Traveling to Nepal provides you a perfect reason as to why you need a week or two for holiday. Once you land at this charming country, you will want to explore every distinct place Nepal has to offer. The friendly hospitality of the locals will also make you feel just quite at home.
Eager to know another ideal reason to visit this beautiful place? Festivals! Nepal has numerous feasts and festivals that signify a glimpse of the rich Nepalese heritage. The country also is a place affluent with diverse cultures and ethnicity that lets visitors have a fascinating interaction with the locals.
Each month there are numerous Nepalese festivals being observed throughout the country. Festivals are always a pleasant experience and can bring you happiness with glimpses into the country’s heritage and customs. If you are traveling Nepal with family, school or solo then you will get an opportunity to observe and participate in the different unique festivals of Nepal.
Gai Jatra: The Festival of Cow, Satire, and Commemoration
Saparu, the distinct festival of satire, cow, death, and commemoration is also recognized as Gai Jatra. Gai literally means a cow and Jatra is a grand carnival in Nepal. The cow is respected deeply in Hinduism and considered a symbol of the Earth. It provides and nourishes which signifies life and the support of life. Therefore a festival devoted to cows.
Gai Jatra, the festival of cow is observed in Nepal, in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, and Lalitpur, with great excitement and gusto. This year, the festival falls on Friday, 16 August and will be accompanied by grand scrumptious feasts, music, dance, and fun.
Why Gai Jatra is celebrated
Gai Jatra is regarded as a healthy festival which empowers people to accept the truth of death and prepare themselves for life after death
This festival is observed for clearing the way to heaven for the departed soul of a family member. It is also considered that if a family member of the deceased participates in the procession, the deceased family members will be cleansed of their sins and make it safely to the doorways of heaven by holding on to the cow’s tail.
If you roam in the streets of Nepal on this day, then you can witness the procession of cows with a huge mass of people from the early morning. Hundreds of boys dressed vibrant attire with a face smeared with mascara and decorated as cows stroll with barefoot along the streets and be a part of the procession in the name of the departed soul of kins. It is said that the cow will assist them in the journey of liberty into heaven
The procession carries the images of their family members or relatives who died in the earlier year accompanied by a cow, masked dancers, musician and a boy dressed as the animal. This is done to ensure that their lost loved one has a place in heaven; steamed out of the belief that sacred animals, cow, take their demised relative(s) to heaven.
The participants of the procession offer milk, fruits, coins, sweets, and beaten rice in a tray made of a leaf by friends and relatives. After the procession is ended, the festival is observed with dancing, singing, and prank followed by mockery and humor that cause laughter and fun
Who started Gai Jatra in Nepal
The Gai Jatra fundamentally begun in ancient ages when people used to fear ‘Yamaraj,’ the god of death and worshipped him. However, the modern tradition of celebrating Gai Jatra started since the death of a prince during the Malla Era. At that time King Pratap Malla ruled (1641-1674AD) Kantipur (now Kathmandu).
The death of the prince led the queen to serious depression. She started spending her days drowning in grief. The king could not see his beloved in such a miserable condition and made all his possible efforts to improve her condition. However, all his attempts went in vain, since no efforts could bring a little smile to her face.
Finally, after all his attempts, the king asked to organize a parade in which each family who had suffered a loss in that year participates in the parade. He ordered everyone to wear colorful and funny dresses and gave ‘freedom of speech’ where one can crack a joke about anything which might not be inappropriate in ordinary days.
As the procession began and passed across the palace, the king explained to the queen the huge mass has also experienced the same grief she is going through. This procession made the queen realize she is not the only one who has lost her beloved. Though many others are mourning, and yet this hadn’t stopped them from participating in the parade, wear colorful clothes, make jokes, laugh and celebrate life.
As the journey processed, the mass made silly jokes without any hesitation. When it came to social injustice and some reputed persons in the society, the queen could not help herself out, and she burst into laughter. The king, overwhelmed with happiness, commenced the tradition of the Gai Jatra celebration annually and decided to include jokes and sarcasm as a part of the festival.
Gai Jatra in different cities
Bhaktapur
In Bhaktapur, the chariot made up of bamboo, known as Taha Macha, decorated in cloth with a picture of the demised person at the middle is taken out in the procession. The locals and musicians perform the cultural dance called Ghita Ghinsi, the amusing and energetic stick dance.
The groups of dancers and musicians in the carnival move according to this pattern of ghintangghisi. The participants adore funny customs with painted faces and masks. This dance remains until the festival of Krishna Ashtami.
Patan
Patan and Kirtipur also observe this festival in different styles. Patan celebrates as the people observe in Kathmandu. Only what differs is the participant’s density. Since the people in Patan observe a Gai Jatra like festival called mayata, people’s involvement is observed to be higher in this festival rather than Gai Jatra.
Kirtipur
Kirtipur has a bit of difference in the celebration of Gai Jatra. Contrasting in Kathmandu, people take out parade dressed as gods and goddesses. They celebrate for the peace and harmony of family members and the entire city apart from the good wishes of the departed soul.
Kirtipur has a wide celebration of Gai Jatra specifically in the historical towns Kipu dey, Panga, Naga, Bhajanga, and Yarwocha. The men dress as women and visit door to door requesting to join them in the celebration. Music and dances are performed in varieties of manner.
Palpa
Even the Gaijatra festival celebrates in Palpa memorializing the deceased family members and relatives. These festivals organized in several places in Palpa comprising Rampur, Harthok, Sarai and Ridi in memory of their kin who demised in the last one year. Participants draped in different costumes rallied around Tansen City reciting religious hymn “Nirguna” wishing eternal peace to the deceased soul of their family members.
Neel Barahi Festival: Mysterious dancing goddess
Bode is an ancient Newar city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about eight miles from the capital city, Kathmandu. The city is well-known for Nilbharahi masked Naach (Dance), performed over four days (August/September) accompanied by a band of traditional musical instruments in different parts of Bode.
The famous Neel Barahi’s tantric temple stands on a hillock in Bode of Madhyapur Thimi in the middle of a forest. The ancient cultural practice of the Neel Barahi Dance, which has been continually celebrated for the past 1500 years, starts this year in Bode, from 17-20 August 2019.
As myth has it, Nil Barahi goddess, concealed as an old man, kidnapped Bodey farmers and they are being taught tantric Nil Barahi dance in a field near the jungle. The performance of the same ritual dance and music has since been an annual ritual.
Although this festival is observed with much desire, the roots of the Nil Barahi festival is hidden in mystery. It is assumed that it is a triumph ritual memorializing an ancient battle, however, others believed that the restrained nature of the music and dance moves denote a desire for societal welfare.
Highlights of Neel Barahi Festival
Locally, Nil Barahi is known as Dyo Pyakhan which is a steady-moving however energetic masked dance parade, carried out by a group of about 100 residents of Bodey including gurus, dancers, musicians, and a supporting cast. This festival is invigorated by the godly dancing forms of Bhairav, Nil Barahi, Kumari, Singha, Dwarpal and Ganesh, a totally of 19 divine dancers. The procession continues all night for consecutive three nights as the dance converts into a trance.
Once the dancers performed their dance they entice on a heavenly power and shiver through the streets of Bodey during the night, moving their limbs and bodies gradually to the melody of dha (drums), ta and bhusya (cymbals), ponga and mwali (flutes).
The decoratively smeared masks let the humans behind them to tolerate physical adversity that they cannot even imagine bearing in everyday circumstances after tantric powers activated. All of the dancers, follow very strict, often physically tough cleansing rituals during the festival. The dancers who participate in this festival have to perform constantly for 12 to 18 hours for three consecutive nights. The performers are not permitted to sit during the event, neither are they allowed to eat, drink, sleep, talk or to touch anybody,
People consider it as a godly intervention from the gods that let the dancers go in for this superhuman or extraordinary challenge. Some of the dancers, currently in their late seventies, have been carrying out this role annually for the last 60 years.
If you are excited to witness this mysterious tantric divine performance then mark your calendars for August 17 which will go on till August 20.
Nepal is blessed with the natural beauty comprising diverse geography, unique topography, and rich biodiversity, but it is also blessed with rich culture and tradition. Nepal is home to several religion groups including Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, and Kiranti. These are just the major religious groups; 36 different ethnic groups in Nepal follows their distinctive customs and culture and speak the ethnic language.
Nepal is also home to fascinating festivals, deeply influenced by religion, diverse culture, and spirituality. There’s no ideal way to experience Nepal in all its wonderful ethnic diversity than through its vibrant festivals. Filled with color, sacred rituals, culture, the magnificent festivals of Nepal would definitely delight the visitors.
Whether you are solo, family or school groups, the exotic festivals of Nepal would certainly provide you an amazing experience! Participating in the festival is a perfect way to gain an insight into the diverse treasures of Nepalese culture and to discover Nepal’s eccentric charm.
Among the countless festivals, Janai Purnima is one of such festivals which is popularly known as a sacred thread festival observed by Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain.
WHAT IS THE JANAI PURNIMA FESTIVAL?
Janai Purnima is one of the religious and cultural festivals celebrated by almost every family of Nepal. According to the Hindu calendar, Janai Purnima falls on the full moon of the month of Shrawan, which puts it in July or August on the Gregorian calendar. This year Janai Purnima occurs on August 15, 2019.
It is a grand day to celebrate the Shaman culture as well. On this day Shamans from all over Nepal meet to do their ancient ritual in sites like the Kumbeshwar in Patan, Gosaikunda in Langtang and Charikot in Dolakha. Likewise, religious fairs take place at numerous temples from early morning at several places including the Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath temples in Kathmandu and the Kumbheshwor temple in Lalitpur. People of diverse cultures observe Janai Purnima with different beliefs but the same highest sincerity.
HOW IS JANAI PURNIMA CELEBRATED?
Janai Purnima is one of the most sacred and important festivals. The festival celebrates the bond of pureness and security. Janai means holy thread and Purnima is the full moon. On this day, some ethnic group performs their annual ritual of changing Janai. Janai is a sacred thread made of cotton worn across the chest they change this sacred thread after taking a bath in the holy river of Bagmati or Vishnumati or nearby rivers.
This thread is only worn by males who have performed a religious ceremony called Bratabandhan.Bratabandhan is a Hindu ceremony which is performed as a symbolic representation that a boy has reached the age of manhood and is ready to follow the rules of following the religion faithfully. Janai must be worn every day onwards for their entire life and must not disgrace the religion. In Janai, there are three cords, which symbolize body, speech, and mind and when the three knots have tied the one who wears is supposed to have gained completed control over each of the symbols.
They take a bath and make their offering to Saptarishis (seven legendary rishis or sages) and their departed fathers and ancestors, then Tagadharis (Hindu men wearing the Janai) put the new Janai with a belief of having complete over body, speech, and mind.
Other people who are not wearing Janai, wears a sacred colorful thread called “Doro” around the wrist from Pundits (priest). There is a belief that sacred thread is worn for safety and protection. After some months, that thread is tied in the tail of the cow on the third day of the Tihar festival. This ritual is done for the safe passage to heaven after death. It is believed that after a person dies, he/she would hold on to the tail of the cow as the cow pulls across to the Baitarni River.
On the occasion of Janai Purnima, thousands of devotees visit the Kumbheswar Mahadev temple of Patan, Lalitpur. The temple lies in a complex that includes other structures like Bangalamukhi, Ulmanta Bhairava, and two hiti ponds. There is a popular belief that the water spring that fills the ponds comes all the way from the holy lake of Gosainkunda, which is located at a distance of 43 km north of Kathmandu. Taking a plunge in that pond during Janai Purnima is equivalent to taking a dip in Gosainkunda itself.
Gosainkunda Shaman Festival Trek
Gosainkunda Lake is a popular and sacred lake nestled at an elevation of about 4,380 m in the northeast of Kathmandu surrounded by the almighty Himalayas and other holy lakes like Saraswati Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, Surya Kunda, Bhairav Kunda. The trek to Gosainkunda determines true devotion to Lord Shiva and to be there during the Janai Purnima is regarded as the most auspicious.
According to the myth, the lake is believed to have formed from excavating the mountain to extract water by Lord Shiva’s Trishul (Trident) in order to quench the burning in his throat after he swallowed poison from the Samundra Manthan. That’s ‘why the water of this lake considered sacred and at the time of Janai Purnima thousands of visitors from Nepal as well as India visit Gosaikunda.
The Gosaikunda area is reflected as a spiritual place and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Gauri. The huge rock in the middle of the lake is believed to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. Each year during full moon day in August, thousands of devotees pay a visit to Gosainkunda for blessings. It is said that one who takes a holy dip in the cold, crystal clear water of Gosaikunda Lake purge their sins
Likewise, hundreds of Shamans (“Dhami”) from all over Nepal gather to the lake, to attend on full moon night. Shamans join the festival to boost and renew spiritual power and pray for deceased Shamans. It is believed that performing the ritual and praying to the lakes of Gosainkunda on this auspicious day would receive divine insights.
Also, they perform their unique spiritual dancing and singing ritual followed by drums and sacred rituals which is certainly a sight to see. In this festival, junior Dhami and Jhankri get graduation from the elder Dhami and Jhankri.
The Gosainkunda Shaman festival Trek is filled with varied array of flora and fauna, blanketed forests of rhododendron, bamboo and oak trees, picturesque villages of varied ethnic groups, enchanted divine glacial lakes, immense mountain panorama, and especially, the myths of Gosaikunda itself, that create exceptional trekking experience and above all, get opportunities to immerse into Nepali traditional festivals . Its a great opportunity for those who have a deep interest in Shaman practice. You will get to interact with Shaman and witness closely the Shaman’s way of deep spiritual practice.
Interested to join Gosainkunda Shaman Festival Trek?
On the occasion of Janai Purnima pilgrims from the surrounding areas, from the neighboring nation and from within the country gather in Muktinath temple to pay homage to Lord Muktinath. Devotees take a shower under the cold water of 108 waterspouts “ Muktidhara” considering that it brings them salvation. Afterward, everyone takes a plunge in turn in the two ponds in front of the temple and make offerings to Lord Muktinath.
This sacred day also celebrated by the Gurung and Thakali ethnic groups organizing a Yatung mela (fair) on the sites of Muktinath Temple. It is celebrated for consecutive three days with horse races, drinking, and dancing by local Thakali people. Some of the highlights of this fair is a display of local products and horse racing.
During Janai Purnima, the Gurung community residing in the Manang district and the nearby areas have a custom of taking their sisters and daughters to Muktinath for cleansing rituals when they reach the marriageable stage. To make their sister and daughter eligible for marriage, they carry out a special purification ceremony at Muktinath temple of Mustang district.
Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is another festival of this day celebrated especially in the Terai region of Nepal by Hindu and Jain. This festival is also celebrated throughout India. Raksha Bandhan means “bond of protection,” Raksha means “protection,” and Bandhan means “bond.”
Raksha Bandhan is the festival of brother and sister. On this day, sisters meet her biological brothers, cousins or adopted brother-like friends and tie rakhi on her brother’s wrist. Rakhi is a colorfully woven bracelet. After rakhi, brothers and sisters pray together. Then sisters apply tika (colorful mark) on brother’s forehead and perform an aarti wishing him a long and healthy life. In return, the brothers take promises to protect his sister and take care of her in all the circumstances. They also give gifts and money to sisters as a token of love and feed each other with sweets, fruit, and other delicious foods.
This festival is very important to build a positive relationship between care and affection between brothers and sisters and the entire family as well. Although this festival is between brother and sister, it is celebrated in the presence of whole family members. That is why nowadays this festival is celebrated in most of Nepal.
Kwati Purnima/Gun Punhi
Janai Purnima is also called as Kwati Purnima or Gunhi Punhi. The Newar Community of Nepal mostly celebrates Kwati Purnima. However, nowadays every house celebrates this festival. This day coincides with Shravan Poornima of the month Shravan in the Hindu lunisolar calendar which is celebrated as Janai Purnima.
On this day, a special dish called Kwati is prepared and is consumed as a feast with the rest of the family as a celebration. Kwati is a soup made from a mix of nine different types of sprouted beans. The nine different beans used while making Kwati commonly includes black gram, chickpea, field bean, soybean, green gram, field pea, garden pea, cowpea, and rice bean. The beans are soaked for three to four days in water until the time they sprout. They are cooked with various spices to make a thick soup.
This dish is consumed on the festival of Gun Punhi, the full moon day Gunla. Gunla is the tenth month of the Nepal Era lunar calendar. It is eaten as a delicacy and for health benefits and ritual significance.
Also, in some parts of Nepal, people offer foods like Kwati, rice, and roti (flatbread) in a leaf to the frogs by placing them in fields. According to the belief, frog brings the rain and ultimate farmers get to plant the fields with crops. Therefore, this ritual performed on this day. Gai Jatra is another festival celebrated on the very next day of Janai Purnima.
Special fair at Swayambhunath
Buddhists celebrate this day in commemoration of the day the Lord Gautam Buddha conquered the evil power of lust. This episode illustrated in the Buddhist scripture ‘Lalitbistar’. On this day, the special fair takes place at Swayambhunath of Kathmandu.
LEGEND BEHIND THE ORIGINS OF THE FESTIVAL
There are several history and myths about the celebration of Raksha Bandhan. Some of them are:
There is a myth that after Lord Vishnu won all the three world from the demon king Bali. Lord Vishnu granted a wish of Bali to stay with him in his palace, but Lord Vishnu’s wife Goddess Lakshmi did not like the palace. So Goddess Lakshmi went to Bali, ties a rakhi made him her brother. In return Bali asked what gift she wants, then she asked him to free Vishnu from the request that he lives in Bali’s palace. Bali granted Lakshmi’s wish and accepted her as his sister.
According to another legend, in the war between gods and demons. The deity of the sky, rain, and thunderbolts, Lord Indra, was disgraced by the demon King Bali. Then, Lord Indra’s wife Sachi went to Lord Vishnu and asked for his help. Lord Vishnu gave her a holy bracelet made of cotton thread. Sachi tied that holy thread around the wrist of Indra, blessed with her prayers for his victory. Then Lord Indra defeated the demon king Bali. This legend inspired the protective power of the holy thread.
This legendary narrative relates to India and goes back in a time when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 BCE. During that time, the wife of Alexander the Great, Roxana sent a sacred thread to Porus, the king of Kaikeya kingdom, asking him not to harm her husband in battle. Kind Porus respected the importance and significance of rakhi and wore the rakhi. In the battle of Hydaspes, King Porus stopped himself from killing Alexander personally when he saw the rakhi on his wrist.
“A tree absorbs on average 50 pounds (22 Kg) of Carbon dioxide annually and can sequester 1 ton of carbon dioxide by the time it reaches 40 years old.”
Tree plantation is a great way to counter the growing pollution levels in the environment, offset carbon footprint and become carbon-neutral. The more the number of trees, the better the oxygen we will get to breathe, and lesser ecological catastrophes would happen in the future. “We owe it to ourselves and to the next generation to conserve the environment so that we can bequeath our children a sustainable world that benefits all”. Wangari Maathai
It’s very crucial to raise environmental awareness to know the fragility of our ecology and the significance of its protection. Promoting ecological awareness is a way for partaking in children through group learning, and informational and inspirational workshops.
These days, many children have a lesser amount of time and fewer opportunities to attach to nature. As it is obvious that connection with nature makes children feel better about themselves. And this can be done by supporting environmental education programs for children by inspiring children to plant a tree and an opportunity to connect with nature.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks initiated the tree plantation program with the motive to allow the children to discover the wonders of nature, develop a culture of care towards the environment and understand the importance of using the environmental resources rationally. This will help to make a lifelong commitment to conserving the environment for themselves and upcoming generations.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks believe in Sustainability, social responsibility, and environmental awareness. Being a Travelife Certified Company and an active member of society, it is our responsibility and duty to contribute to the greater good.
Tree Plantation and Environment Sustainability Workshop, 2019
Nepal Sanctuary Treks organized the tree plantation program at Katja House on August 3, 2019, Saturday with the theme “Go Green, Think Sustainable, Act Responsible”. More than 60 participants were made aware of the negative impact of deforestation, misuse of natural resources, and the importance of greening in countering the emerging threats.
Tulsi Gyawali, Managing Director of Nepal Sanctuary Treks, initiated the program by providing the program overview to the children and other participants. Apart from tree plantation, various environmental and teamwork activities, and an interactive workshop session were the highlight of this program.
Environmental Sustainability Session
The environmental Sustainability session was conducted by Tulsi Gyawali, Managing Director of Nepal Sanctuary Treks. In this session, children were taught about the importance of protecting environmental resources, the benefits of sensible use of water, energy and paper, 4R policy: Reuse, Reduce, Refuse and Recycle. Prior to the tree plantation program, children were educated on the importance of plantation, saving trees, and their benefits.
In addition, Nepal Sanctuary Treks distributed three Eco-posters to Katja that depicts sustainability, energy-saving ideas, and the tips on proper utilization of environmental resources.
Child Safety awareness session
Every child possesses the right to a safe childhood free of abuse. They have the right to live, to be safe, to belong, to be heard, to get adequate care, and to grow up in a protective atmosphere.
Taking safety into consideration as an important aspect of child development, Tulsi Gyawali delivered the topics on children’s safety awareness. The session covers using a method that promotes the safety of self against exploitation, recognizing abuse, people’s nature, and understanding ways of keeping safe.
Sustainability interactive session and team building activities
Team-building games and activities are a great instrument for assisting children to learn to work in a team, listen carefully, communicate clearly, and think creatively. This interactive session and team-building games inspire children to find a means to work together to achieve a common goal.
Led by Pramila Shrestha, Sustainability Coordinator of Nepal Sanctuary Treks, team building activities were conducted for children to improve coordination and cooperation between the teams through games.
In the Sustainability interactive session, children were given an opportunity to identify sustainable and unsustainable practices. Children were introduced to observing problems and solutions to environmental conservation through pictures. Likewise, different team-building games were organized for the children where they energetically engaged and had a lot of fun.
Tree Plantation Program
On the day of the plantation activity, the children, facilitator, and other participants first gathered together at Katja ground. The participants were divided into 10 groups of 5 each, where each group was assigned to cultivate five saplings at Katja premises with their small hands and watering them.
The participant planted 50 nos. Saplings of tropical fruits like mango, avocado, walnut, apples, and many more. Tulsi Gyawali, Managing Director of Nepal Sanctuary Treks was told about the significance of the environment in our lives, how much it matters to every living being, and how we should conserve it.
The information also disseminated to participants that cultivating saplings is not the ultimate way to protect the environment. One should be responsible and sustainable care for trees. Such activities could be delivered detailed information about the importance of trees for children, how to plant varied types of trees, and how to nurture them.
The most appealing part was the active engagement and interest of children in environmental conservation and sustainability. Their inquisitiveness in learning about the environment, raising the questions that they have in their mind, and actively answering the questions was absolutely commendable. Such a green initiative program is a great way to make the new generation conscious of the critical situation.
This will lead the children to take an interest in their environment and make greener choices. In the program, we taught life skills through tree planting, and teamwork through workshops and games. Children learned responsibility by caring for the plants, and how to communicate and compromise with each other.
Dance Performance of Children
Though the entire event itself was special, the energetic and talented children’s wonderful dance performance added a charm to the program.
Prize distribution
After the entire program, Tulsi Gyawali Managing Director distributed the prize as a token of appreciation to the children engaged in team-building games and interactive sessions.
Post Tree Plantation Assessment
Nepal Sanctuary Treks divided the participants into 10 groups to cultivate the trees. Each group of 5 participants planted the 5 trees and was assigned the responsibility to take care of the trees. Every two weeks, we are planning to visit Katja House to assess the progress and provide additional assistance if required.
From snow-covered soaring mountains to pristine forests, there is a marvelous landscape for you to discover in Nepal. Having said that, trekking in Nepal is a wonderful experience with a myriad of routes for you to choose from and a chance to witness the secluded mountain ethnic groups barely affected by modern civilization.
Nepal’s trekking trails are quite thrilling for the reason that while trekking here, you can discover a unique kind of adventure in the middle of dense forest, terraced paddy fields, and the vistas you get to witness from the peaks and along the trails are simply awe-inspiring, make the journey worthwhile.
Nepal comprises trekking routes and destinations that furnish to all individuals, families, or school groups. Treks in Nepal range from short and easy to moderate treks to long and strenuous treks. There are ample short treks in Nepal that fulfill the demand of many trekkers who have inadequate days to spend trekking in Nepal.
Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a first-time trekker, the options below offer something for anyone in the beautiful country who has a short span of time. So, if you’re seeking quality time in the lap of the Himalayas, check out the 10 best short treks below:
Everest Lodge Trek with Comfort
Trek Facts
Max elevation: 3,875m /12,713 ft.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 10 Days
Accommodation Type: Comfort Lodge
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Permits: National Park Fees, Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Fee
Are you ready to start out on a comfort trek to the Everest Region of Nepal? Nepal Sanctuary Treks offer you a comfortable journey from the finest sustainable hotels at Kathmandu to comfort lodges at Everest.
By its name, Everest Lodge Comfort Trek, it ensures you a comfortable stay throughout your journey with the comfort lodges. The trek encompasses a momentous trip combined with culture, traditions, religions, and lifestyle that is completely different from the one you have been living your entire life. Once your Everest Comfort Lodge Trek accomplishes, you will certainly share what you have achieved by staying within the exquisiteness of Nepal.
This Everest comfort Lodge Trek is an ideal way to explore Nepal without undertaking sturdy terrains and going to extreme altitudes, whilst maintaining comfort and savoring amazing views of Mount Everest. This trek is perfect for those wishing to experience the Everest region and also for those seeking for holidaying experience.
Let Nepal Sanctuary Treks guide you on this comfort trek! We are more than happy to design tailor-made short treks according to your time and preference.
Are you looking for short comfort trek to Everest region?
Trek Facts
Max elevation: 4,065m/13,336 ft.
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 8-10 Days
Accommodation Type: Local, Family-owned tea house lodge
Best Season: Spring, autumn
Permits: Gauri Shanker Conservation Fee, TIMS
The legend: Sir Edmund Hillary claimed that the Pike Peak (4,065) is the most astounding vantage point to gaze at Everest view.
This trek is titled after the holy Pikey Peak. The name of the peak is derived from the name of a Sherpa Clan deity. People of Sherpa ethnic groups celebrate the religious festival during the month of July to worship their tribal god, the eastern Chyabo Pikey, also known as Pikey Hlapchen Karbu in the celebrations Pike Peak (4,065 m) is considered one of the most stunning off- the-beaten trekking trails in lower Everest trekking. This trek is an ideal way to explore the Everest region without getting disturbed by any kind of crowds. One can relish exceptional views of mountains of majestic Himalayas specifically Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Gauri Shanker, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mera peak and many more.
In addition, the sunrise and sunset view from the ridge is the most attractive part of Pikey Peak. Any trekkers will be overwhelmed when they witness the rising sun’s golden rays sweep through the silver mountains and changed their colors from ivory to gold.
If you’re looking for a short trek in the Everest region near Kathmandu, this is a great (less discovered) route. Pikey Peak Trek starts with a short 30-minute flight to Phaplu or a 6-8 hours drive from Kathmandu. Its the perfect trek for those who have limited time but wish to experience varied trek-see Everest in full scale, relish deep blue skies, visit the authentic village and experience the mountain weather without seasonal obstructions.
Want to know more about Pike Peak day to day program?
Trip Facts
Max. Elevation: 3,637 m/11,932 ft.
Duration: 7-9 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Accommodation: Local tea houses, home-stays
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Permits: ACAP, TIMS Poon Hill Mulde Peak Trek is a short and tranquil trek in the Annapurna region where you can savor the marvels of nature and culture of Nepal with your entire family, solo, or school groups. This ever-popular trekking trail takes you to the picturesque ethnic villages and accomplishes your craving to be in close proximity to the massive snow-capped Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.
Poon hill Mulde Peak offers the best sunrise views over the Annapurna ranges. It provides the marvelous Himalaya trekking experience with no stresses of altitude sickness. Trekking the main trail to well-known Poon Hill, you’ll also be getting the chance to go a little off the beaten route to Mulde — which some say is truly the better vantage point for the superb sunrise and mountain views.
This short venture trek embraces exhilarating glimpses of the high mountains. Entire horizons will be revealed as you reach the Poonhill (3,210 m) and Mulde Peak. At the pinnacle of this trek when you witness the radiance of sunrise that illuminates the silver mountains of the entire massif leave you enthralled and appears like magic before your eyes.
You will be captivated by 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. The Poonhill Mulde Peak is well endowed with natural splendor and provides many picturesque sites to discover, including a pristine blanketed dense forest, wildflowers, towering mountain, rustic villages, and many more.
Mardi Himal Trek- the real essence of natural and cultural exploration
Trek Facts
Maximum Elevation: 4,200m/13,779ft
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 8-10 Days
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Accommodation type: Local Tea house
Permits: ACAP, TIMS
The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region is a recently introduced trail that opened officially” in 2012 If you are pondering doing a short trek that gets away from the crowds and off the beaten path, Mardi Himal is a perfect trek. Charming mountain scenery integrated with authentic local culture makes this one excellent trek.
The short trek presents superb views of the hillside, fascinating landscapes, rice terraces, and enchanted with the closest vistas of the soaring mountain range of Annapurna comprising Machapuchhre (fishtail), Annapurna South, and Himchuli. You will also get an opportunity to get insight into the purest beauty of nature and the whole-hearted hospitality of people living in that area.
After reaching the Mardi Himal Base Camp, you would be fascinated by the view of the towering peaks and surrounding scenery. The flawless view of mountains blanketed with thick layers of sparkling snow would make your heart leap up with pleasure and happiness.
Are you ready for this fascinating trek to Mardi Himal? Nepal Sanctuary treks guide you to Mardi Himal with the best experience throughout the expedition. Don’t miss your opportunity to discover the depths of the Himalayas, all just in one short trek!
Tamang Heritage Trek
Trek facts
Max elevation: 3,870m/12,697ft
Trek Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Duration: 8-10 Days
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Accommodation type: Local Teahouse, Homestay
Permits: TIMS, National Park fees
At an estimated distance of 80 kilometers, the nearest trekking destination in the north of Kathmandu is in the Langtang region. A trek towards the west of the Langtang trek takes you to Tamang Heritage Trek. The region is predominately populated by the Tamang ethnic community who are the oldest horse traders who migrated between Nepal and ancient Tibet. Whereas, their custom and cultures are greatly influenced by Tibetan culture. Tamang Heritage Trek is a beautiful opportunity to discover the lifestyle of the Tamang community and get an insight into their unique culture that has been preserved by the inhabitants for a long time.
The trek explores the different villages where you can observe the houses built with wood-crafted doors and windows and people adorned with beautiful ornaments and local attire. You will find the clusters of villages with a backdrop of beautiful snow-capped mountain ranges of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Kerung, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Ganesh Himal, Paldor Peak, Sringi Himal, and Sanjen Himal. The trail takes you through the authentic villages, hot springs, green lush forests, terraced fields, and river streams with abundant flora and fauna.
Further, the trail is equipped with local lodges and home-stays that cater delicious meals and snacks. The night stay at the local lodges and home-stay in Tamang villages throughout the trek allows you to witness the warm hospitality of the local inhabitants. Likewise staying in these hospitable villages will help you to know the rural way of life in this part of Nepal.
If you are interested in exploring the unique culture of the Tamang community with pure nature, let us know and we would ensure the best trekking experience for you on short treks!
Chisapani Nagarkot to Changunarayan Trek
Max. Elevation: Nagarkot– 2,040 m
Trek Duration: 3 days
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Accommodation Type:Hotels, resorts, tea house lodges
Trek Permits: Shivapuri National Park Entry fee, TIMS
Chisapani- Nagarkot to Changyunarayan trek is one of the well-known short and easy treks around the Kathmandu valley. This trek is perfect for family, solo, and school groups and for those who have the least amount of time but want to indulge in a multi-day walk.
This picturesque trek overlooks the farming terraces, nature, and vegetation. The trails pass through the hills carpeted with lush green forest, tumbling cascades, villages, and scenic vantage points. You will adore the morning sunrise at Chisapani and carry on your hike to the well-known hill station of Nagarkot. Nagarkot provides you the breathtaking views of the majestic mountains along with the typical Nepali countryside settlements in the hills.
En route, you trek through the evergreen woodland and marvelous hillocks. Chisapani and Nagarkot are both famous for their mountain vantage point that offers splendid views of Everest and Langtang ranges, Manaslu, Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa Himal, and Gauri Shankar Himal among others.
After soaking in the view of mountains and nature, we trek to Changunarayan temple. Changunarayan trek not only offer the finest scenery of mountains it also lets you explore the different lifestyle of people living just outside the Kathmandu valley. Nestled on a forested hill, Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the world. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Experience the ancient tradition, culture, and lifestyle of the countryside people, not very far from the city!
Trip facts
Max. Elevation: 2,040 m
Trek Duration: 8-9 days
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: Late September-Early June
Accommodation Type:Teahouse Lodge, Homestay, resort
Trek Permits: Entrance Fees
This is the best short hiking trip from Kathmandu and offers insight into the life history, culture, and religion of its inhabitants. Kathmandu valley trek traverses through
If you’re not an avid trekker or don’t have sufficient time on your hands then Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek offers beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains and is only just a few days long rather than 10 to 20 days long. Anyone either family or individual who is short on time but would like to savor the beauty of the Himalayas, and nature, and witness the rural life of people, the Kathmandu Valley Rim trek is an ideal one.
Valley Ridge Trek also known as agro-old tradition hospitality is an added bonus for the trek. And this Valley Ridge trek is the Shangri-La route and a novelty destination. The trekking route is surrounded by hills and is the cradle of Nepalese civilization and culture.
During Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek you will get an opportunity to stay with a host family at Panauti and immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the ancient unexploited village. To know more about the Kathmandu Rim Valley Trek Package please explore the sample itinerary.
Khopra Ridge Community Trek
Trip Facts
Max. Elevation: 3,660m/12,007ft
Trek Duration: 8-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Accommodation Type:Community lodges, Tea house
Trek Permits: ACAP, TIMS
The Khopra Danda Trek also known as Khopra ridge trek is one of the best off the beaten trekking trails which cover hidden treasures of the Annapurna region.
The trek features all of the elements of classic trekking trails where you can experience the wildlife, a great mixture of culture, rustic villages, and landscapes of elevated alpine, panoramic mountain views, and bright color of rice fields layered on top of each other plunging down into the valley.
Trek up to Khopra ridge is rewarding as the views are magnificent and seeing the white peaks flaring up in the morning sunlight is magical. It is a marvelous sight being surrounded by the white peaks of several peaks.
This lesser-trodden short trek is perfect for families with children as the trails are easy to walk on. The trek offers your children to be familiar with the delights of trekking, admiring the beauty of nature, and the opportunity to learn about authentic local culture and lifestyle Community-based lodges along the trails are managed by the indigenous community. Thus apart from adventure, trekkers can help sustain indigenous communities while experiencing another culture and another way of being. Khopra Ridge community trek allows trekkers to stay in local homes, have a glimpse into traditional life, and, most importantly, where management and benefits remain with the community.
Langtang valley trek- Valley of Glaciers
Trip facts
Maximum height: 4,381m/14,373ft
Trek Duration: 8 to 10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation Type: Tea house Lodge
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Trek Permit: TIMS, Langtang National Park Permit Langtang lies on the Southern Tibetan border in Nepal which is known as the “Valley of Glaciers”. It is the nearest and short trekking route in Langtang valley of Nepal. The trek starts from Syabrubesi in the Langtang region
The places feature extended meadows, yak farms, snow-capped mountains, cheese factories, monasteries, and the settlements of diverse cultural inhabitants. Furthermore, the varied flora and fauna in alpine forests and mountainous wildernesses enhance your excitement.
En route, you get an opportunity to interact with the Tamangs and Sherpa inhabitants. The trek’s best part is the spectacular mountain views of Langtang Himal, Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, and Dorje Lakpa in a serene surroundings.
This lesser-trodden trek is also ideal for families with elder children and solo trekkers as the trekking grade is moderate. The trek offers your children to be familiar with the delights of trekking, admiring the beauty of nature, and the opportunity to learn about authentic local culture and lifestyle.
Are you in quest of spectacular landscapes and authentic culture along with pleasing hospitality in an enjoyable family-owned teahouse?
Trip facts
Maximum Height: 3,553 m/11,656 ft.
Trek Duration: 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping Trek
Best Season: Spring, Autumn
Trek Permit: TIMS, ACAP
Ever wondered about finding an ideal destination with a full package of history, culture, and natural beauty? There will be no better place than Lamjung to taste the combination of natural and cultural splendor. Lamjung is endowed with a great fascinating backdrop of mountain ranges, lush green hills, rolling rivers, cascading waterfalls, rustic villages as well as the beauty of culture, tradition, religion, and multi-ethnic people. The spectacular treks, and when integrated with the pristine nature, and sleeping under the stars, you are sure to have a memorable outdoor experience. Lamjung trekking is less-trodden and rarely trekked route in the Annapurna region nestled in between the Manaslu range on the northern side of Gorkha.
A scenic drive from Kathmandu, the trek starts from Besisahar also recognized as the initial point of the popular Annapurna Circuit. Our serene trail takes to the west rather than along the Marsyangdi Valley on the more popular trails of Annapurna. After Besisahar your journey begins through traditional Gurung village, terraced fields, and enter the blanketed forest areas of rhododendron and pine trees. If you are trekking during spring then you can witness the entire forest painted with beautiful vibrant rhododendron flowers and wildflowers.
Further, you will be trekking up above the tree line zone to the alpine areas. The trek rewards with stunning Himalayan backdrop comprising Annapurna Himalayan range, Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, and Manaslu Himalayan range, picturesque landscape, lush valley, diverse Nepalese culture, temples, and monasteries
This trek is suitable for family, individual, and school groups who would love to taste both the natural and cultural mixture of Nepal in an easy way in a short duration of time. It is also the ideal trip for those trekkers who came to visit Nepal for a short holiday.
Depending on the desire, time availability, and requirements of the trekkers Nepal Sanctuary Treks can create the bespoke itinerary of Lamjung Trek.
Get ready for an adventurous nature trek to the Lamjung in Annapurna region.
In general, a multi-day hike that lasts between 3 days to 10 days is a short trek. This comprises all grade levels (easy to difficult) treks that you can undertake within the 10 days time frame.
Best Time for Short Treks in Nepal
The ideal season to embark on short treks in Nepal is spring and autumn. These seasons offer pleasant weather and moderate temperatures.
Autumn (September-December) provides clear blue skies and cool temperatures with breathtaking scenery and mountain vistas
The spring months of March-May are ideal for the nature devotees. With blooms of the varied flowers, you can appreciate nature and pass through blanketed forests and vibrant wildflowers.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks offers you the best short treks in Nepal led by experienced and professional trekking guides. Our trekking expert tailor-made itineraries as per your requirements, preference, and time frame.
Get the more information on short trek with Trekking expert
If you are thinking of doing some thrill and adventurous activity, the river rafting in Nepal presents you with an electrifying experience of sailing on the wild white waters. It has become one of the most widely held activities for the ultimate thrilling experience. This fun and invigorating open-air recreational activity has given adventurers an entirely new level of challenge and enthusiasm.
This thrilled rafting fills your soul with exhilaration and joy and simultaneously need you to be seated tightly in the same spot. River Rafting is one of those venture sports where you grasp you tight to your raft, sit back and paddle your way through daring waters. It isn’t just a thrilling experience but also a cooperating with your team to make your ride an unforgettable experience. Rafting devotees define it as one of an adventure sport and an entirely distinctive feat.
Rafting can be enjoyed and experienced in various parts of Nepal. Some of the popular and ideal spots for River Rafting in Nepal are Trishuli, Bhotekoshi, Marshyangdi, Sunkoshi, Seti River. You will experience the moments of a pure thrill, times of total tranquility, a feeling of closeness with your group and a deep connection with the environment all of which integrate a truly life-changing experience.
Scenic Rafting Adventures for Family and School Groups
Family Rafting in Nepal presents a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and connection to nature. Whether your family is made up of young children or teenagers, Nepal Sanctuary Treks is here to organize rafting for children of all ages as well as for both first-timers and those who have been rafting previously.
Depending on your time and interests, there are numerous options of family and school rafting trips with full-day, multi-day, Luxury River Camp. Several wonderful, scenic river rafting trips in Nepal are available that is suitable for family with children of all age groups. Trishuli, Seti, and Kali Gandaki are a gentle grade (2 -3 rapid) and calm river rafting destination appropriate for a family rafting trip. These destinations cater to everyone, particularly people seeking for a scenic and distinctive river experience.
Experience an incredible trip to the river through the diverse charming villages and observe the Nepalese lifestyle. You’ll spend your days running fantastic water, sightseeing unseen waterfalls, traditional villages and relax on extensive sandy beaches in the evening.
Landing the boats at the isolated exquisite beach and staying on the tent, cater with delicious food and being at nature enclosed by stunning the backdrop of mountains, dense remote jungle, traditional village, accompanied by melodious sounds birds and roaring water is something that you will experience.
The raft will let your children have the fun of camping, swimming and give them an understanding of nature and culture. Additionally, you will get an opportunity spotting wildlife and enjoy resting with the kids on a tranquil sandy beach of the river.
Lower Seti River Rafting 2 days Class II / III
If you looking for a unique family adventure and school trip, then the Lower Seti River is the ideal one. Starting only 1 ½ hour from Pokhara, this is a mild river providing abundant scenery comprising traditional settlement, terraced rice fields, cascading waterfalls, suspension bridges, and forests.
Trishuli River 1-2 days: CLASS III / III+
Trisuli River Rafting is one of Nepal’s well-known river trips and perfect for family, friends and first-time rafters. During the river trip, you can enjoy picturesque valleys, terraced rice fields, and impressive gorges. With pool and drop torrents, there is adequate time in between the excitement to relish swimming, cliff jumping and simply appreciating the beautiful nature.
Lower Kali Gandaki River Rafting 6 days: Class II+ / III+
Kali Gandaki is named after “Kali” the goddess of destruction considered as Nepal’s most sacred rivers. The river starts from the high Tibetan Plateau, where the “Mighty Kali” flows down through the Himalayas; the river carving out one of the world’s deepest gorge between massive Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna. Lower Kali Gandaki rafting is adventurous with the fun-filled white waters, spectacular mountain vistas, endless suspension bridges, waterfalls, charming villages, unspoiled forest, deep gorges and exquisite sandy river beaches for camp.
Are you looking for a mild river adventure, traveling with children?
Bhote Koshi River trip is an overnight excursion situated in a convenient three-hour drive from Kathmandu. The trip can be undertaken a full day trip if you have a short span of time or can stay overnight camping. A number of camps and resorts are at the periphery of the river and the Araniko Highway, leading to Tibet, which goes alongside it. Most resorts comprise the beautiful greenery area, swimming pools, bars/restaurants, and peaceful common areas, comfortable tents that provide a comforting and excitement-filled vacation.
“Bhote” literally denotes “River from Tibet and is one of the rapid raging white rivers in Nepal which rise from Tibet and muddled with Sun Koshi. Bhotekoshi River Rafting is an ideal trip for those who look for an electrifying whitewater expedition. It is a steep mountain river with a long series of 3+ to 4- deeps. The rafting at the steepest Bhote Koshi River of Nepal is an absolutely thrilling and fascinating rafting trip that blends with bountiful of lush hills, picturesque villages.
The adrenaline-filled adventure-White Water Rafting starts with a hearty breakfast in the morning. Before loading the buses, every paddler receives a life jacket, a helmet, and a paddle. The tour started between 10:30 to 11:00 am when our buses and van picked up the adventurers in the resort. After a 10-15 minutes’ drive from the camping site, we reach our rafting spot. The entire group assembled the area where the guides gave a safety speech. The instructor who was our raft head taught us the hazards and precautions that should be taken while rafting and also instructed the usage of the paddle. They lead through a detailed training on just what it means to safely ride in a raft, and how to work it as a group, how to experience the white water, and more safety rules.
After the briefing, the group of 8 is divided for each raft. Our guide made sure that our life jackets were tight and helmets on the place. After headed towards the raft, we had a short paddling session before facing Bhotekoshi whitewater rafting. The handed paddles were longer than I was. I imagined how much power I would need to move it through the water.
There was no room for nervousness and frightfulness in my mind. Slowly and gradually, our raft started to move. The guide shouted paddling instruction from his seat at the back of the inflatable boat: Forward! Left-back! Harder, harder! Forward again! Get down!. We were fascinated by the rapid rolling river as our rafting in full swing. The sound of waves collided at the shore and when we started to move; the water backward and forward, our excitement level begun to soar.
The guide informed us that we were nearing the rapids and here we would need to paddle harder. The real thrilling, incredible series of the rafting started when the raft and we sat in the raft came across the titanic waves of water that completely drenched us with water and made our raft shake as if a quake had come in the river. When we saw waves approaching near us, we stayed still like a statue and enjoyed that moment entirely along with precautions. We did high 5 after crossing every hurdle with our paddle.
During the interval, we were stopped at the spot where we got time to relax and photograph the opportunity to capture the spectacular surroundings. While rafting, one can enjoy the picturesque view of nature including mountains, green scenery, and rural settlement.
With all those “Forward, forward, backward, backward, stop and “high 5, we completed our 2 ½ hours long yet thrilled voyage filled with full of adventure, shouting and laughter. There is something about the feeling of triumph when you reach the end of this exhilarating activity that indeed made this an unforgettable experience.
When would it be the best time to go white water rafting?
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) is the peak and ideal seasons in Nepal for rafting. Water levels are a significant aspect of white water rafting. In the spring, the river’s levels are low, and the water temperature is warm. The spring is often misty whereas, during late summer and spring, it is likely to get a shower.
In autumn, after the monsoon, there is an increased level of water which can make for some thrilling fast-moving water and sometimes a bit too exciting earlier around September.
Though the nights are getting quite chilly for camping by late November, its perfect period for rafting as the monsoon is over, and the surrounding filled with greenery, clear sky and rivers are moderately high, the temperature is generally warm with scenic mountain vistas.
Secured- fitting sandals with straps or tennis shoes
Raincoat
Personal Toiletries
Dry change of clothes
Waterproof cases for mobile and camera
Water bottle
And the medication you may need
Things to consider about white water rafting
A white water rafting journey is a truly exhilarating activity that can be liked by people of all ages and experience levels. Ensure that your voyage out on the river will be an unforgettable and fun one and make certain that the following things to consider about white water rafting
Select a licensed and professional rafting outfitter.
Before embarking on a rafting adventure, consider choosing a reliable company with excellent safety record, and trained guides. You should ensure that the company provides you with a well-functioning raft that has been quality tested and comprises complete safety setup such as first-aid kit, helmet, life jacket safety kayaks accompany rafting trips.
Always wear a life jacket and safety helmet
It is advised to wear a life jacket properly and correctly. All buckles must be clipped and ensure your life jacket fits snug to your body. If you are not sure then seek the help of an expert guide to fit your jacket to assure a perfect fit. Likewise, the safety helmet is mandatory to wear during raft.
Right Outwear
It is recommended to wear swift drying clothing like a wet suit, splash jacket, sunscreen, pair of sunglasses with UV protection and secured fitting sandals or tennis shoes to make your trip more comfortable, This will let you enjoy them adventurous rafting to the fullest.
Hold the paddle properly
Holding the paddle correctly is one of the main aspects of a huge safety concern. One of your hand needs to be at the base of the paddle on the shaft. The other hand must hold at the end of the shaft over the “T” grip at all times. Keeping your hand over the “T” grip will keep control of the paddle and cushion the blow if it should happen.
Team Coordination and new acquaintance
River rafting is all about team effort and harmonization. The paddleboat involves well-coordinated teamwork among the paddlers and river guides who give the instructions every time during raft. During a couple of hours raft, enjoy, be considerate and make a new acquaintance. You’re there to enjoy the fullest and so is everyone. River rafting can be a wonderful bonding experience and an opportunity to have fun with new friends during a rafting journey.
Listen to your guide during the safety talk and on the water.
Your experienced guide instructs on how to handle any sort of circumstances that come across while on the river. During safety orientation and on the raft you should always pay attention to your guide’s instructions. If you follow this advice, you will certainly be safer.
Keep hydrated and eat light
Whitewater rafting in Nepal involves full strength and power. Therefore, it is advisable to consume a light meal prior to rafting adventure. Likewise, staying hydrated before, during and after the rafting is vital as rafting is carried out during daytime when sweat leads to loss of water from the body which in extreme cases may result to severe headaches, nausea, and dizziness.
Leave no Trace
Nature is generous enough to allow us to relish everything it has to offer. So it’s our duty to preserve the environment so its benefit will persist enough for upcoming generations to enjoy them. Appreciating the unspoiled nature of the almighty white water and “Leave No Trace” principals should integrate into the trip as part of a commitment to responsible travel.
Want to combine your trekking with adventurous white water rafting as a side trip?
“ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t a particular program, it’s what we do every day, maximizing positive impact and minimizing negative impact.”
Corporate Social responsibility holds responsibility and fosters a positive impact through the company’s activities associated with the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and other stakeholders.
As travel companies comprise numerous sectors, which often rely on environmental and cultural resources, socially responsible company policies, programs and practices are indispensable to attain sustainable tourism at the local along with the global level.
In current years, companies have been concerned about the growing issues of environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, and community development. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) appears the most relevant aspect to travel companies that encompass initiatives towards society and the environment. Though CSR is extensive and generally practiced at the international level, in the Nepalese context, it is at the phase of development. Philanthropic, social, economic, environmental, and ethical are the types of Corporate Social responsibility that the different companies are implementing.
Since the foundation of the company, Nepal Sanctuary Treks has committed to contributing to society and maintaining a strong bond between the company and the community. The company has contributed to and initiated numerous programs, including education & health, and environment initiatives, and various NGO programs, as well as in supporting the destitute children of society. Nepal Sanctuary Treks operates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR ) in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner.
As part of our commitment to contributing to the welfare of the communities and environment in which we operate, Nepal Sanctuary Treks embraces Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through extensive activities in the community, trekking trails, and internal operation.
We see great significance in giving to the community in which we work and we also recognize that the prosperity of our society is important to us. NST believes that every little contribution and support can be a crucial change in society, the environment, and life of people.
In terms of community involvement, Nepal Sanctuary Treks partnered with various NGOs, and other social initiatives organizations like Doko Recycle, Nobel Compassionate Volunteer (NCV), Katja Foundation, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
Some of the initiatives taken by Nepal Sanctuary Treks in the joint efforts with NGOs and social initiative organizations toward social welfare are listed below:
Philanthropic Responsibility
As a responsible member of our community, Nepal Sanctuary Treks has always provided support to the communities and people at the time of need relief of the families affected by natural calamities i.e. floods, typhoons, earthquakes, and landslides in several parts of the country.
1. Distribution of relief materials for Earthquake-stricken people
Nepal Sanctuary Treks mobilized relief efforts immediately after the devastating earthquake of April 2015.
In this pathetic state, Nepal Sanctuary Treks actively engaged in supporting victim people by distributing emergency relief items of food, supplies, and blankets to the affected people of different regions of Nepal. In addition, financial support is provided to staff to rebuild their damaged houses as well.
2. Temporary toilet construction and Relief material distribution in the Sarlahi district
In August 2017, floods and landslides caused by the monsoon precipitations displaced several people when the floodwater gushed into the human settlement in most areas of the Terai region.
The calamities create a massive effect on livelihoods, housing, infrastructure comprising water and sanitation, food stocks, and agricultural production.
With the joint effort with Noble Compassionate Volunteer (NCV), Nepal Sanctuary Treks contributed to and supported the construction of the temporary toilets in the Sarlahi district along with the distribution of hygiene kits and food supplies.
3. Replaced Earthquake damaged roof of the school
The building and renovation of numerous damaged classrooms are crucial to the country’s recovery. Among several schools, Shree Gauri Shanker Primary School of Dolakha is the one that has been severely smashed by an earthquake. Due to this, the students were compelled to study under damaged and insecure roofs and classrooms. Our Earthquake reconstruction drive includes the replacement of the damaged roof of the school enabled to provide children and teachers an immediate shelter and continued their studies in a peaceful manner
4. Temporary Toilet construction at Bara and Parsa District
On 31 March 2019, the Bara and Parsa districts of Nepal were hit by a massive storm with a strong hurricane. The disaster collapsed several houses and destroyed several lives and injured more than 1000 people.
The necessary Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) support is provided by the District Wash Cluster (DWC) and 35 toilets constructed in the affected villages.
In collaboration with Nobel Compassionate Volunteers (NCV), Nepal Sanctuary Treks responded to the disaster by contributing to the temporary toilet construction project for the victims of the Bara and Parsa districts.
5. Run Health and Sanitation Program
Nepal Sanctuary Treks actively engaged in Water and Sanitation Hygiene (WASH) associated activities to upgrade the healthy living standards of people in various parts of the country. The program supports activities such as health promotion, safe drinking water community awareness, and training programs.
6. Support in Education
Education is very crucial in one’s life, particularly in this recent and competitive period. Nepal Sanctuary Treks believes that children from destitute families should not be deprived of getting a quality education.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks has been involved in supporting these children by providing basic requirements of food, housing, and clothing, as well as schooling and health care, and administering their emotional needs with affection and care, letting them grow up in a nurturing environment.
In addition, the company has been supporting education for blind children named Menuka Bishowkarma and Bishow Bishowkarma.
Ethical Responsibility
Nepal Sanctuary Treks implement a special effort to ensure the safety of its trekking crew during treks. Besides providing them with full-fledged protective equipment such as trekking shoes, warm clothing, gloves, a first aid kit, and insurance, the company also reminds the trekking crew about their safety and hygiene by providing in-house training regarding safety measures and proper equipment handling.
Additionally, we adhere to the policy of the International Porter Protection Group (IPPG). We make an effort to ensure that the porter is well cared for, lifts reasonable goods, and is well equipped with appropriate clothing and footwear.
Environmental Responsibility
The environment has been another area of CSR priority of Nepal Sanctuary Treks. We have a strong commitment to protecting our environment. And we will always be aware of our impact on our space and treat it with respect.
As the impact of numerous environmental issues increases, we will need to understand a sustainable society if we are to continue our corporate activities. Therefore, Nepal Sanctuary Treks has been promoting environmental management in order to reduce environmental impact, manage environmental risks, and address environmental issues across the totality of our tasks.
Under the guidance of Travelife and being a Travelife Certified Company, we have developed a Sustainability policy for the company, employees, and business partners.
We are dedicated to the practice of “Reduce—Reuse—Recycle” by adopting natural resource protection, recycling, and solid waste minimization.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks is an active sustainable partner with Doko Recyclers, a social enterprise that manages and recycles dry waste. The segregated recyclable items collected from the company are dispatched to Smart Materials Recovery Facility, where they are sorted, processed, and then passed on to recycling factories. This has minimized the amount of trash that goes to landfills.
Likewise, during the trek, we encourage trekkers to bring their own refillable water bottles and also educate them on “No Plastic” and its adverse effect on the environment to every tea house lodge owner. As part of environmental communication activities, we have distributed the eco-poster in every tea house. Likewise, in-house training is conducted for every staff and trekking crew on Sustainability twice a year.
Economic Responsibility
Nepal Sanctuary Treks have taken the initiative in improving the operation while participating in sustainable practices.
We have implemented green practices within the internal operation by switching to green energy resources like solar panels, and cost-effective LED light.
We purchase sustainable products like soap and biodegradable cleaning powder. These are handmade and hand-packed by women who are mostly from poor, remote communities.
The small initiative of reusing paper, energy, and water-saving tips, purchasing recyclable paper, and using cloth bags instead of plastics leads to minimizing the operational cost as well as saving the energy and environmental resources.
Besides, Nepal Sanctuary Treks is making an effort to alleviate poverty in a collaboration with NCV through livelihood and skill development support. People who are living under the line of poverty are being trained in capacity building and skills development program that helps them to make economically independent. Likewise, Nepal Sanctuary Treks have also been supporting empowering girls to achieve more in their social, career, economic, and family lives by providing quality education.
Did you ever think one day you would like to change your lifestyle? There is numerous way we can try to go outside of our comfort area and escape from bustling crowds. Some people may think the opportunity to go stay in a luxury resort or a hotel. In Nepal staying at homestay and family owned teahouse is the best getaway to get the authentic local experience. You will get to discover new places, experience the real life of rural areas and contributing a bit back at the same time.
Giving back when you travel is about leaving a positive influence in a destination through socially and environmentally conscious travel practices. It’s all about experiencing the culture, tradition, nature and great way to bring a positive impact on the environment and the local community. Providing the benefits through volunteerism, supporting the local community and traveling responsibly ensures your contribution to the economy will have a more direct and positive impact. This will indeed lead to a more memorable and meaningful travel experience.
Nepal offers plenty of options when it comes to acquiring authentic local experiences and leaving a positive impact on the community while undertaking the adventure treks and tours. There are manifold ways that trekkers can support the community i.e purchasing their handicrafts, involved in different community service projects, trek to primeval hamlets, eating local food, and spend the night in family-owned and community-run tea-house lodge or home-stay. This will help the community to thrive by generating more employment and help to preserve and give publicity to culture and local cuisine and eventually support the sustainable development of trekking destinations.
With several trekkers now seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, community-based tourism brings prospects for both social and economic growth in regions that are often marginalized and secluded. Community-based tourism has become a very significant and popular tendency among trekkers, specifically for those considering true experiences and cultural involvement in and amongst local communities.
CBT is a reciprocal way where tourism both provides local employment and income for education, development and conservation initiatives, while simultaneously giving both hosts and guests a unique opportunity for cultural exchange.
Family Owned Tea houses and Community Homestay
Community Tea house lodges and homestay along the off the beaten path destination in Nepal offers an extensive range of activities where visitors can engross themselves in the local life. The lodge was built and is owned by one of the families of diverse ethnic groups. There are several members of the local community who use their homes as teahouse lodge and homestays for trekkers.
The main feature of homestay and local teahouse lodge is access to homemade food. One can savor the authentic essence of that place. Further guests are invited to join the villagers with rice planting, cooking, milking a cow, and the production of different handcrafted works. Most of the locals take pride to explain more about their everyday life and share their stories. This will be a unique opportunity to gain insight and bond with Nepalese people by contributing to and witnessing their everyday lives.
Every trekker visiting the community or trekking routes help to build opportunities for local people to have alternative means of support and enhance their living standard. Teahouse lodges and homestay is perfect for trekkers who want to meet friendly people, go off the beaten path and explore a less visited, relatively untouched temple complex in a peaceful and tranquil setting.
Community-Based Tourism lead to women empowerment
Apart from agriculture, some of the people living in isolated areas sustain their livelihood as trekking guides and porters. Whereas women care for the children and household chores while their husbands are out on the mountain.
In addition, the CBT program has immensely helped in women empowerment. Women’s roles in the mountainous region are chiefly as an extension of home-maker and guest caretaker responsibilities. Additionally, they run lodges and tea shops either alone or with families along the main trekking routes. They play a vital role as a cook and server that help to connect with the trekkers and their trekking guides and porters. Likewise whenever they get the spare time they spent their day in hand made activities like knitting woolen caps, mittens, and socks, weaving bags, or making handicrafts to sell to trekkers.
Even some women work as a guide and porter for trekking or mountaineering groups. Further, the women group initiated performing cultural dances for the visitor to raise fund to preserve the temples and monasteries.
Besides the local community gets direct and indirect income generated from teahouse operations; sale of local products. Apart from income generation, they get the exposure to outside world, language, and perceptions; enriched awareness and get inspiration for proper sanitation and waste management; chances improved in education; pride in culture and increase the level of self-confidence that comes with networking with visitors and boost the socio-economic status of women.
Nepal as the destination for Community-Based Tourism
Squeezed between the wall of the Himalaya and the steamy forests of the plains, Nepal is a land of soaring snow peaks, exotic flora, and fauna, hospitable people, temples, and monasteries. From the lively city of Kathmandu with its temples and vibrant markets to the tropical wilderness of Chitwan National Park and fresh air of beautiful mountains in Pokhara; Nepal is renowned for adventure trekking and hiking destination.
There are numerous fascinating treks that let you trek from village to village through snow-capped mountains, serene blanketed forests, gigantic hills, and citing exotic flora and fauna. Additionally, one can learn about the innumerable ethnic groups and their cultures, and often seeing them by residing with them in their homes and sharing their food. There are many places for trekking and touring in Nepal that is not only incredibly beautiful but also culturally immersive.
If you want to experience the splendid Himalayas of Nepal and at the same time experience local life you can do trekking for a few days and stay in the homes of local people. This will indeed lead to a more memorable and meaningful travel experience.
Though every trekking route teahouses and homestay are based on community, we take a look at some of the spectacular unexploited trails and places that explore the nature, experience the authentic local lifestyle and at the same time can leave the positive impact to the community.
Khopra Ridge Community Trek
Khopra Ridge community trek leads you to the off the beaten tracks, often secluded villages, with the real experience of homestay hospitality. Back in the day, there used to be only fully organized camp treks in this area, but nowadays with numerous community lodges built in this remote picturesque area. You can find cozy tea homes set up by the community in the Khopra route. Though the tea house is simple, you will get an opportunity to have local meals and also overnight accommodation along with a comfortable eating hall heated up with yak dung and firewood. This spectacular wildland is now an off-track ‘teahouse lodge’ trail of immense beauty.
Community trek is a great way to understand and acquire the first-hand experience of secluded and cultural villages of Nepal. This trek is also considered as the Myagdi Parbat Eco-trek which was established by the local communities to improve their economic condition and to build the school for their child’s betterment. Staying at community lodge during Khopra Ridge Trek directly contributes to the local economy. Your visit count in helping much of the community who reside in this area. This is one of several new community-managed projects in Nepal where the benefits from tourism reach the entire community.
Khopra trek will achieve your desire to explore a less trodden path that incorporates the perfect blend of people, hilly backdrop, wonderful Himalayan vistas, and interesting lifestyle. In addition, you have an opportunity to come across many friendly villagers and it’s really great to see locals replied with a very warm smile. Few trekkers have yet explored Khopra Ridge, and therefore the lodge is beautifully sheltered, letting you the luxury of adorning the spectacular vistas in relative solitude.
Khopra Ridge is at a higher altitude (3,660m) and can witness the Himalaya peaks in a closer view. This offers even more dramatic and captivating panoramic views of the well-known soaring peaks, comprising Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fang, and Nilgiri.
You might be interested in off the beaten trails local tea house lodge trek. For treks offered by Nepal Sanctuary Treks where you can stay at a family-owned teahouse lodge, have a look at:
Situated in North Central Nepal, between Langtang and Manaslu regions, Ruby Valley is an exceptional overland trek through the Himalayan foothills beneath the rising summits of snow-capped Ganesh Parbat. Unlike the more developed trails and areas of Nepal, the Ruby Valley Trail has no tourist infrastructure. Trekkers are able to stay in local lodges and homestays. This is one of the best things about the Ruby Valley Trail! You are likely to encounter villagers along the way and opportunity to engross with the locals authentically and live like a Nepali, even for just a few days. These accommodations are very basic, as you are staying in local homes. This mode of accommodation, allows you to get a first-hand experience of Nepalese countryside life as you stay with locals and share their food. The communities open their homes to visitors and afford local experiences that allow you to engross yourselves into local life, creating a cultural exchange and the opportunity to learn different traditions.
Want to get Ruby Valley Community Trek experience?
Almost all cultures, in the Ruby Valley, however, also practice shamanism and animism particularly for the period of festivals, on auspicious and holy days and when a person is in a need of healing.
During your stay, you can participate in some of the traditional farming practices and help your hosts in their fields. You might like to try your hand using manual wooden rice thresher (Dhiki) and Stone grinder (Jato). In addition, you can participate in community service projects like school painting, teaching, interactive sessions with students and teachers and many more.
Deusa Community Village
Eco-Community Homestay to Deusa village is an off the beaten trails situated in the eastern part of Nepal, 240 km away from the capital Kathmandu. It covers a huge area and is at an elevation between 1,000m to 2,100 m. The village inhabited mostly by the Thulung Rai people though there are some other groups like Tamang, Magar, Newar, Kshetri, reside in the village. Tamang people are in the upper part however some families live in the middle part of the village as well. Likewise, other castes/ethnic groups like Rai, Chhetri, Dalits, and Newar are both in the middle and lower part of the Village Development Committee.
Deusa Community Homestay program encompasses comprehensive activities such as experiencing a different culture, interacting with local people, village tours, nature trails hike, performances, learning farming techniques, visiting local schools, experience local cuisine, engaging in different activities that help to contribute to the communities.
This Community Homestay allows you to connect closely with the communities that give you the opportunity to interact with diverse ethnic groups. These cultural exchange opportunities offer tremendous opportunities for visitors to develop a better understanding of the people of Nepal while considering significant global issues.
Panauti Homestay: Explore the classical medieval village
If you are seeking a break from the bustling Kathmandu Valley or have a limited time-frame and are thinking to engross into the local culture and explore the historical feature of Nepal, then a trip to Panauti is the perfect option for you. You will get a chance to witness the real lifestyle of people, socialize with the locals of the Panauti village and take in the fresh air of the lush Panauti Valley. Visiting and staying at their Homestay immensely support and empower women of Panauti.
While you stay with host families, you can engage in various activities like a festival celebration with the host during the festive season and seasonal activities like harvesting and planting. You can even lend a hand in the kitchen and learn how food prepare traditionally and served in a home. The hike can be organized in nearby areas if the visitor wishes to do a short hike to immerse into the tranquil nature.
Community-Based Tourism Activities
During trekking, hiking or short tours in different regions of Nepal, you can simply engage in different community-based activities to experience local life. Your local experience at a remote village will greatly impact on communities. Community-based tourism activities allow the visitor to explore local habitats and wildlife and celebrates and respects traditional cultures, partake in different community service and local activities.
Teaching at school
You can visit a school where you can interact with the children, share about yourself and teach English to them if you like. The children will surely be interested since this place is uncommon for tourism purposes.
Cooking with a host family
There’s no better way to understand a diverse culture than by tasting all the delightful local dishes in Nepal. Cooking classes directly with the local people as a form of responsible travel. The native will share their traditional recipes for some tasteful, home cooking. You will get a first-hand cooking experience that can be prepared when you get back home. Income from the cooking class directly benefits the cook and their family. You can even share your stories while enjoying a delightful home-cooked Nepalese meal.
Purchasing local products
Purchasing fair trade products made locally will support the local industry, increase local employment, and build sustainable communities, no matter how simple the item might be. Visiting the local market gets an opportunity to buy souvenirs in the form of crafted items such as the hand-woven shawl, traditional clothes, and local food.
Engage in daily activities
To get the real rural experience, you can participate in some of the traditional farming practices and help your hosts in their field’s i.e fruits picking. You might like to try your hand using manual wooden rice thresher (Dhiki) and Stone grinder (Jato).
You can get a hands-on experience milking cow. Learning to milk cows in the cattle shed with a host family and participate in keeping, feeding, caring, making grass provides you a unique experience.
Seasonal plantation
Rice plantation has become one of the most prevalent seasonal activities among visitors. You can join their farming activities to get an insight into the hardship of Nepalese farmers. Give yourself an opportunity to be a real Nepalese farmer with memorable moments and feelings!
Join a local farmer’s rice farms surrounded for miles with paddy fields and the raw countryside. You can experience an eye-opening day in the countryside where you will participate in rice farming, playing with mud, water and familiarizing with local farmers.
You might be interested in the following the package:
Participating in different local festivals is a better way of involving local people that impact their communities. The people of the community feel a sense of community pride and knowledge of their history. Appreciating their festival and showing an interest and willingness to join cultural experience inspire the locals to preserve their local culture.
Cultural Performance
Participating in and appreciating the cultural performance of locals immensely support the community. As guests take a deep interest in local culture and tradition. This will help to gain insight among local people that culture and tradition are essential to keep alive for sustainability. During the trek, you will get an opportunity to witness the cultural performance performed by women group i.e. Ama Samuha as well as various ethnic dances during the festive period.
Participate in different community projects
Visitors can involve in various community project areas like schools, health clinics, orphanages, libraries, conservation research centers, parks and protected areas, and an extensive range of other worthy projects.
To explore the Nepalese culture with authenticity and inspiration, Nepal Sanctuary Treks has created a community-based tourism trekking itineraries that are ideal for solo, families and school groups.
Nepal is a country that signifies myriad wonders that connect to both natural splendor and cultural heritage. From an affluent history to being home to numerous of the world’s highest Himalayas, Nepal is an emblem of marvelous resources and majesties. The country is filled with adventures and a blend of many ages of people, interesting experiences, and demographics. There is so much to do in Nepal that taking the information on this aspect before leaving would prove very useful to make your trip full of joy. Now that you have planned to visit Nepal this holiday, you sure would be wondering about the things to be done on your trip.
Whether you’re a solo trekker, family trekker, school group, or lover of all things luxury, Nepal Sanctuary Treks has the ideal sustainable holiday program for you. Start your search now with our special selection of trekking and other activities, perfectly tailored to meet your needs and your preferences. Here are the top 20 things to do in Nepal.
Trekking in the Himalayas
Trekking in Nepal is one of the unparalleled experiences in Nepal as it is blessed with pristine landscapes, rugged mountain trekking trails, and culturally affluent villages along with the vistas of outstanding massive snow-blanketed peaks. It is the real adventure of an extended walking expedition in the Himalayas with gratifying experiences of the unsurpassed natural scenery in the world. There are several trekking options available from short to longer treks. Every year, a significant number of enthusiastic trekkers around the world embarked on the trekking journey in a different region of Nepal’s Himalayas.
The most popular trekking adventures are Everest Base Camp Trek and The Annapurna Base Camp Trek among all. Also, the Everest region is renowned for several treks like Gokyo Lakes trek and Everest High Passes trek, Amadablam base Camp, Pikey Peak Trek, Everest Base Camp with Comfort trek, Everest Comfort Lodge Trek. While Annapurna circuit, Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Upper Mustang, Khopra Ridge Community Trek, and Ghorepani Poonhill are popular picks in the Annapurna region. Langtang valley, Kanchenjunga and Mardi Himal treks are also the popular trekking options in Nepal. Likewise, Naar to Mustang, Upper Dolpa, and Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, and Great Himalayan Trail route is the less trodden routes however they are equally delightful and attractive.
If you have limited time for a longer trek into the high mountain but would like to experience the local life and savor the Mountain View then Kathmandu Rim Trek is an ideal one. The trek is best suited for those who are traveling with children, solo, Families, and students. It is also ideal for the trekker who has limited time for longer treks into the high mountains.
You will feel awesome in the most unexpected places that will make every step of the trek worthwhile.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking is an enjoyable activity that is experienceable. In Nepal, Mountain Biking is exciting as well as challenging. The landscape comprises flatlands, hills, and mountains. There are numerous trails in Nepal, most of which are not paved but provide beautiful sceneries and exhilarating experiences. No matter whether you are a beginner or professional, the trails in Nepal keep you enthusiastic, The undulating hills of Nepal present the easy to challenging and technical single tracks. You can pick either short or long routes depending on your endurance and interest. Some popular cycling trails are: Ultimate Off-road Challenge Biking from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley RIM Biking, Southern Nepal Cycling,
If you want to experience a challenging biking experience then, you can try Lower Mustang Cycling on the Himalayan plateau.
Short hiking
Nepal has numerous hiking trails for all hiking lovers. Hiking is one of the perfect ways to discover the magnificence of varied cultural aspects, nature, and highlights of Nepal within a few days specifically in hilly regions. There is a multi-day hike to very enjoyable short ones that you can complete in a single day. You can choose a hike according to your stamina, time limit, and preference. If you have a limited timeframe then, you can still experience hiking for one or more days around Kathmandu’s hills and small settlements. The sub-alpine woodlands and serene landscape make for a great short break from the bustle of city life.
There are numerous series of hiking from short-long and easy-hard points. There are easy trails to reach vantage points to savor the mountain backdrop which is distant great and pleasurable.
Taking a mountain flight is one of the most thrilling and exclusive tours you can do in Nepal. If you can’t or don’t want to trek up to the mountains but still want to relish the summit vistas, the mountain flight is recommended.
Mountain flight offers the closet aerial view of majestic, breathtaking snow-capped mountains, beautiful peaks, and glaciers. Summiting the highest peak of the world is not attainable by all. Nevertheless, touching it with your soul and eyes is possible through mountain flight. It is not just a flight but a voyage to spirituality as you get closer to the most unspoiled form of nature.
The one-hour Everest mountain flight takes within the camera range of some of the highest mountains on the globe that will leave an imprint on your life. The journey takes you near Everest, Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, Lhotse, Nuptse, Langtang, and several adjacent peaks.
Peak Climbing
Mountain peak climbing is another well-known adventure in Nepal. There are numerous peaks in Nepal. Apart from the high peaks, there are some other peak climbing in Nepal which is quite famous among the climbers. Island Peak and Mera peak climbing in Nepal have attracted a substantial number of climbers to visit this stunning nation for Himalayan expeditions in Nepal. You can embark on this physically demanding trip accompanied by an expert climbing guide,
Explore Nepal’s Sub-Tropical Jungle
Nepal not only comprises soaring mountains but is also rich with plain landscapes with varied flora and fauna. The Terai region of Nepal has some tropical forests that home different vegetation. Jungle safari is another activity that you should consider while you are here in Nepal.
Chitwan National Park (former “Royal Chitwan National Park”) is the first national park of Nepal, established in 1973. The national park gained status as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park covers an area of 932 km sq. Chitwan National Park is located in subtropical Inner Terai lowlands in south-central Nepal.
Bardia National Park (Royal) is a protected area in Southwest Nepal established in 1988 as Royal Bardia National Park. It is the largest undisturbed and pristine park in Nepal’s Terai region covering an area of 968 Km. Sq. Wildlife escapade to the untouched, natural lure of Bardia National Park can be an ideal option to observe and experience the wilderness.
Another jungle safari in Nepal can be done in Shuklaphant National Park. It is a protected area of the Far-Western Region located in the Kanchanpur district in Terai, covering 305 sq. Km (118 sq mi).
You have opted to go jeep safari or walking safari which is the best way to get into the wild. You can immerse yourself by discovering wilderness where you can get an opportunity to spot Royal Bengal Tiger, mugger crocodiles, the rare one-horned rhinos along with other exotic birds and animals. The bird watching of hundreds of species of magnificent birds, and experiencing a canoe ride on the river keep you enthralled.
The fresh fragrance of the surroundings, delightful greenery, jungle safari, and different species of birds and animals make you feel calm, harmonious, and fresh that enriching the determination of your visit to these reserves.
Try Diverse Cuisines
With rich traditions and culture, Nepal also has delightful traditional cuisines to offer. Visitors can enjoy the authentic flavor of indigenous foods in the ethnic atmosphere of Nepali eateries. The foods in Nepal are prepared with the local spices and have their own distinct taste. The dishes are tasty enough to make anyone eat the dish again. The foods are easy and fast to cook and are an entirely different taste for the visitors. The mouth-watering foods with the best spices will stay in your mouth for a longer time.
Experience the thrilling water-based activities
White water rafting is another way to get wet and wild in the Himalayas. There are several rivers to explore on rafting trips ranging from one day to a week or ten days. Though white water rafting is a true challenge, it is a serious adventure and a great way to test your limits the rapid flow of the river offers a thrilling ride with ups and downs and swift meandering pacing.
Visitors get an exceptional opportunity to experience the exciting rafting trip in such wonderful mountain surroundings, with terraced paddy fields, deep gorges, and interesting hamlets around.
The Trishuli River and Bhotekoshi River are close to Kathmandu and are the most popular white water rafting rivers. Other popular rivers include the Kali Gandaki near Pokhara, Marshyangdi, Karnali, and the Sun Koshi. These are well-known destinations for people who love aquatic adventures. Besides the river-based sports, you can also hike around the forest towards small villages. Likewise, canyoning through the spectacular scenery of pristine forest with multiple cascading waterfalls dropping one after the other into revitalizing pools below is a must-do while you are in Nepal.
Apart from the mountains and hills and the forests in the plains, you can also discover some of the exotic cities and tranquil towns filled with beautiful landscapes and cultures. Whether it is about the snow-capped mountains, the beautiful lakes, or a perfect leisure spending place, Pokhara offers a variety of choices for visitors. This may include trekking, sightseeing, experiencing the culture, shopping in the local market, active adventures like bungee jumping, paragliding, and several ways to chill. Bandipur, Palpa (Tansen), and Ghandruk are just a few instances of numerous beautiful places to visit in Nepal. You can visit more well-known landmarks in these naturally beautiful landscapes of Nepal.
Explore the classical medieval village
Trekking towards the village tour provides an opportunity to witness the traditional life of local people settling around. You will get a true insight into the culture, tradition, and customs of Nepalese with their lifestyles.
The most popular villages to visit are Bungmati, situated to the south of Kathmandu. The village is also considered a home to one of the most significant Machendranath, “the God of Rain and compassion” and is well-known for the number of master woodcarvers and sculpture makers. As you walk the streets of Bungamati, you can see an abundance of wood crafts and sculptures which might be ideal for a souvenir.
The narrow alley of Bungamati offers an opportunity to witness the Newari people’s livelihood. The most interesting attraction is that in the majority of the houses the local people hang red chili and vegetable garlands from the top floor almost to the ground floor after the month of September.
Located 32 km south-east of Kathmandu, Panauti The village is a picturesque and fascinating destination in Nepal. It still has the feeling of the medieval period and it has filled with many ancient houses and temples. The town has been left in the same state the founders left it in the medieval period. A nostalgic environment incorporates the narrow town streets .and prehistoric structures. Situated near Roshi Khola & Punyamata Khola, it is known as a Newari town. During the tour, you will be able to witness and experience authentic Nepali culture and lifestyle, stunning scenery, and interesting ancient temples.
Adventure Sports
Nepal has several options for adventure sports. Adventures in Nepal are innumerable from bungee jumping to paragliding. Adventure sports provide a fantastic experience of terrains, beautiful vistas, and delightful nature. Skydiving, zip flying, thermal paragliding, par hawking, ultra-light, bungee, and white-water rafting are some of the adventure sports you can indulge in while in Nepal for an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.
Explore the World Heritage Sites
Cultural Tour is a marvelously architectural beauty and historical grace. Nepal contributes 10 sites to the list of World Heritage Sites. Religious temples like Pashupatinath, Durbar square and Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Durbar Square are moreover popular and affluent terms in Nepal. It has been preserved by different communities and heritage sites. Wandering the Durbar Square, enjoying the chatter, bustle, and pulse of the city, and appreciating the delicate handicrafts and fine temples in the city, you will get a vivid impression of Nepal. Likewise, you will experience several colors sounds, and tastes of authentic Katmandu and its surroundings. You will discover deep into the world of customs, traditions, and beliefs of this charming and vibrant country through its classic art and architecture, cultural temples, and most of all its people.
Bhaktapur, a famous city situated about 20 km east of Kathmandu, is the most medieval city in Nepal. Also regarded as the city of devotees, Bhaktapur is Nepal’s Cultural Gem too. The city is famous for pagoda-style architecture, the vibrant market, lively people, and marvelous ancient You can witness its rich culture, ancient temples, and fine wood, metal, and stone artwork. The perfect way to explore Bhaktapur is to stroll through its narrow cobblestone alley and immerse in the culture. The stunning courtyards, the carved windows, those small wooden doors, and small narrow alleyways will display you an entirely new facet of Kathmandu. Apart from its distinct history, this town is also popular for a special kind of curd called juju dau, or ‘king curd’ in English. Not found every place in Nepal, this creamy sweet custard-like curd is something you have to try in Bhaktapur.
Patan one of the largest city in Nepal is typically well known for its historical and cultural aspects. Also regarded as Yala in Nepali Bhasa (Newari language), Patan has been an epic center of craftsmanship since medieval Nepal. Along with its tradition of arts and crafts, Patan is affluent in cultural heritage. What makes Patan so exceptional is that its history dates all the way back to the year 250 BC, when the corners of the old town were marked by the spectacular finest collection of temples, palaces, and stupas.
The birthplace of Lord Buddha in Lumbini, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is the abode of peace and an ultimate pilgrimage to the devotees and peace lovers from around the world. They visit Lumbini to pay homage to Lord Buddha and observe the sanctity and shrines that are associated with Lord Sakyamuni Buddha, Buddhism, and peace. Pilgrimage to the holy Buddhist heritage sites includes Lumbini, Kudan, Gotihawa, Nihlihawa, Tilaurakot, Ramagrama, and Devadaha.
Visitors can participate in the short to long meditation, yoga, and spiritual courses offered at several national and international monasteries situated in the vicinity of the Sacred Garden, ancient Nyigrodharama (Kudan), Bhawanipur, and Ramagrama, the only stupa comprising the holy body relics of Lord Buddha.
In addition to the pilgrimage and spirituality, visitors can enjoy cultural tours, village tours, sightseeing of museums, tours to wetlands, cultural homestay experiences, cycling, bird-watching, archaeological sites, and natural sites.
Read the following article for a fuller list World Heritage Sites in Nepal
Some Nepal Sites submitted to the Tentative List of UNESCO
The early medieval architectural complex of Panauti (1996)
Tilaurakot, the archaeological relics of ancient Shakya Kingdom (1996)
Cave architecture of Muktinath Valley of Mustang (1996)
The medieval palace complex of Gorkha (1996)
Ramagrama, the remains stupa of Lord Buddha (1996)
Khokana, the vernacular village and its mustard-oil seed industrial heritage (1996)
Illam, Tea Garden
Nepal’s tea house offers some of the most charming settings through its lush tea gardens. Nestled in the Mahabharata Range in the far east of the country, the town gains the heart and soul of the visitors with its amazing natural beauty. The beautiful Illam offers so many enchanting places to visit. For more information about Ilam please refer to the link
Local Shopping
Strolling around the streets of Thamel, Bhaktapur, and Patan and shopping the local handmade products is a beautiful experience.
The streets of this vibrant area are lined with shops overflowing with radiantly colored clothing, tea, jewelry, paper lanterns, thangka paintings, wood carvings, bronze statues, music, books, decorative pieces like masks, statues and so much more.
CAS (Creativity, Activity, and Service) is the best option to spend your vacation or trip in a foreign country as it gives you the opportunity to help others, participate in and experience a different culture, along with contributing to the communities.
If the school is planning to involve students in an international excursion to a remote location where they will support communities, learn about the culture and explore nature at the same time then Nepal is the best place.
This trip integrates service learning with cultural immersion and nature exploration. The program provides an opportunity to transform the student’s CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) experience into something they’ll evoke for the rest of their lives.
The students can involve in volunteering or organizing some projects in Nepal with local people. Such as classroom painting, library projects, awareness programs, talk sessions and training, teaching at schools, and many more. Apart from community work, the students also get the opportunity to participate in different adventure-based activities in Nepal such as trekking, hiking, safari, rafting, and many more. Learn more about CAS trips in these articles: 10 CAS activities in Manaslu Nepal 10 Project ideas for CAS in Nepal Why is Nepal the best Destination for CAS?
Bird Watching Tour-Haven for a birdwatcher
Are you ready with your binoculars and look forward to a wonderful experience? Then bird watching is the best thing to do in Nepal.
Nepal is a haven for birds with over 848 species of birds. And among them, almost 5 hundred species are found in the Kathmandu Valley alone. Phulchoki, Godavari, Nagarjun, Taudaha are the most well-known bird watching spots in Kathmandu.
Nepal’s wetland, National Parks and Wildlife Reserve have become a domain for diverse species of birds comprising numerous rare species of bird-like Impeyan Pheasant, Nepal’s national bird, and Spiny Babbler, found only in Nepal.
If you want to experience the wild plains of Nepal and bird watching interests you then Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve and Chitwan National park are the popular spots for bird watching. Out of 848 species, a total of 423 species of birds are recorded in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, including 20 species of Ducks, two species of Ibises, many Egrets, Storks, Herons, and the endangered Swamp Partridges and Bengal Floricans. Likewise, there are around 600 different mixtures of birds in Chitwan National Park. Some of the birds that are found in this region are Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican, and Paradise Flycatcher.
Likewise, the Greater Lumbini Area (GLA) also offers bird watching tours. Bird watching to Jagadispur reservoir and Lumbini Crane Sanctuary along with related farmlands have been identified as International Bird Area. Jagadispur reservoir is the largest man-made reservoir in Nepal and was enlisted as one of the Wetlands of International Importance known as RAMSAR site in 2003.Its a habitat for 61 species of birds comprising rare birds. Apart from being a natural habitat to the native ones, the lake lies on the flight path of migratory birds from Siberia, Russia, China Mongolia, Turkmenistan, Central Asia, and Kirgistan.On the other hand, the Lumbini Crane Sanctuary has rich biodiversity and a distinct ecosystem with hundreds of cranes and other birds.
The important rivers for birdwatching include Telar, Dano, and Kothi rivers. Gaidahawa lake is popular for vultures and blue bulls. There are more than 250 species of birds in the area including the world’s largest bird sarus crane, endangered birds like lesser adjutant, painted stork, slender-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, and many more. The Telar and Dano floodplains are recognized as important habitats for birds.
Stay at community-based lodges
Staying at local-based teahouse as your accommodation in Nepal is one of the easiest ways to connect with an authentic side of the rural lifestyle and contribute something back to locals.
On every trekking trail, you will see the teahouses run by a local family which has become a valuable source of income for local people. This is mainly significant in the countryside, where there are inadequate means of earning money. The development of community-based lodges in different regions of Nepal has changed the lives of many locals for the better. It’s a win-win state for both trekkers and hosts.
Trekkers who are seeking to immerse themselves in the local culture and discover real customs or interact with locals then do not miss staying at locally-based lodges while you are in Nepal.
You will see the authenticity of the local’s kind-heartedness and feeling towards outsiders is actually on display. The legendary stories and their enthusiasm to learn new things from outsiders are astounding. Communicating with the teahouse owner is the best source of information when it comes to getting a deeper insight into a new culture.
The cuisine is always a significant aspect to discover the culture of a country. And local homemade cooking is access to authentic cuisine which you can find at local teahouses. Thus if you want to cultivate your knowledge about Nepali culture and food, there is no better way than to stay at local teahouses with locals and have an authentic homemade meal
As a trekker, you’ll immerse yourself in a completely diverse culture, while cultivating new insights, an illuminated worldview, and at the same time, supporting the destination communities you visit.
Helicopter Tour in Nepal is an alternative way of adventure trips to mountains and remote corners of the Himalaya. Taking a Nepal helicopter flight tour over the soaring Himalayas is a thrilling journey, filled with a breathtaking backdrop and majestic snow-blanketed peaks. You get to feast on the remarkable closer views of nature like glaciated passes, picturesque hamlets, and panoramic sceneries. Your charming visiting Nepal on Helicopter tour will be absolutely comfortable and exhilarating.
A helicopter tour is ideal for people who do not have enough time for a trek and are not able to hike long days in remote areas as well as for those who love to explore the destination from an aerial view.
Learn to cook local cuisines
For all those who are a passion for cooking or even just eating if you are looking for an authentic experience in Nepal make sure you don’t miss out on this culinary adventure. Learning to cook Nepali food by spending a few hours having fun and learning some secrets about Nepalese cuisines in a Nepali kitchen is the best thing to do in Nepal. So get an interactive hands-on cooking lesson where you will learn to cook the Nepalese dishes from scratch before you get to enjoy the authentic homemade meal together with the host.
You will have the chance to cook with a local chef using local ingredients, recipes, and cooking procedures.
Nepal provides an extensive range of adventures suitable for all age groups. The diverse terrains, wide bio-diversity, and geographical topography have become perfect for exhilarating adventurous activities in the air, water, or land. These activities will revive your mind, body & soul, and fill you up with new energy while collecting the memories for a lifetime. Whether you want to explore solo or venture on an adventure trip with your family, or school group, you will find the trip that suits your requirements.
Capturing the hearts and minds of personnel and getting them to believe in sustainable or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies are something that the management team wants very much but that is very hard to get or attain.
Tulsi Gyawali, MD received a Travelife Certified Recognition from Ms. Chi Ngyuen, Sustainability Account Manager
Without a commitment from the team, the success of a company’s sustainability policies is likely to have limited influence. It’s important to create an organizational culture that boosts staff to enthusiastically pursue energy-saving, waste-minimization, and ethical practices through an emotional engagement which is significant to serving a business reach its sustainability goals.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks take a serious approach towards sustainability. The company complies with the international Travelife Certified standard and implement the guidelines of Sustainability Policy to increase the positive impact of tourism on individuals and local communities, whilst reducing negative social, environmental and economic impacts.
Group pictures after receiving the Travelife certificates
The company finds a means to get all personnel—from top executives to operational and field staff personally involved in the day-to-day company sustainability efforts. Recently about 19 NST members including management and operational team, trekking leader, guides have been trained on sustainability on the basis of the Travelife system.
Travelife Training Certificate Distribution by Travelife Sustainability Account Manager
On May 31, 2019, Nepal Sanctuary Treks organized the Travelife Sustainability Certificate distribution program at the office. On this occasion, Miss Chi Nguyen, Travelife Sustainability Account Manager and coach visited at the office and handed over the Travelife Certified and Travelife Sustainability Management Training Certificate to Managing Director, Tulsi Gyawali.
Also, she distributed the certificate to our trekking guides and an operational team who have successfully completed the training on “Leading the way-Guide Training” and “Internal Environment management Training” and “Travelife Sustainability Management”.
It is a very honorable and cheerful experience to receive a certificate, from Miss Chi Ngyugen, The entire NST team would like to thank Chi for her valuable time for visiting our office and providing the certificate to our team. This has truly motivated our team members toward sustainability.
Pramila Shrestha, BD/ Sustainability Coordinator received a Travelife Sustainability Management Certificate from Ms. Chi Ngyuen
Training completion on “Travelife Sustainability Management” that have been met to earn the title of “Sustainability Travel Manager”
Tulsi Gyawali, Managing Director
Prashant Rana, General Manager
Pramila Shrestha, Business Development/Sustainability Coordinator
Leading the Way –Guide Training
Out of 40 trekking crew, 12 trekking guide has successfully accomplished Travelife online training on ‘Leading the Way-Guide Training’. This training helps guides to gain an insight into sustainable tourism and how to incorporate it into their day-to-day role.
Guides also receive a checklist and action plan for continued professional development, to ensure ongoing improvement of their product. Our trekking guides and leaders can use the inspiring knowledge straight away and put it into practice.
They received the training on the following modules:
The principles of responsible guiding
Following responsible guiding practices
Communicating with customers
Professional development
Name list of Certificate Receiver:
Chandra Rai
Gelbu Sherpa
Purna Tamang
Bhim Sunuwar
Prem Gurung
Mangal Dhoj Tamli
Bishwo Rai
Dinesh Thing
Khadka Narayan Rai
Hebi Dhum Khulung
Name list who could not attend the certificate distribution program due to on trek
Bal Bahadur Shrestha
Arjun Tamang
Internal Environment Management Training
Purna Bahadur Shrestha, Quality Control Officer received “Internal Environment Management” Certificate from Ms. Chi Ngyuen, Travelife Sustainability Account Manager
Likewise, the operational team successfully completed the “Internal Environmental Management” Travelife training course. Environmental management encompasses measures that will improve the office sustainability. The learning platform deals with the topics Purchasing, Energy, Paper, Water and Waste. Moreover, it discusses CO2 compensation options and Internal Communication.
Hari Tharu, Driver and Assitant received “Internal Environment Management” Certificate from Ms. Chi Ngyuen, Travelife Sustainability Account Manager
All staff members (including field staff) receive constant guidance, training and/or information about their roles and responsibilities with respect to environmental practices, including water, energy saving, paper, and waste issues.
Raju Singh Khawas, Store in-charge received “Internal Environment Management” Certificate from Ms. Chi Ngyuen, Travelife Sustainability Account Manager
Name list of Certificate Receiver:
Purna Shrestha; Quality and Purchasing Control Officer
Raju Singh Khawas, Store In-Charge
Hari Tharu; Driver and Assistant
Name list who could not attend the certificate distribution program
Kaji Ram Chaudhary; Driver
Outcomes:
Improve in waste management through setting up of compartment bin and partnering with Doko Recycler. The Impact Certificate serves as an illuminating indicator and reminder of the impact Nepal Sanctuary Treks has had on the environment in collaboration with Doko Recyclers.
Distribution of 100 eco poster in every teahouse of Everest,Annapurna,Lang tang,Kanchenjunga and other regions along the trail by our trekking leader. They educate the owner and staff of teahouses on environmental issues and energy, water and waste management tips.
Use biodegradable hand soap and cleaning powder for office multi-purpose i.e cleaning floor, furniture, utensils and partnering with “Earth Spices“. All products are handmade and hand packed by women who are mostly from poor, remote communities.
For more information on sustainability please refer to the Sustainability report link
If you’re seeking an authentic experience, then tea house lodge trek is for you. Here’s your ultimate opportunity to experience the local, for real. In a teahouse, you live at a locally owned lodges where there is the chance to learn more about local culture and traditions. Are you pondering to embark teahouse lodge trekking with family, solo or school groups? Then, tea house lodge trekking is the best way to have a more authentic and local experience; to see the local way of life and to encounter some friendly people. You will be staying at basic but clean, safe and comfortable lodges that have sprung up along all the popular trekking routes in the Everest,Langtang, and Annapurna regions. In recent days, the teahouse trek has become even more popular in less trodden trails like Manaslu and Kanchenjunga region.
“Tea house trekking is not just for adjustment to somewhere; it is all about appreciating people’s lifestyle and getting their generous hospitality that makes your trip lifetime memorable.” Trekking in Nepal is certainly the way to go and is a great experience.
For centuries, Nepalese and Tibetan traders traveled over the high mountain passes, bringing salt, brocades, and gold from the high Tibetan plateau to the verdant valley of Kathmandu returning with bronze, brass, rice and exotic offering of the subcontinent. Modern politics and the passage of time have little affected this trade and one may still meet these merchants with their beribboned mule teams along these time-worn trails and share experiences over a cup of tea or glass of “Chhang” in the little inns that yet cater to the needs of bed and board.
The visitor may now avail of these same trails to explore the vast Nepalese countryside as yet unreached by tarmacked roads and stop-off for simple fare and bed in one or other of these little village hotels, run today as they have since time began by the erstwhile Thalkali people.
In Nepali, the word for teahouse is known as Bhatti that caters freshly cooked meals and accommodation for the night. Originally, teahouses were little shops where trekkers could take a break for a rest and a cup of tea. Gradually, as more and more visitors start to discover the mountains in Nepal, these teahouses have established into complete lodges offering meals and accommodation to trekkers. And it’s not a place where you will only be served tea. Nevertheless, it’s where you will get home prepared meals and where you can also spend the night.
Many teahouse owners have added the word lodge after teahouse to ensure that travelers know that they also offer rooms with meals. There has been an increasing trend of making houses as a teahouse lodge situated on trekking trails. Generally, the teahouses are owned and run by the local family. Thus, you will be staying in rooms adjacent to their home with an extensive assortment of local meals and warm rooms. The teahouse incorporate the warm sensation of a home with guesthouse facilities
The standard of tea house lodge and comfort they offer depends on the trek and the location that you decide on. The teahouses offer basic facilities in more secluded and less trodden areas like Kanchenjunga and Manaslu region. So these regions provide just rustic or very basic tea houses.
In lower altitudes, tea houses offer more amenities with private rooms and attached western style bathrooms. The more you hike up, the simpler the accommodations get and the facilities become scarcer.
Mostly, teahouses are simple stone or wood buildings that lodge communal kitchen, with a common dining hall, a bathroom area and a number of basic bedrooms with twin beds and a table. Most teahouses are built particularly to host trekkers, however, some in the more secluded region are family’s home
Here are top five reasons to choose teahouse lodge trekking
Meet the people around the globe
Every tea house consists of a huge open communal seating area with a yak dung burner in the center. Each night, you will find the trekkers gathered around the communal fire with other trekkers enjoying delicious meals, drinking tea and talking about the incredible moments the trekkers were experiencing.
It’s a perfect area to encounter other trekkers, exchange stories, warm up, and sip tea while you watch gorgeous sunsets in the mountains. Its great chance to socialize and get to know each other. For this, you just need to be inquisitive, and the stories will come to you
Real Glimpse into Culture
Indeed, the trails present you the fine mountain views and splendid nature. However, the people are the ones that will actually immerse you in the local culture. Therefore, trekking in the mountains and staying at teahouse lodges is a great opportunity to learn about locals way of life and traditions.
Most of the teahouses are owned, managed by local families. Further, staying in family-owned tea houses provide rare cultural insights and can witness what life is like in the mountain communities. Interacting with local people also help in cultural exchange and language.
Support local business and community
Staying at local teahouses and having meals at local restaurants along the trail will support the locals, by sustaining their business with your contributions. Locally run teahouse lodge and restaurants have a huge immediate impact on local people and the economy. Firstly, purchasing a local souvenir and staying and eating at a locally owned teahouse, help to keep the money circulate within the local economy. It benefits the local economy, including supporting local farmers and other suppliers. Secondly, buying local products and using local services helps to generate employment for people within the community i.e local supplier and farmers. Thus this helps to support and sustain local business and trade.
Family-owned accommodations with freshly cooked meals
After an extended day of trekking on mountain trails, when you feel exhausted and starving, the feeling of entering a warm room occupied with trekkers is all that you need. It is an ideal place to rest, sleep, get refreshments, and prepare for the next day’s trek.
Tea house treks in Nepal are usually simple, yet comfortable, cozy, and clean. The rooms usually spacious that comprises single sized beds with sheets, pillows and blankets, a bedside table and ceiling light.
Meals are often prepared over a fire in the kitchen by the lodge owner. While much of the food is delectable, abundant, hygienic and fresh. They offer seasonal vegetable grown in the local villages. Therefore, meals are generally healthy and organic.
The staple food of Nepalese is Dal and Bhat (Steamed rice with lentils). This plant-based dish is locally obtained and provides the best energy to combat the strenuous topography of the Himalayas. Apart from the local dish, the teahouse offers an extensive range of quick meals like noodles and mo: mo and western cuisine that comprise Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese selections
Travel light
Trekking with a weighty backpack is an excessive hassle for all trekkers. Teahouse trekking leads you to stress-free journey and avoids you from having to carry bulky camping equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and own food. Hence, your trekking pack will be lighter, easier to carry. Moreover, teahouse trekking allows the trekkers to design their trek at their own pace, set their own specific schedule and experience the unexplored nature with the authentic culture of the country territory.
Teahouse Lodge Trekking
If you are thinking do teahouse lodge trek; then we suggest you have a look at the following teahouse based trekking in different regions of Nepal:
Regardless of the feature of the tea house, the local people will always be there to make your stay warm, memorable and comfortable. As a bonus, it also provides you a chance to understand the Nepalese culture throughout your stays and you will help to contribute the local communities by using local products and services.
Would you like to know more about teahouse lodge trek?
Nepal Sanctuary Treks believe in sustainability and are proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in Nepal and to be recognized in our efforts as a Travelife certified company. Since the inception on November 19, 1998, we have been offering reliable and authentic trekking experiences to clients by delivering a rare blend of personalized services, uncompromising safety standard, fostering an appreciation for environmental and cultural preservation. We select the sustainable and handpicked accommodation along the trail considering the safety and comfort to our clients.
As a sustainable trekking company, Nepal Sanctuary Treks aims to maximize the positive impact on tourism on individuals, local communities and accommodation providers. To disseminate the information on sustainability and environment awareness, we distributed the eco-poster at every en-route teahouses of Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga region.
Everest Base Camp Trek is the adventure of a lifetime for those whose dreams soar higher than even the clouds. Specifically, the sense of accomplishment reaching the awe-inspiring base camp of Everest is an experience the children are never likely to forget.
Family adventure trip doesn’t get much more adventurous than visiting the renowned Mount Everest Base Camp. It is an ideal and wonderful destination that allows you to feel the liveliness of the Himalayan peaks. Trekking through the beautiful forest, admiring the beauty of snow-clad peaks, ethnic hospitality, and their culture during the trek to EBC will definitely offer you and your children a lifetime experience.
Adventure and Social work devotee Little Sienna summited Everest Base Camp
Nepal Sanctuary Treks is delighted to announce that Ms. Sienna Eve Wilson, 9 years old girl summited the Base camp of the world’s highest peak the Mount Everest on April 21, 2019. Sienna is a British passport holder living in Hong Kong who reached the base camp with her father Adam Wilson. The trek led by the experienced trekking leader Purna Tamang of Nepal Sanctuary Treks. Its second time she trekked with Nepal Sanctuary Treks. Her first trek in Nepal was Kathmandu Rim Trek.
Sienna with her father Adam Wilson, Trekking Leader Purna Tamang and team
Sienna attends an international school in Hong Kong ‘International Montessori School’. She is a keen hiker, gymnast, and swimmer. Apart from her hobbies, she has been actively engaged in community service. She learned to give back to others. From such an early age, she learns to be kindness, compassion, and respect -internal strength that connects her to others.
Sienna along with her father has been raising funds through sponsorship and will donate all funds raised to the charity they support called “Mother’s Choice” based in Hong Kong. She has set an example that age is not the factor as far as you have a deep passion in your interest and commitment in serving the community.
Since our foundation in 1998, we have arranged numerous such treks for solo, senior citizen, family with children, and school trekking enthusiasts. However, organizing a trek for a family with such young kids was the first time. Sienna is the first to set the record of the youngest trekkers to the base camp with us.
Sienna’s Journey to Everest Base Camp
On April 13, 2019, Sienna, her father set off the journey with Nepal Sanctuary Treks Team. The trek starts with a spectacular scenic flight to the mountain airstrip at Lukla. Further, they trek through the Dudh Koshi valley to the Sherpa settlement of Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters).
Everest Base Camp at 5,364m to the foothills of the world’s highest peak take over suspension bridges traversing chasms of thin air, through unseen Buddhist monasteries and into the heart of the cordial, Sherpa culture and hospitality who enhance a touch of exoticness to the trekking journey. Little Sienna’s marveled at the splendor of the scenery. As the enchanting scenery of majestic mountain unfolds before her eyes. The trekkers along the trails got amazed when they saw her strength and stamina trekking through boulders and meandering trails.
During the expedition, trekking trail past several settlements like Thame, Khumjung, Phortse, and Dingboche. An extra night spent at Dingboche for acclimatization before heading to Lobuche, Gorakshep and Everest Base Camp. The route is heavenly as Sienna reaches closer to the panorama of the highest peaks in the world. Sienna along with her father and the NST team reached EBC on April 21, 2019.
Sienna with her father at Everest Base camp
After an overwhelming time at EBC, they descend back down to Gorakshep, Periche, Namche and finally took the flight back to Kathmandu.
At an elevation of 5,380 meters, reaching Everest Base Camp is challenging for trekkers of any age. Due to Sienna’s passion and confidence in her ability, as well as a flexible itinerary that allowed for extra acclimatization days indeed successfully ascent to the base camp.
Pondering to trek with us this Autumn?
If you have made up your mind for Everest Base Camp Trek, for coming autumn 2019 and Spring 2020 then get travel advice from our expert by connecting via info@nepalsanctuarytreks.com.
Sienna with her father and passionate trekking leader Purna Tamang
Our departures dates of Everest region trek for autumn 2019 are as follows. Please check the available dates from the following program link:
One of the great trekking “holy grails” is the route through the far-flung peaks of the entire Himalaya range, which links all the established trekking regions in Nepal.
Great Himalaya Trail is reflected as one of the highest and longest trails on the globe, and likely the most dramatic, traversing the totality of Nepal from east to west in the shades of the world’s highest mountains.
The GHT is an opportunity to experience some of the less explored, most exciting hidden corners of Nepal where you will be bump into with awe and marvel at the scale and magnificence of the land, plus the cordiality and humbleness of locals.
If you are an adventure devotee and want to discover the Himalaya and immerse into the authentic culture of local people, the Great Himalaya Trail Trekking is the perfect one. To complete this, it requires a high level of commitment and willing power.
Great Himalaya Trail meanders beneath the world’s highest peaks and visits some of the most isolated communities on the globe, it passes through lush green valleys, arid high plateaus, and fantastic landscapes.
Nepal covers the 1,700 km of the Great Himalayan Trail and begins from the east border of Nepal near Kanchenjunga and goes through the northern part of Nepal comprising Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest Region, Langtang Region, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu Region, Annapurna, Mustang, and Dhaulagiri and goes to the west of Nepal through Upper Dolpo and end at Darchula.
Trekking in Nepal is a key attraction for tourists, however, popular destinations have been limited to the regions of Solukhumbu, Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. Since the trails here are well maintained and provide the opportunity to explore the Himalayas to both beginner and experienced trekkers. While the other two-thirds of Nepal’s mountain topography, generally reflected ‘off the beaten track receives less attention.
“Today trekking in the Himalayas has become very popular however almost all the trekkers go to just a handful of famous regions-to see Mt. Everest or to go on pilgrimage to Gangotri-and that leaves the other 95% of the wide Himal relatively untouched by trekkers and mountaineers, and it means that the local people in those unfrequented areas do not benefit from the flows of tourism”– Peter Hillary; The Great Himalayan Trail –Pictorial Guide Second Edition
The Great Himalaya Trail hence created a trekking route that crosses both famous areas and other lesser-known places (relatively poor but with huge tourism potential). The trail also links all the less explored destinations together to increase awareness of these trails and bring tourism to the more isolated and less trodden parts of Nepal. The trail was proposed in an effort to boost tourism in some of the relatively unknown and off-the-beaten areas of Nepal.
As an active partner and member of Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) and Travelife Certified Company, Nepal Sanctuary Treks offers varied itineraries based on GHT the off-the-beaten trails to promote sustainable tourism.
Let’s Explore the Himalayas and immerse ourselves in the authentic culture of local people
Nepal’s Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) officially opened in 2011 and the trail is divided into 10 sections comprising a linkage of upper and lower routes. Each offers different challenges and opportunities and has its own unique combination of remarkable Himalayas scenery and authentic cultural experience. Each GHT section provides a separately marketable trek along the main and cultural path of the GHT of 2-3 weeks in length. Furthermore, there are numerous side treks; some short, some long, some teahouse-style, some camping treks
With such an extensive range of interlinking routes, there are numerous choices for trekkers – either the ‘High Route’ (also known as the Extreme Route) or the ‘Low Route’ (also known as the Cultural Route). The upper route and lower route consume 150 and 99 days respectively.
Locals often state to them as the mountain route and cultural route. Whilst the trekkers might choose to do one or the other, or a combination of both.
The high route and low route are more like guidelines than official routes. There are hundreds of routes throughout the Himalayas. As the maps state, “Every trail is the trail.”
High Route
The high route meandering through High Mountain ranges stretches over a distance of about 1,700 km (1,056 miles). The route is on an average altitude of 3,000 to 5,000 meters.
The trail leads in the shadows of the world’s highest peaks, traversing its way over High Mountain passes, windswept plateaus, lush valleys, and incredible landscapes while visiting some of the most far-flung hamlets on the globe, where the life of people have not been touched by modern civilization. Untouched by modernity, people still adhere to their traditional life and culture.
Thus, incredible views, adventure trekking, unspoiled culture, trans-Himalayan backdrop, and alpine valleys are the main highlights of the GHT route. It may take up to 150 days on average to complete high-route treks.
The trekkers who want to embark on the high route trekker must be physically fit with sound health and, ideally, possess some trekking experience; since the trekking involves crossing several high passes and trekking through remote trails. Additionally, the trekkers must prepare proper trekking gear and mountaineering equipment.
Several areas of GHT particularly high routes traverse through the restricted areas where you require permits.
Low Route
The low route is regarded as easy and is generally well-known as a cultural trek, hence it is shorter than the high route. The low route expands the distance to about 1,500 km (952 miles) and takes about 100 days to complete the whole trek. And the route winds through Nepal’s mid-hills, with an average elevation of 2,000 m.
The route usually comprises stunning lush forests, green rice terraces, and several authentic Nepalese villages of diverse cultures. Additionally, it is often deliberated as the cultural route, hereafter trekkers get an opportunity to visit small hamlets and get insight into the culture and traditions of Nepal’s various ethnic groups.
The Low Route on the Great Himalaya Trail is far easier, as the average elevation is 2,000 meters. The temperatures are usually warmer and there are not any issues of altitude sickness.
The Great Himalaya Trail A Pictorial Guide II Edition
Robin Boustead, an Australian who has been trekking the Himalaya for over two decades, is a modern GHT pioneer. He walked the Great Himalaya route for the first time in 2008 and 2009 with his team (Pema Tsering Sherpa, Lakpa Sherpa, and Karma Sherpa) and successfully completed in 157 days.
Tulsi Gyawali, Managing Director of Nepal Sanctuary Treks attended during the book launch
After the successful publication of his first edition of “The Great Himalaya Trail: A Pictorial Guide”, his second edition launched on April 17, 2019. This pictorial guide encompasses the most well-known routes along with the Nepal Himalaya ranges and some less explored locations. The book is expected to update visitors about Nepal’s geographical and environmental conditions, targeting Visit Nepal 2020.
He uses stunning pictures, the first interlinked sequence of trekking maps for every mountain region, showing the GHT and connecting major trails. This book has a foreword by Peter Edmund Hillary, son of the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary.
Peter’s first summit of Everest in 1990 meant Hillary became the “first family” of Himalayan mountaineering, with two generations of Everest climbers to conquer the feat. He ascent it again in 2002 to celebrate his father’s first ascent.
Peter Hillary has followed in his father’s footsteps beyond just mountaineering. Edmund and the Hillary family have built and run 42 schools, hospitals, and medical clinics for the mountain people of the Solu Khumbu district. At present, there are Himalayan Foundations in six countries to support this work, and Peter Hillary is a board member, fund-raiser, and regular Nepal visitor to carry on this commitment to support the people of rural communities.
He has recently undertaken the trek with his family called “In Hillary’s Footsteps trek to Everest Base Camp” in April 2019.
Promoting Sustainability
Responsible tourism concerns in Nepal are determined by poverty, a lack of education, and simple inefficiency when it comes to infrastructure
The Government of Nepal is now taking consideration in promoting the trail and its sections as a way to bring socio-economic benefits to the people of rural communities. To make this happen, the Great Himalayan Trail focused on promoting “responsible tourism” best practices. This would definitely help to improve local employment and boost demand for locally-produced goods and services at the destinations.
According to Robin Boustead in his book “The Great Himalayan Trail: Pictorial Guide Second Edition
“The long-term goal for the GHT is to see sustainable tourism development along the trail to benefit communities that are too remote for major infrastructure development. Further, by creating value in regions that were thought to have little to offer, he hopes that government will cooperate to create a transboundary corridor for animal migration. This would reduce illegal hunting and help save many endangered species”
Nepal Sanctuary Treks is listed on GHT site and is committed to supporting responsible and sustainable tourism.
Thus, undertaking one of the GHT treks will help to improve the socio-economic condition of isolated communities and employ porters and guides from various regions. In addition, purchasing local food, and handicrafts and staying at local teahouses would help in poverty alleviation and the resilience of local communities.
Trekking in the mainly mountainous region will lead you on a time capsule to early times with the relatively serene trails, offering to dwell on a preserved slice of lifestyle of multi-ethnic culture in the Himalayas.
Langtang Tilman Pass Trekking is one of the less crowded trekking trail in the foot of Himalayas that offers unparalleled combination of ecological, geographical, and cultural riches.
The trek composites an adventurous trek over a frosty pass with encountering the different ethnic groups. Langtang is popularly entitled as the “Valley of Glaciers.” This beautiful valley covered by the frozen glaciers created from the almighty Himalayas. This distinct and natural marvel of Langtang’s glaciations process makes for one of the most beautiful place for trekking. Langtang encircled by the snow blanketed peaks of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Langshisa Ri and Langtang Himal.
The region was once used to be trade hub with Tibet. So even today, the lifestyle of Langtang region is influenced by Tibetan lifestyle. As compare with any other trek, Langtang‘s proximity to nearby Kathmandu valley this is as remote and wild as it gets.
Langtang is an ideal option for providing numerous options depending on how enthusiastic you are feeling. f you want to make this trek a little bit longer, you can combine it with treks to Gosainkund lake or visit Panch Pokhari via Tilman Pass.
Langtang via Tilman Pass
Tillman’s Pass (5,320mtr) was named after a pioneer British adventurer and explorer H. W. Tilman (1898 – 1977) who explored the Himalaya in the mid-20th century.
It is a part of Great Himalaya Trail and considered as one of the challenging trek. Tilman Pass, trekking trail is recently promoted; off-the beaten, not frequent trekking route in Nepal.
Tilman pass trekking connects with two different Himalaya regions including the Langtang and Panch pokhari (Five holy lake), the 9th highest wetland in the world. Nestled in Upper Langtang region, it is one of high elevation trek including its border to Tibetan plateau.
This tranquil mountain passes overlook down into Tibet and a rug scape of pasture flowers provide grazing fields for Yaks.
Nature and Cultural Aspects of Tilman Pass
Trekking Tilman pass trekking incorporates the wilderness trekking experience along with cultural exploration. The serene mountain pass is a vantage where trekker will enjoy and witness impressive Himalayan scenery of Langtang and Lirung, Langtang Himal, Naya Khanga, Yala Peak, Ganesh Himal, Langshisa, Gaurishanker, Dorjelakpa.
The region also offers the best view of Langsisha glacier, serene five holy lakes and the remote Jugal Himal. It connects the Himalayas from Kanchenjunga in the East to Dhaulagiri in the West.
This wilderness trekking involves trekking through snow and crossing the high passes. Tilman Pass, trek is one of highly commended, secluded and wilderness trekking in Nepal that provides exhilarating experience to trekkers.
Similarly, this region is habitat to abundant highland wildlife comprising blue sheep and the red panda. The rocky and uneven trekking route of Tilman Pass cuts high into the cliff sides and passes picturesque villages that have changed little over the centuries.
Along the trail, you can see the yaks move down meadow on their way home. Along the trail, the trekkers get to visit Kyanjin Gompa, the ancient Buddhist monastery of this region. Besides, the trekkers get an opportunity to visit a cheese factory. The cheese made from this factory is famous all over the nation.
During spring season, the entire trail covered with diverse alpine wildflowers and the woodlands are multi-colored with vibrant orchids, magnolia, and several other floral species.
You are likely to see clan of playful grey langur monkeys and the dazzling pheasant, the national bird of Nepal along the route. And, cultural entrails of Tibetan Buddhism, prayer flags and Buddhist Monasteries along with trekking through lush vegetation to high alpine pastures are the another highlights of this trek.
On trekking through the valley, the trekkers come across with diverse ethnic groups i.e. Bramin, Chhetri, Tamang and Tibetan Sherpa. Their warm hospitality and the architectural magnificence of monasteries will entice the trekkers.
Needless to elaborate more, the trekking Langtang via Tilman pass is completely charming and mesmerizing where one can experience untamed nature and cultural features of the region.
Want to know about detailed itinerary on Langtang trek via Tilman pass?
Tilman pass trekking are done away from crowded trails that offer a wilderness experience in both natural and cultural aspect. So this trekking is carrying out on camp trekking style.
Nepal Sanctuary Treks equipped with all food and camping equipment for a private or group trekker. During camping trek, the trekkers accompanied by experienced trekking leader, cook, porters, trekking crew and Sherpas.
Every day our staff will set the camp along the trails, and our expert cooks prepare the varieties of scrumptious meal.
Best Season for Tilman Pass Trek
The ideal time to trek Tilman Pass is spring (April-May) and autumn (late September – November); as the weather will be warm and sunny giving you the commanding view.
Getting There and Away
Tilman Pass Trek begins from Syabrubesi, which is main doorway of all the Langtang region treks. The journey starts with 7-8 hour’s scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. The trek then led through the classic natural conservation places of Langtang regions, lush forest, quaint villages, Kyanjin gompa, Langsisha Khara, moraine Tilman pass base camp, Tinpokhari and finally reach at Panch pokhari.
The trails wind through the many interesting sightseeing places including natural and cultural sites.
Langtang Tilman pass trekking begins from Nepal well-known Langtang region trekking route and end at Melamchi Pul Bazaar.
Physical Fitness & Experience
Langtang Tilman Pass Trek is ideal for trekkers who have ability to walk for 7-8 hours a day remote mountain landscapes. It takes about 15 days to complete this trip.
The route involves uphill and downhill tracks on high elevation. The nature of the mountainous landscape is challenging and a traversing of the Tilman Pass (5,308m) is hard going need the use of crampons, ice axes and rope.
The trekkers must possess good level of fitness with sound health. It would be asset if trekkers have prior trekking experience. In addition, before embarking this trip, we advise you to check your medical condition.
Our itinerary incorporate rest days, to acclimatize to the elevation. Along the trails, you can trek at own pace, with plenty of stops for resting.
The effort will be rewarded with the spectacular vistas from the pass, and you can witness right into Tibet even though traversing of the pass is technical to a certain extent. Nepal Sanctuary Treks furnishes experienced and expert trekking guide who will support and guide you to make your Tilman Pass trip safe and successful.
Equipment
Depending on elevation and the time of year, the trekkers will experience sunny days and cold nights. Make sure you have enough gear to be warm and comfortable and prepare beforehand.
Footwear
· Hiking boots: Good ankle support.
· Hiking shoe or sneaker
· Sandals: Slip on sandals or flip-flops
· Woolen socks, Light socks
Outwear
· Down jacket, Fleece jacket
Clothing
· Hats
· Insulated Gloves
· Hiking pants, cargo pants
· Gaiters (for winter departures)
· Thermal Underwear / layers
· Light to mid-weight synthetic top
· Mid-Weight synthetic bottoms
· Extra synthetic top lightweight
· Bandana or scarf.
· Waterproof rain over pants
· Rain jacket / Poncho
· Waterproof backpack rain cover
Gears
· Day backpack: 25-35 L backpack (depending on one’s preferences).
· Duffle bag
· Small lock: Bring a small lock for your duffle bag.
· Sack to organize and store your dirty laundry.
· Trekking Poles
· Sleeping bags: -10° C /14° F for a teahouse
· Trekking Towels
Personal first aid kit
Any personal medications.
Malaria prophylactic tablets.
Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best).
Rehydration powder
Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).
Plasters and zinc oxide tape.
Throat lozenges.
Diamox (helps with acclimatization).
Personal Equipment
Two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best).
Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira).
Favorite snack food.
Books, iPod and cards etc.
Trekking poles (optional).
Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.
Insurance certificate.
Earplugs (optional).
Hand sanitizer (optional).
Personal wipes, Biodegradable soap
Passport size photograph if you plan on obtaining your visa on arrival
Passport and airline tickets
Supply of personal toiletries, including insect repellent, sun screen, tissue paper, chap stick, and travel sized containers
Pocket knife (optional, useful for peeling fruit. Do not pack in carry-on bags.)
Short Wave Radio (optional)
Favorite Herbal Tea or decaf coffee (optional)
Eagle Creak or large Zip Lock bags for packing loose items (optional)
Any prescription medications you require (in their original containers),
Nepal is well-known as the paradise for trekkers. Needless to say, Nepal is also regarded as land of festivals. No matter when you visit Nepal, you’ll be sure to encounter at least one of the country’s festivals.
Festivals in Nepal are often related with deep-rooted religious beliefs and traditions, nonetheless also have the benefit of bringing people together, create harmony and inspiring them to rejoice together.
Among countless festivals celebrated throughout the country, the Bisket Jatra is a very popular festival observed in Nepal. This grand festival celebrated with great zeal in the Newar community living in Bhaktapur district which is 18 kilometers away from Kathmandu.
The weeklong Newari festival, celebrated annually where thousands of people visit Bhaktapur from every corner of Nepal to witness the festival. This annual event is believed to have begun in the Lichhavi Era.
Also considered as Sindur Jatra (vermillion powder), Bisket Jatra is one of the most remarkable colorful festivals of Thimi and is absolutely unique than the ‘Bisket’ observed in Bhaktapur. Locally, the festival is highly prominent as the tongue piercing festival.
This vibrant and distinct festival marks a cultural ecstasy in Bhaktapur. It is a festival of human emotions that are symbolically portrayed through the manifold aspects of the festival.
Prominently, the event signifies the advent of spring. It marks the end of the Nepali month of Chaitra and the arrival of a New Nepali Year in Baisakh. The festival also marks the ancient solar Nava Barsha (New Year) and is the only festival that does not follow the lunar-based Nepali calendar.
The festival commences 4 days before and lasts for 9 days after the Nepali New Year. This year Bisket Jatra held from 10th-18th of April, 2019. The main event of this Jatra will occur from 13th – 14th April 2019.
If you also want to experience the excitement of this splendid festival, make sure you visit the famous city during this period. The festival will last until April 18, 2019. The parades are sure to bring a great amount of enjoyment and eternal memories.
Legend behind Celebration
Slaughter of Serpent
The term Bisket Jatra is derived from the Newari word Bi and Syaku which means snake laughter. Legend reveals that Bisket Jatra celebrates after the death of the serpent. It is said that the two serpents slithering out of the princess’ nostrils when she sneezed at midnight. In the sparkling of an eye, they transformed into huge serpents. When they were about to attack, the young man killed them using his tantric powers.
Consummation and fertility
This festival is also closely associated with the form of creation. According to myth, Bhairab and Bhadrakali are the celestial male and female kinds of the atmosphere and the Earth. So, Bhadrakali and Bhairab are worshipped as the pioneer of earthly creation.
At midnight, the chariots of Bhairab and Bhadrakali are enthroned on palanquins and taken in a parade around various areas of the ancient town. The shrines of Bhairab and Bhadrakali mounted on a wooden palanquin and drag through the cobblestone streets of the city by the sheer
A huge ceremonial pole approximately 25 meters Yohsi (male genital) is also erected in the stone called yoni (female genital) base.
In the evening of New Year, the pole is laid down during the Bisket Jatra that symbolizes Bikram Sambat New Year. Whereas, the erection of pole in the stone signifies for the ritual consummation and ultimately denotes fertility.
Tongue-piercing ceremony
In Nepal, tongue piercing performed during Bisket Jatra and celebrated with much pomp and fanfare.
On this occasion, a volunteer from Shrestha clan gets his tongue pricked in a spiritual trance with an iron spike. Juju Bhai Shrestha is the most well-known tongue piercer who has been performing the act of tongue-piercing for several years.
During this ritual, the village elder cleans the needle and the volunteer’s tongue gradually and methodically. Then swiftly pierces the tongue. And the volunteer roams around the town shouldering around bamboo rack on his shoulder and flaming lamp on hand.
The volunteer is not allowed to swallow anything while the needle is in his tongue. So spectators place drips of oil into his open mouth to prevent it from drying out.
The tongue piercing is escorted by traditional music and massive procession. It is thought it marks bad omen if the tongue bleeds during the piercing or later removal of the 10-inch needle. It is also assumed that the successful achievement of this painful rite brings good luck that signifies the defeat of good spirits over evil spirits.
Male Child
The lingam which is about 80 feet tall is adorned with a plant on its top. Enthusiastic youths make an effort to climb the pole, using big ropes in order to get the plants. It is said that whoever is able to do so will likely to have a son.
Bisket Jatra Celebration
For two weeks prior to the festival, people adorn huge wooden chariot in the center of Taumadhi Square in preparation for carrying the palanquins of the sacred shrine of the God Bhairav.
Bisket Jatra is celebrated for consecutive nine days in Bhaktapur. The festival initiates with a special tantric ritual in the Bhairab temple in Taumadhi Tole near Nytapole Temple (Five storied Temple).
In the first two days of Bisket Jatra, the ceremonial pole is set up in Taumadi Tole of Bhaktapur, demonstrating embroidered clothes representing the serpents.
On the third day of the festival, the idols of Lord Bhairav and Goddess Bhadrakali are enshrined in two large palanquins. The chariots are tugged through the cobblestone streets of Bhaktapur.
A huge pull of war between the east and west inhabitants of the town creates a highly competitive environment. The winning side considered to be blessed with luck and good fortune for the coming new year.
It is so astonishing to watch the chariot tugged by both sides. On the other hand, you will feel fantastic when you hear the sound of rope pulling in full motion. Also, people from different localities visit chariot and offer worship to the shrine.
On New Year’s Day, devotees take bath in the sacred Hanumante River and pay respect to Yoshin, Lord Bhairav, and goddess Bhadrakali. They consider that taking a dip in the water of the river on New Year’s Day will keep them vigorous throughout the year. Likewise, a tongue-piercing ritual is performed on this day. You can even see Laakhes performing Mask Dance during the procession to show the dexterity of the deities that embody them.
On the fifth day, huge crowds of devotees assemble in Bhelukhel and in Pottery Square. In the early morning devotees from the entire city sacrifice animals to the chariots of God Bhairab and Bhadrakali. Besides, people worship shrine-like Ganesh, Barahi, Mahakali, Mahalaxmi in their own area. Subsequently, this event is followed by a grand feast all over Bhaktapur. In the evening, the lingo (ceremonial pole) drags down in Bhelu Khel.
The next day is the sixth day of the festival. On this day, devotees in Thimi observe the Bisket Jatra by taking out a parade carrying 32 chariots comprising the idols of several deities. People throw and smear extravagantly with sindhur (orange vermillion powder) during the procession. The festival celebrations comprise playing of Dhimey (traditional Newari musical instrument) along with dancing and walking with an oil lamp. The lighting of the lamp symbolizes the arrival of the New Year.
On the seventh day of the festival, people worship their local deities in different localities. People from several places assemble together to celebrate the festival. The people from Newari communities invite their relatives and friends for the special feast. The elder family members put Tika on the foreheads of the younger ones and relatives exchange blessing.
The second last day’s celebration starts by offering the different delightful food, sweets, fruits to all the local deities of Bhaktapur city. On this day, most of the men and women dressed in their traditional attire (Haaku Potaasii) and visit the entire city in a parade accompanied by traditional music, dance with great delight.
On the last day of the festival, the pole erected before 5 days is laid down performing various rituals. In the evening, palanquins of God Bhairab and Goddess Bhadrakali are drawn towards the upward direction, as “Deo tha bijaayegu” which means “God now return back to his own sacred home”.
People gather together and play many traditional musical instruments marking as the end of the festival “Bisket Jatra”..
Thus, the festivities complete with numerous days of spiritual trance, dancing, grand feast, and merry-making
How to get to the event?
To get to the event, Nepal Sanctuary Treks arrange the vehicle towards Bhaktapur. It is a place where you can immerse yourself into the rich Newari Culture to its fullest.
Newari culture itself being a beautiful culture, allow you to get the first-hand experience through these several cultural events that hold historical and cultural significance.
Nepal is a multi-religious, multiethnic and multicultural nation that celebrates an innumerable festival. Nepal no wonder, is a land of the festival where each community embraces their distinct customs and traditions have been practicing for centuries.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal have religious significance and some are based on important events from ancient legend and epic literature. While some of the festivals are held countrywide and some regionally. Each festival holds its own significance and story behind it. Festivals are one of the aspects that bond Nepalese people.
Among the numerous festivals, Ghode Jatra is one of the major festivals celebrated with high enthusiasm annually. Ghode Jatra, also known as the Horse Racing Day or the horse festival.
The word “Ghode” means horse and “Jatra” means a parade. This yearly horse race is the way horses trample on the evil spirits and stop it from rising again.
Ghode Jatra, also regarded as the auspicious day for consuming a large amount of meat and garlic, some even consider it a day when inhabitants in the streets may inebriate themselves.
The major highlights of this festival are a horse show, acrobatic shows, and a parade of chariots of the goddesses.
This unique festival filled with culture, history, customs, and festivities that generally happen either near the end of March or in early April. This year the festival falls on Chaitra 22, 2075. That is on April 5, 2019.
Earlier this festive season considered only for residents of Kathmandu. But today, the popularity of the festival has attracted people from all over Nepal and across the nation as well.
Formal Event in Tundikhel Ground
Every year, the celebration of Ghode Jatra is organized in the capital’s biggest open ground of Tundikhel. Nepal Army and Police together on the ground showcase various programs like Horse stunts, race, parade, motorcycling feats, athletics, and acrobatics.
These shows carried out in the presence of the army top brass, ambassador, the top government heads and diplomats of the state.
Huge masses gather around Tundikhel to watch the precise execution of movement demonstrated by the mounted soldiers and their noble steeds.
The bright uniforms of the Army band and their lustrous instruments, the adorned horses, and the cheerful music indeed create a joyful atmosphere.
The celebration of Ghode Jatra by Newar Community
Ghode Jatra (Ghode Jatra) is originally a Newari festival that holds significant importance in Newari society. It is a cultural festival that incorporates music, dance, and delightful cuisine.
This day marks a traditional bhoj (feast), representative of any major celebration in their culture in a Newari community.
Ghode Jatra occurs within the festival of Pahachare of Newar community celebrate for consecutive three days. In the Newari language, “Pahachare” means inviting guests.
The first day of Ghode Jatra
On the first day, Newar of several wards clean their localities and sewage considering it the worship of Lukumahadev. They carried out ritual and worship God and Goddess including some animal sacrifice in the morning.
Then, they take out the colorful parade of deities of Bhairab, Bhadrakali, Lamudi, and Kankeshwari on small rath (portable chariots), then brought to the Ason Bazaar
A grand feast begins at Ason where the palanquins (khat) crashed against each other beside the Annapurna temple. There is a belief that it symbolizes the meeting fest of Gods.
In the evening, deities on a palanquin are paraded through the city and taken to Tundikhel accompanied by musical bands.
Second and Third day of Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra is the second day where palanquins are placed in Tundikhel.
Another event happens on Ghode Jatra at Bal Kumari area in Patan. On this day, the horses are fed with spirits till they get intoxicated. Then drunken men (rider) dress in Newari attire ride on their back. People cheer and scream to enrage the horse until the intoxicated horse run swiftly with the rider clinging to it.
On this day, the most worshipped goddess is Bhadrakali also recognized by the Newari people as Lumarhi Devi.
There is a thought that the certain kings of Patan have commenced Ghode Jatra in the ancient times to give a better show in contrast to Tundikhel’s carnival. As in those times, people from Patan could not attain it.
Grand Feast
On the second and third days, the Newari family invite their married daughters and sisters home for a grand feast. The entire notion behind celebrating the festival could also be the celebration of the change in season.
Any grand festival with cultural importance takes place when the seasons are changing so that an extra festivity and food could work on the body and get rid of the common illness related to the change in weather conditions.
The celebrations assure sound health by eating nutritious food and time spent with family and relatives makes this day more special.
The legend behind celebrating Ghode Jatra
Legend reveals that a demon named Tundi was killed in Tundikhel and in the remembrance of triumph over a demon, this festival is observed.
According to mythology, once the evil spirits of the demon (Tundi) possessed Kathmandu who inhabited over the pasture, which is now at Tundikhel.
The demon used to create fear among the Kathmandu dwellers as it quenched its hunger by eating children and locals. After his death, people rejoiced by dancing on his body by riding horses.
It is likely to assume that the galloping of horses helps to chase away Tundi’s spirit. Riding horses in this field symbolize the celebration of the triumph over the demon called “Tundi”.
Looking at another legend, this festival marks the advent of the New Year. According to the lunar calendar, the festival celebrated on the day of Aunsi (no moon day), before the Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. The horse parade, religiously called Aswa Yatra, prepared to welcome the New Year.
The festival also holds its legend that the kings of Kathmandu used to worship Goddess Bhadrakali and Kumari in a courtly cavalcade. Later, this parade might have modified into a parade of horses adding horse shows, athletics, and races.
With time, the tradition of driving away evil spirits by racing horses transformed into a formal, national festival. The formal and cultural, are the two very different features of the festival that make it more distinctive for Kathmandu dwellers and visitors. Also, this festival connotes the arrival of vibrant colors of spring and bidding the farewell of winter.
Are you planning to visit Nepal with family, individual or in school groups during this festive period?
Tulsi Gyawali, Managing Director of Nepal Sanctuary Treks attended during the book launch
