Trekking in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand spiritually known as Dev Bhoomi or The land of Gods - is a Paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Garhwal lies in the North West part of Himalayas. The Himalayas foothills are just ideal for trekking and camping enthusiast in India. Garhwal is the most beautiful region in Himalayas. The hills of Garhwal offer the terrific opportunities for adventure sports lovers.
The famous treks in Garhwal are-

Chopta Chandrashila Trek- Chopta Chandrashila Trek is one of the fabulous & demanding treks in the Garhwal Himalayas. It can be undertaken round the year. You may encounter snowfall and enjoy trekking with snow. You can also have a worth exploring view of the Himalayas from Chandrashila point.

Dodital Trek- Dodital is a beautiful lake, full of Himalayan Golden Trout in the crystal clear waters. However it can be also undertaken round the year but the glorious time for visiting dodital trek is the month of October as after the monsoon its lush green meadows and high Himalayas views are simply out of this world and beyond description.

Bedni Bugyal Trek- Bedni Bugyal Trek is one of the largest bugyals in Uttaranchal. Bedni is also a major way-station on the Nanda Raj Jaat Yatra, a ritual procession held every 12 years. You can have a view of Choukhamba, Neelkanth mountain form Bedni.

Roopkund Kuari Pass Trek- Roopkund is a remote high-altitude frozen lake. Many trekking group visit this lake in summer months. The lake is nestled amidst panoramic mountain scenery.

Valley of flowers Trek- Valley of flowers is the fairy land busting with the beautiful, lively and vibrant colors. It has the largest collection of wild flowers species. The park is famous for its meadows of widespread alpine flowers and wonderful natural beauty.

The Himalayas foothills are just ideal for trekking and camping enthusiast in India. Here you can easily find different tourist guides and travel agencies for making your trip more convenient. There are different Guest House at different places covering all the tourist spots and places.

Nepal Himalayas

Nepal Himalayas
Himalayas in Sanskrit means "the abode of the snow". The Himalayan range is the youngest and highest mountain range in the world and stretches across Nepal, China, India, Bhutan, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Gleaming like a silver majestic fortress, the Himalayas of Nepal boasts of having eight of the world's highest fourteen peaks over 8000m, including the highest of them all, Mt. Everest and numerous other trekking peaks between 5000m and 6500m. Nepal is home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks : Everest(8848 m), Kanchenjunga (8611 m), Lhotse(8516 m), Makalu(8463 m), Cho Oyu(8201 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), Manaslu(8163 m) and Annapurna ( 8091 m).

Nepal can be divided into three region:-

1.Himalayan region

2.Mountain region or the middle hills, and

3. Terai region.

The Himalayan region stretches along the northern part of Nepal. It lies at an elevation of about 4000 m and above. Some of the highest peaks like Everest, Kanchanjunga, Lhotse etc lie in this region. The mountain region rises to an altitude of 1000 to 4000m. This region accounts for about 64% of total land area. Prominent ranges in this region include the Mahabharat and Churia ranges. The southernmost region is the Terai. The low-land Terai occupies about 17% of the total land area of the country. These magnificent peaks and wonderful trekking trails attract hordes of trekkers and climbers from all over the globe to Nepal.

During the climbing season, several expedition teams scale the peaks of Everest, Lhotse, Dhaulagiri. Climbing can be done through out the year but later part of spring and September through November are more popular as weather and snow conditions are more stable and predictable. Winter climb is also getting popular among discerning climbers as snow conditions at this time gets relatively stable.

Equipped with top notch mountaineering equipments, highly experienced team of Sherpa climbers, Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure, Nepal has led over ninety Himalaya Mountaineering Expeditions to 8000+ meter peaks and innumerable trips to Nepal trekking peaks below 6500 meter in the last eleven years of its operation. The surefooted support crews of explore Himalaya are thoroughly trained on mountaineering techniques and are highly competent on handling all the dangers of mountain climbing and using mountain climbing tools.

With captivating landscape of Nepal Himalaya range and unrivaled diversity of flora and fauna, Nepal is also a trekkers' paradise. Nepal trekking holidays is indeed, an inspirational treat to the trekkers. From the warm and lush vegetation of the lower hills to the icy slopes of the highest mountain range, one will experience a truly delightful bond with nature instilling an amazing spirit of adventure. Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas can be a fulfilling experience: bonding with nature, spending nights under an open sky, merry making around campfire and directly interacting with the local people. It is truly the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and to relax and enjoy nature at its very best. Explore Himalaya offers the largest range of Nepal adventure travel itineraries offering opportunities for people with any grade of experience and almost any time frame

Nepal - Pashupatinath, Visiting Hindu's Holiest Place in Nepal

Pashupatinath temple is the biggest temple of the Lord Shiva, who is the major go of the Hindus. The temple is located 5 kilometer north-east of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, just along the Bagmati river banks. The temple is believed to be oldest and most sacred temple of all the Hindus. Thousands of pilgrims come here every year to pay homage to their god. The temple is also known as the "Temple of Living Beings".

The Pashupatinath temple is believed to built back in the year 400 A.D. and surrounding many Hindu legends which tells how the temple was said to be established. The temple has been a symbol of the faith, religion, tradition and culture of the Hindu people.

There are interesting things to see in the temple that will surely fascinate everyone. One of these is the gold-painted images of guardian gods. The temple is mostly surrounded with gold. The statues and even the temple's covering are all colored in gold which signifies the holiness of the place. One can also find here the Chaturmukha Brahma, which is four-faced statue, one the Hindu's many gods.

Thousands have visited the place both Hindus and non-Hindus who are being amazed with the attractive temple. Lots have come here to view the magnificent view of the golden shrine that glows beneath a perfect Nepalese sunny day.

There are also certain days and occasions for one to visit the place. The Pashupatinath temple has many festivals where in one can witness thousands of devotees in the place.
One of these festivals is the Shivarati festival. During this occasion, the temple is surrounded with lighted oil lamps and all night, and the temple is also left open throughout the evening. Hundreds of devotees come to bathe at the Bagmati River which is known to be blessed with sacred waters. The Hindus also fast the whole day during the Shivarati festival. Another Pashupatinath special occasion is the Teej festival. During this day thousands of women visit the place to bathe at the Bagmati Rivers. Hindus believe that bathing at the Bagmati River during this day will bless one with a long and successful marriage. Throughout the day, women wear the red saris which are their traditional wedding dress. There are also other festivals such as the Ekadasi, Sankranti, Akhaya, Rakshabandhan, and the Grahana which is the eclipse and the Poornima, celebrated during full moons.

There are many wonderful and interesting things to see in this holy place of the Hindus. There are remarkable things here that not only the Hindus would love, but also people from around the world with any religions.In pasupati many babas come n do different activities.they mainly came from india.

Nepal - 5 Great Destinations to Enjoy Rafting in Nepal

Are you fond of white water rafting and looking for the best place for this sport? Then Nepal is the right place for you. This country is packed with several places suitable for rafting and other water sport activities. Here, one can have an unusual lively trip to Nepal and lots of fun times together with his family and friends.

Whitewater rafting is a kind of sport where in an inflatable rubber boat carries people sturdily down a river with its really robust waters. As a rule the stronger the waters are, the more fun and exciting the whole rafting would be. That is why people look for places with long rivers running on a mountain slope or a high level going down roughly. Though it sounds a bit dangerous, it is a fun sport especially for the whitewater rafting aficionados. One is always advisable to wear the right gears and equipments when doing whitewater rafting to avoid sudden accidents and is wise to go take an expert rafter to guide them along.

Nepal has several places to choose from where one can fully enjoy exciting whitewater rafting activities. Here are the best five whitewater rafting Nepal has to offer:

1. Seti River

A part of Nepal's Gandaki River that is also called Kaligandaki by the locals. The river is best to visit any time of the year so one can enjoy whitewater rafting here any time that will suit them. One can also get pleasure from seeing the beautiful mountain sceneries of the Annapurna South that will surely fascinate everyone. With only UD$60 a person, one can have fun to the fullest while doing what they love in the country of Nepal.

2. Marsyangdi River

It also part of the wonderful Gandaki River where in its waters arise from the northern slope of of the Annapurna, mountain which then flows eastward, and joins with Trishuli, another river in Mugling. The raging river has beautiful vast boulders which are great in steep rapids. The Marsyangdi River is a best place and recommended for experts in rafting and kayaking. The average fee here is from US$220, and can be visited any time of the year.

3. Karnali River

It considered as the longest river in Nepal, where one can enjoy rafting for hours with its dramatic flow of water which rafters love. One can have fun rafting for 180 kilometers from the Karnali all the way to Chisapani, on the northern part of the Royal Bardiya National Park. Visit Karnali any time of the year with US$550 fee, and have the ost amazing whitewater rafting experience ever.

4. Sunkoshi River

It also called the river of gold by its locals. Sunkoshi is one of the top ten list of the best whitewater rafting all over the world which makes it famous for all the rafters worldwide. The river is surrounded with forests and has giant boulders making the rafting a lot fun and more exciting. Everyone can visit here all year round and enjoy whitewater rafting with their teams. With just US$350, one can enjoy rafting at its best.

5. Trishuli River

It also part of the Gandaki river system, which is very famous for it has a way in to the Prithvi Highway. Trishuli is recommended and an ideal place for beginners in whitewater rafting. One can enjoy river rafting here for up to three days at any time of the year. With a fee of only US$25, everyone will surely have fun rafting in Trishuli.

Solu-Khumbu: The Everest Region

e classic walk through the Sherpa homeland of Solu-Khumbu is a tough trek with a clearcut goal - to see Mt. Everest, the highest peak of the world. There are many ways to trek in this area. One can either walk all the way up and back, or walk one way and fly out on the way back,

or fly in and out depending on the time at hand and inclination. The first requires a month, the second just about three weeks and the third at least two weeks.

Most Everest trekkers avoid the hardest walking by flying in and out of Lukla airstrip. If you have got time and energy, the walk in from Jiri through the Sherpa's traditional homeland is worth the extra effort. It passes through the lovely region called Solu and the narrow gorge of the Dudh

Kosi (Pharak) to reach the high mountain region of Khumbu in a little over a week. Khumbu is exceptionally at high altitude with trekking routes going up to 5,400 meters. Solu can be trekked year around while Khumbu's trekking season is limited. October-November and March-May are the busiest trekking season of Khumbu. Besides good weather, this period offers the five-day Dumje festival (usually April) and the masked Mani Rimdu dances held at major monasteries in spring and fall. Khumbu is a good region for a monsoon trek. High pastures are full of wildflowers and grazing yaks, and the people are relaxed, taking a well-deserved break from trekking and expedition work.

Namche Bazaar (3,446 m), the modern Sherpa capital, is the nerve center of upper Khumbu: from here the trails branch out to explore at least four separate high valleys. It's a cosmopolitan little village, a good place to pick up tips on trails and conditions from descending trekkers. Food prices skyrocket above here, since all supplies must be carried in from a distance; budget extra for this trip.It is the entrance to the Everest region Situated in the lap of the Khumbu Himal range,Namche Bazaar is about 24 km from Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas, who have won international reknown as the world's most sturdy climbers with an indomitable will to scale peaks. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region. At Lukla accommodations are available in Sherpa huts and lodges Lukla is the most popular base for trekking in the Khumbu region. Days could be spent hiking and visiting the Sherpa villages, Thyangboche Monastery, Khunde Hospital, Khumjung Hilary School and trekking towards the Everest Base Camp. Accommodations are available at Thyangboche, Debuche, Pheriche, Pangboche, Lobuche and Gorakhshep.

Phaplu Another scenic place that is also easily accessed via air is Phaplu which has direct flights from Kathmandu. Phaphlu is in the eastern district of Solu-Khumbu, famous for its Sherpas. From here, you can hike into little known corners of Sherpa territory, and bask in the mountains' glow, yet return at night to the warmth of the Sherpa Lodge in Phaplu bazaar.

The Annapurna Circuit

he Annapurna Circuit attracts a relatively high number of trekkers in Nepal. As the name itself suggests, this trail goes on a circuitous route around the entire Annapurna massif, visiting the Tibet-like country on the northern slopes of the Himalaya and the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge. Much of

the trek is through lowland country, but there is one high pass, "Thorung La" (5,380m). The trail over the pass is steep but in good shape and not hard to follow. This is the one point of the entire circuit where you really feel you are amidst the mountains. However you should be aware of altitude sickness and be prepared for weather extremes as the Thorung La is notorious for changing its moods. The pass is usually snowbound and un-crossable form mid-December to mid-April.

The Kali Gandaki gorge is another spell binding part of this trip. Known to be the worlds deepest river gorge the trail upto the Jomsom (and Upper Mustang) actually goes side by side with the river giving the lonely trekker company and groups something to talk about. Thus the Annapurna circuit is an extraordinary trek, truly one of the world's best. It requires at least three weeks. But due to the popularity of this route it can sometimes tend to be crowded.

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The Annapurna Sanctuary

This is probably the most ideal trek: lovely, short and intense, a direct route into the heart of the Himalaya. Spectacular mountain vistas and easy access make it among the most popular treks, with over 10,000 visitors per year. The sanctuary is a hidden pocket of meadow, moraine and glacier, ringed by magnificent sheer-walled

6,000 - 8,000 meter peaks: the Annapurnas, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhare, Himchuli.

The trek requires ten to fourteens days and begins from Pokhara, passing through lowland villages and rice terraces to mountain glaciers. The trail rises nearly 2000 m in the last 8 km and one needs to plan for acclimatization. The trail is frequently slippery and there's danger of avalanches in few places, so early spring and winter trekking is unlikely. Accommodation in the lower portion (at least in Chhomrong) are deluxe; the upper stretch is understandably simple - no body lives up there for long time.

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Jomsom

Easily accessible via a 20-minute flight from Pokhara, Jomsom lies nestled beneath the splendor of Mount , Nilgiri. For those of you not inclined to make it to the mountains the hard way, i.e. slogging it on foot step by step in a gradual process, taking the US$ 50 flight to Jomsom from Pokhara is the ideal alternative. Jomsom, at an altitude of 2,700 meters lies tucked in between two giant mountain ranges, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri- both reach out to the sky beyond 8,000 meters at their highest points, and although these ranges are around 35 kilometers apart, consider yourself to be technically positioned at the bottom of the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Valley with a spectacular view of Mt. Nilgiri looming ahead like a huge snowy pyramid.

From Jomsom, one may venture on to leisurely treks for a day or two northwards to Kagbeni or southwards to Marpha, Tukuche, and Lete-Kalopani all of these places can be reached with effortless walking on an almost leveled surface. On the other hand, should the rarefied mountain air hinder your walking ability; you may choose to explore the area on a pony that can be made available by your hotel at a reasonable price. Food and board around Jomsom could probably be described as being the best among all the trekking regions of the country. All the better hotels provide cosy rooms that come with attached bath with running hot water. With three to four flights coming in from Pokhara every day, the larders of most restaurants are well stocked with fresh meat and vegetables.

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Muktinath Trek

This major Himalayan highway follows the gorge of the Kali Gandaki River, crossing from subtropical jungle to high-altitude desert in less than one week. Mixed in the stream of international trekkers are Hindu saddhus (ascetic) walking to Muktinath and jingling mule trains

heading down from Tibet loaded with bales of wool. Both are reminders of the trail's status as a major trade and pilgrimage route, an important cultural corridor across the Himalaya.

The end point is the ancient shrine of Muktinath (3,170 meters), one of Nepal's holiest pilgrimage sites. There's no real village, but lodges around the lower portion (Ranipauwa) put up pilgrims and trekkers. The ancient holy site is a typically confusing blend of natural, Buddhists and Hindu beliefs. The little Newari-style pagoda to Lord Vishnu is a relatively recent addition. Muktinath has been sacred for over 2000 years; the Hindu holy book Mahabharata mentions it as Shaligrama, "Place of the Shaligram,"the black fossil stones sacred to Vishnu and found in abundance in the Kali Gandaki valley. Its holiness stems from flickering blue flames of natural methane gas burning on water, stone and earth, and now enclosed in the shrine of Jwala Mai below the Vishnu temple. Near the pagoda, there is 108 spouts, shaped like bulls' heads, where devout pilgrims bathe in the freezing water to purify their sins and earn mukti or spiritual liberation.

The place has ancient association for Buddhists as well; Guru Rinpoche is said to have passed through here en route to Tibet, leaving his footprints in a rock. There are many old Buddhist temples around here.

The entire trek to Muktinath remains below 3000 meters. One should figure at least two weeks to walk in and out, allow a few extra days for exploration- the upper region in particular is lined with fascinating villages. Flying into Jomsom and walking back down is possible, but one should remember to acclimatize before climbing to Muktinath. One can fly from Jomsom to either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Nepal - Swoyambhunath, One of Nepal's Pilgrimage Site

The Swoyambhunath is a stupa or a monument located at the top of a hill in Nepal. This place is considered to be a major historical landmark with its surrounding structures was believed to be more than 2,500 years old. The place is located 70 meters above a hill on the Ring Road of Kathmandu, 3 kilometers outside the city center. With its somehow steep location doesn't keep thousands of people from coming to the place. Lots of tourists and devotees crowd the area almost everyday just to view the magnificent Swoyambhunath.

The stupa or the monument itself has also many surrounding temples and shrine around the area. Here, one can find Tibetan monasteries and the many statues of different gods. There is also a forest nearby the Swoyambhunath where visitors love to visit because it is the home of the macaque monkeys. Visitors love to play with the monkeys and even feed them. Because of these, the temple itself was called "monkey temple".

Swoyambhunath is visited mostly by Buddhists to gather for religious matters and pay homage to their gods. It is also been a favorite by people with a great passion for ancient sculptures and fine architectures. Visitors who come to the place even came from far places just to see the amazing beauty and uniqueness of the place. Though the place requires a pretty steep climb, visitors and devotees are unstoppable in coming here.

The beauty of the Swoyambhunath monument is truly remarkable with its location from the top of the hill which will give everyone an exciting and fun ride by climbing to the top itself. One can also view here the overwhelming landscape of the Nepal state. Visitors will surely enjoy the fresh wind breeze which will relax them after an exhausting climb.

There are also flower vendors found at the foot of the hill where visitors can buy flowers to offer for the gods at the Swoyambhunath monument. One's visit here will surely satisfy each whether for their religious arrangements or just one's Nepal tour.

People from different places, with any age and whatever the religion may be is always advice to visit here during their Nepal visits. Because this place is one of the things the Nepalese people are known for, one must see the place and be a part of the many people who witnessed the very notable and sacred place of the Buddhists.

The Newar Pantheon

All the Hindu and Buddhist deities are fair game for Newars, along with a few additional characters of local invention. Some deities specialize in curing diseases, others bring good harvest – as far as Newars are concerned, it doesn't matter whether they're Hindu or Buddhist so long as they do the job. The following are some of the figures uniquely adapted by the Newars.

Machhendranath, honored as a rain maker par excellence, typifies the layering of religious motifs that so frequently takes place among the Newars. To be accurate. only Hindus call the god Machhendranath; Buddhist Newars know him as Karunamaya or any of a number of local names. He is commonly associated with Avalokiteshwara, the bohisattva or compassion, who is invoked by the mantra On mani padme hum. Depending o his incarnation (he is said to have 108), he may be depicted as having anything up to a thousand arms and eleven heads. While it's unclear how Avalokiteshwara came to be associated with the historical figures of Machhendranath and Gorakhnath – who are considered saints by Hindus – it was certainly in part the result of a conscious attempt by Hindu rulers to establhish religious and social bonds by grafting two Hindu saints on to a local Buddhist cult.

Kumari, the "Living Goddess", is another often-cited example of Newar syncretism (religious fusing: although acknowledged to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga, she is picked from a Buddhist-caste family. Bhimsen , a mortal here on Hindu Mahabharat, who is rarely worshipped in India, has some how been elevated to be the patron deity of Newar shopkeepers, both Hindu and Buddhist.

Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, has been pinched from the Buddhist pantheon to play the lead part in the Kathmandu Balley's creation myth (although he is often confused with Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knoweldge). He is always depicted with sword, with which he cuts away ignorance and attachment, and sometimes also with a book, bow, bell and vajra. Likewise Tara, the embodiment of the female principle in Vajrayana Buddhism , assumes special meaning for Newars, who consider her the deification of an eight-century Nepali princess.

Quintessentially tantric, the Bajra Joginis (or Bajra Yoginis) command their own cult centred at four temples around the Kathmandu Valley. They are regarded as the female aspect of the Buddha and are the subjects esoteric cults and closely guarded secrets. harati, the Buddhists protector of children, is zealously worshipped by Newars under the name Ajima, the grandmother goddess.

Throughout Nepal, stones and trees marked with sindur may be seen: vestiges of older animist practices, these may mark the place where a nature goddess (generically known as Mai), local spirit or serpent (nag) is supposed to live. There are many types many of these lesser spirit beings who require offerings to safeguard passage through their respective domains.

Top Ten Places to Visit in Nepal

Are you ready for some high altitude adventure with in a soul-warming environment? Then pack your bags and experience some of the most majestic peaks, most exhilarating torrents and wonderful people Nepal has to offer. Here are some places you may want to visit when go.

1.) Katmandu

Find your inner peace in the streets of Nepal's capital and cultural center. You can walk on the streets of this once inaccessible city and experience the culture, the people, the history, and the faith Nepal had embraced, imbibed, and relived for centuries. Katmandu is also one of the Nepal's starting points in activities like trekking, rafting and other sports.

2.) Royal Chitwan National Park

If you want to experience some jungle adventure with the elephants and ravaging rapids, you may want to stop by Nepal's Royal Chitwan Park. Covering some 932 sq kilometers, this national park serves as a home for 450 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 43 species of mammals. One can also enjoy guided jungle walks, terai culture, wild life breeding project, and safari drives inside 4WD cars.

3.) Nagarkot

Located 32 kilometers east of Katmandu, Nagarkot is a great place to visit if you want to see how beautiful and majestic the Himalayan Mountain range can be. A lookout tower in Nagarkot, for one, enables visitor to have a 360-degree scenic view of the Katmandu valley and Himalayan Mountain peaks. Drive up the city, book for a hotel, wake up early, and experience a different kind of sunrise with cool winds blowing every word away.

4.) Pokhara

Located some 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, this enchanting city is the rally point for trekking and rafting destination. Pokhara offers perfect scenery and gripping natural beauty not only for those who looks for fun but also for those seeking solace. Be it the preview of the Himalayan Mountain range, a row in Phewa Lake, a trek beside Seti Gandaki River and Devi's Fall, or a peek to the Mahendra Cave, a trip to Pokhara is a experience worth the journey.

5.) Pashupatinath Temple

Four kilometers east of Katmandu lies a temple of immeasurable sacredness for Hindu people - the Pashupatinath. Hindu believes that dying and being cremated in Pashupatinath and having one's ashes scattered in Bagmati River will give a Hindu salvation and release from the cycles of birth and rebirth. Have a peek of Hindus life, death and tradition by visiting this holy ground.

6.) Patan

Art lovers and enthusiasts should always put a stop in Patan in their Nepalese trip itinerary. Patan is the oldest city in the Ksthmandu valley and is the home for Nepalese architecture, arts, traditions, and crafts drawing mainly from religious customs. Walk around the city and feel as if you're walking inside an open museum.

7.) Wildlife Reserve of Koshi Tappu

Sprawling some 175 km2 near the River of Sapta-Koshi in Eastern Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the best place to watch native and migratory birds in action. Thousands of birds converge in this area, especially during the months of January, February and March. The trip which normally includes jungle walks, jeep drives, and boat rides, coupled with treks to Bhutan and Sikkim or rafting trip in Sunkosi will make any Nepalese trip an unforgettable experience.

8.) Lumbini

Lumbini is the perfect place to go to if you are into cultural, archaeological and religious treasures. With the number of stupa, meditation grounds temples, courtyards and more, a walk in Lumbini is a walk with Buddha. Enter the birthplace of one of the greatest man of world religions - Siddharta Gautama, founder of Buddhism - and be captivated by its serene environment and meditate and reflect with its outmost tranquility and peaceful atmosphere.

9.) Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an ancient town east of Katmandu in the Katmandu Valley. Experience Nepalese life as it happens in this city by enjoying the scenery in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Potter's square. Make your trip complete with a taste of Khopa Dhau, Bhaktapur's home-made curd.

10.) Royal Bardia National Park

Located in Western Terai, Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the region with 968 km2. It serves as a sanctuary for tigers, small and large mammals, deer, reptiles, birds, and a herd of the last known elephants in captivity. Enjoy wildlife as it happens along with short rafting in Karnali and Bheri as well as trekking to Dolpo and Rara lake.

Trekking in Nepal - 7 Tips for Success

If you're considering trekking in Nepal, these seven tips will help you have a enjoyable trip. Though certainly not meant to be all- inclusive they are a good starting place for researching what you need to know:

1. Know when to go

Considered to be March through May. The average temperature in March is in the low 60 degree Fahrenheit range and it warms to the upper 70's by May. The fall season is slightly cooler with average temperatures starting in the upper 60's in October and cooling to the lower 50's by December. December is also generally the driest month of the year.
During the spring months flowers are in bloom in the forests so it can be quite beautiful though it can also be cloudy, especially in the morning. In the fall you'll get the best mountain views, with clear skies usually all day long.

Trekking in Nepal is possible at any time of the year. That said, it is worth remembering that they get eighty percent of their annual rainfall from the end of June through the middle of September. This period is considered summer but is also referred to as the monsoon season, so if you're from a climate that has dry summer months don't be fooled.

Winter in Nepal is considered to be the period from December to February and the thing to keep in mind about these months is that the temperatures can be quite cool depending on where you are. In the central valleys during this time of year the temperatures can definitely fall below freezing. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 4297ft/1310m will typically have temperatures ranging from 36 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit. At higher elevations in the Himalayas temperatures will drop below freezing and it can be extremely cold at night.

2. Know where to go

The most popular treks in Nepal are in the Annapurna and Everest regions. There are also very popular treks in the in the Langtang Valley that can be easily reached from Kathmandu and completed in less than a week. In the Annapurna region you have a choice between the rich forests and serene beauty of the Annaupurna sanctuary or the more Tibetan-like villages and arid terrain of the Kali Gandaki gorge up to Muktinath. Any one of these treks is an incredible experience. They usually take about two weeks. Itreknepal, a unique trekking outfitter, can put together everything you need including guide, porters and accommodations for one of these and many other treks.

3. Protect your health Staying healthy is key to a happy trip.

Most unhappy health situations in Nepal are a result of intestinal complications. These are easily avoided if you take some simple precautions. In general, you should boil or purify all of your water. ITrekNepal also recommends that you bring at least one water bottle with a special filter so that you'll always have access to purified water wherever you are. Also make sure to wash your hands before eating or putting them in your mouth. These two simple things can help you avoid most problems.

Recommended vaccines include Typhoid (Typhoid vaccine (Typhim Vi- injectable)), Hepatitis A (brand names (Havrix, Vaqta, Avaxim) or Twinrix (combined A&B)), Polio (usually as child, check if your own physician if booster is needed), Tetanus (10 year valid), Rabies,(3 year valid). If traveling to west Nepal (rural areas) prevention of Japanese Encephalitis would be advisable (vaccination at least 2 weeks before departure), a certificate of proof of vaccination against Yellow fever is not necessary for you as you are not traveling from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.

Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness (AMS), generally does not become a problem until you reach elevations of 10,000 feet or greater. There's no way to know if you will get AMS and just because you have traveled at elevation before and not had it is no guarantee of not getting it in the future. However, one precaution that you can take is to move up to elevation slowly over a matter of days. This will give your body time to acclimatize. If you're at altitude and you begin to feel nauseous, dizzy, suffer from severe headaches or insomnia you may be experiencing AMS and the best treatment is to move to a lower elevation.

4. Have proper travel documentation

Passports are required for all visitors from US, UK, Canada, Australia and all European Union member countries. Unlike some countries Nepal does not require that you have a return ticket on entry. Tourist visas, which are valid for six months from the date of issue, can be obtained upon arrival at the airport.

5. When in Nepal do as the Nepalese

In order to have the most successful trip possible, and avoid social offense you'll want to follow the customs of Nepal. There are several things which are considered rude that you might not even think of in your home country. While you may have been taught not to point at people in Nepal this rule extends not only to pointing at people but also statues. It is considered rude to step over the feet of a person. Other social conventions pertaining to the feet include taking off your shoes before you enter someone's home, a kitchen or eating area which are sometimes detached. You must also always remove your shoes before entering a shrine. Never stand by someone who is eating, though it is fine to sit or kneel next to them. When passing local Chorten and shrines always do so in a clockwise manner. Hand shaking is not the norm, so to greet someone you will want to put the palms of your hands together in a prayer-like gesture.

6. What to wear

When packing for a trip to Nepal remember that the key to comfort is layers. You will want to put on and take off clothes as you need to adjust to temperature changes. Bring an insulated jacket if trekking during the winter or going above 10,000 feet. Men will want to bring hiking shorts and pants, women will want to bring skirts and pants. Bring t-shirts and blouses, but nothing too revealing. Obviously, you'll want to bring multiple changes of underwear and socks. A sun hat and a cool weather hat. If you are trekking above 10,000 feet you will want insulated pants, long underwear, gloves, gaiters, nylon wind pants and windbreaker top. As a general rule cotton is great for keeping you cool but lousy for keeping you warm. Cotton is also slow to dry, so when possible choose synthetics or wool.

7. Travel insurance

It's a good idea to have travel insurance any time you are traveling and this is certainly true in Nepal. Not all travel insurance is created equally, so make sure that your travel insurance covers the activities you will be doing especially that there aren't exclusion for alpine activities. Helicopter rescue insurance is also available at a premium starting at around US$100.

Nepal is a land of great beauty, and trekking in Nepal can be the trip of a lifetime. Following the above tips will help to ensure that you have an enjoyable and safe trip, but don't let this be the end of your research. The more you know the more you will enjoy yourself.

Namaste.

Climate Nepal

Nepal's weather is generally predictable and pleasant. There are four climatic seasons: March to May (spring), June to August (summer), September to November (autumn) and December to February (winter). The monsoon is approximately from the end of June to the middle of September. About 80% of the rain falls during that period, so the remainder of the year is dry.

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; winter temperatures drop to freezing with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. Summer and late spring temperatures range from 28ºC (83ºF) in the hill regions to more than 40ºC (104ºF) in the Terai. In winter, average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC (45ºF) to a mild 23ºC (74ºF). The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling bellow freezing point and a chilly 12ºC (54ºF) maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1,310m (4,297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC (67-81ºF) in summer, and 2-20ºC (36-68ºF) in winter.

Required Clothing

Lightweight and tropical clothes with umbrella are advised for June to August. Between October and March, lightweight clothes are worn in Kathmandu, with a coat for evenings and warm clothing for th e mountains

Weather and Climate of Nepal

Nepal’s weather is generally predictable and pleasant. There are four climatic seasons: March–May (spring), June–August (summer), September–November (autumn) and December–February (winter). The monsoon is approximately from the end of June to the middle of September. About 80 per cent of the rain falls during that period, so the remainder of the year is dry. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons; winter temperatures drop to freezing with a high level of snowfall in the mountains. Summer and late spring temperatures range from 28ºC (83ºF) in the hill regions to more than 40ºC (104ºF) in the Terai. In winter, average maximum and minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a brisk 7ºC (45ºF) to a mild 23ºC (74ºF). The central valleys experience a minimum temperature often falling bellow freezing point and a chilly 12ºC (54ºF) maximum. Much colder temperatures prevail at higher elevations. The Kathmandu Valley, at an altitude of 1310m (4297ft), has a mild climate, ranging from 19-27ºC (67-81ºF) in summer, and 2-20ºC (36-68ºF) in winter.

Chilling Out in Nepal - Hill Stations, Lakesides and Much More

Most people associate Nepal with trekking, rafting and the likes, but for those relaxed travelers that don't take a fancy to trudging through the mountains or getting their heart pounding in Nepal's adventure sports, don't forget there is also a tranquil side to this Himalayan paradise as well. Yoga, meditation, Buddhist tours, festival tours, golfing holidays, Thangka Painting schools, romantic honeymoons, Nepal is certainly much more than an adventure play ground. Spend a week or two here chilling out in some of the Hill Stations like Daman, Chisopani, Bandipur and Nagarkot or Pokhara's tranquil lakeside and you will soon find that life here runs to a very different tune. If you want a more relaxed holiday or retreat get in touch with us today and let us arrange your own very special chilled out tour of Nepal.

Chill out destination's in Nepal

Nagarkot

- A popular tourist destination that people use as a quick stop off to view the spectacular Himalaya. There is a lot more to this magnificent Hill Station than just that. You can enjoy secluded retreats and hotels where you can get away from it all, enjoy revitalizing massage, rekie, mediation or just spend your time exploring the hillside villages. Nagarkot is within easy reach of Kathmandu, Nepal's thriving capital city, in facts it's an ideal place for a weekend city escape. In Nagarkot, there is also much more to do than just admiring the Himalaya, take a guided off road motor bike tour to experience the rich culture of the Tamang people, pony ride or hike to some nearby villages, go bird watching in the jungle or tackle and exhilarating downhill on mountain bike.

Bandipur

-Half way between Kathmandu and Pokhara you can find this sleepy hill station high up on a ridge above the Marsyandi River and the orange growing regions. This one time isolated town is one of the finest examples in Nepal of how eco and social responsible tourism can work to create a wonderful experience for visitors and a profitable one for the villagers. Here you can explore the biggest caves in Nepal, see silk making first hand or just soak up inspiring views of the middle Himalaya. Visits to Bandipur can be arranged on the way to or from Pokhara and they can be combined with trips to Manakarmana, one of the holiest temples in Nepal and the only cable car ride the country has to offer. In Bandipur accommodation varies from first class mountain retreats to basic yet rewarding village home stays.

Bhaltali

- Yet another example of tourism working for improved villages in Nepal. This hidden valley is a remarkable place, hemmed on one side by a river gorge and pine forests and on the other side by hillsides terraced with rice and millet fields. It's a fantastic destination for photographers or people who want to just spend time in a typical Nepali village. Home stays can be arranged or you can spend your evenings in the hilltop resort soaking up the village and mountain views. In close proximity is the breathtaking Namobuddha, a famous Buddhist Monastery and Pauntie an ancient Newari Town (Newars are an ethnic group of Nepal), so you can easily spend a few days here and it's only an hour's drive plus two hours walk to get there from Kathmandu.

Chisopani

- A 16km trek through the Shivapuri National Park takes you to Chisopani, a small village and trekker's outpost on the valley rim. From here the views rival those from Nagarkot. One can easily spend a few days chilling out here, relaxing, getting to know the villagers, visiting the local cheese factory, explore the Dhaps "wetlands" or just use it as a stopover on treks to Nagarkot, into Langtang and Helumbu or down to Melamchhi. Chisopani is fast become one of the Kathmandu Valleys most popular Hill Stations and its eco and culturally friendly theme make it an ideal destination for those visitors after a taste of what trekking in Nepal is all about.

Pokhara

- Not just a starting point or finishing point for trekkers but an unbelievably beautiful and chilled out place to partake in Rekie or Yoga course, or do some meditation in a retreat. Pokhara also has a world class golf course if that's your cup of tea! It also boasts a stunning 5 star resort, with manicured gardens, tennis court an pool, if you want to do it in style, or just kick back in one of many cozy road and lakeside hotels lining the main strip, packed full of shopping, restaurants and chilled out night spots. Pokhara is the kind of place that one goes to and never wants to leave.

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids - Get Instant Pain Relief From Hemorrhoids Today

Are you finding it hard to cope with the pain that derives from hemorrhoids? Are you finding it hard not to itch or scratch the affected area, making the pain even worse? Do you wish there was a way to instantly reduce the pain and eventually get rid of hemorrhoids for good? I have a lot of experience in the field and know what works and what doesn't. Don't listen to manufacturers who are over exaggerating claims of curing hemorrhoids within 24 hours, as that just won't happen!

#1 Don't add to the problem

Hemorrhoids actually stems from the fact of having built up pressure in the pelvic region. This may be due to the fact that you sit down a lot, or it make just come naturally. If you are sitting down a lot, then make sure you take regular breaks!

#2 Take a warm bath

As it is pressure that has been built up over time, this pressure needs to be reduced. Take a nice warm bath and help to reduce the built up of pressure in the region.

#3 Apply ice

Once you have taken a bath, this will have released internal pressure. Now you need to focus on reducing the swelling and pain. This can be done by applying ice to the stools if they are external. This will give an instant cooling effect.

#4 Finally!

Apply cream on a regular basis. Make sure you follow the above three steps every single day and apply cream afterwards. If the problem persists after 7 days, then it may be wise to consult a doctor

The Beatles Rock Band Video Game - The Best Music Game Ever For Your Wii, XBox, Or PS3

If you get the full version of the game it comes

The Beatles Rock Band comes out on September 9, 2009 (the same date that newly remastered Beatles CD box sets are coming out.) And for people that love both The Beatles and playing Rock Band this is a very big day indeed. In fact, I would say that Christmas is coming early this year!

The Music

The game includes 45 Beatles songs which is nearly 1/4th of the songs they released during their career. That's a pretty good sample! Among the songs included are these:
Early Classics: "I Saw Her Standing There," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," & "I Feel Fine."
Psychedelic Era: "I Am The Walrus," "Paperback Writer," & "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band."
'68-'69 Era: "Get Back," "Revolution," & "Here Comes the Sun"
Along with the 45 songs that come with the game, players will also be able to download entire Beatles albums, starting with Abbey Road.

The Gameplay

One of the really cool things about the game is that players will play "as The Beatles" and will actually get to play throughout their whole career starting at The Cavern in Liverpool in 1960 all the way through the recording of Abbey Road in 1969. The graphics look amazing. Not only do the characters look a lot like The Beatles but there are also many different stages and some really groovy psychedelic images for songs like "I Am The Walrus."

The Instruments

with "Ringo's drum set" and "Paul's bass guitar." You can also buy "John & George's guitars seprately." These are really good looking replicas of the instruments The Beatles actually used.

Turning Women Into Fashion Victims

We live in a society that is constantly telling us we should be skinny to be successful. These messages are sent through the media but most importantly through the fashion industry. If we take a look at the models that walk in a catwalk we will notice that they are extremely thin.
What most people do not know is that these models are 23% thinner than the average women. Although this is by no means normal, everything seems to indicate that in fact it is normal, and that everybody should look like that. The first clue that makes us think that we need to slim down is given to us by clothing.

Whenever we walk in a clothes store we realize that most clothes in the racks are small size. You may occasionally find something in a plus size, but let's face it: all the fashionable clothes come in small sizes. As crazy as it sounds, women end up adapting to clothes, when it should be the other way round.

The fashion industry is looking after its own interests. Some say that they produce clothes only in small sizes to save money. Others say that they do it because they do not want fat women to wear their clothes because they would damage the image of the brand.

Whatever the reason they are doing it, they have no idea of how harmful their message is to society. Anorexia is a very serious eating disorder. A lot of women become frustrated because they can never find clothes in their size, and this frustration leads them to eating disorders.
Only skinny girls can wear fashionable clothes. That is why a lot of women and teenagers stop eating. As awful as it sounds one in one hundred Japanese women are starving themselves just to fit in a dress. The saddest thing is that many of these women or girls die in their struggle to fit small sizes.

It is of utmost importance that we do something about this. If we keep on letting the clothing industry and the media brainwash our teenagers and young women, there will be more deaths to this terrible illness. Not only clothing designers should start designing bigger sizes, but also there should be a shift in our society.

A shift like this can only be made through education. We as a society should join forces to let our teenagers know that they are perfectly normal, in fact that models are the ones who are not normal. There should be information materials on nutrition and healthy dieting.

We should not let our women become fashion victims. Our health is a very steep price to pay, and looking fashionable is just not worth it. We should change these unrealistic models and replace them with a healthy one. There are a lot of things that can be done to achieve this, and you can help too.

A Summary of USB Drives, History, Benefits & Uses

USB Drives Flash Drives Keys

A Flash Drive, Sometimes called a USB Key is manufactured using a "NAND" type memory data storage device.

This device is then mated to a universal serial bus jack which can be easily plugged into any PC or electronic device with the appropriate ports. Offering many potential advantages over other portable storage devices, particularly floppy disks they are more compact, operate a lot faster and facilitate file transfers in a more efficient fashion.

Improvements in data retention have made Flash Data drives the choice for document carrying, some drives allow for up to 1.5 million write and erase cycled and have a data retention of 10 years without corrupting.

The year 2000 saw the first publicly available Flash drives released by IBM and Trek Technology of Singapore. Trek dubbed its new device the "Thumb Drive". IBM called its new innovation "DiskOnKey". An Israeli manufacturing company supplied the facility for producing the new wonder product. Shortly after this Lexar introduced their own spin on the usb drive called the CF or "Compact Flash" with a usb connection and an associated chip reader which removed the need for a USB Hub.

Many manufacturers try to differ their product by using varied designs and styles sometimes making the drives bulky and annoying however some styles offer more compact even further miniaturisation making them a choice fashion accessory for the modern geek!
Fact: In Windows Vista and the upcoming Windows 7, the Ready-Boost feature allows use of some flash drives to augment operating system memory
Companies that are really clued up are using these thumb drives for marketing, they simply hire a printers or promotional firm to make USB drives with their logo printed to the drives, they then use them as giveaway items. The usability of the drive makes them the perfect advertising beacon for any organization. Due to the increasing size and technology improvements the drives are becoming cheaper to produce and purchase by the dozen!

Heads Up Promotion Ideas

Promotional head wear is a great way to advertise your company name or logo. When you distribute these items they are usually put to use on a continuous basis offering you long term advertisement. Hats and caps are known as very successful marketing tools for any type of business.

There are many types of headgear to select from when deciding on promoting your business. Some selections include baseball caps, beanies, bandannas, sunhats, and visors. There are almost limitless possibilities when it comes to promotional head wear.

Beanies are one option and they come in a few different styles. Beanies with a peak are unusual yet very stylish and offer a large surface for embroidering and printing. White or gray are the most popular selections for this style as they are usually worn by sporty types. Short Knit beanies are available in a wide variety of colors and are quite versatile for daily use. Once embroidered or printed with your logo they make the perfect promotional gift your clients. They are a surefire way to promote your company amongst a crowd, any crowd. Micro-fleece Beanies are commonly used in colder climates. They too come in many colors and are used and well appreciated by those who work and play outdoors.

Foam visors make a great giveaway for outdoor events. They are inexpensive and quite useful for shading the sun from your eyes. The adjustable straps are great for imprinting any logo as well as the surface of the visor. They are lightweight and make a great statement. Cotton Twill visors have a pre-curved bill and Velcro closure. Usually made from pre-washed cotton, they can be printed or embroidered with your message or logo. This makes a long lasting and much appreciated promotional gift.

Cowboy Hats - Promotional caps may also come in the form of the traditional cowboy hat. Company logo imprinted on nylon band around base, the cowboy hat will see use for years to come as it has great style and offers great protection from the sun. Bucket Hats " Stylish and with much less rim space than a cowboy hat, these comfortable hats may be tastefully imprinted and come in a variety of soft colors.