to flavor tea and fuel monastery lamps, butter was once the region's major industry.

It is generally a thirteen day trip, counting transportantion time and a day above Kyangjin and Gosaikund, the sacred lake devoted to Lord Shiva.

Everest Base Camp Trek

 

There are two base camps on opposite sides of Mt. Everest: to the South in Nepal, and to the North in Tibet. Located at the altitude of 5,360 metres (17,600 ft) is South Base Camp in Nepal. (28°0′26″N 86°51′34″E / 28.00722°N 86.85944°E / 28.00722; 86.85944), and at 5,208 metres (17,090 ft) is the North Base Camp in Tibet(28°8′28″N 86°51′6″E / 28.14111°N 86.85167°E / 28.14111; 86.85167 (North Base Camp)). These camps are rudimentary campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.
Supplies are carried to the camps by sherpas or porters, and with help of animals. The North Base Camp has vehicle access (at least in the summer months). Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization; to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness. Base camps usually consist of long lines of tents with food, blankets, and light.
 

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the classic treks in Nepal. It is the most common two weeks trek starting and finishing at Lukla, the airport just to the south of Everest National park. The Everest Base Camp trek (5400m) is without doubt one of the most famous treks in the world.

Trek Everest Route:
We follow an ancient route that will take us through tiny villages, across high mountain passes, and through remote valleys, villages and monasteries. The views grow even more spectacular as we venture up the Dudh Kosi River to Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Khumbu region at 3400m. We will spend a night next to the Thyangboche monastery (3870m), where you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Ama Dablam, Mt. Everest and Lhotse.

A non-technical climb of Kala Pattar (5545m) highlights the truly spectacular panorama views of Mount Everest and many of the world's highest and most beautiful mountains. The return trek continues to delight adventurous souls with more spectacular mountain views, lush forested valleys, and opportunities to learn about the Nepalese religion and culture. 

 

 

Interesting and justifiably famous, not only for its proximity to the world's highest mountain, but also for its Sherpa villages and monasteries, the Everest, or Solu Khumbu area is the second most popular trekking destination in Nepal. The primary objective of Everest treks is either the Everest base camp, about 5.340 meters, or Kala Pattar, an unassuming 5.545 meter hump on the southern flank of Pumori (7,161 meters), which provides a fine view of Everest (8.848 meters). 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna base camp trek is famous for trekkers. The principal peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Fang, Annapurna, Ganagapurna, Annapurna 3 and Machhapuchhare, are arranged almost precisely in a circle about 10 miles in diameter with a deep glacier-covered amphitheater at the center. From this glacier basin, known as the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Modi Khola knifes its way south in a narrow gorge fully 12,000 ft. deep. Further south, the gorge opens up into a wide and fertile valley, the domain of the Gurungs. The middle and upper portions of Modi Khola offer some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal, and the valley is located so that these treks can be easily combined with treks into the Kali Gandaki region to the west.

In spite of the great heights of the surrounding peaks and ice walls, the valley floor between 12,000 and 14,000 ft. can provide comfortable camping spots in good weather.

 

 

This is one of the most beautiful treks that combine easy walking with majestic scenery and a mix of cultures unmatched by any other treks in Nepal. The trail starts from lowland villages and rice terraces deep into the Annapurna Himal. As you gradually climb uphill, the peaks of Annapurna south and Hiunchuli emerge from behind the foothills. Pastures and cultivated fields soon give way to deep forests of oak, bamboo and rhododendron. The trail finally stumbles across moraines and reaches Annapurna Sanctuary from where you will see undeniably beautiful and unimaginable 360 degree views of the Annapurna mountain ranges.

The Annapurna Base Camp trek will be even more interesting in spring as the whole forest along the trail turns red, pink and white with rhododendron flowers. This wonder trip can be done anytime of the year except during the monsoons.

Tourism Places in Nepal

Kakani:
Located 29-km north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holidays area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are: Gaurishanker (7,134m.), Choba Bhamre (6,109 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7, 893m), Annapurna ( 8,091m), and several other peaks.

Gosainkunda:
One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132-kms north east of Kathmandu.
Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati Bhairv, Sourya and Ganesh Kund, etc.

Dhulikhel:
This ancient town is situated 30-km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.

Panauti:
It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with some very lovely temples and interesting old houses particularly beautiful area some 14th century wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful countryside.

Namo Buddha:
It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Palanchowk Bhagawati:
7-km north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of palanchowk bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of goddess bhagawati.

Charikot:
About 133-km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spetacular mountais view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.

Helambu:
Helambu situated about 72-km north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11-km away from Kathmandu.

Gorkha:
Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shah - The Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath. Gorkha can be reached in about 6 hours from Kathmandu and in about 4 hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.

Muktinath:
The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of mustang and is situated about 18-kms north-east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.

Pokhara Valley:
The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200-kms west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara’s numerous lakes known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.

Tansen:
Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s chief attractions. The Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

Lumbini:
Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tensen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.

Rapti Valley (Chitwan):
From Kathmandu it takes 6 hours to reach chitwan. Situated 120-kms south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal’s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile, more Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to chitwan may view game of Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safari. Visitors may also take river raft, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.

Daman:
It is situated 80-kms south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far west of Dhaulagiri to far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.

Namche Bazaar:
The name of namche bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241-kms. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region.

Janakpur:
A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.

Barahachhetra:
A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.

Antu Danda:
It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 m. In the llam district and is famous for its unique views of everest and kanchenjunga. It is the best place for viewing sunrise and sunset.

Visit Nepal 2011

Government declared the year 2011 as Tourism Year  in order to further enhance the image of Nepal as a special destination for the visitors. To accomplish the program objectives, various organizations and  agencies both within and outside the tourism industry, have come together hand in hand to formulate a strategy to make Visit Nepal 2011 , a success. 

The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is known as a unique natural and cultural destination in the Tourism map of the world. The outstanding diversities of nature and culture existing here are second to none. The most exhilarating titles with which Nepal has been admired and praised by various  renowned travel authors in recognition of her cultural richness, viz., Living cultural Museum,  Shangri-la, Roof of the World, Birth place of the Apostle of Peace, Country of Living  Goddess, City of Golden Pagodas & Parasols, Himalayan Pilgrimage, Wildest Dream of  Kew, Melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism, A tiny Kingdom of thirty-six ethnic groups  and seventy-five spoken languages, Birth place of Sita, Abode of Shiva, Land of non-stop  festivals etc. are explicit and self-explanatory. They tell the world about our incomparable & prosperous culture heritage. This Calendar of Events & Activities only provides a glimpse of it. This calendar does not cover all the activities. This will be updates three months prior to the launch of Visit Nepal 2011 programs. 

Nepal not only will invite more visitors, but will strive to improve its infrastructure, address issues of environmental degradation and seek to have more quality visitors.Visitors such as you, who are sensitive to preserving the destination's natural and cultural heritage will pay the right price for right value.
Visit Nepal 2011 is the launching pad we have to achieve this objective. It is not just a year when Nepal will have festivities. We invite you to visit us and have new products on offer. It is our industry's combined resolve to work towards a process to ensure that we deliver quality in our products, excellence in service, fully involve all our citizens in tourism and obtain the most yield from it to benefit our country, our people, our business partners and our visitors.

 Lets welcome to Visit Nepal 2011/ Nepal tourism Year 2011. Make 2011 as your destination Nepal, Travel, Tours, Trek as well as many more activities In Nepal.