March 2020 - Oriental Journeys

Best Souvenir to take home

Posted on March 31, 2020May 4, 2022 by Oriental152207

Best Souvenir to take home from Kathmandu, Nepal

As a memory, there are many best souvenirs to take home from Kathmandu after your trip here. Nepal maintains its distinct recognition in handicraft production for the last several centuries. The unique and renowned architecture, arts, and crafts contribute to establishing a unique image of the country. The woodcrafts, Metalworks, clothing materials, tea, sculpture, paper made materials are most liked gifts. Similarly, dolls, trekking gear, and jewelry, among others are things of interest for tourists. While traveling to Nepal, the best souvenir to take home may be anything of your interest. The traditional Nepali gift includes handmade products to fine fabrics. The souvenirs are available to buy online.

The souvenir houses in Kathmandu and Pokhara sell and supply such products. Those wonderful gifts from Nepal can be a fantastic present for your near and dear.

The cost of buying such souvenirs may vary on your selection and type of product. The price ranges from uS$5 to US$1000. Sophisticated products, handmade metal products, or carpets are relatively expensive gifts from Nepal. However, you can allocate a smaller budget to keep your wonderful Nepali memory. Here, I present a glimpse of those unique materials for the traveler’s preference.

1. Pashmina

Pashmina, the warm shawls which are also known as Kashmiri, are made from the inner hair of a mountain goat called Chyangra or Capra Hircus. The luxurious Khasmiri Pashmina shawls are popular among tourists since the beginning. You can find varieties of items made from Pashmina that will cost according to the quality, volume used, and the product itself. Including Thamel, the products are available in different tourist sites of Kathmandu valley and Pokhara. You need to be aware of the duplicate products as copy products are also widely sold in the market.

2. Trekking Gears

Nepal produces almost all kinds of trekking and expedition gear inside the country. Besides that, the authorized shops of genuine international brands are also available in the markets of Kathmandu and Pokhara. The local trekking gears are available in better quality at a cheaper price. Most travelers prefer to buy locally made trekking gear. One needs an experienced eye to distinguish the quality of the products.

3. Stone and Beads Jewelry

Stone and Beads Jewelries are the best souvenirs to take home from Nepal. Products like Bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings and many other items made of beads and stones are popular among tourists. Rudraksha is the most famous among all. The shops in Thamel, Bouddha, Patan, Kathmandu Dubar Square, and Pashupatinath and Lakeside of Pokhara sell the products.

4. Handicrafts as the best Souvenir to take home

Nepali is a country where handicrafts are popular from the very ancient time. Traditionally made goods with hands, look so beautiful, and are used for decorating the houses too. Bhaktapur. Durbar Square, Thamel, and Patan are some places for getting the best handmade items.

5. Tea and spices

Darjeeling tea is one of the most famous tea brands in the world. Eastern Nepal bordering Darjeeling and Sikkim produces a high volume of best quality teas. The teas grown in Ilam and the surrounding of eastern Nepal are often sold under the Darjeeling tea brand. Those tea products are available in different shops in Kathmandu. Including pure tea, other brands of teas mixed with spices, or made of pure spices are more popular among the tourists visiting Nepal.

Organic tea and spices are much loved. If you are fond of Tea, then it is a great place to find your choice of tea as there are lots of varieties. Spices like cardamom, pepper, chilly, cumin, and so forth are the famous spices that people buy. Nepalese Masala tea is very popular among visitors coming to Nepal.

6. Puppet dolls

Puppets of Nepal are unique since they are presented with the masks of different gods and deities. Puppets of lord Ganesh, Bhairab, and Kumari are more popular among others. The poppet dolls are available in the Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Patan Durbar Squares. They are locally made and

7. Masks

The carved face mask made of wood is another unique craft available to buy as a souvenir. The cultural and religious festivals and different chariot processions inside Kathmandu valley use the mask during sacred dances. The attractive copies of the masks are sold among the tourist. The masks represent the faces of different Hindu deities like Ganesh, Bhairab, Bhimsen, Durga, and Devi.

8. Singing bowls as the best Souvenir to take home

The Tibetan oral tradition claims the existence of singing bowls dates back to the time of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni (560 – 480 B.C.). The tradition came from India to Tibet, along with the teachings of the Buddha, by the great tantric master Padmasambhava in the 8th century A.D.

Singing bowls produce sounds that invoke a deep state of relaxation which naturally assists one in entering into meditation, the ultimate goal being enlightenment. They are a quintessential aid to meditation and can be found on private Buddhist altars, and in temples, monasteries, and meditation halls throughout the world.

Uses of Singing bowls

In addition to their traditional usage for meditation, singing bowls are used for deep relaxation, stress reduction, holistic healing, Reiki, chakra balancing, and World music. Many people find that the rich blend of harmonic overtones that the bells produce has a direct effect on their chakras.

Playing the bells usually causes an immediate centering effect. The tones set up a “frequency following response” that creates a balancing left/right brain synchronization. Meditating on the subtle sounds of the singing bowl tunes one into the universal sound within and without.

The singing bowls shops are available in tourist sites of the Kathmandu valley.

9. Nepali Fabric – Dhaka

Dhaka Fabric as a souvenir to take home — Mr. Michael wearing a hat and Khada made with Dhaka Fabric

Dhaka is a traditional hand make fabric. It is a unique product of Nepal’s small cottage fabric industries. Its history is back from the 19th Century and gaining popularity in all cultures and around the world. Generations have transferred the art of making Dhaka fabric to another. Nepali traditional Topi (hat) and Scarf, Cholo, Shawl, Coat, and also the bridegroom’s attire use the Dhaka fabric. Modern fashion uses the fabric as fashionable wear as they showcase it in different national and international fashion shows. The Dhaka fabric store is available in the old market of Ason and Bhedasingh.

10. When to go for Souvenir Shopping

The shops around the heritage monument site like Bouddhanath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square have dozens of Souvenir shops. They sell authentic goods and items. You can take a short break during the site visit time and check out some. Further, the street of Thamel has numerous shops to buy souvenirs and gifts for you. If you wish, you can take help from your guide to find the authentic shops. You can check some shops nearby during your cultural tours too.

11. Finally “Namaste!” / “Namaskar!”

Namaste is a sacred gesture. You use your two palms to touch each other and place them just in front of your heart to greet the people and forms of gods. Even, Nepali culture suggests doing Namaste whenever or wherever you see even a dead body. Nepali with Hindu culture considers a dead body as a form of “Lord Shiva”. The Namaste Greetings, I honor, respect, recognize and bow to the light in you and me. It is a traditional practice to greet or say goodbye. This is a common practice in Hindu Culture. Many yoga practices, meditations, and prayers use the Namaste pose in the form of a Yoga pose. It holds secret wisdom.

After the spread of Coronavirus, many other countries are starting to use it for greeting.

Benefits of Namaste

The right pose of Namaste includes a simple bowing of your head, a symbol to surrender the universal energy, god. Accepting the presence of God in the people you meet.
The Namaste posture is Yogasana believes that while doing Namaste, the tension in the human mind reduces and makes you feel comfortable.
While doing Namaste, the mind can concentrate. As a result of this, the body can focus on things better.
The posture of Namaste is suitable to get relief from tension. While doing this, the person will have a feeling of happiness on their face. So, with the smile on his face, it helps to strengthen the relationship between individuals.
While doing Namaste, you keep your hands in a fixed position, let the wrists and fingers flexible to move, and it is good to hand yoga.

Yoga believes that when the mind and senses bow to the Heart Chakra, body and soul achieve a union. The key, however, is to go deep into the Heart Chakra where the soul glows its life-giving presence, bringing breath and heartbeat to your body.

Therefore, in Hindu culture, the Namaste posture is the suitable one as it can reduce the chances of harm. As it avoids physical contact to reduce viruses that can spread from shaking hands with each other. Nepali culture includes Namaste and every individual practice it.

Take home ‘Namaste’ as the best souvenir from Nepal.

Teahouse Trekking in Nepal

Posted on March 25, 2020September 8, 2021 by Oriental152207

Teahouse Trekking in Nepal: Easy go trekking

All you need to know about the teahouse trekking in Nepal is its availability and facility concerning the area you are going to visit. Most of the trekking trails in Nepal serve the tea houses’ accommodation. Hence the treks are called ‘tea house’ treks. It means every night you end up at a simple lodge with basic accommodation and a meal. The type of trek is also called “Lodge to Lodge trek”. The best part about the teahouse trekking – you only have to carry very minimal gear.

The concept of the Teahouse developed from tea shops of the past days. The teahouse trekking refers to staying in a lodge for each night of your trek. The major trekking routes in Nepal are teahouse treks, and allow the trekker to travel with the minimum budget and gear.

A teahouse varies from large comfortable, well-built lodges with common areas to a small bamboo hut lodged within the forest on a steep hill. More comfortable tea houses are available in popular trekking trails of Everest (Khumbu), Annapurna, and the Langtang region.

What is Teahouse?

Teahouses may vary a bit concerning the trekking region, however, most of them are simple stone and wooden buildings. It looks like huts that have a kitchen, a communal eating hall and bathroom area, and many basic bedrooms. The rooms usually have two single beds and a table. The foreign trekkers visiting the area are specifically the target customer of the teahouses. But, in remote areas, they may be serving a few rooms ranging from 2-6 beds.

Teahouse trekking in the Annapurna region

The rooms of Teahouses are basic but are clean. Generally, bathrooms are common. If an attached bathroom is available, make your mind to pay some extra. Rooms are twin sharing and provided with a mattress, a pillow, and a thick blanket. During the cold season, you might need to top up another to get warm enough. You may carry a light sleeping bag for optional management while trekking in peak tourist season. Trekkers choose to skip the hot shower during their trek. Some tea houses offer hot bucket showers at small pay.

If you are worried about the cold or cleanliness, you can either take one from Kathmandu or Pokhara with you. Trekking gear like Sleeping bags with inner is available on hire or purchase in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Popular Teahouse trekking trails of Annapurna Regions

Teahouse Behaviour

The cost of lodging is minimum in Teahouse (approx US$5) per night. If you are trekking with a packaged trip and the price includes lodging and meals, it covers teahouse expenses except for the snacks and extra drinks. Otherwise, the trekkers who travel only on guiding service or on their own are expected to eat all their meals at the teahouse at which they are staying.

The menu of Dal Bhat, momos, pasta, pizza, and other rice and noodle dishes are similar in all tea houses. However, the taste differs from one to another tea house.

Some dishes take a long time to prepare and the teahouse owner prefers to get them prepared before. It is advised to check it before eating. It will be wise to order a fresh meal, to avoid getting sick. Trekking crew; guides and porters generally eat Dal Bhat every day. Since it is Nepal’s regular meal and is generally consistent, healthy, and readily available wherever you go.

Expect to experience a dearer menu price with a rise in altitude and a long distance from the trailhead. For example, the food is more expensive at Annapurna Base Camp than in Ghandruk. The cost varies because of the transportation cost and access from the road.

A healthy portion of Dal Bhat

The mobile network is extended in almost all trekking trails. Trekkers can enjoy the data package for the internet. Besides, many tea houses in trekking trails of Nepal, have wi-fi and charging outlets available nowadays. The charging points and wifi are available in the dining hall at least. The teahouses in the lower part of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manang, Syabrubesi, and Namche Bazaar of Solukhumbu have better internet connections.

You can charge your extra batteries and electronic devices with a minimum fee. Generally, they have power outages at most teahouses. But be sure to charge whenever you get the chance!

Do all trails have teahouse trekking?

The major trekking areas of Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions have tea houses and lodges with standard facilities for accommodations. Besides the major trekking rouse, most of the beaten trails are getting more lodges and tea houses for tourist accommodation. The area like Dolpa, remote part of Kanchenjunga, Rolwaling, and Western Nepal does not have enough tea houses. Trekkers still carry their camping equipment while traveling such areas.

Tourists Stranded in Nepal

Posted on March 25, 2020September 8, 2021 by Oriental152207

Foreign tourist stranded in Nepal

Update: 29 March 2020

The ‘Crisis Communication Unit’, of the Nepal Tourism Board(NTB), is successful in bringing 158 tourists stranded in Nepal – Lukla that includes international and domestic tourists, Nepalese guides, and porters to Kathmandu on 29th March 2020. 56 of them were brought via Tara Air, 51 from Summit Air, and 51 from Sita Air. The flights were operated in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal(CAAN), U.S. Embassy, British Embassy, Embassy of Russia, local government bodies, airlines, and tourist police.

Likewise, out of 133 tourists rescued from Pokhara today, 68 were British, 44 American, and 21 South Korean nationals. As of March 29, a total of 1,255 travelers within the country has been rescued. The rescue team has given top priority to following the health and safety guidelines set by the government during all rescue operations.

Also, to comply with the lockdown rules set by the government, all vehicle services related to the rescue of international tourists have been suspended for now. The rescue in the future will be scheduled as per requirement upon the confirmation of the next outbound flights and as per special request of diplomatic missions only. Source: Nepal Tourism Board

Update: 25 March 2020

Current Situation of tourist stranded in Nepal

Currently, at least 234 foreign tourists are in Nepal. Amid the main tourist season, Nepal Government is compelled to announce the lockdown throughout the country. There were few tourists stranded in different trekking destinations, as spring is the main season to trek Nepal. The foreign tourists were hiking different trekking trails when the Nepal government announced lockdown to respond to the rapid outbreak of COVID 19, Coronavirus.

Like other countries of the world, the Nepal government imposes lockdown throughout the country. In the first phase, Nepal has announced the lockdown for a week.

Since the number of stranded tourists is low, there is no shortage of accommodation available. However, the situation cannot be the same in the few days to come. Some of these tourists won’t be in any position to pay for accommodation or meal for say the next week when they were expecting to be only here for a couple of days.

Nepal Tourism Board along with the private sectors is initiating picking up the tab to look after some of these stranded visitors.

As per the updated information received from Nepal Tourism Board on 25 March 2020

Currently, there are 96 foreigners in Lukla of the Everest Region. The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality varifies the number of stranded tourists. They are staying in a different hotel at Lukla. Among them, tourist police verify that two of them are from Ukraine.

Three Finish citizens are stranded in the Langtang area. They have just arrived after Langtang Valley Trek and are now staying at Syabrubensi.

There are four Dutch tourists blocked in the Late Mustang District. Since it is a peak trekking season there are 29-30 tourists stranded in different hotels Annapurna Base Camp trekking route. They were hiking back to Pokhara from the Base Camp. Now, they all have arrived at Ghandruk Village.

Now, it seems that the Mustang area is holding more foreigners concerning other regions. There are 40-50 foreigners stuck at Jomsom. They have been staying in different hotels in Jomsom. Similarly, 18 people are staying in the Muktinath area.

One Italian Doctor Ginamarco Polito is in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

Six foreign tourists were hiking in the Manaslu circuit trek and are recently arrived at Arughat and Mahhakhola of Gorkha. They are accompanied by 6 more Nepali workers. So, the number is 12 in Arughat and Machhakhola. There are altogether 7 foreigners at Gorkha bazaar including 3 Australian and 2 Spanish citizens. District Administrative Office, Gorkha verifies the data.

There are a total of 19 people stuck in Sankhuwasabha including 8 foreigners, as per the Makalubarun National Parks.

Updates 26 March 2020:

Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality has arranged free meals (three meals a day) at Lukla. The stranded tourist can have the meals free of cost.
Restaurant & Bar Association (REBAN) has arranged free meals for stranded tourists in Kathmandu

Annapurna Base Camp Accommodation

Posted on March 24, 2020May 2, 2022 by Oriental152207

Trekking Accommodation for Annapurna Base Camp Trek

It is best to have information regarding Annapurna Base Camp Trek Accommodation. Whenever you are heading trekking, you should have to know about some places where you can stay safe.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the most popular trekking trail in Nepal. Every year, many foreigners enter Nepal and choose Mt. Annapurna (the 10^th highest mountain in the world) for trekking.

It would have been good if you are familiar with the types of accommodation you are getting during the trekking. So that, you will be well prepared for the different types of trekking you will be accommodated during the time. Since the Annapurna base camp is a popular trekking route, the route has been well developed. Therefore, you will find much good and tourist-friendly accommodations during Annapurna base camp trekking.

It’s well-known information that the Annapurna base camp trek is the classic, legendary and popular trekking destination of Nepal. It has become successful in attracting visitors as they will get an experience of the local and traditional cuisine, local culture and tradition, river tracks, Himalayan flora and fauna, magnificent mountain views as well as walking through the bamboo and rhododendron forest. Besides this experience, if you get good and friendly accommodation for taking a rest after mesmerizing yet tired trekking, it would have become an awesome experience.

Types of Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Hotel /Lodge Accommodation

During the Annapurna base camp trek, tourist-friendly hotels and lodges will be provided. Besides this, according to your budget and wishes, you will find the luxury hotel and teahouses as well. The facilities like accommodation and roads have been increased after the increment of tourism activities on ABC. Therefore, if you want to stay in a luxurious and deluxe hotel and lodges in Annapurna base camp, you will find this option too. These lodges and hotels provide you the comfortable facilities like comfortable beds with pillows, electric blankets, hot and cold showers along with free wi-fi.

Teahouse Accommodation

After hotel and lodge, teahouse accommodation is the local and popular accommodation in the Annapurna base camp trek. The teahouses are built and managed by the locals. It provides the basic facilities for the trekkers to take a rest and plan for the further walk. The basic accommodation service in the local teahouse provides a basic wooden bed with a simple mattress, pillow, and blanket.

Every teahouse has a solar and electric heater shower, however; some teahouses will provide a bucket for the hot shower. In the Annapurna base camp trekking trail, you will get a western, attached bathroom with hot and cold shower service in the low altitude area. However, in the high-altitude area, you may get squat toilets and outdoor taps.

Camping Accommodation

Camping accommodation is generally done in the remote area mainly by climbers because of the lack of a teahouse and other accommodation facilities. Besides the expedition, there is some trek that lacks accommodation facilities i.e. Dhaulagiri, Dolpa, and Kanchenjunga. Trekkers or climbers usually use tents for the accommodation. Besides this, they will be taking the cooking staff and cooking food with them. Since camping accommodation has its beauty, it is normally avoided if there is an easily available teahouse, lodge, and hotel.

Accommodation in Pokhara

Pokhara is a beautiful city of lakes. It takes around 5/6 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu valley. Since the city is highly influenced by modernism, the purity of the valley is still present. Pokhara provides you with a wide range of good and luxury hotels ranging from tourist standards to 5-star properties. There is an option for choosing basic to 4-star hotels. The 4-star hotels are luxury hotels with standard facilities. You can enjoy boating, rafting, paragliding, and exploring local museums in Pokhara.

Ullery

Ulleri - Annapurna Area — A lodge of Ulleri Village and Annapurna mountain range at the backdrop

The Ulleri village provides a nice hotel for trekkers’ accommodation. The village provides you with a beautiful farming site with a low-altitude green forest. It also provides you a wide variety of teahouses and lodges according to your choices. The village has more than 20 teahouses with basic facilities. The villages are the starting point of the most popular sunrise view trail of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek. All the teahouses have western toilet facilities along with a hot and cold shower. Sometimes, it is difficult to get proper accommodation during the peak trekking season. It is a low altitude place near Pokhara city. Therefore, you will get accommodation at a reasonable price.

Ghorepani

Another overnight stay during the Annapurna Sunrise Trek is Ghorepani village. Ghorepani is the gateway to the Annapurna region. Besides this, it offers panoramic views of mountains with sunrise and sunset over snow-capped mountains. It provides you with a wide range of accommodation, therefore, you can choose the accommodation according to your budget.

Since Annapurna base camp is a popular trekking trail, it can be crowded during the peak trekking season from March-June and September to December. At that time, you have to share your room with your friends. Therefore, it is always better if you let us know which types of accommodation you want to experience during the ABC trek.

Tadapani

On the third day of the trek, we will be staying at Tadapani. This village has a limited teahouse with basic facilities. Therefore, you may need to share a room during the peak trekking season. However, a single room would be available for you in the off-season. Most of the teahouses of Tadapani have western types of restrooms with cold and hot showers.

Chhomorung

Chhomorung is a beautiful village and it offers you a mesmerizing view of Mt. Fishtail. Regarding accommodation, Chhomorung also provides basic facilities teahouse. As we go up in high altitude, we will get basic accommodation like a bed and a pillow. If you are lucky, you will get an electronic blanket.

Dovan

This is the famous stop after Chhomorung. In Dovan, you will be getting a few teahouses with normal accommodation facilities like a western bathroom and hot shower. Because of the limited teahouse, you need to share the room with your friends during the peak season. Therefore, early booking will help us to book the room as per your choice.

Deurali

As we have already mentioned, there is a limited teahouse with basic facilities at a higher altitude, we did not expect many teahouses in Deurali too. Therefore, we need to share the room in Deurali as well. If you want to spend your time in the private room in Deurali, you have to pay extra money for the booking. Therefore, we recommend our avid travelers book the room in advance.

Base Camp

We will get teahouse even in Annapurna Base Camp too. Annapurna base camp trek accommodation is the amazing one where you can view the world’s highest mountain with its surrounding peak. However, the teahouse is even limited in base camp. Here, you have to pay an extra amount to enjoy the hot shower. Sometimes, you may not get a hot shower during the peak trekking seasons because of the crowd.

Information regarding the basic price of the tea house accommodation during the Annapurna base camp trek:

The price varies for the accommodation in a teahouse in the Annapurna base camp trek according to the altitude, types of accommodation, and the season of the year.
You may have to pay high costs during the peak season like March-May, September- December in the Annapurna region due to the crowded route. Therefore, early booking helps us to minimize this problem.
There is a chance of getting good accommodation when you trek during the off-season.
Normally the price of the accommodation will be approx $5 per night for the basic facilities with comfortable and warm local hospitality.

Does the teahouse in Annapurna base camp always open?

Annapurna base camp is a modest type of trekking in Nepal. It is one of the high altitudes trekking in Nepal. However, you will find the teahouses for the accommodation in the base camp as well. The teahouse will be opened if the weather is good and there is no heavy snowfall. Therefore, getting information about the weather condition is foremost before going on this trek.

Trekking Accommodation

Posted on March 21, 2020September 8, 2021 by Oriental152207

Accommodation for Trekkers in Nepal

The trekking accommodation has different options varying from simple teahouses to standard lodges and deluxe and luxury mountain resorts in Nepal. The accommodation choices are available as per the type of tour and the budget of the traveler.

In the past days, there were limited local lodges. Trekkers often have to stay in tea shops for the overnights. Another option was setting camps for accommodation. Trekkers have to go to the local agents for all the camping arrangements. The agents offer full camping support. The trekking staff crew used to carry two men’s tents, and kitchen units with cooking tents. The camping team accompanies a head cook-kitchen staff, guides, and porters.

Later on the locals in some areas like Annapurna, Everest and Langtang trekking regions established simple lodges to provide and lodging. Trekkers in those days tagged these Trekking Accommodations or the Trekking lodges as “teahouses”. The traditional Bhatti or teashop accommodation is very rare on the main trekking trails, nowadays. Unlike before, we have trekking lodges with efficient operations, an English food menu, and attractive dining halls, these days. The owner normally speaks English Language and the staff has basic hospitality training.

Everest and Annapuran regions have the best trekking accommodation relative to the less crowded trekking destinations in Nepal. Since the areas are popular destinations for adventure trekking. The maximum number of trekkers visiting Nepal, choose these two areas as their destination.

Facilities in trekking accommodation

Trekking Lodge / Tea house is typical local guest house generally run by a family
Either use stone/wood walls with tin roofs as construction materials
Have basic facilities with solar power, hot showers on demand outside the room.
Serve meal from the Food Menu, you can enjoy local food
Provide Telephone, western toilets, small bar, and even WIFI in some areas.
Have shared toilets and bathrooms generally outside of the room.
A separate dining hall and generally have a heating system.
Bedrooms do not have heating systems, generally have twin beds with mattresses or foam pads, a cotton pillow, and a blanket. We suggest carrying an extra sleeping bag to remain enough warm.
Tea House Lodges play English songs and staff speak basic English for communication
Accommodation cost varies with region and distance from the trailhead. However, they charge reasonably. Whereas, Everest Base Camp route is relatively expensive.
Expect less comfort on Less trekked trails
Many lodges in the Annapurna and Everest regions have solar or electric-heated showers.
Don’t’ get surprised to do laundry under outdoor taps or in a tin bucket.

Teahouse

Teahouses or simple teahouse lodges may vary a bit concerning the trekking region, however, most of them are simple stone and wooden buildings. It looks like huts that have a kitchen, a communal eating hall and bathroom area, and many basic bedrooms. The rooms usually have two single beds and a table. The foreign trekkers visiting the area are specifically the target customer of the teahouses. But, in remote areas, they may be serving a few rooms ranging from 2-6 beds.

Camping

Lodges

Hotel

Resorts

Pashupatinath Evening Prayers

Posted on March 19, 2020February 16, 2022 by Oriental152207

Pashupatinath Evening Prayers – Sandhya Aarati

Pashupatinath Evening Prayers – Sandhya Aarati is the most loved vibrant ritual of Pashupatinath Temple. The ritual is performed every evening for approximately 1.5 hours. The ritual conducts at the bank of the sacred Bagmati river. The Sandhya Aarati faces to the west from the eastern side of the main temple of Pashupatinath. The holy river divides the temple premises into two sides. The main Pashupatinath Temple being on one side and the location of this Aarati on the other.

The Bagmati river has a great significance in the Hindu religion. Devotees believe that taking a dip in this river washes away sins. Along with different prayer songs, offering cow ghee lamp, and music, incense, and lights regular things to offer the lord. The three priests conduct the Pashupati Aarati custom with oil lamps, lanterns, and other religious elements by chanting the sacred mantra and songs.

Nowadays, the ritual has been the most attractive ritual of the temple area. Thousands of people visit temple premises every evening to attend rituals as a ceremony. The priests perform the Aarati by taking oil lamps and moving them in a circular motion and dedicating their act to the Divine. Devotees sing the Bhajan (songs with religious themes) during the Aarati, creating blissful surroundings. The Aarati starts at 6 pm every evening. This is a ritual that allows everyone to be a part of it and creates an environment of the union of God and the devotees.

The Pashupati Bagmati Sandhya Aarati started as a regular tradition since the year 2006. Since then, this Aarati has been a regular practice captivating hundreds of thousands of people every year.

Important UNESCO World Heritage Site

Pashupatinath Temple is the most visited UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Monument of Kathamndu Valley. People of all religious faiths visit the temple area to witness the cultural and archeological aspects of the temple. Travelers can enjoy the customized tour of the Pashupatinath to observe the evening prayers at the bank of the Bagmati River. Booking a 4 Days Cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley lets you visit all the monuments of UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley.

Most valuable Hindu Ritual

The Hindu religion considers the Aarati Puja as the most valuable ritual. A Bhajan is a song with praise of gods that is more valuable than a song. Prayer is more sacred than Bhajan, and finally, Aarati is the most important of them all. Hindu believes that the Aarati is the highest form of prayer.

The Bagmati Aarati at Pashupatinath gives reverence to the holy river Bagmati and the Pashupatinath temple. Followers perform the “Tandav” dance at the same time enjoying the moment in full. Tandav is a cosmic dance performed by Lord Shiva at the time of full bliss and Pralaya. The devotees pay homage to Lord Shiva playing the same dance.

Many visitors take part in the Aarati every day. People take Monday as the right day to worship Lord Shiva. There are more attendees at the Aarati rituals on a Monday evening. The Aarati is a prime enchantment at some stage on the day of the Maha Shivaratri and Hari Talika Teej festival.

Hindu faith believes in the presence of God in every living being. Religion posts the significance of good for every person instead of on a top one. The very belief is portrayed throughout the Aarati. During Aarati, prayers are sung for the betterment of complete humanity and Aarati as a primary common purpose. The ritual of Aarati concludes by hailing for the well-being of every living soul and thanking God for the kindness bestowed.

Nepal in 3 Days

Posted on March 15, 2020March 24, 2022 by Oriental152207

Nepal in 3 Days Experience

There are some special activities to experience with Nepal in 3 Days tour or even a short period in Kathmandu. Many traveller consider the 3 Nights and 4 Days Nepal tour in Nepal as an idle itinerary to travel with family and kids. To date, Kathmandu is home to the only international airport in the country. It will be a great idea to stick to the capital city when you are on a very tight schedule. The major UNESCO cultural heritage sites are in and around Kathmandu. Geographically, they are not so apart, but you have to expect hectic traffic in some junction between the monument sights.

Travelers can enjoy their short Nepal Holidays in 3 Days tour. The tour itineraries are customizable to extend more days to visit more destinations.

1. Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tours

Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour - Patan Durbar Square — Patan Durbar Square, One of the Prominent Royal Palace of Medieval Nepal

To date, Kathmandu is home to the only international airport in the country. It will be a great idea to stick to the capital city when you are on a very tight schedule. The major UNESCO cultural heritage sites are in and around Kathmandu. As the valley houses the major cultural heritage sites, it is best to spend a few days to a week exploring the significant heritage sites here. Especially, 3 Days to 6 Days Nepal insight tours are effective to have your best time. Geographically, they are not so apart, but you have to expect bad traffic. So the best decision is not to try to pack too much into your days.

A 3 nights 4 Days standard itinerary of Kathmandu Valley Heritage Tour including incredible sunrise view

1st Day: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
2nd Day: Full day Sightseeing
3rd Day: Full Day Sightseeing and Drive to Nagarkot
4th Day: Observe Sunrise, Drive back to Kathmandu for departure

The Kathmandu Valley is so full of historical, architectural, cultural, and religious treasures that you don’t need to leave to have a rich experience in Nepal. Spend the first three days checking out the most famous sites listed in UNESCO World Heritage of Kathmandu: the Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa. You may check the Kathmandu Valley Heritage tour to experience the cultural richness of the valley.

3. Chitwan Wildlife Jungle Safari

A popular Jungle Safari package is organized Chitwan National Park for Nepal in 3 days tour. The exciting activities of Jungle Safari / Wildlife Safari carry out in Chitwan National Park. The national park situates in south-central Nepal within an area of 932 sq km area. UNESCO designated Chitwan National Park as a Natural World Heritage site in 1984. Since then it is the center of attraction to every national and international visitor. The forests of the national park are famous for birdwatching and other Jungle Activities. It preserves the most endangered species of mammals and reptiles

3 Days Nepal tour with Chitwan Jungle Safari

1st Day: Kathmandu to Chitwan
2nd Day: Full-day Jungle activities.
3rd Day: Bird watching and returning back to Kathmandu.

4. Chisapani Nagarkot Easy Hiking

Hikers can participate in the easy hiking trip of Chisapani -Nagarkot to experience the exciting trip in Nepal for 3 Days tour. Chisapani Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking is suitable for hiking for people with limited time. The 3 Days in Nepal experience trip fits travelers of all age groups, solo travelers, friends and families, and students. Since this is an easy and short hike, this would be better for the family trip too. The narrow paths inside the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park take you through dense forests and quaint villages.

3 Nights / 4 Days Chisapani -Nagarkot-Dhulikhel hiking program

1st Day: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal (1 Hrs Drive) & Hike to Chisapani (4 Hrs)
2nd Day: Hiking from Chisapani to Nagarkot (6 Hrs)
3rd Day: Hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel (5 Hrs)
4th Day: Drive from Dhulikhel to Kathmandu [30 KM/2 hour drive]

5. Bardiya Jungle Safari

Royal Bengal Tiger - Bardia Jungle Safari — Royal Bengal Tiger – Bardia Jungle Safari

Bardiya Jungle Safari is the best way to explore the wildlife and Jungle in Nepal. Bardiya National Park Jungle Safari is the largest as well as the off-the-beaten National Park of Nepal. This national park has preserved some of the best habitats in Asia. Jungle Safari in Nepal provides you with one of the most thrilling experiences in Nepal.

Bardia Jungle Safari Experience – 3N/4D

1st Day: Fly to Nepalgunj and Drive to Bardiya National Park.
2nd Day: Full day Jungle walk
3rd Day: Full-Day Jeep Safari
4th Day: Breakfast and Departure after lunch as per Schedule.

After Breakfast, you will go around the Karnali River to observe local people’s activities and then will move to Nepalgunj Airport to get back to Kathmandu.

6. Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek

The people who often look for 3 to 4 Day short Trek love to grab the Ghorepani Poonhill trek. Starting and concluding in Kathmandu needs an extra two days to make it 6 Day Nepal trek. However, the trek is categorized under short trek, it has some difficult challenges as we have to climb a staircase consisting of 3300 steps on the way to Ghorepani.

If you wanted to go a little further afield and get some mountain views, follow this Kathmandu Valley Day Tour, which includes Nagarkot, Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Heritage city, and Changu Narayan– the oldest temple where history began.

2 Nights 3 Days Nepal Experience through the short itinerary of Poon Hill Trek

1st Day: Drive to Ulleri and trek to Ghorepani (2,860m) – 6 hours
2nd Day: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) & Trek to Tadapani (2,660m)
3rd Day: Trek to Ghandruk (1,010m) & ride to Pokhara – 2 hrs trek and 2.5 hrs drive

Final Say

Aside from the excursions described above, Nepal is a tiny yet extensive place to visit. Without a sure, three days in Nepal is insufficient, but you may talk with our travel adviser to design an itinerary that best suits your interests. Within three days, you may have the opportunity to explore tens of options for learning about Nepal’s culture, traditions, and natural beauty. Some examples include experiential tours, yoga, Buddhism, meditation, cuisine tasting, food preparation, bird watching, and pilgrimage.

Tihar Festival

Posted on March 13, 2020April 29, 2022 by Oriental152207

Tihar – Festival of Colors & Light

Yama Panchak is another name for Tihar. Almost all the Nepalese communities celebrate Tihar in various forms. Tihar is a festival of lights and colors where every house of every nook and corner is decorated with lights and flowers. Though there are various names of Tihar such as Swonti according to the Newari people and Diwali according to the Indian people, the main theme of Tihar remains the same.

The house and the whole locality seem amazingly beautiful being decorated with the traditional lamp – Diyo made up of clay, where the twisted cotton is dipped in the oil and is lighted. The fireworks add more delight to the Tihar festival.

Festival Highlights

Glorify yourself within the festival of colorful flowers and lights of Deepawali
Experiencing the social harmony through Festival
Worshiping Animals as a valuable part of daily life
Preserving the brotherhood and sisterhood

Tihar is celebrated for five days. The first day beings from the Trayodashi of Kartik Krishna Paksha and ends on the fifth day with the Dwitiya of Kartik Sukla Paksha. Every day of Tihar carries a special meaning and significance. The very first day of Tihar is Kaag Tihar in which the crows are worshipped by offering foods and sweets on the roof of the house. Kaag (crow), the informant of Yamaraj is believed to bring the message of sadness and misery. Therefore, people worship Kaag with a belief that the Kaag would not bring any message of sorrow to their house.

The second day of Tihar is Kukur Tihar. This day is celebrated as Khicha Puja by the Newari people. The dog is considered the agent of Yamaraj and also the guard of hell. Furthermore, this day is celebrated as Narka Chaturdashi. So, the dog is worshipped by putting tika (Dot of the red color (abir) and yellow color (Kesari) ) and garlands and people offer sweets and food to the dogs. Also, they are worshipped for their loyalty.

Laxmi Pooja

The third day is Gai Tihar or Laxmi Pooja. On this day, people clean their houses, decorate with colorful flowers, and make impressive designs of Rangoli in front of their doors with seven different colors. The colors include the seven colors of the rainbow – VIBGYOR ( Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red ). The house is decorated and cleaned to welcome the goddess of wealth – Laxmi and other gods and goddesses so that they will bless their home with wealth and happiness. The day becomes busier but the level of satisfaction is more than the tiredness. Also, they worship Gai (cow) – the symbol of goddess Laxmi. At the auspicious time of the evening, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped.

The women take fast and prepare varieties of delicious sweets and desserts and also prepare selroti. The adults and the children gather together and play Deusi Bhailo by singing the folk Deusi Bhailo song and dancing to various songs.

The fourth day is Goru Tihar. This day is celebrated according to the people and their traditions. The people worship ox in this day. The Newari people celebrate this day as Mha Puja – i.e they worship themselves. This day also marks the beginning of a new year Sakha Sambat. Some people worship Govardhan Parbat (hill).

The main day of Tihar

The fifth day is Bhai Tika where the sisters worship their brothers for their long life. With certain rituals, Bhai tika is celebrated. Every step of the ritual has separate importance and meaning. The day, Bhai Tika has a long story back. It is believed that the Lord of death – Yamaraj went to put tika from his sister the Yamuna and she worshipped her brother as a ritual by putting Tilak ( tika with seven different colors) on his forehead, garland and prepared sweets and other food items for her brother. So. Yamarj announced that those brothers who put tika from their sisters would have a long life.

It is also believed that the turfgrass and the garland of Makhamali flower being fresh and not dried for the next year epitomize the long life of their brother.

In this way, the five days of Tihar are celebrated with joy and hope of the prosperous, long and healthy life of their beloved ones. The cherishing lights and colors, the joyous days with songs and dance, and the prayers for the loved one, Tihar, is a mesmerizing festival. The alluring beauty of the garden with the blooming flowers adds charm to the houses and also the festival of Tihar.

Tihar, a social festival

Tihar – being a festival of lights and colors, is a social festival. Nepal is a country that is rich in culture and traditions. After Dashain, Tihar is the biggest festival of the Nepalese people. The five days of the Tihar carry the significance of each day.

The adults and children of a locality gather together to play deusi bhailo together and visit door-to-door the same or another locality. This increases the social interaction between people. The relatives or the neighbors gather together in the house to prepare sweet dishes, Selroti, and the feast for Tihar. In this way, they socialize with each other. They get to know each other furthermore and have fun at the same time. To gather together and play swings in commonplace during the festival of Tihar is a part of the traditional practice during the festival.

Tihar is also a festival of the celebration of the siblings. The brotherhood and sisterhood are enjoyed and celebrated. The spirituality of the tradition is kept and preserved for generations to generations along with having fun and entertainment. The happiness of gathering around, listening to those long backstories with grandmother and grandfather, and meeting those siblings who were away, for the time being, is overwhelming.

Worshiping Sisterhood and Brotherhood

Tihar is the festival of celebration of sisterhood and brotherhood. Tihar is a festival for a family reunion. On the day of Bhai Tika- the main day of Tihar, Sisters offer blessing and Tika to their brothers with different presents for their long life, and brothers do the same in return. This is the most significant part of the Tihar festival to preserve brotherhood and sisterhood throughout life. The temple of Balgopaleshwor, located at the center of historical Rani Pokhara of Kathmandu, opens only once a year on the day of Bhai Tika of Tihar. People who do not have a brother or sister visit here to get blessings on the very day.

On the day of Bhai Tika, the sisters pray for the long life of their brother with a certain ritual of Bhai Tika. The sisters and brothers who couldn’t meet for months or years, meet on the day of Bhai Tika and share their happiness and sorrows along with the ritual of Bhai Tika.

Preparation Part of the Tihar Festival

Family members and relatives meet together for joint preparation of the Tihar Festival. The neighbors also gather together for the celebration of Tihar. Family prepares varieties of feasts, cuisine to enjoy at a place. Fireworks are another attraction of festivals, especially, in city areas.

Besides its diversity, Nepal is rich in festivals and cultures and traditional celebrations Among the various festivals, Dashain is the largest festival of the Nepalese whereas Tihar is the second largest festival. Tihar is the festival of lights and colors celebrated for five days. The very first day is Kaag Tihar and the fifth day is Bhai Tika. With various significance and stories that date back. Tihar is a festival of rejoicing.

Festival of Animal Worshiping

Tihar equally worships animals like Crow, Dog, Cow, and Oxen to respect their contribution to human life. On the first day, Kaag Tihar celebrates worshiping Kaag (crow and ravine). Nepal society has a faith to respect Crow as the messenger creature. So, people worship it to invite good luck rather than the pain and dismays.

Tihar Festival - Worshiping the dogs — Tihar Festival – Worshiping the dogs

The second day is for Kukur(Dog), to dedicate the prayers for loyalty and friendship of the dogs for humankind. Dogs are believed to be the agent of the Lord of death – Yamamaraj and believed that they can sense the death of the people early. The dogs are also considered the guard of the Narka (hell). So, this day is also celebrated as Narka Chaturdashi.

On the third day, Gai Tihar is celebrated. On this day, the cow is worshipped for all her favor to mankind. In the context of Nepal, the cow is also regarded as the mother. The cow is regarded as the emblem of the goddess of wealth – Laxmi. So, the evening is time for worshiping of goddess Laxmi with a belief that she will bless them with wealth.

On the fourth day, Goru Tihar is celebrated. This day is also known as Govardhan Puja. On this day, the hard-working friends of the farmers i.e ox are worshipped. Also during this day, a mini Govardhan is made with cow dung and worshipped. This depicts that even the cow dung is venerated in Nepal.

With all the significance of every day of Tihar, it is a festival that worships animals.

So Tihar – the festival of lights and colors, is also a festival for family reunions.

Tihar as festivals of light and color

Tihar – popularly known as the festival of lights and colors lasts for five days. Every nook and corner of the town and village decorates itself with the beautiful garlands of the marigold flower (Sayapatri Phool). Further, the artificial colorful bulbs and the traditional oil lamps (Diyo) make a festival bright. Everyone feels overjoyed with the illumination of those beautiful lights,

On the day of Laxmi Puja, people clean their houses and decorate the windows and the doors with garlands. They mark a line of red soil ( Rato Mato) to their temple where Laxmi is believed to be worshipped. Also, they make winsome designs of Rangoli in front of the doors with a belief to welcome the Goddess Laxmi as well as other gods. Seven different colors (colors of the rainbow), flowers, floors, and leaves of the plants are used to make Rangoli (customized Mandala).

The lights and colors are so beautiful that you feel like literally being in heaven. So Tihar is the festival of light and color.

Since the festival falls during the month of October/November many foreign take the opportunity to visit Nepal during the festival dates. Cultural tours around the Kathmandu valley lets you experience the decorated colorful streets with varieties of lights.

A festival of the goddess of wealth– Laxmi

Yamapanchak is another name of Tihar. Nepal marks Tihar for five days. Each day has its importance.
The Gai Tihar falls on the third day. Every household and business house conduct Laxmi Pooja – worshiping of the goddess of wealth during the evening of the same day. All the families decorate their houses and shops with colorful garlands of Merigold, prepare colorful Mandala structures. People assume the goddess Laxmi on the Mandala Structure.

The people clean their houses, decorate the windows and doors with the garlands of Merigold Flowers, and prepare sweet dishes to offer for Goddess Laxmi. All the activities of Laxmi pooja dedicate to the goddess Laxmi. Before the time of puja, people mark a red line from the front door to their temple and make the shape of the feet with their hands by dipping their hands in the red-colored water. This represents that Laxmi has entered the house. Then at the auspicious time, they worship the goddess of wealth – Laxmi.

Not only at home, but People also celebrate and worship Goddess Laxmi in the same pattern at the office, shops, and workplaces.

So, the second largest festival of Nepalese people – Tihar is the festival of inviting the Goddess Laxmi.

All tourist visas on hold

Posted on March 13, 2020September 8, 2021 by Oriental152207

Nepal government puts all tourist visas on hold and cancels all spring climbing expeditions

The Nepal government, late Thursday night, decides to temporarily for a tourist visa on hold. The issuance of the on-arrival tourist visas to all countries and has put an end to all spring mountaineering expeditions, including Everest ascents.

The decision comes a day after the World Health Organization declared the Covid-19 outbreak a pandemic and urged countries to take precautionary measures.

“The visa suspension, which excludes diplomatic and official visas, will come into effect on March 14 and last until April 30,” a government official told the Post on condition of anonymity.

The meeting also decides to restrict traveller movement to and from India via land routes and adhere to strict quarantine measures at the border. Till date, the government takes no decision to close down schools and colleges.

“In case of emergency, any foreigners wishing to come to Nepal will need to submit a medical certificate declaring that they are free of the coronavirus while applying at Nepal’s consulate in their respective countries,” the official said. “The government has also decided not to issue visas for tourists entering Nepal via land routes.”

Tourist visa hold: forces to cancels all Everest Expeditions for Spring

According to the official, all spring expeditions, including Everest, have been cancelled.

The decision effectively puts an end to the lucrative spring climbing season, which is when most Everest attempts take place.

Mountaineers generally apply for Everest permits from the end of March. The spring season begins in early April as hordes of climbers start trekking for the Everest region. From hotels to restaurants, guides to porters, and airlines to helicopters, all eagerly await the spring climbing season as it generates much-needed income and jobs for the mountainous region.

The government alone earns around $4 million by issuing Everest climbing permits every year. The two-week summit window normally begins in the second week of May. Millions of dollars in income will lose to wipe out from the market after the call of Spring ascents.

China cancels all Everest Expeditions

In the wake of the global coronavirus outbreak, China has already cancelled all Everest expeditions from the Tibetan side.

The China Tibet Mountaineering Association, the body that issues climbing permits, notified expeditions on Wednesday that all Everest ascents from the northern side had been cancelled due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Countries across the world are stepping up measures and revising travel advisories to control the virus spread.

The United States has suspended all travel from Europe to the country for 30 days and India is temporarily suspending almost all travel visas starting Friday as part of its efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. India’s ban will be applicable until April 15.

Following China’s announcement, aspiring mountaineers from around the world were eagerly awaiting the Nepal government’s response.

In the last few years, it has mostly been Indians who’ve sought Everest climbing permits, followed by Chinese, Americans and the British. With China still battling Covid-19 and India reporting more and more cases by the day, things were not looking good for Nepal’s mountaineering season, said Rishi Bhandari, managing director of Satori Adventures.

Last year, the department had issued permits for 1,024 climbers, including 382 foreigners. Among them, 644 climbers reached the top.

Source: The Kathmandu Post