Tuesday, July 22, 2014
NAMCHE BAZAR
Namche Bazaar is popular with trekkers in the Khumbu region, especially for altitude acclimatization, and is the gateway to the high Himalaya. The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors as well as a number of internet cafés, making it one of the few places in the region where trekkers can access the Internet.
On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village. There may also be a daily Tibetan market where clothing and cheap Chinese consumer goods tend to be the main articles for sale.
Acclimatization
If you have flown in to Lukla from Kathmandu, and walked to Namche in two days, you should spend at least a couple of days acclimatizing in Namche (or somewhere nearby at the same altitude).
View of Everest
The village is set in a horseshoe shaped bowl looking directly out at the sheer face of Kongde, and if you climb up to the viewpoint above the village, you will get your first view of Everest. You really feel as if you are deep in the mountains here.
Shops & facilities
Namche is the place to stock up on essentials - shops and stalls line the cobbled streets, and most of the traders are Sherpas or Tibetans. There are a large number of lodges; most of which are fairly simple, and numerous restaurants, cafes and even a couple of delicious bakeries. There is a post office, telephone facilities, internet, and a health and dental post here.
If you are in Namche on a Saturday, it is worth visiting the weekly market, where traders from Tibet sell their wares (often Chinese goods) in exchange for Nepali and Indian food and goods brought up from Lukla by lowland porters.
Namche Bazaar is popular with trekkers in the Khumbu region, especially for altitude acclimatization, and is the gateway to the high Himalaya. The town has a number of lodgings and stores catering to the needs of visitors as well as a number of internet cafés, making it one of the few places in the region where trekkers can access the Internet.
On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village. There may also be a daily Tibetan market where clothing and cheap Chinese consumer goods tend to be the main articles for sale.
Acclimatization
If you have flown in to Lukla from Kathmandu, and walked to Namche in two days, you should spend at least a couple of days acclimatizing in Namche (or somewhere nearby at the same altitude).
View of Everest
The village is set in a horseshoe shaped bowl looking directly out at the sheer face of Kongde, and if you climb up to the viewpoint above the village, you will get your first view of Everest. You really feel as if you are deep in the mountains here.
Shops & facilities
Namche is the place to stock up on essentials - shops and stalls line the cobbled streets, and most of the traders are Sherpas or Tibetans. There are a large number of lodges; most of which are fairly simple, and numerous restaurants, cafes and even a couple of delicious bakeries. There is a post office, telephone facilities, internet, and a health and dental post here.
If you are in Namche on a Saturday, it is worth visiting the weekly market, where traders from Tibet sell their wares (often Chinese goods) in exchange for Nepali and Indian food and goods brought up from Lukla by lowland porters.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Most Popular Trekking route in Nepal
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
This is where true adventure begins…
This is one trip you don’t won’t to miss that’s why it’s aptly called the king of all trips. The journey begins with a flight to one of the highest landing airports in the world, & once we get off the twin otter, our eyes begin to take in the gigantic surroundings that stirs our emotions to the bone, as we sort out our equipment & the porters carry what has to be carried & our guides lead the way by the banks of the Dudh Kosi River. We clamber on our set trail through colorful villages as the panoramic scenery begins to take hold of us as we hike through farmlands & bump into the friendly sherpa folks, the local inhabitants of the ‘Khumbu’ {the original name of the Everest region}, known for their legendary climbing skills & warm welcoming nature; our walk soon brings us the capital of the Khumbu, a thriving town called ‘Namche’, & this is where we get our first views of massive Everest & other silver grey peaks that literally stop the breath for a moment. Namche is the kind of town that will stun you for all the facilities it has within its boundaries, where you will find things not even available in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. Namche is the first outpost that gives you your first acclimatizing process which gets your body used to the higher elevations that come further on in the course of your trip.
As we haul up for a night in Namche, we begin to observe many other fellow trekkers having a good time, of which some are on their way up while some are on their way down. Friendships are made at respective hotels over a couple of beers & advice & tips are passed around as beer mugs clang together in bountiful cheers over some of the best friendships that begin & last for years down the road. We then go for walks to higher elevations within namche to acclimatize, have supper & go to bed feeling good & geared for the walks that steadily go higher the next day. We hike through dense green forests with chattering birds as we get the sweet whiff of scented rhododendrons & magnolias that really makes us feel good. The rich flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park are some of the added delights of the EBC trek. our trip moves on to the famous Tengboche monastery that give us some breathtaking views of Amadablam, Everest & other peaks before our super climb up to Kalapathar at 5545m where we get master views of Mt. Everest & all the sister peaks that seem to take our breath away, because this is the highest we get on our EBC trip & the views from this point are said to be the best on the planet; this is what we left home for & our video cams go on overdrive as we get some of the best pictures ever to adorn the walls of that lovely place we call ‘Home’’.
We make camp close by the enormous Khumbu Icefall that creates the landmark of our EBC trek & savor the lovely vistas that warm the heart in the chilly laps of Everest & marvel at the grandeur of the gigantic mountains that surround us as we gasp in sublime wonder at the greatness of God & his supernatural creations. From this point onwards we probably may look at life differently & more positively. The EBC trip is ideal for those who have a deep love for adventure & trekkers must be reasonably fit & healthy to enjoy this venture. EncountersNepal.com has carried out hundreds of trips to Everest Base Camp & your safety is a vital part of our company policy when doing this trip & other high altitude trips across Nepal’s vast Himalayan circuits. Experience has taught us to hope for the best when on these trips…& also to expect the worst & this is what prepares us thoroughly for any eventualities but till date the mountain gods have favored us & no major accident has occurred. We will always go the mile to give you the best despite the precautions we take without spoiling your adventure in the great outback of Nepal. Please feel free to let us know your feelings of a trip to EBC; you can get friendly with us at: info@encountersnepal.com, for an adventure that will linger in your memories for a real long time to come…
Some helpful advice from Encounters Nepal.com:
A: It would be wise to keep in mind that your flight from Kathmandu to Lukla may get delayed for a few hours or may even be cancelled for some days due to unfavorable weather conditions. Since these situations are unpredictable for what extreme climate changes are occurring these days; you must be prepared to haul up in Kathmandu for some time. Encounters Nepal will put in its best efforts to get you through for you at the earliest time possible. Still, we suggest you be well-prepared for such delays or even cancellations. If the delay exceeds 2 days, you have the option to do an alternative trip as well. We can organize the Annapurna Base Camp Trek at the same price you've paid for Everest Base Camp. But it’s important to note that no refunds will be made as we cannot be responsible for an act that has occurred by the gods of nature. You will also have to bear the cost for accommodation, transportation, and food for the extra days in Kathmandu.
B: Encounters Nepal, being a responsible travel operator, ensures that all of its trips are eco-friendly. We have found that one of the reasons why trekkers fell sick during one of our trips is due to drinking water. But we make our best efforts to assure that you are always provided with pure water. We do this by providing you chlorinated water.
But if you don't like drinking chlorinated water and bring mineral water instead, you can get it on the mountains. Mineral water bottles for a 14-days trip will cost you approx. $150. So, don't forget to bring necessary cash for buying mineral water.
C: Want to enjoy high-speed Internet Connectivity while trekking on the lap of Mount Everest? It would be a great experience sharing your trip updates with the loved ones at home and friends staying far away from you. If you want, it's possible to use WiFi services till Gorakshep. However, this will cost you approximately USD 5 per day depending on how much we use it in a day.
D: Please don't forget to carry your Traveler's Insurance compulsorily with you as it covers your emergency evacuation. We can make the helicopter arrangements for you in case of an emergency. Of course, nothing much will happen, but being prepared is like a stitch in time will save nine; please inform your insurance company before you leave your home country prior to your trip.
E. Its also useful to note that solar battery is now available above Namche at the higher elevations as per the requirements of the locals & for trekkers & you can charge your laptops or any other electric gadgets that you bring along with you on the trip, however, this also incurs a minimum charge that begins from USD$ 1-5 depending on the gadget on an hourly basis.
Route to Everest Base Camp
The trek offers breathtaking mountain panoramas and an insight into the lives of the Sherpa culture. Taking an exhilarating mountain flight to Lukla, we mount up to the Dudh Koshi Valley which is encircled by the towering peaks of Thamserku and Kusum Kanguru. After a steep ascent to Namche Bazaar, capital of the Kumbu Sherpas, we are once more acknowledged by magnificent mountain panoramas. And, then we have a rest day which will help in acclimatization and there are other alternative walks to take pleasure in the area. Subsequently, we head to famous Tengboche, located high on an edge where a splendid 360-degree landscape awaits. The fascinating views of Everest, the Lhotse-Nuptse Wall, Ama Dablam and Kantega overlook this calm and divine location and no doubt it is one of the most serene and exciting places in the world.This dazzling trek visits both, Everest base camp and KalaPatthar (5545m), a stance renowned as the finest vantage point to see Mount Everest which is a foremost target for many trekkers in the Himalayas. After trekking to base camp and Kalapatthar we come back at our relaxing way to Namche and Lukla for our return flight to Kathmandu.
Base Camp Everest Altitude
Everest Base Camp, with highest altitude in the world is generally the top place ordinary travelers can go. Actually, there are two Everest base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest, namely South Everest Base Camp in Nepal and North Everest Base Camp in Tibet, southwest China. South Base Camp in Nepal is at an altitude of 5,364 m. while the Tibet Everest Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,545m. and is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.
Base camp Everest Temperature
Because of the high elevation, Mount Everest is covered by snow all year round and the climate here on the mountain is quite harsh. There are heaps of bulky glaciers formed in the valley with the most prominent one being the Rongbuk Glacier consisting of eastern, western and middle Rongbuk glaciers. The most unique aspect of the climate of the camp is the temperature differs in the daytime and at night. And the climate and temperature varies in different seasons and time.
In winter, the region can be snowy and it is the time when you are never recommended to travel there. During July and August too you are not suggested to travel because of a little bit rainy and the road condition can be very bad.
Everest summit temperature roughly fluctuates between -20ºC to -35ºC during summer. The coldest forecasted summit temperature was -41ºC and the warmest forecasted temperature was -16ºC. The coldest temperature of the year begins in the second half of December and continues until end of January.
In winter, the region can be snowy and it is the time when you are never recommended to travel there. During July and August too you are not suggested to travel because of a little bit rainy and the road condition can be very bad.
Everest summit temperature roughly fluctuates between -20ºC to -35ºC during summer. The coldest forecasted summit temperature was -41ºC and the warmest forecasted temperature was -16ºC. The coldest temperature of the year begins in the second half of December and continues until end of January.
Everest Base Camp Weather
The weather from March to May is warmer and quieter than September to December. From September to November, it is great time to trek but the region may be busy. Likewise, in December, January and February the weather becomes cold and dry but very quiet.
Average wind coldness for Everest Base Camp is -14C during May and -30C during winter. The summit is reached swiftly in a couple of days when the weather for a short time does not fluctuate.
Average wind coldness for Everest Base Camp is -14C during May and -30C during winter. The summit is reached swiftly in a couple of days when the weather for a short time does not fluctuate.
During the spring, climbs towards 7000 meters are often pleasant and hardly ever cold when the weather is fine. Mountaineering in t-shirt is not exceptional. However, winter is totally different and temperatures call for serious gear.
Everest Base Camp Trips
This trip is intended to let people experience the significant route to the base of the world's highest mountain. A slow way up through wonderful Sherpa villages allows us time to take pleasure in the landscape, wildlife and visit a number of monasteries. You will have an opportunity to hike to both Everest Base Camp and the nearby peak of Kala Pathhar (5545m) for magnificent views of Mount Everest. The main highlights of the trek are stunning views of Mount Everest, exploring Sherpa culture, witnessing Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, climbing Kala Pattar and visit Everest Base Camp and many more.
After flying in to Lukla, our exhilarating trek to Everest Base camp takes you through Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar we trek along an interspersed village with magnificent forests of rhododendron the where you can intimately watch the views of Everest and then move forward towards Tengboche monastery (3864m). Then our trip leads up Everest Base Camp at the foot of the Khumbu ice fall before finally making our way back down to Lukla.
Everest Base Camp Trek Reviews
Aside from magnificent vista, travelers to the region can experience exceptional Sherpa culture by visiting monasteries and museums along the way. Days are filled with walking for the sheer pleasure of it, past colorful prayer wheels and across swing bridges and we will travel through one of the world heritage site (Sagarmatha national park), to view the various flora and fauna not found in the other side of the globe and the everlasting huge monasteries whose existence goes very far behind the time period.The heady mix of natural beauty, fascinating culture and a personal sense of achievement, as well as warm Nepalese hospitality, makes the Everest Base Camp trek one of the worlds most unforgettable. The trek through Lukla and Himalayas up to Everest Base Camp with magnificent scenery and blue skies everyday day will enchant you. The trekking is not technically difficult, but you should have a solid fitness level and proper gear as it does get very cold higher up, and the altitude can affect you.
Hike to Everest Base Camp cost
Himalayan View Trek offers Everest Base Camp trek at a price ranging from 1450 USD to 1700 USDbut it depends on what is included and what is excluded on the service. The cost includes airport pick up and drop by private car or van or bus, standard accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu, standard meals during the trek, best accessible lodging during the trek, porters to carry your luggage during the trek, food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff, Everest National Park permits, Trekkers Information Management System Card (TIMS) and airfare from Kathmandu to Lukla and return to Kathmandu.
Everest Base camp Trek Guide
Talking about the baggage, pack lightly, about 10 to 15kg. A fleece jacket, down jacket and thermal underwear are a must, as the Himalaya gets cold above 3000m any time of the year. Also take two pairs of long pants, two or three T-shirts (synthetic fabrics – not cotton – that wick away sweat), and another warm jumper or light fleece. Regarding footwear, carry lightly broken-in boots, trekking socks, and sneakers or sandals for evenings. You will also need a raincoat, gloves, woolen hat, sun hat and polarized sunglasses. A good sleeping bag (rated to -20°C/0°F) is necessary; if it’s winter; a thermal liner makes it additional toasty. Pick for travel-size toiletries, including a good sunscreen, lip balm, travel towel and tissues. Baby wipes are handy for days when you can’t shower And, your first aid kit should include medicine for diarrhea, antibiotics for a chest or sinus infection, and adhesive bandages for blisters. Visit your doctor for Nepal-specific immunizations.
Everest Base camp Altitude Porter
Hard working local porters will aid you in the entire trekking. Because they will be carrying supplies, equipment and baggage, trek to these remote areas become possible. So, they should be well treated and well paid. And for the porter's sake, all trekkers keep their luggage bag weight under 25kgs.
Facts about Mt. Everest.
Everest was formed about 60 million years ago. In Nepal, it is named as Sagarmatha which means goddess of the sky. In Tibet, Everest is known as Chomolungma meaning mother goddess of the universe. It is situated 27° 59' north latitude and 86 ° 56’ east longitudes. Its summit edge separates Nepal and Tibet. On May 29, 1953 the peak was first ascended by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay through the South Col Route. Sir George Everest was the first person to record the height and location of Mt. Everest and it got its name as Mount Everest from American language.The first solo ascent without oxygen was done on August 20, 1980 by Reinhold Messner, via the NE Ridge to North Face. Likewise, the first winter climb was achieved by L.Cichy and K. Wielicki on February 17, 1980. And the first woman to climb the peak is Junko Tabei on May 16, 1975. The fastest ascent from south was made possible by Babu Chhiri Sherpa in16 hours and 56 minutes. Similarly, Hans Kammerlander, on May, 24, 1996, made a fastest ascent from north sidethat is in 16 hours 45 minutes from base camp. Moreover, the youngest person to climb the summit was Temba Tsheri at the age 15 on May, 22, 2001 while the oldest person is Sherman Bull at the age of 64 on May. The first legally blind person who reached the summit is Erik Weihenmeyer on May, 25, 2001.Babu Chiri Sherpa stayed at the summit full 21 hours and a half which is the longest stay in the peak. And the only climber to climb all four sides of Everest is Kushang Sherpa.The first person to hike from sea level to summit without oxygen is Tim Macartney Snape on 11th May 1990. The largest number to reach the apex in one day is 40, on May 10, 1993.
When to Trek Everest Base camp
The best time to travel to Everest Base Camp is from early March to the end of October except July and August. During this time, the climate is rather good and the temperature is moderately mild. From early September when the monsoonal rains decrease. By end of September through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, October, November, December are favorable to do Everest base camp trek. But you should keep in mind that, although in the daytime, because sun shines it can be warm but it is quite cold at night which is sure to be low even during summer.
Altitude sickness Information of Everest Base camp Trek
It is vital to be conscious about the altitude acclimatization required by the human body in mountain conditions, if you really one to make the experience memorable one. Altitude sickness can not only provide you unpleasant moments, but could also force you to change your trekking plans. Symptoms include light headache, nausea and loss of appetite, insomnia, unusual fatigue, lethargy, and sluggishness. In most cases it is treatable on the trial and many make it to the EBC. If not treated well, it could be life threatening.Normally, altitude illness starts from 3,600 meters/11808 feet and above. You will be trekking at a relatively slower and gradual pace as part of adaptation practice. In the high elevation there is a lesser amount of oxygen in the air and this is more so while crossing high passes.
KHUMBU COUGH
The Khumbu cough and related respiratory ailments in the high altitude are the ordinary features that annoy us. Most adventure seekers often undergo from a usual altitude cough which particularly bothers while sleep. It is better to be aware of this before you trek into the high mountains.
Breathing problems simply challenges gastrointestinal diseases which is the most widespread problems in the trekkers to Nepal. The major factors of respiratory disease s are pollution in the city, cold air in the mountains, dog hair, pollen dust etc. However, guidelines for respiratory ailments are not specific
Khumbu cough is common at high altitudes anywhere in Nepal that particularly disturbs our sleep. Breathing cold air possibly affects you to this cough, which in fact may be cause by virus which does not have associated fever. Sometimes there may even be long spasms of coughing which leave you breathless.
An antihistamine like Benadryl may help, mainly at night, and allow you to sleep more quietly. Codeine, which also reduces coughs, may be harmful at high elevation because it also results in discomfort in breathing. Inhaling air through piece of cloth would help out instead of taking in the cold mountain air. It may be a affecting factor for the cough when you respire through the mouth rather than through the nose, the natural moistening mechanism of the nose is evaded.
Another upsetting factor at high altitude may be blocks which also cause sleeping problems. An airless nose may be a sinus related problem; some allergic or vascular condition may be causing obstruction. It is most likely sinus related disease if the stuffed nose is escorted by fever, headache, and pain around the eye and forehead. He/she should take antibiotics for about two weeks. However, if it simply stuffed nose problem, a steroid nasal inhaler (locally available as Beclate) is very much helpful. If you are smoker and are prone to sinusitis then physician must be addressed at the start of the trip.
Likewise, hazardous disease, bronchitis is another problem that you may undergo while trekking at high altitude. A major cause of bronchitis is wood smoke in house without proper exposure to air, which can annoy your respiring passages and cause coughing. If you begin coughing up yellow or green phlegm, you have suffered from bronchitis and may require antibiotic. A very high fever with cough and phlegm and chest pain could suggest pneumonia, which is not caused by bacteria or virus.
Moreover, if you have asthma and plan to trek, it is of the chief essence to discuss this with your physician. Disease asthma too may cause coughs and panting and has the potential to become a medical emergency. You will have to be aware of many effective treatments for controlling asthma. Exertion and cold air can precipitate asthma, but clear contact with the physician and prophylactic drug treatment can make a large difference.
Because of bacteria or virus, discomfort in the back of the throat (larynx or pharynx) can cause in annoying kind of the cough. Also, difficulty in swallowing, redness in the throat, a change or lose of voice will be an adjunct to it. Infection from the throat region spread inside of the ear and cause not only more coughing, but also pain and deafness in the ear. You will also have fever. And in this case antibiotic can effectively help. The deafness may take as long as a month to return to normal.
Furthermore, coughing along with headache and loss of appetite may be symptom of altitude sickness. The common problem re fluxing of food material from the stomach to the upper food pipe (esophagus) can also be treatable cause of persistent cough which get bad while lying down at night. Antacids, light, non fatty meal, and abstinence from the alcohol can help this condition.
Breathing problems simply challenges gastrointestinal diseases which is the most widespread problems in the trekkers to Nepal. The major factors of respiratory disease s are pollution in the city, cold air in the mountains, dog hair, pollen dust etc. However, guidelines for respiratory ailments are not specific
Khumbu cough is common at high altitudes anywhere in Nepal that particularly disturbs our sleep. Breathing cold air possibly affects you to this cough, which in fact may be cause by virus which does not have associated fever. Sometimes there may even be long spasms of coughing which leave you breathless.
An antihistamine like Benadryl may help, mainly at night, and allow you to sleep more quietly. Codeine, which also reduces coughs, may be harmful at high elevation because it also results in discomfort in breathing. Inhaling air through piece of cloth would help out instead of taking in the cold mountain air. It may be a affecting factor for the cough when you respire through the mouth rather than through the nose, the natural moistening mechanism of the nose is evaded.
Another upsetting factor at high altitude may be blocks which also cause sleeping problems. An airless nose may be a sinus related problem; some allergic or vascular condition may be causing obstruction. It is most likely sinus related disease if the stuffed nose is escorted by fever, headache, and pain around the eye and forehead. He/she should take antibiotics for about two weeks. However, if it simply stuffed nose problem, a steroid nasal inhaler (locally available as Beclate) is very much helpful. If you are smoker and are prone to sinusitis then physician must be addressed at the start of the trip.
Likewise, hazardous disease, bronchitis is another problem that you may undergo while trekking at high altitude. A major cause of bronchitis is wood smoke in house without proper exposure to air, which can annoy your respiring passages and cause coughing. If you begin coughing up yellow or green phlegm, you have suffered from bronchitis and may require antibiotic. A very high fever with cough and phlegm and chest pain could suggest pneumonia, which is not caused by bacteria or virus.
Moreover, if you have asthma and plan to trek, it is of the chief essence to discuss this with your physician. Disease asthma too may cause coughs and panting and has the potential to become a medical emergency. You will have to be aware of many effective treatments for controlling asthma. Exertion and cold air can precipitate asthma, but clear contact with the physician and prophylactic drug treatment can make a large difference.
Because of bacteria or virus, discomfort in the back of the throat (larynx or pharynx) can cause in annoying kind of the cough. Also, difficulty in swallowing, redness in the throat, a change or lose of voice will be an adjunct to it. Infection from the throat region spread inside of the ear and cause not only more coughing, but also pain and deafness in the ear. You will also have fever. And in this case antibiotic can effectively help. The deafness may take as long as a month to return to normal.
Furthermore, coughing along with headache and loss of appetite may be symptom of altitude sickness. The common problem re fluxing of food material from the stomach to the upper food pipe (esophagus) can also be treatable cause of persistent cough which get bad while lying down at night. Antacids, light, non fatty meal, and abstinence from the alcohol can help this condition.
Friday, July 11, 2014
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Transport in nepal
Getting around
Getting around Nepal can be a challenging business. The impossible terrain and extreme weather conditions, plus a high level of disorganisation, mean that trips rarely go exactly according to plan. On the other hand, Nepali ingenuity will usually get you to your destination in the end. Although travel can be frustrating, it also creates memorable moments by the score. Good humour, patience and snacks are essential prerequisites.
The whole gamut of transport options is available in Nepal, from hot-air balloons to elephants. Walking is still the most important, and the most reliable, method of getting from A to B and for moving cargo; more is carried by people in Nepal than by every other form of transport combined.
One of the major considerations when using any form of public transport is to avoid travelling during festival times, especially major ones such as Dasain and Tihar (Diwali). Buses and planes are booked solid, and forget flying if you haven't booked well in advance.
Car & motorcycle
Hire
There are no drive-yourself rental cars available in Nepal, but you can easily hire cars with drivers, or just a taxi. Expect to pay between US$50 and US$60 per day, including fuel, which at the time of research was set at Rs 67 per litre across the country.
It is quite popular to hire cars for return trips to both Pokhara and Royal Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu. A car from Kathmandu to Pokhara will probably cost around US$70 one way, or US$60 to Chitwan. A day's sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley costs between US$20 and US$35. Remember that you'll have to pay for the driver's return trip whether or not you yourself return, as well as his food and accommodation for overnight trips.
Insurance
If you are planning to drive a motorbike in Nepal you should double check to see if your insurance coverage will cover you, as it may be excluded under 'dangerous activities'.
Bus & tram
Bus
Buses are the main form of public transport in Nepal and in relative terms they're incredibly cheap. Very often they're also incredibly uncomfortable. They run pretty much everywhere and will stop for anyone. You can jump on local buses anywhere, but you'll find it much easier to get a seat if you catch a bus at its source rather than in mid-run. For longer-distance buses it's best to book a couple of days in advance.
The government bus company, known as Sajha Yatayat, has distinctive blue-and-white buses that service all the main routes except the far east and far west. Although marginally cheaper than private buses, these buses are generally very shabby, poorly maintained and rarely run to schedule; overall they are best avoided.
On popular tourist runs such as the Kathmandu-Pokhara, Kathmandu-Sunauli and Kathmandu-Nagarkot runs, there are a number of higher-grade, higher-priced and sometimes air-conditioned tourist buses aimed at the tourist market.
There are literally dozens of private bus companies - it seems all you need is one bus and you've got yourself a company. The condition of the buses range from reasonably comfortable minibuses to lumbering dinosaurs held together by little more than bits of wire and the combined hopes of the passengers. As with the Sajha buses, there is a booking office in each town where you can buy tickets for long-distance routes in advance.
On the longer routes there are 'express' minibuses, scheduled both by day and night. Day travel is generally preferable because you get to see the countryside (and there are some spectacular roads) and it's considerably safer. Night travel often involves a stop somewhere en route for a couple of hours sleep.
At the bottom of the heap are the local buses that run shorter routes, carry people, their luggage and often animals, and seem to stop more than they go. Travelling by local bus is no fun and should be kept to a minimum, although to reach many of the trekking roadheads there is little alternative.
Long-distance bus travel has slowed down recently due to the large number of tedious checkpoints set up by the Nepali military to counter potential Maoist activity. These generally involve everyone getting off the bus and walking through a checkpoint. Tourists are normally exempt and can stay on the bus. A couple of these checks can severely delay a trip, especially when buses start to back up.
Bus travel in Nepal poses a significant risk of accident. It's uncommon to drive for more than an hour on any stretch of road without passing the burnt-out shell of a public bus crushed like tin foil into the canyon below. Travelling on an overnight bus trip is probably the most dangerous thing you can do in Nepal, and is certainly a bigger risk than that currently posed by the Maoists and even more dangerous than the bungee jump (only kidding on that one). You are more than 30 times more likely to die in a road accident in Nepal than in most developed countries.
During the course of researching this guide we passed ten fatal bus crashes in one ten-day period, which between them killed over 200 people. Tourist buses are generally safer than public buses but still the message is clear; keep bus travel to a minimum.
Local transport
Taxi
Larger towns such as Kathmandu and Pokhara have taxis which, between a group of people, can be a good way to explore the Kathmandu Valley. Metered taxis have black licence plates; private cars often operate as taxis, particularly on long-distance routes or for extended periods, and have red plates.
Taxi meters are sometimes out of date (at the time of research they were OK), in which case tourists will be hard pushed to convince drivers to use them (with or without a surcharge) and will almost certainly have to negotiate the fare in advance. You will always pay more for a negotiated fare than a metered fare.
Air
Nepal has a fairly extensive domestic air network, served by half a dozen airlines, though only the flights to Pokhara, Meghauli (for Chitwan), Lukla and Jomsom are much used by foreigners.
Residents and Nepali citizens pay approximately 35% of the tourist price for domestic air fares. Airlines will accept payment from visitors only in hard currency.
All travellers are charged an insurance surcharge of US$2 per leg. Air fares quoted in this book include this surcharge. At the time of research there was also a temporary fuel surcharge of between US$5 and US$9 per flight, which will continue as long as global fuel prices remain high.
The domestic terminal is the old Kathmandu airport, and its age shows. It can be a chaotic spot, particularly when flights are cancelled and crowds of stressed tourists generate an escalating atmosphere of fear and loathing.
Check in an hour early for domestic flights. Don't carry pocketknives, gas cigarette lighters, matches or even trekking poles in your carry-on luggage on any domestic flights. There is a Rs 170 domestic airport tax payable at check-in.
Airlines in Nepal
A number of private companies operate alongside the long-running, government-owned and chronically inefficient Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC). These airlines operate largely on the popular (ie economically viable and tourist-oriented) routes, although government regulations require that airlines devote 40% of their capacity to nontourist routes. The prices for the private airlines are slightly more than NAC (by around US$10 per sector), but they offer better service and are much more reliable.
Most flights operate out of Kathmandu, but there are minor air hubs at Pokhara, Nepalganj in the southwest and Biratnagar in the southeast.
RNAC operates by far the most comprehensive range of scheduled flights around Nepal, with flights to Bhojpur, Biratnagar, Dhangadhi, Dolpo, Jomsom, Kathmandu, Lamidanda, Lukla, Manang, Nepalganj, Phaplu, Pokhara, Rajbiraj, Ramechhap, Rumjatar, Simikot, Surkhet, Taplejung and Tumlingtar, among others.
Buddha Air (01-5542494; www.buddhaair.com) has fast, modern aircraft; the trip to Pokhara from Kathmandu takes just 20 minutes, compared with up to 40 minutes with RNAC. Buddha Air has daily flights servicing Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Bhadrapur, Bhairawa, Nepalganj and Janakpur.
The Sherpa-owned Yeti Airlines (01-4421215; www.yetiairlines.com) is one of the best domestic airlines and flies to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lukla, Phaplu, Manang, Bhairawa, Bhadrapur, Bharatpur, Biratnagar, Meghauli, Simara (for Birganj), Nepalganj, plus flights to Dolpa and Simikot from Nepalganj, and Jumla and Rara from Surkhet. You can book flights online.
Sita Air (4445012).
Some flights, such as Kathmandu to Lukla (the main airstrip in the Everest region), are used mainly by trekkers. There are multiple daily flights during the trekking season but these do fill up in October so make a reservation in advance through a travel agency in Kathmandu or direct with an airline website. Flights from Kathmandu to Jomsom and Lukla can be plagued by bad-weather cancellations and a backlog of frustrated travellers, though this isn't the problem it was a few years ago. For flights in and out of Jomsom, Cosmic Air is the one to choose (US$63 plus US$7 surcharges); for Lukla, Yeti Airlines (US$97).
Maoist activity can temporarily close domestic airports in remote parts of the country. Check the state of play before basing your plans around remote airports, especially in the far west.
Try to book domestic flights a week in advance and, just as for flights out of Nepal, the most important rule is to reconfirm and reconfirm again. Names can 'fall off' the passenger list, particularly when there is pressure for seats. This is much more of a problem with RNAC than with the private operators.
There's generally no charge to change the date of a domestic air ticket. Cancellation charges vary but are generally free more than a day or two before departure.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Jungle safari in nepal
JUNGLE SAFARI IN NEPAL
National Parks located in the Southern Nepal (occupying 16% of it's total geographical area) are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna. The tropical region known as the Terai shows an incredible contrast to the towering peaks of the north. National park and wildlife reserve area is mainly covered by Sal forest with the balance a mixture of grassland, savannah and riverine forest. It is here that visitors get sight of most wildlife. A visit to these parks involves game stalking by a variety of means- elephant back safari, jeep drive, canoe ride, bird watching, nature walk etc.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the most popular choice of those wanting to have a good experience of the region's wildlife. The name 'Chitwan" means ' Heart of the Jungle', is a home to the endanger Royal Bengal tiger, Indian one -horn rhino, sloth bear, langur monkeys, wild boar, leopard, jungle cats, various type of deer, over 400 species of colourful birds.
Elephant back ride is a fantastic way to explore the jungle and offers the possibility of close-up sight of one- horn rhino in their natural habitats, numerous species of deer, langur monkeys, wild boar etc. With over 400 of bird species as either permanent resident of migratory visitors are viewed on foot as you walk through jungle and open grassland. Canoe rides along the Rapti River on the western bank of the park is the shelters a quarter of the world's remaining gharial population. This fish eater crocodile has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout.
Suggested Itinerary
02 Nights / 03 Days : with an easy extension of extra nights as needed. The plan includes: elephant safari, canoe ride, bird watching, jungle walk, cultural programs, elephant briefing, jungle drive etc. All walks and rides are accompanied by trained naturalist guides.
Royal Bardia National Park
It lies in the western Nepal and comprises the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area of the region. Similar to Chitwan National Park, but drier and more remote Bardia National Park contains the country's second largest Royal Bengal tiger population and daytime sighting are more common here than in Chitwan. It is the only place in Nepal to see freshwater Gangetic dolphins and black buck antelopes. This park provides excellent habitat for the rhino, wild elephants, swam deer, two types of crocodile: fish eater gharial and marsh mugger.
Suggested Itinerary
03 Nights / 04 Days : with an easy extension of extra nights as needed. The plan includes: elephant safari, bird watching, jungle walk etc. All walks and rides are accompanied by trained naturalist guides.
A jungle safari trip can be easily combined with any other adventures - trekking, rafting, cultural tour, Tibet tours or peak climbing.
Koshitapu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, with an area of 175 square kilometers. The park is situated on the bank of the Sapta Koshi River . The vegetation consists mainly of grassland, scrub and deciduous forests. The reserve is unique for its 100 or so surviving wild water buffaloes. Other mammals found are the hog deer, wild boar, and the Nilgai. There are a total 280 species of birds here including 20 ducks, two ibises, many storks, egrets and herons, the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans. The region is a resting-place for migrating birds not seen anywhere else in Nepal . The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have also been sighted in the Koshi River .
Suggested Itenary
2 nights 3 days : A wild life trip can be easily combined with any other adventures - trekking, rafting, cultural tour, Tibet tours or peak climbing.
National Parks located in the Southern Nepal (occupying 16% of it's total geographical area) are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna. The tropical region known as the Terai shows an incredible contrast to the towering peaks of the north. National park and wildlife reserve area is mainly covered by Sal forest with the balance a mixture of grassland, savannah and riverine forest. It is here that visitors get sight of most wildlife. A visit to these parks involves game stalking by a variety of means- elephant back safari, jeep drive, canoe ride, bird watching, nature walk etc. Royal Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the most popular choice of those wanting to have a good experience of the region's wildlife. The name 'Chitwan" means ' Heart of the Jungle', is a home to the endanger Royal Bengal tiger, Indian one -horn rhino, sloth bear, langur monkeys, wild boar, leopard, jungle cats, various type of deer, over 400 species of colourful birds.
Elephant back ride is a fantastic way to explore the jungle and offers the possibility of close-up sight of one- horn rhino in their natural habitats, numerous species of deer, langur monkeys, wild boar etc. With over 400 of bird species as either permanent resident of migratory visitors are viewed on foot as you walk through jungle and open grassland. Canoe rides along the Rapti River on the western bank of the park is the shelters a quarter of the world's remaining gharial population. This fish eater crocodile has long been hunted for the supposed aphrodisiac qualities of its snout.
Suggested Itinerary
02 Nights / 03 Days : with an easy extension of extra nights as needed. The plan includes: elephant safari, canoe ride, bird watching, jungle walk, cultural programs, elephant briefing, jungle drive etc. All walks and rides are accompanied by trained naturalist guides.
Royal Bardia National Park
It lies in the western Nepal and comprises the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area of the region. Similar to Chitwan National Park, but drier and more remote Bardia National Park contains the country's second largest Royal Bengal tiger population and daytime sighting are more common here than in Chitwan. It is the only place in Nepal to see freshwater Gangetic dolphins and black buck antelopes. This park provides excellent habitat for the rhino, wild elephants, swam deer, two types of crocodile: fish eater gharial and marsh mugger.
Suggested Itinerary
03 Nights / 04 Days : with an easy extension of extra nights as needed. The plan includes: elephant safari, bird watching, jungle walk etc. All walks and rides are accompanied by trained naturalist guides.
A jungle safari trip can be easily combined with any other adventures - trekking, rafting, cultural tour, Tibet tours or peak climbing.
Koshitapu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, with an area of 175 square kilometers. The park is situated on the bank of the Sapta Koshi River . The vegetation consists mainly of grassland, scrub and deciduous forests. The reserve is unique for its 100 or so surviving wild water buffaloes. Other mammals found are the hog deer, wild boar, and the Nilgai. There are a total 280 species of birds here including 20 ducks, two ibises, many storks, egrets and herons, the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans. The region is a resting-place for migrating birds not seen anywhere else in Nepal . The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have also been sighted in the Koshi River .
Suggested Itenary
2 nights 3 days : A wild life trip can be easily combined with any other adventures - trekking, rafting, cultural tour, Tibet tours or peak climbing.
ADVENTURES ACTIVITIES IN NEPAL
Sightseing In NepalHighlights: Marvelous ancient temple, palace courtyards and streets grace Kathmandu Durbar Square, or Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex. The Royal complex was the residence of royalty until the last century... More
Jungle Safari In NepalHighlights: National Parks located in the Southern Nepal (occupying 16% of it's total geographical area) are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna.... More
Rafting In NepalHighlights: Legend says that high in the Himalaya at Gosainkund the god Shiva drove his Tridint in to the ground to create the springs - the source of the river and hence its name Trisuli... More
Nepal Mountain FlightHighlights: Regular flight are conducted daily from Kathmandu towards the Himalayan Range in the north and East of Kathmdnu... More
Bird Watching Tours In NepalHighlights: Nepal is a paradise for birds lovers and ornithologists with over 848 species (8% of the world total) of birds. And among them almost 500 species are found in the Kathmandu valley alone. More
Nepal Village TourismHighlights: In village tourism all the activities are concerned with village. A village is selected as a model village. A few guest room and kitchen are developed without disturbing the village environment. More
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