Travel and Tourism

Bouddhnath Stupa is not only the largest Stupa in Nepal but also one of the largest Stupas in entire Asia. Since ages Bouddhnath has been a citadel and center of attraction of Tibetan Lama Buddhism in Nepal. This white pagoda that stands 36 meters on its feet falls in the way of the ancient trade route between Bihar and Tibet and that is why it was the focal point for the caravans that passed either ways. Tibetan merchants and hermits have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. Travelers like Fa'Hein have traversed the same route.The place saw the major influx of refugees in early 50s. It was the time when China redrew it boundaries and declared Tibet as its integral part. The mass exodus followed and many of the refugees settled in the area around the Bouddhnath Stupa. They established many Gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley to observe and study the Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the Stupa. The second and third generations are sadly moving away from the Tibetan culture and are intermingling in the western world. The anti-China rhetoric has given way to Bob Dylan and Eminem. Like all other monuments in Nepal, it is very difficult to zero in on one date of construction. Historians and novices spin new stories in matter of hours and things become topsy-turvy. Nevertheless, majority of people believes that Bouddhnath was constructed in the fifth century. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kashyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. The other popular but utterly bizarre legend has it that a woman requested the then King for the donation of land for building Stupa. She said that she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin. When she had her wishes fulfilled, she cut the buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land.The area around the Bouddhnath Stupa is a feast to the eyes typical to all Tibetan Buddhist sites. Colorful Thangkas and flags mark the whole area. It is also a shopper's paradise in Kathmandu. Tibetan jewelry, hand-woven carpets, masks, and Khukri knives are some of the must buy items in this market.Smaller Stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with rooftop patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.

Namo Buddha or Takmo Lujin is a very sacred place for the Buddhists. The Stupa situated just off to the downtown Kathmandu is visited by scores of pilgrims every year. There is a legend behind the reverence of this place. According to the Buddhist legend, the King Mahasattva gave his body to a hungry tigress at this place. His reliquary Stupa remained underground for centuries. One day a hermit called Bhagavan (Sakyamuni) came to this site and got attracted to the bulge. It is said that he clapped his hands, and miraculously the Stupa appeared.Efforts have been made to examine more deeply, the validity of Tag-molussbyin's claim, which was a hermit in medieval time; that this is the same place that has been mentioned in the Jataka Stories. Going by this legend, this Stupa enshrines the bones and hair of the Buddhist hermit who died practicing the deeds of a Bodhisattva. He was moved to such pity at seeing a tigress, ravaged by hunger and about to devour a small boy, that he sacrificed his body to her. Even now, in this place there is such fear of the tiger that the people do not utter the real name of the Stupa. Since in Buddhism it is believed, that to speak the name of the Buddha is to be free from fear the Nepalese call this place Namo Buddha! If you ask for directions to the Stupa, never ever utter the real name or no one will answer you. The local people will not understand you if you ask for Takmo Lujin; you must ask for Namo Buddha." Namo Buddha is one of the principal places of pilgrimage for the Lama Tibetans.

Nagarkot is the place where once Manjushree Bodhisatto stood and watched the lake in the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is at the eastern periphery of the Kathmandu Valley. The hilltop called Nagarkot at more than 2,000 meters above the sea level is the second highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley. After an hour long exciting and winding drive you will be above to feel the cool breeze of air blowing endlessly into your face, and see the widest range of Himalayas including Mount Everest with our bare eyes from here. It is also one of the best spots to visit for unmatched sunrise and sunset views.And if awesome view is your first preference to visit Nagarkot,then, Peaceful cottage and cafe dumont ,nagarkot ought to be your first port of residence.
you could watch the sunrise without having to get up from your bed. Just pull the curtain off, have a coffee and relax. Lot of accommodation around this area have bed & breakfast. And they do have outside eating area where you don't miss any sight of the beautiful sunrise.

Hyatt Regency Hotel is a 5 star hotel located about 10 kilometers from the city center. The Club Oasis at Hyatt Regency has a fitness center, a health and beauty spa, a swimming pool, an outdoor whirlpool, three tennis courts and a jogging track. Ayurvedic treatments, aroma therapies and yoga sessions are conducted at The Club Oasis. All the rooms in the hotel have a 25 inch or larger color TV, voicemail, data port and individual heat control.

If you want an authentic and enjoyable Nepalese experience, then I would totally recommend spending some time at Krishna House. AJ and his family warmly welcomed us into his home in the beautiful medieval town of Bhaktapur. Our room was peaceful, private and well equipped with our own ensuite toilet and shower. We had a fun, interesting and varied itinerary over the 5 days, ranging from beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples to remote villages and nature walks. I couldn’t have asked for a more informative or good natured guide than AJ; he has a great skill for sharing information in an interesting and enjoyable way. AJ has immeasurably increased my understanding & appreciation of Nepal, both past & present, in a way that only a local can.Equally enjoyable was the amazing food that Sunita prepared everyday. The quality and taste of the dishes made using authentic family recipes & her genuine hospitality was unforgettable.AJ has excellent English and is honest, open and very professional. It was very easy to organise our stay, and AJ was kind enough to organise an additional trip to Chitwan for us as well. This is one travel experience I will fondly remember for a very long time! A friend and I recently were in Nepal and had arranged to homestay with a local family in Bhaktapur called Krishna House. It was the highlight of our trip and I learnt more about tradiitional Nepali life, cuisine and culture in the 5 days with them than the entire remainder of my trip. Ajaya the tour guide and homestay manager / owner was brilliant. Offering a range of activities that we could choose from during the days we were staying with him. He was flexible - allowing guests to choose from activities to suit their interests! We undertook Cultural and historical tours of temples and stupas in towns throughout the Kathmandu Valley and additional nature hikes also. Ajaya has extensive knowledge of these aspects having undertaken university/studies in this area. There wasn't a question he couldn't answer and more. I learnt so much about hinduism and buddhism. We went to places where no other tourists were (small rural villages) and so I felt that the experience was incredibly authentic.The homestay itself was amazing. Each day we would converse with the family - they made us feel like we truly were a part of the family. The traditional Nepali cuisine was a highlight. Beautiful food and huge servings! I would strongly recommend that all people travelling to Nepal for the first time- stay here at this homestay. It was brilliant!

About Kathmandu Valley (काठमांडौ) A 218 square miles of land, situated above 4400 ft above sea level with three historic, artistic and cultural towns namely Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur together form what is known as the `Kathmandu Valley'. Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's traditional culture and arts. This is the place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments, and mountain views. Being the capital city of Nepal, it offers much services including international airlines, hotels and other facilities. One also enjoys Kathmandu for night life, shopping and of course for the mountain views. Getting to Kathmandu - Tribhuwan International Airport is located about 4 mile (7 kilomter) from Kathmandu. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Kathmandu from the airport by foot or about 10 minutes by cab. Shuttle buses and cabs of many hotels are available from the Airport or you can choose your own transportation for about Rs 200 (Approx US $3) Pictures of Kathmandu Airport> Getting to Kathmandu by Air? How much will it cost? Mountains to see from Kathmandu: Following mountains can be seen from Kathmandu: Himal Chuli 7893m, Manaslu 8156m, Pabil GIV 7102m, Ganesh II 7150m, Ganesh V 6950 m, Lang tang 7246m, Gang Chhenpo 6297m, Sisa Pangma 8013m, Gur Karpori 6874m Dorje Lhakpa 6790m, Gyaltzen PK 6705m, Phurbi Chyachu 6722m, Kharane Tippa 5674m, Choba Bhamare 5970m, Choo-yu 8153m, Gauri Shankar 7145m, Melungtse 7181m, Lindartsubugo 6690m, Mt. Everest 8848m, Chobutse 6660m, Takargo 6782m. View some pictures of mountains in Nepal When you visit Nepal, visit the following places in the Kathmandu Valley.
Places to Visit in Kathmandu
Swayambhu: The history of Kathmandu valley begins from the Swayambhu temple. This valley was a lake, but later when Bodhisattva Manjusri cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship a lotus that he admired during his travel to the region, it lead men to settle on the bed of the lake and named this land Kathmandu Valley. The word Swayambhu means "the self-existent" in English. Today this complex of stupas offers an opportunity to study the religious harmony in Nepal. Tibetan monks, Brahimn priests and Newar nuns are the major worshipers here. Most of the monasteries have huge prayer wheels, fine Buddhist paintings and special butter lamps all add an elegant touch to the Swayambhu. Photos of SwayambhuWhen you visit Nepal, visit the following places in the Kathmandu Valley.
Places to Visit in Kathmandu
Swayambhu: The history of Kathmandu valley begins from the Swayambhu temple. This valley was a lake, but later when Bodhisattva Manjusri cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship a lotus that he admired during his travel to the region, it lead men to settle on the bed of the lake and named this land Kathmandu Valley. The word Swayambhu means "the self-existent" in English. Today this complex of stupas offers an opportunity to study the religious harmony in Nepal. Tibetan monks, Brahimn priests and Newar nuns are the major worshipers here. Most of the monasteries have huge prayer wheels, fine Buddhist paintings and special butter lamps all add an elegant touch to the Swayambhu. Photos of Swayambhu Pashupati: When Lord Shiva came to Pashupati to escape from his boredom, he became famous as the lord of Animals (Pashupati) Today, millions of Hindu pilgrimage pour into this temple. Many Hindus from Indian sub contents, Nepal, Pakistan, Asia come to Pahsupati to pay their respects to the lord Shiva. From other parts of the world, many Hindus come to Pashupati to fulfill their dream of visiting the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in the world. You can see the pagoda house which has gold-plated roof, silver doors and find woodcarvings. The linga (phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva, his images, statues, and Bagmati river that flows beside it add to the holiness of Pashupati which lies just 1.5km from the international airport. The region is also surrounded by thick green jungle where monkeys and birds live and play and are often seen in large groups playing on the pavements of the temples in Pashupati. Sadhus who follow the life style of Shiva are found in Pashupati region. They paint their bodies with ashes, wear loin-cloths, Tika, and Rudraksha Malas.
Changu Narayan: The temple, situated at Chingu village 12 km to the eat of the city, is fully dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu (the god of creation). The temple is believed to be the most ancient temple in the Kathmandu valley. The temple covers over sixteen hundred years of Nepalese art history presenting some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal craft in Nepal. There is also everyone's favorite statue of Vishnu sitting astride his steed. For a view of the ancient arts this is a must see place.
Bouddhanath Stupa: The 36 meter tall, among the largest stupas in South Asia, is a home to Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. It is situated on the ancient trade route to Tibet (6km to the east of the city). For shopping, the area is a bazaar of Tibetan jewelry, hand made carpets, masks, kukuri knives (the knives used by Gorkhas) and Tibetan paintings known as thangkas. There are many stupas in the nearby surroundings all of which deserve a through observations by visitors. View Pictures of Bouddhanath
Kathmandu Durbar Square: This is a durbar of history and arts. One can see artistic monuments, find the house of the living goddess, learn about the Kal Bhairam temple, red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic wood carvings. The kastamandap rest house located within the durbar square is said to have been built from a single tree, it is because of this house, Kathmandu valley got its name. There is also a museum located at the Durbar Square which presents a complete history of Nepal's King and Rulers.
Half-Day Itineraries for Kathmandu Valley:These are some of the half-day itineraries offered by most travel agents in Nepal. One can hire a car or a take the bus, with or without a guide can have splendid time in any of the following itineraries.
Kathmandu Dubar Square, Swayambhu
Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure, Pashupatinath
Pashupati, Bouddha, Bhaktapur
Thimi, Bhaktapur
Pashupati, Bouddha, Changu Narayan
Changu Narayan, Sankhu
Balaju, Budhanilkantha
Kritipur, Chobhar and Dakshinkali
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Ason, Pasupatinath, Bouddha

This is most popular trekking peak in Nepal. From Dingbuche the mountain is seen as an island in a sea of ice. The summit is interesting and attractive with a highly glaciated west face rising from the Lhotse Glacier. The mountain itself is the extension of the South Ridge of Lhotse Shar separated by a small col. The ridge rising to the south from this point leads to the summit of Island Peak. The extension of this ridge descending south-west is the part of the normal route of ascent and leads to the South Summit. Imja Tse not only provides an enjoyable climb but also provides some of the most spectacular scenery of Himalayas in the Khumbu region. Seen from the summit the giant mountains, Nuptse (7879 m), Lhotse (8501 m), Lhotse Middle Peak (8410 m) and Lhotse Shar (8383m) make a semi circle in the north. The views of Makalu (8475 m) in the east, Baruntse and Amadablam in the south add more charm for climbing Island Peak. South East Flank and South-West Ridge: The Island Peak base camp is set at Pareshaya Gyab (5150 m), between Imja Tse and the lateral moraine of the Imja Glacier. It should not be forgotten that the place is more likely for avalanche in the event of heavy snow fall. From the base camp, a well acclimatized party in good conditions can make the summit and return to the base camp in a day. However, most of the climbers prefer establishing a High-Camp which helps a safe ascent. From the base camp the route skirts south east around and base of Imja Tse and climbs steep grassy slopes and small rocky steps. We scramble up on open gully which leads between two ridges to the site of high camp on the left-hand ridge below and to the right of a small hanging glacier (5280 m). From the high camp, the left hand ridge scramble across the broad open gully. After crossing a gully a steep snow and ice ramp leads upward for nearly 100 meters to the summit ridge. Climbing near the summit is a little difficult due to steep climbing. In recent times the snow slopes below the summit has developed some large crevasses making the final ascent to the top difficult. North Ridge Route: First ascent was in 1958 by Alf Gregory, Dick Cook and two Sherpas. North of the main summit the ridge continues to a col (5700 m). The route climbs the ridge from the col, which is reached by following the true right bank of the Imja Glacier and later the moraines on the right bank of the Lhotse Sar Glacier, before climbing north-west over snowy slopes to the col. On the first ascent, a camp was placed on the col. From the col, follow the ridge which is a magnificent snow area, due south, this steepness for the final summit pyramid. This is a long ridge that would be difficult under soft snow conditions and may under other conditions have a marked cornice. The climb is a little more difficult than the normal route, and is graded alpine PD+.Tour Itinerary:Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, day at leisure. Includes: (D).Day 2: Day at leisure/Hotel. Includes: (B).Day 3: Flight to Lukla (2840 m)/trek to Phakding (2640 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 4: Trek to Namche Bazar (3440 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 5: Acclimatization day. Includes: (B, L, D).Day 6: Trek to Tengbuche (3860 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 7: Trek to Dingbuche (4410 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 8: Trek to Lobuche (4910 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 9: Trek to Kala Pattar (5545m)/back to Gorakshep (5140m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 10: Trek to EBC (5310 m)/back to Gorakshep. Includes: (B, L, D).Day 11: Trek to Dingboche (3985 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 12: Trek to Chukkung (4730 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 13: Trek to Island Peak Base Camp (5150 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 14: Climb to High camp (5481 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 15: Climb to summit (6189 m) and return to Base Camp. Includes: (B, L, D).Day 16: Trek to Dingbuche (4410 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 17: Trek to Tengbuche (3860 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 18: Trek to Namche (3440 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 19: Trek to Lukla (2840 m). Includes: (B, L, D).Day 20: Spare day in case of bad weather. Includes: (B, L, D).Day 21: Fly to Kathmandu (1350 m)/Hotel. Includes: (B).Day 22: Day at leisure/farewell dinner/Hotel. Includes: (B, D).Day 23: Drive to airport for return flight. Includes

== Tourism ==Almost everyone trekking in the Khumbu region will visit Namche Bazaar, as it is the gateway to the high Himalaya. Visitors are likely stay at least one night, if not two for [[altitude acclimatization]]. The village has many shops and lodges where one can find almost anything required for trekking (no camera repair shops), although prices are higher than in [[Kathmandu]]. However, the higher you go up into the Khumbu, the more expensive everything gets so by the time you reach [[Lobuche (village)Lobuche]] (4,930m/16,175'), the prices in Namche will seem quite reasonable. Near the top of the village is the headquarters for [[Sagarmatha National Park]] as well as Nepalese army barracks. From the bridge over the [[Dudh Kosi]], the trail winds its way up a "big" hill, finally cresting at a small building which also serves as an army/police check point.[[Image:NamcheBazar1.jpgthumbright360px]]
Many trekkers get up before sunrise and walk up to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters to take in the impressive views of [[Mount Everest]], [[Lhotse]], [[Thamserku]], [[Ama Dablam]] (6,856m/22,493') and other magnificent peaks (though these can only be seen on a clear day) and to visit the museum. Pictures of peaks to the west from this vantage point such as Kongde Ri, cannot be taken as the army barracks are between you and these mountains. The army does not permit pictures to be taken of the barracks. Because of the proximity of the army barracks, the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters is surrounded by a large amount of barbed wire.[[Image:NamcheMarkt.jpgthumbleft360pxNamche Market]]A good acclimatisation walk from Namche Bazaar goes to Everest View Hotel, which is at an altitude of 3,800m / 12,467 ft. As the name suggests, the hotel gives good views of Everest (when it is not enveloped in cloud) and this is generally considered the best view in the surrounding area. Everest View Hotel is a luxury hotel, which has had mixed success. Although the rooms are oxygenated, many guests have become sick. The hotel does, however, have the only decent restaurant serving western food in the region.
On Saturday mornings, a weekly market is held in the center of the village. People from all around the Namche area come to sell their wares, to locals and to visitors alike. The market usually starts around sunrise and begins to break up around 11 am. Also, there may be a daily [[Tibet]]an market where clothing and cheap Chinese consumer goods tend to be the main articles for sale. Tibetan merchants have traditionally come to the market by way of high passes through the Himalayas, however the Chinese currently disallow this passage.
Namche Bazaar has many internet cafés, making it the one of the few places in the region where trekkers can access the internet. The internet cafés connect via satellites and so the resulting connection speed is slow.
The village also contains a German bakery, well known in the region for providing good quality western food, including pizza.

If you want to trek to Everest base camp then you will come across lukla sooner or later. It is the last airstrip before base camp (still another week and half away by foot) and is handy if you don't fancy the walk in or walk out from Jiri... which takes a week but helps you acclimatize. Lukla isn't the nicest of towns but supplies can be bought here for your trek and it's cheaper than the villages on route. Accomodation is cheap on the trek as long as you eat a meal in your lodge. If you don't have time for a trek (or the fitness) then walk for a day to Namache Bazaar, the last big town. It's a lovely place with plenty of walking potential short or long and is right in the heart of snow covered peaks. Laden Yaks and Trekkers from all over the world make this a really great town. The trek to the base camp has the most beautiful scenery ive ever seen and should really be in the top 10 of things to do before you die. Trek up Kala patar mountain and get a fantastic view of Everest, It's more than 3 miles above sea level!! Goyko Ri is also a trek worth doing and is so peaceful. You can get a magnificant view of the Himalayas and feel like you are on the top of the world
I had the most amazing shower of my life with a view of Ama Dablam (a fantastic looking mountain on route). The shower shed was freezing, the water was too hot to stand under and it was snowing, but it was beautiful and very relaxing!
Accommodations:
The further you get up the trek, the poorer the accomodation gets... but to be honest you just need a place to sleep by that point and don't really care. You may have to squeeze in with people, but the warmth is a good thing.

The surface of Rara Lake is around 8 square kilometer and the perimeter 9 kilometer. The length of the lake is 5 kilometers and it is 2 kilometers wide, the altitude around 3060 meter and the max. depth is 167 meter.
Rara is an unique spot in Nepal. The lake is situated in the Rara National Park and because of its remote location and the violence/threat of the Maoists the lake has been visited by only few tourist in the last couple of years. Only in the second half of 2006 the situation improved and foreign visitors do not need to pay the high fee of around $100 per person to the Maoist anymore.