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Monday, October 29, 2007

THE BIG THAW


FRITZ MULLER/JACK IVES, ICIMOD


Scientists are still trying to measure the rate of retreat of Himalayan glaciers, but climbers have known for years that the mountains are melting.

Glacial retreat, receding snowlines and expanding lakes has become much more rapid since the 1980s. Climbing even easy peaks like Cho Oyu and Chomolungma has become harder because previously snow-covered ridges are now bare rock .

Glaciers like the Imja below Lhotse are shrinking by up to 70m per year. There is now a lake 3 km long where there used to a frozen glacier 50 years ago. Dozens of glacial lakes in Nepal and Bhutan are in danger of bursting their banks, and in an earthquake there could be multiple outburst floods on Himalayan rivers.


GIOVANNI KAPPENBERGER/ALTON C BYERS/ICIMOD

Besides the dangers to human settlement, thinning snow cover in the Himalaya threatens water supplies to rivers like the Yangtse, Mekong, Brahmaputra, Ganges and Indus on which more than a billion people depend.

There is a near consensus in the scientific community that global warming is caused mainly by carbon emissions from human activity and vegetation loss since the start of the industrial age. The world’s biggest emitters of carbon dioxide have not signed up to the Kyoto Protocol to cut back on emissions.

Refferal: www.nepalitimes.com

Sunday, October 28, 2007

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101 things to do in Nepal-3

41. Royal Museum:
Visit the Tribhuwan, Mahindra, and Birendra Museums, all housed in the sprawling and historical Hanuman Dhoka Palace are dedicated to Nepal's kings. Display of king's office, gym, hunting room, and clothes can be seen here. A collection of artifacts found during the Kings ruling period are also on display. Visitors who visit these museums do not return without climbing to the top of the Basantapur tower from where you can grab an excellent view of the Kathmandu valley.



42. National Museum:
Nepal's National museum is located in Chhauni, near Swayambunath. Visit the museum to see finest collection of Nepalese ancient religious art including wood carvings from the 18th and 19th century, thangkas from 18th and 19th centuries, and Buddhist religious art.



43. National Zoo:
Not much attraction here for a non-Nepali, But go there for an elephant ride plus to witness some development works carried out (by god knows who!) to better maintain the zoo.



44. Go to Dakshinkali:
Visit the temple dedicated to the vicious mother goddess who gives strong will power and energy to those who come to her and she loves animal sacrifices. The temple is a favorite worship place of the Hindus. Saturdays bring a flock of visitors to the temples and to the surrounding areas which have become an ideal picnic spot for many Nepalese.



45. Purchase before you leave:
Purchase Pashmina, and Nepali arts and crafts. They are an ideal souvenir for your family and friends. Also collect Nepali topi made of Dhaka, an especial material known to have been originated from Palpa district, made by the skillful Palpali women.

46. Visit Nepal for Research:
Doing your research on a topic relevant to Nepal? Try the business houses in Nepal, most are known to be offering foreign candidates an exchange employment services. You work for them, and in return, they give you an office, computer with internet / email access, a Nepali salary, and a good working environment in which you can contribute and learn. You will have fun learning and working with Nepalese.



47. Water Falls & Water Gardens:
Surrender to astounding waterfalls found in many remote parts in Nepal. Water fall tours are not operated regularly. Contact your tour operator to arrange for specialized tour. For water gardens, visit the Balaju water gardens which is located at the foot of Nagarjun Hill.



48. Casinos:
Kathmandu offers visitors an array of exciting action packed casinos where you can enjoy 24 hours of fun and games. Visit Casino Royale (Durbarmarg), Casino Nepal (Tahachal), Casino Anna (Durbarmarg), or Casino Everest (New Baneshwor)



49. Write a Book on Nepal:
Travel to the different parts of the country, meet new people, learn about new culture, and traditions, and finally write your own book about Nepal.



50. Ride on a bus and start exploring:
Many non-Nepalis find bus riding in Nepal to be a daunting decision yet for many, it's as rewarding as trekking in Langtang! Take a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara. There are specialized tourists buses having A/C. Nepal has excellent highways offering terrific views of rural landscapes and the high Himalaya. Catch the buses at New Bus Terminal located in Gangabu, near Balazu, Kathmandu.


51. Do the Show:
Are you an artist? World class exhibition centers in Kathmandu await your presentation. Go ahead and conduct the show. Local event management companies and ticket selling agents can help you organize and manage your show. Donate some of your earnings to the social organizations such as Nepal Orphan's Organization (Bal Mandir)



52. Western Delight!:
Try Nanglos or Wimpy at Durbarmarg for fast food. International eating out facilities are located in all tourist areas in the Capital and in other cities.



53. Pashupati Temple:
Visit the Pashupati Temple to learn more about Lord Shiva and its devotees. Meet some Sadhus dressed like the Lord Shiva.



54. Hike at Easy:
Hike in Shivapuri, Sankhu-Nagarkot, Bhaktapur-Changu Narayan Phulchoki Hills and just about in any hillside in Nepal.



55. Sit Back, relax and view mountains:
Don't go anywhere, just stay at your hotel, enjoy your fresh cup of tea while watching the natural movies- the Himalayas. On clear sky days, Himalayas are visible from Kathmandu. Some of the mountains you can spot from there are, Himal Chulu, Manaslu, Ganesh, Lang Tang, Gur Karpori, Dorje, Lhakpa, Kharane, Gauri Shankar and Chobutse.



56. Burn some fat!:
Play indoor sports or do some workouts in clubs like Sahansaha hotel or club Bhatbhateni. Star hotels also offer outstanding indoor sports facilities.



57. See a Nepali Private Company in Action:
Pay a visit to any Private industrial complex to learn about Nepali business procedures and practices. Most private companies follow English practices in bookkeeping and office correspondence.



58. Visit Palm smiths
Let a palmistry tell you about your future. They are ready to serve you in all streets, especially the main road towards the new road and Tudhikhel. For many Nepalese hopes and believes plays and important part in their daily life.



59. Eat Chinese Momo:
Nearly about 80% of the total lunch served in Kathmandu is Momo. You shouldn't leave Kathmandu without a taste of the Momo. Three popular menu courses are (a) Vegetable Momo (b) Chicken Momo (d) Buff Momo. Nepalese favorite momo is the `Buff Momo'.



60. Your new grocery shopping experience:
Bye some vegetables and fruits in the open markets in Asan and in Kalimati. Here you will be buying directly from the farmers who bring their products for sale. Experience shopping in a different world.


61. Ride on a rickshaw
Ride on a rickshaw discover Kathmandu Valley. Rickhsaw are also popular choice for for touring city areas in Terai regions such as Bhairahawa, Butwal.

62. Fishtail - the Holy Mountain:
Pokhara will revive your passion for mountains. The sight of the Fishtail mountain in the morning and in the afternoon will scale new heights of your desire. This mountain has been banned for climbing and hence the name Holy Mountain. Hotels in Pokhara fight to offer you a roof-top of a balcony for your visual feast of the mountains including Fishtail, which are clearly visible from any location in Pokhara.



63. Brass and Bronze
Museum: Got o this museum housed in Dattatreya Square. It offers examples of Nepal's skillful metalworking history.



64. Leave a foot-print before you die! :
Work with Kathmandu Municipality to materialize your goal of creating a Children Parks in Kathmandu and in other regions in Nepal.



65. Drink Beer:
Drink some of the finest beer in the world. Sanmugel, Tuborg, Carlsberg, Ice Burg and many more. Go to the bar in your hotel, go to Rum Doodle bar in Thamel or Nanglos bar in Durbarmarg.



66. Visit Lumbini:
Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. See this holy ground for Buddhists all over the world. Also visit the Lumbini International Research Institute, located in the international Monastery Zone in Lumbini. It provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general, offering six thousand books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture. Ruins of stupas and monasteries can be found all over Lumbini zone.



67. A Day for Dhulikhel:
Dhulikhel is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,400 meter. This Newar town packs traditional atmosphere along with its spectacular views including Himalayan range.



68. Travel to Hetauda:
This is a popular city in Nepal known for hygiene and friendly people. Mild climate, communities of many ethnic groups and diverse landscape ranging from rice fields to thick jungles.



69. Ride a Rickshaw in Terai:
Ride in Butwal, Bhairahawa, Janakpur, Biratnagar in Terai region. You can do all sorts to enjoy Terai. Rickshaw in Terai is like a Taxi in Kathmandu, a very popular choice for transportation.



70. Make a presentation:
Make a presentation about your country, people, places or your ideas. Contact school, colleges, or companies where you might want to do the presentation. Share your knowledge, and exchange values


71. Cultural Shows:
Change your Spontaneous afternoons to rewarding moments. Watch Nepali Cultural Shows. If there are shows in the `International Convention Hall', or in other theaters, buy the tickets. It's worth it.



72. Teach English:
How about spending few months in Nepal teaching English in a private or public school? Just do it. Some schools offer accommodation on their premises, renting a room is also not a problem in the city areas.



73. Find a representative:
Visit Nepal for business. One can study the potential of the Nepalese market as well as potential and capacity of local business firms. Sell your brands through authorized distribution networks. Some of the foreign brands in Nepal are TOYOTA, NISSAN, KIA, IBM, ACER, EPSON, and MICROSOFT, COKE, PEPSI.



74. The noodles attack!
Taste Nepali Biscuits and Noodles. A new noodles brand appears in the Nepalese market once every three months or more often! Try some of these noodles before you leave Nepal. Mayos, 2PM, Rara, Wai Wai, Jo Jo, Min Min, City, Ramba, Rup Pum, Hurray, MaMa, Gol Mol, and many more.



75. Nepali Topi:
Wear a Nepali Topi when walking in Nepal. Although not many non-Nepali do it, you might just want to do it for fun. It's a comfortable cap and an elegant one to wear. You can buy Nepali topi easily from Asan or Indrachowk or just tell the reception desk you want one, your hotel shop would also have some.



76. Drink Masala Tea:
Taste the ordinary Nepali tea. You should get one in your hotel, just ask for ordinary Nepali tea. The tea is made by boling the mixture of water, milk, tea and sugar. Some prefer to add small quantities of ginger powder. This tea is often referred to as the masala (mixture) tea, which has an unique aroma and flavor.



77. Chakrapath:
Take a cab and go circle the Chakrapath road, and find out why it's called Chakrapath! Well, you don't need to do it to learn but just do it to have fun. This is the road that marks the two important cities in the Valley, Kathmandu and Patan. The road actually circles the entire valley, and hence the name Chakrapath (circle road). If you are visiting many places in Kathmandu, you might prefer to hire a cab ($10 to $13) for the whole day.



78. Devi's Fall:
A lovely waterfall lying on the Siddhartha highway, 2 km south-west of the Pokhara airport, is dedicated Devin's and David's who were washed by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an secretive passage beneath the fall. Visit this place, locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall)



79.Gorkha palace and the bazaar:
Stroll around Gorkha Bazaar located below the palace, for fine architecture and cobbled lanes. Walk up the stairs to the Gorkha palace, the ancient seat of the Shah dynasty, view lush green valleys and the vista of Himalayas and beyond from there.



80. Greenest City of Nepal:
Visit Dharan, a bustling bazaar that is growing rapidly. Make your ways to Dhankuta for good views, a mild climate and plenty of interesting walks in the surrounding area including tea gardens in the region. Go up 13 kilometers north of Dhankuta Bazaar for panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalaya including Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and


81. Visit Antu Dada:
A famous spot for unique views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 meter in Illam district. Ride from Illam to Chhipitar, and reach Antu Danda on foot.



82. A powerful Bazaar - the Namche:
Namche Bazaar is the gate to Everest region. The bazaar is about 241 km from Kathmandu, and is situated on the lap of the Khumbu Himal range. Namche Bazaar is often associated with Mt. Everest.



83. Humla / Jumla:
Jumla is located on the banks of the Tila River at 2370 meters. It is one of the highest rice growing areas in the world. Visit the Thankuris, and Chhetris people who have the highest social and ritual status.



84. National Parks:
Visit Chitwan, Bardiya, Rara, Shey-Phoksundo, and Makalu-Barun National parks in Nepal. National parks provide excellent habitant for endangered animals like rhinoceros, wild elephant, tiger, swamp deer, black duck, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger crocodile, Impeyan pheasant, blood pheasant, cheer pheasants, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow and many other wild animals.



85. Visit Balmiki - the sacred site
Visit Balmiki Ashram situated in a forest on the bank of the Tribeni river, at the south-western corner of the Royal Chitwan National Park. This is the place where Lord Sita came to live with her two sons.



86. Expose your tongue
So you tasted the Nepali dal bhat and tarkai, but why not try the other local foods too. (a) Gundruk-ko-jhol: A soup of dried and fermented vegetables, smack your lips! (b) Sekuwa, Barbecued meat; mutton, duck, chicken, and buff, let it go with your drink, (c) Tama-ko-Jhol: Hot and sour soup of bamboo shoots (d) Sukuti : hot and spicy dish, dried meat roasted over a charcoal fire, a fine dish for your drink



87. Trek to Darjeeling:
Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur (1 hour), drive to Kakarbhitta (Nepal-India border, 34 km), to Siliguri (36 km), and to Darjeeling (77 km, 2 hours 30 minutes). The places to visit here are the Chowrasta, Mall Road, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Mountaineering Institute, Natural History Museum, Observatory Hill, Batasia Loop, Tiger Hill, Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Lloyd's Botanical Garden. Also visit Kalimpong, little town situated at an altitude of 1200m about 50 km to the east of Darjeeling.



88. Janakpur - the Ram and Sita:
This is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila and the Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known in the Hindu Kingdom. Sita, the wife of the legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Visit the temple and other surrounding areas including Tharu communities.



89. Hire a motor bike:
Discovering Nepal on a two wheeler, it can be equally rewarding. Make sure to inspect the bike before riding on the highways. Your best route should be Kathmandu - Bharatpur - Butwal - Bhairahawa - Lumbini - Tilaurakot -Butwal - Tansen - Pokhara - Kathmandu. Spare at least 3 continues long days to make this trip a worth while.



90. Trek to Charikot / Jiri :
About 133 km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides spectacular views of Gaurishanker mountain. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen


91. Karate:
Learn Karate at Dasrath Ranga Shala. Karate has become much popular among many Nepali youth. Specialized training programs are offered by Nepali Karate Black Belt holders in many parts in Kathmandu valley and also in other cities.



92. Sight-seeing by Helicopter:
Chartering a helicopter for sight-seeing has become a popular tourist activity in Nepal. Helicopter is especially advantageous for those who do not have much time to spare but want to see and experience most of the attractions that Nepal has to offer. However, it is an expensive package. One of the most popular helicopter route is Kathmandu - Lumbini - Pokhara - Kathmandu, chartering a helicopter for this route should cost $2,000 to $3,000 . Fly early from Kathmandu, arrive at Lumbini, do sight seeing of Lumbini, then fly to Pokhara. Spend a night there, and then return to Kathmandu early for the visual feast of the Himalayas that stand in a row from Pokhara to all the way up to Kathmandu.



93. Nepali Nepali music and Dance:
Buy some Nepali music and listen to them. It will surely move you. Look out for the traditional Nepali folk songs rather than the current less amusing hip hops some what copy of western tunes!!



94. Social Organizations:
Volunteer or internship in social organizations in Nepal. Share your ideas and knowledge, in return for optimum personal satisfaction. Are you making a foot-print in Nepal?



95. Hike to Tea Gardens:
What's it like visiting tea gardens? Discover that easily in Nepal. Go to Dhankuta or Illam. Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, take a bus or arrange a vehicle to ride up to Dhankuta or Illam. Snail-tail roads and the magnificent views of tea gardens and valleys are equally worth seeing as you near towards Dhankuta. Altitude of Tea gardens in Nepal ranges from 3,300 ft to 7,200 ft, making some of them probably the highest tea gardens in the world.



96. Manakamana:
The temple of Manakamana lies atop a 1,302 meter hill. The deity is one of the manifestations of the Hindu Goddess Bhagawati who is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Manakamana is situated 125 km to the west of Kathmandu.



97. Make your own Road routes in Nepal
Take a route and visit major cities and towns in Nepal. (a) Kathmandu - Gorkha - Pokhara - Tansen - Butwal - Bhairahawa - Lumbini - Bharatpur - Hetauda - Kathmandu or (b) Kathmandu - Gorkha - Bharatpur - Hetauda - Kathmandu or (c) Kathmandu - Kodari - Lamosangu - Dokha or (d) Kathmandu - Mugling - Bharatpur - Butwal - Mahendranagar or (e) Kathmandu - Hetauda - Birgunj - Janakpur - Itahari - Kakarbhitta



98. Terai Savor:
Visit Terai, the less known region to the tourists, is the Nepal's fastest growing area. Terai starts from Mechi River in the east to Mahakli River in the west. This 17% of the total land of Nepal, produces more than 70% of Nepal's goods and services, and is the backbone of Nepal's economy. Access Terai by road or by air from all major cities like Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, Bhairawa, Bharatpur, Birgunj and Biratnagar. Best time to visit Terai is between October and April. Some prefer to visit Terai in March to observe the Holi festival which is celebrated more by the Terai communities than any other.



99. Go to Nepalgunj:
Discover an industrial and trading center in western Nepal. Nepalgunj is 531 km (12 hours by bus) from Kathmandu. The awesome 500 meter long cable stayed bridge over the Karnali River is something to see here, along with local ethnic communities and their rich culture.



100. Do the Paragliding:
Fly unreservedly in the midst of the magnificent Himalaya, soar over lakes and villages and scale new heights. Bring your own equipment.



101. Make your own To Do List!...............

Saturday, October 27, 2007

let's take a tour of nepal






101 Things To Do in Nepal -2

11. Daman Tower:
Go to Daman, stay a night at a resort, rise early in the morning, climb up the Daman tower, and catch a 360 degree view of all the mountains in Nepal. Daman is situated at an elevation of 2,400 meter, 75 km to the southwest of the Kathmandu valley. Those who go the distance will find the extras!



12. Light, Camera, and Action:
Become a photographer in Nepal. Capture Nepali people, places, culture, traditions, and breath-taking Himalayas and greenery valleys in your camera. Light conditions are extreme, shot early for great photos. Create your documentaries on the culture, religion and traditions of many ethnic groups who live in the remote parts of Nepal in a perfect coherence, embrace the untouched valleys and the views that Nepal has to offer.



13. Nepali Tea
Import Nepali tea or partner with Nepalese tea companies for your joint venture tea business in Nepal. Nepali organic tea is recognized worldwide for its outstanding aroma, brisk and flavor. The cool breezes from the refreshing Himalayan range, and young tea bushes also contribute to the quality of Nepali tea. Current Export of organic tea is in the Germany, Japan, USA, Austria, India, and Denmark country. Buy / Import some Nepali organic tea today...



14. Highest Greenery!
Play your favorite sport on the highest greeneries on earth. Golf club in Kathmandu and Pokhara offer excellent course, and scenery view of the Himalayas. Til Ganga golf course and the Gokarna Golf course are located in Kathmandu. In Pokhara, you can find the Fulbari Resort Golf course and the Himalayan Golf Course.



15. Write to Nepali Newspapers
Write articles for Nepalese news-papers. Popular English daily are Kathmandu Post and Himalayan Times.



16. Go Trekking:
Do a backpack, or teahouse trek, or self-arranged trekking in Namche Bazaar, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Jiri, Lamidada, Annapurna, Ghandruk, Tatopani, Jomsom, Baglung, Langtang, Helambu, Gosainkunda, Jugal Himal, Solu Khumu, and just about any peak in Nepal.



17. Have a Bhaktapur delight:
Visit these temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square; Elephant Temple, Bhadri Temple, Chyasilin Mandap, Fasidega Temple and Til Mahadev Temple. Learn about wood carvings and import some arts and crafts from Nepal.



18. Taste Dal Bhat and Tarkari - the Nepali Food:
Every hotel, big or small, can offer you Dal Bhat and Tarkari. You should try it. Cook some today and invite your friends over.



19. Perfect Harmony of Religion:Learn about different cultures and religions in Nepal. Hindu, Christian, Islam, and many others, all living in a perfect harmony. Write a book about Nepal's diverse ethnic groups and over 80 spoken languages that are found in Nepal.


20. Nepali Tongue:Learn Nepali Language. Spend just 4 weeks, and you could be speaking this awesome language in no time. Learning Nepali is fun and exciting.



21. Surf on Everest!:
Check your emails and browse the internet from cyber-cafes in Nepal. You will find at least sex of them located near your accommodation! How about going for the highest cafe in the world? Trek to Everest base camp, and browse internet from the Everest base camp cyber-cafe, the highest cafe in the world!



22. Nepali Fashion Boutiques:
Tailor your Nepalese national dress or your western outfits from world-class Fashion Boutiques located in the Capital. Hop into a boutique, select your choice of fabrics, and a design, then after a day or two you are ready to take back home your an exquisite fashion wear. A top and a pair of pants with simple light embroidery costs less than $30



23. Ride bicycles:
Ride bicycles as you discover places, and a way of Nepali life. Make your own roads, and rest anytime, anywhere for the refreshing views of the awe-inspiring mountains and valleys. A classic biking adventure is the 70 kilometer slender road starting from Balaju to the west of Kathmandu city across Kakani, Trisuli bazaar and Shivapuri, and then descending back to the Kathmandu valley.



24. Watch Nepali or Hindi movies:
Watch Nepali Cinema. It will be your new experience of 2 and half hours of actions, drama, songs, dance, and clippings. Go to Gopi Krishna cinema hall in Chabahil to pick your choice of Nepali or Hindi movies.



25. Hollywood blockbusters:
Until recently, English movies couldn't find a theater in Nepal. But now, you have the Jainepal Cinema hall running only the blockbusters in an international standard's theater environment. Walk towards Durbarmarg for 5 to 10 minutes from Thamel, you will soon be in the world of screen and popcorns!



26. See real Nepali folks
Spend a day with Nepali folks living up in the remote villages. Get closer to the untouched valleys and seize the smiles of villagers. To see real Nepal, you must trek to the villages. Don't just visit Kathmandu and pack your bags.



27 Shop in Thamel
In Thamel, take an hour's walk without shopping a single thing. Can you challenge that? Tempting exquisite souvenirs such as the Nepali handi-crafts, outstanding thangkas, Nepali garments, and mouth watering local and international cuisines virtually web the entire Thamel streets.



28. Make Nepali friends:
Nepalese are hospitable by nature. A part of the reasons why tourists revisit Nepal is because of friendly Nepalese people. Make some friends through the internet, and meet them when you arrive in Nepal.



29. Tudhikhel and Ball:
Play soccer (football) or cricket with Nepali teenagers in Tudhikhel, Kathmandu. Lavish green-carpet isn't always necessary to kick the ball off! People of all ages can be found at this playground, some playing games while others resting and eating peanuts. The fact that this playground looks like an abandoned dessert is because of so many problems this capital faces. To name a few of such problems are; (a) decentralization problem (b) pollution problem (c) Unemployment problem (d) Traffic congestion problem. Consider having all those problems back at home and still finding a playable ground like the Tudhikhel.



30. Bungee Jump:
Do the most spectacular jump in the world. A 166m wide steel suspension bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Nepal, offers you a depth of 160 meters for that awesome jump of your life time. You won't forget your jumps in Nepal.


31. City of Temples:
The city of temples is the other name for Kathmandu valley, but you need to visit it to believe it! Kathmandu valley is a 218 square miles of land, situated above 4400 ft above sea level with three historic, artistic and cultural towns namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Walk for five minutes in any direction in Kathmandu, you will definitely find a temple in left and right! There are more than 5 temples per square miles in Kathmandu.



32. Elephant Polo:
Play the Elephant polo. Game consists of four players on each team on a marked pitch of 120 meters by 70 meters using a standard size polo ball, each team have 3 elephants. You ride on an elephant; hit the polo ball with polo stick. Goal is scored when the ball is over or across the goal line.



33. Go Boating:
Go boating in Phewa Lake in Pokhara. This most accessible lake for recreational boating in Nepal is located on the backdrop of the Annapurna range, set in a lush green valley, and is a paradise for many photographers, boaters and shore side strollers.



34. Hot air Ballooning:
For those who choose to see mountains in Nepal and the unparallel scenes of the untouched valleys from above the sky, hot air ballooning is the ideal sport. See Himalayan range in the slowest speed possible.



35. Do a Day's Hiking:
You don't need seven days vacation to discover hiking pleasure in Nepal. Grab a local map, pack your small lunch and a mineral water, arrange a local porter for bags or carry it with you, then head for any hills in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel or Kakani. Enjoy your day's hiking, and then return back to your hotel.



36. Do Kayaking:
Come to Nepal for Kayaking. No matter how many times you might have done the river run, there is always a river waiting in Nepal for you to explore. Many of the rivers in Nepal are still untouched and unexplored.



37. Go For Mountain Flight
12 of the world's highest mountains living in Nepal want you to pay a visit. Meet them easily, just fly. Scheduled mountain flights are operated from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Contact the domestic airlines.



38. Pony Trek:
Rent a small horse (known as Ponies) for a day or two in Pokhara. Ride on it and trek. Ponies have been used as a means of transportation in remote parts of Nepal. Today, they are used extensively for trekking.



39. Hang Gliding:
Varied landscape of Nepal offers you hand gliding of all types. Best period for hang gliding in Nepal is September to April. Choose any hills on the north or untouched terrain in middle, you will soon find the temptation to fly like an eagle.



40. Culture Tour:
Take a pilgrimage trek to Gosaikunda. Work with Nepali social organizations to make your own culture program, and then tour into the Shangri La.

101 things to do in Nepal

Serching the page on the web i got some intresting things there.......101 thing to do in Nepal. Now i m posting here 1-10 things to do in Nepal, i'll continue other 91 things in my next posting keep waching...........


01. Climb Everest Before You Die!
Climb the highest mountain on earth, or other 11 of the world's highest peaks which are also located in Nepal. You can also visit Nepal to just enjoy the great views of Himalayas including this one. Climbing Everest costs around US$ 50,000, but the view of Everest and other Himalays is free. Come to Nepal ! See Everest Fact Sheet



02. Do River Rafting Adventures
Go for a white water river rafting adventure. Nepal has some of the best rivers in the world offering excellent opportunities for river adventure. Intense rapids, gorgeous wilderness areas, and lush green valleys will multiply your fun. Learn More




03. Study about Nepali Birds
Go birding in Shangri La and explore the lands and birds untouched by modern civilization. Spot the outstanding birds in Nepal and write your own book. Nepal is home to over 870 species of birds. About 10% of the world's birds are found in Nepal. The most popular bird watching spot is the Phulchoki hill, the highest peak on the valley rim situated 20 km southeast of Kathmandu. Here more than 250 species have been recorded till date.



04. Invest in Nepal's Agriculture
More than 80% of the people in Nepal are farmers. Partner with Nepalese farmers for your agriculture enterprise in Nepal. Country recevies excellent amount of rainfall and there are rivers to power water to everyland, well, of course, except Mt. Everest!



05. Nagarkot and Sunrise
Rise early in the morning and head for this quiet town 30 kilometers away from Kathmandu, or better stay at a resort in Nagarkot.. Watch sunrise from there, it will take your breaths away. One can also enjoy magnificent view of the Himalayas including 12 of the world's highest peaks found in Nepal. Nagarkot is located on the rim of the Kathmandu valley at an elevation of 7,200ft. You can see Himalayas that extends from Dhaulagiri in the west to beyond Mt Everest in the east.



06. Import Nepali Handmade Papers
Buy Nepali handmade papers and paper products. These papers are manufactured using traditional methods carried on from hundreds of years. You can buy photo album, notebooks, photo frames and other products made of the handmade papers. They are an ideal souvenir for your family and friends.



07. Do Meditation
Take a meditation course in Lumbini, Bhairahawa or in Bouddha, Kathmandu. There are specialized centers offering meditation course, accommodation, and food. Visit the outstanding meditation center located in Lumbini, Bhairahawa.



08. Learn about Thangkas
Visit Thangkas shopping complex in Kathmandu and start writing your book. Thankas are the popular Tibetan arts and paintings, each painting have a different spiritual meaning and purpose for which they were produced. Some Thankas are said to bring you good luck while others are said to cure your health problems. Thangkas once born remain an unique icon. Visit Thamel and Bouddha shopping areas to discover the world of Thankas.



09. Learn in Nepal
Get a Nepali degree. Study in Nepal's Tribhuwan University, and learn the Nepali way of learning. Where can you find the most laborious students on earth? You know the answers.



10. Import Nepalese Arts and Crafts
Work with Nepali company for importing Nepali arts and crafts. The ancient methods of carving on stone, woods and metals, and the finest Nepali artists, produce world-class exquisite products of export quality. Common tourist shopping items include garments, gems, jewelry, Khukuri (Nepali knife), metal-ware, music CDs, pottery, spices, statues, tea, wood carvings, woolen carpets, handmade papers, pashmina, and shawls.

Friday, October 26, 2007

rafting in Nepal


White Water Rafting
Rafting in Nepal: an exciting adventure
Rafting in Nepal is usually a 'wilderness' experience in that most rivers don't have highways alongside them - but it's a soft, tamed, wilderness with white beaches for camping, clean blue rivers, friendly locals and few 'nasties' - someone described it as 'blissful escapism'!

Nepal is a river runner's paradise - no other country has such a choice of multi-day trips, away from roads, in such magnificent mountain surrroundings, with warm rivers, a semi tropical climate, impressive geography, exotic cultures, wildlife and friendly welcoming people!

But it's not just the rivers - as anyone who has been there will tell you, Nepal is a magnificent holiday in its own right - a fairy tale land of temples, mountains, dramatic festivals, exotic culture, colourful people, medieval villages, superb craft shopping, great food and sights - the bonus is some of the World's best rivers!

Incredibly inexpensive, Nepal is a peaceful democratic country where rafters and kayakers get a warm welcome as one of the best forms of ecotourism.

White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal's thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.

Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience. Here are some of the popular rafting trips:

Rafting in Nepal: Climate and Season
Nepal's climate is dictated by the monsoon which arrives in June and usually finishes in late September. The monsoon brings torrential rains that flood the rivers so most people wouldn't want to be kayaking or rafting at this time. Peak season for tourists and for rafting in Nepal is probably October through November: the monsoon is over, everything is very green, rivers are moderately high but dropping, temperatures are warm and skies are clear with fine mountain views. The only disadvantages with this time of year are that it is the peak season and airline reservations are harder to get; also you cannot be sure when the monsoon will finish: it can be a month late and this can throw your plans into chaos if you are planning on running a river where water levels are critical - as they are on many of Nepal's rivers.

The winter months from late December through to early February are cold, but skies are still clear and river levels will be low. Lots of river running groups come out over Christmas and have a great time, but you certainly should expect cold water and perhaps think in terms of wet suits and dry tops.

From late February through to early April is also a good time for river running - river levels are reliably low, air temperature warm, rivers warm and blue. The disadvantage is that the air is often hazy: you cannot be assured of stunning mountain views and there may be an occasional shower of rain. In the past, many kayakers and rafters have visited Nepal over the Christmas holiday, when the facts seem to suggest that Easter might he a better time.



The rivers :
As you can see on the map, Nepal has many, many rivers but not all are navigable Therefore hereafter follows a summary of the rivers which we navigate and which you can find on the map of Nepal.

West Nepal : Karnali (lower) ,Bheri,Seti

Central Nepal : Trisuli ,KaliGandaki (upper),KaliGandaki(lower), Marsyangdi

East Nepal : Arun,Sun khosi,Tamur