Chitwan

Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal is one of the best planned and most intelligently developed tourist areas in Nepal. Not only does it offer a wide variety of resorts and lodges, it is also easy to reach - by road or by air. Regular flights are scheduled by Nepal Airlines and other airlines to Meghauli, Simara and Bharatpur. Many resorts provide coach service. Local buses offer a choice between a night ride and a day ride. Chitwan National Park is perhaps the best park in Nepal for seeing animals in the wild. In the earlier part of the century, when rapid deforestation was devastating Nepal's southern Terai belt, Government of Nepal intervened and proclaimed the Chitwan area a national park. The Government of Nepal declared the Chitwan region a national park, outlawed settlement and deforestation within its boundaries, and a campaign to save the animals began. Projects carried out with the help of friendly nations have revived the animals that remained. Though the Terai is certainly not what it once was, the preserved portion within the Chitwan National Park is still a treat for animal lovers. Bengal tigers roam the region; one-horned rhinos can be seen charging through the underbrush, feeding and even courting. The Rapti River has been dammed to form a man-made lake called Lamital where water-birds and marsh mugger peckers and many other birds are found in plenty in these forests. Elephant grass, five to six feet tall, provides excellent camouflage for animals. This grass serves as food for the gaur (a local bison), rhino and other herbivores. Once a year, local people are allowed into the park area to cut grass. The grass is dried, and used to thatch roofs or stored for food for the domestic animals during the dry season. Access : Chitwan is easily accessible from Kathmandu, being well connected by a national highway to Bhadrapur and Sauraha. There are daily flights to Meghauli airstrip just outside the park boundry. Accomodation : Resorts and lodges are available to suit one's travel budget; most include elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoeing and a variety of cultural activities in their programs. Reservations for accommodations can be made at the Kathmandu offices of Chitwan resorts and lodges, with selections ranging from the most luxurious to those with simple food and shelter. On a village tour, you can observe the culture of the Tharu people. Tharu dance and song performances are included in most resort and lodge entertainment. A visit to Chitwan is a visit filled to the brim with activities, whether you stay two days or a week.


Places to see
Royal Chitwan National Park is home to the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, leopard the elusive Bengal Tiger and over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles. It is listed in the world heritage site. Apart from jungle safari, there are many places which are quite interesting to visit: Elephant Breeding Centre, Crocodile Farm etc.

Things to do

Jungle Safari: One can go for a jungle safari on elephant back so that s/he can penetrate deep into the jungle for viewing and photographing wildlife or for a jungle walk to experience the abundant bird-life and the flora and fauna of the Park. If you are lucky, you may see the elusive Bengal Tiger.

Birdwatching: The Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage Site that protects 932 square kilometres of dry deciduous forest, tropical evergreen forest and riverine grasslands. A larger number of bird species (over 480) has been recorded here than in any other part of Nepal due to Chitwan’s diverse habitats and tropical lowland situation.

Boat tour: to watch a Gharial: Take a drive through the jungles followed by a boat ride down the Narayani river where there are excellent chances of viewing the gharial crocodiles as well as mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters and varieties of water birds, or go on a nature walk.

Lumbini: Places to see

Maya Devi temple, Ashoka pillar, Pushkarni pond

One can see Maya Devi temple, the place where Maya Devi gave birth to the lord Buddha. An Ashoka pillar, which has inscriptions identifying the spot as the birthplace, ruins of ancient stupas and monasteries. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a "foot imprint", indicating the exact place of birth. Pushkarni pond where Queen Mayadevi took bath before giving birth. The International Gautami Nuns temple is also found here which is a replica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu.

Lumbini Museum

Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, and Kapilvastu Museum (situated 27km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot) are other places to see in this region. The Kapilvastu museum has ruins of ancient capital of Sakya kingdom where the Buddha spet his his youth as Prince Siddhartha.

Visit Sacred Garden in morning. It is spread over 8 sq.km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. Today as part of the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many countries have built or are building temples, monasteries or stupas near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. Temples or shrines that have finished their construction so far are Myanmar Temple, International Gautami Nuns Temple, China Temple, The Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara.

Gotihawa is in the Kapilvastu district, about 31 kilometers west of Lumbini. Gotihawa is regarded a very important religious place for Buddhists all over the world. It is believed that Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Sakyamuni Buddha, was born and attained nirvana in Gotihawa.

Kudan is in about four and a half kilometers south of Tilaurakot. It is where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha.

Niglihawa is situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. It is believed that the Kanakmuni Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha, was born, enlightened, and met his father in this place.

The Ramgram Kingdom was 60 kilometers to the east of the holy place of the Buddha's birth. The King of Ramgram Kingdom was one of the eight Kings who obtained Buddha's relics and he also built a pagoda, which is named Ramgram Pagoda.

Sagarhawa is in the northwest of Niglihawa. This site has been identified by archeologists as the "Palace of massacre of the Shakyas."

Tilaurakot is about 25 kilometers west of Lumbini that extends over an area of two and half miles. Tilaurakot is the exact site of ancient Kapilvastu due to its general consonance of local bearings and geographical conditions as described in the Buddhist texts and travel accounts of Chinese pilgrims.

Lumbini: the birth place of Lord Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal, twenty-five hundred years ago. Since his time, Nepal has been a sacred ground for Buddhists as the birthplace of the Buddha. Lumbini is a small town in the southern Terai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. Shakyamuni Buddha was born to a family. Lumbini has been a holy ground for Buddhists all over the world. The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. An important part of Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi. It has a stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch. It has been well worn by the strokes of barren women hoping for fertility. To the south of the temple is a pool where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed and given her son his first purification bath. A quiet garden, shaded by the leafy Bo tree (the type of tree under which Buddha received enlightenment), and a newly-planted forest nearby lend an air of tranquillity which bespeaks Buddha's teachings. Lumbini is now being developed under the Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non governmental organization dedicated to the restoration of Lumbini and its development as a pilgrimage site. The plan, completed in 1978 by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, will transform three square miles of land into a sacred place of gardens, pools, buildings, and groves. The development will include a Monastic Zone, the circular sacred Garden surrounding the Ashoka pillar and Maya Devi temple, and Lumbini Village, where visitors will find lodges, restaurants, a cultural center and tourist facilities. An important archeological site near Lumbini, Kapilvastu evokes the ancient palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. Scattered foundations of the palace are abundant, and archeologists have by now discovered 13 successive layers of human habitation dating back to the eighth century BC. A must for archeological and historical buffs! Besides its religious and historical significance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of southern Nepal. If possible, try to coincide your visit with the weekly Monday bazaar when villagers come from miles around to buy grains, spices, pottery, jewellery, saris and various other items. It may appear as a scene out of the Arabian Nights, with colorful merchandise spread out under the mango trees and the air perfumed with incense. It's a chance to bargain for souvenirs while witnessing local life in Lumbini. Wooden ox-carts loaded with hay trundle by. Villagers dry cow-dung for fuel, and tea stalls serve sweet milk tea. Today, Lumbini is beginning to receive travellers' and archaeologists' attention after centuries of neglect. Serious preservation work has only just been started in the latter half of this century and Lumbini as a slice of history is worth seeing and worth preserving. Access : Nepal Airlines and other airlines fly regularly to Bhairahawa, near Lumbini, and bus services are available from Pokhara and Kathmandu. Accommodation : There are several good hotels and lodges in Lumbini.

Pokhara: Things to do

Moter Biking

Exploring the valley on a mobike is truly an adventure packed with thrill and excitement. You can meet the locals and venture into all the places in the Valley. Your requirement, thus, is a good bike and a very good map.

Mountain Flight

Mountain flight is ideal for those who've limited time and cannot afford to go for trekking. Mountain flight offers spectacular views of the Himalaya. There are various flight carriers that operate mountain flight during October-May.

Boating

Pokhara's Phewa Lake is the most popular destination for travelers wanting to indulge in recreational boating. It is the second largest lake in the Kingdom and measures roughly 1.5 by 4 km. Its eastern shore, also known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the center of tourist activity in Pokhara. Begnas and Rupa Tal are located 15 km out of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns off the Kathmandu highway. Both these lakes offer some splendid boating opportunities. Renting a boat for a couple of hours and heading out to the middle or the other side of the lake bordering the forested hill, and taking a swim, can be the highlight of a warm day. The water is cleaner out far from the buffalo and washing on the edge. Boats can also be had for the whole day, or on an hourly basis. You can either row around yourself or hire a boatman, the former being definitely a better option.

At Phewa, tourists have a choice of pedal-driven boats, rowboats and sailboats. There is also a choice between fiber body sailboats and wooden ones.

The best time for boating is in the winter months between October and February, when the skies are clear and the mountains cast their shadows on the lake's tranquil waters.

Ultralight Aircraft

The choice of the Pokhara Valley for ultra-light aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. For those who wished they could fly like birds when growing up, this flight is a must. Leave your woes behind on earth, soar to heights, bathe in the clouds, reach out for the mountains and kiss the azure sky as you fly across it. It might be lonely at the top, but the spectacular view from up high certainly makes it all worth it. The company operates flights from the Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to sunset every day during these months. Ultra-lights can take off and land in a field or on a dirt road, and in areas where other planes fear to tread. The aircraft seats two, a passenger and the pilot. It can fly for hours and ascend the altitude of 5000 meters. Its aerodynamic quality allows it to perform long flight even with the engine shut off. It is flown by pilots with over 6,000 flights to his or her credit.

Fishing

Those who wish to stay by the lake can even try his/her luck for the biggest catch. You can hire fishing rods from the shops in the lakeside.

Golfing

Golfing is a newly introduced concept in Pokhara. There are two world class golf courses in Pokhara.

Pony Riding

Pony riding is a major tourist attraction in this town. There are operators organizing these rides in the valley and the surrounding hills.

Rafting

Several operators in Pokhara offer rafting trips along major rivers in the vicinity of the valley. The most popular rafting trip is along Trishuli River, which flows along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Similarly, this adventure can be enjoyed at Kali Gandaki River.

Short Hikes

Though Pokhara is a perfect relaxation point for the trekkers, some individuals still yearn to explore Pokhara beyond that. The sightseeing tour will take about 3-4 hours but you can extend the hours by having an extended visit to some places around Pokhara Valley in terms of a simple visit or a short hike.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is recommended if you wish to explore urban centers of Nepal as well as countryside in the outskirts. Imagine, if you will, a ride through lush green rice fields, through hamlets, up and down the hillside, along the river bank, around temples, past the streetroaming cattle, along the suspension bridge, along the highway. Mountain bikes are available for rent by the day or longer in many of the bicycle rental outlets in and around the city. If you wish to be enlightened about the culture, rhythm of village life, cool spots to visit, guided trips should be undertaken.

Pokhara: Places to see

Mountain Views

Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara's sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna 1 (8,091 m), it is Machhapuchhre which dominates all others in this neighbourhood. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fish-tailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needle-pointed mountain. If you want to see the mountains from close up, Everest Air offers a mountain flight from Pokhara that takes you on an aerial sightseeing tour of the western Himalaya.

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the center of all attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travellers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.
Show in map

Barahi Temple

The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storyed pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of' Ajima, the protesters deity representing- the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
Show in map

Seti Gandaki

Another of Pokhara's natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti Gandaki river. Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi's Fall

Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall). Devi's Fall (also known as Devin's and David's) is a lovely waterfall lying about two km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David..) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Show in map

Mahendra Cave

Another of nature's wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.
Show in map

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda This pagoda is situated on the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands great view. It is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna.
Show in map

The Old Bazaar

Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about four km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well. This area strewn with shops selling commodities ranging from edibles and cloth to cosmetics and gold is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around. The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrines'. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Mandir, this white dome-like structure dominates a spacious stone-paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park-like grounds offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays when devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, it takes on a festive local flavour.
Show in map

Museums

The Pokhara Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus are attractively displayed through models, photographs and artefacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance fee is Rs.10 (tel: 20413).

The Annapurna Regional Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum, is another interesting visit in Pokhara. Run by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds and models of wildlife found in the area. Located at Prithvi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar, it is open daily except Saturdays and holidays from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance is free (tel: 21102).

Surrounding Areas

Pokhara is the starting and/or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long, challenging ones. The most popular destination among them is Sarangkot (1592 m), a former Kaski fort lying atop a hill to the west of Pokhara. The panoramic view of the Himalaya seen from this point is superb. Kahundanda, Naudanda, Ghandrung, Ghorepani, and Ghalchok are other favorite destinations around Pokhara.

Pokhara: General Information

Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.

The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar.

Kathmandu: Things to do

Explore the City of Temples: The city of temples is the other name for the Kathmandu valley. It 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. Pashupatinath, Swoayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Changunarayan are the ones, listed in World Heritage Sites along with Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapaur Durbar Squares.

Nepalese 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, woodcarvings, woolen carpets, handmade papers, pashmina, and shawls.

Visit Museums: Visit the Tribhuwan, Mahindra, and Birendra Museums, all housed in the sprawling and historical Hanuman Dhoka Palace, 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. 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, Buddhist religious art and weapons used during the wars in 19th century.

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

Shop in Thamel: 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.

Thangkas: Visit Thangkas shopping complex in Kathmandu. 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 a unique icon. Visit Thamel and Bouddha shopping areas to discover the world of Thankas.

Taste Dal Bhat and Tarkari: the Nepali Food: Every hotel, big or small, can offer you Dal Bhat and Tarkari.

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.