Travel and Tourism

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.