Nepal is not only home to the almighty Himalayas and lush hills, but it is also a destination that drenched in charming culture. These cultures and traditions are deeply influenced by spirituality and religion.
Nepal celebrates many festivals depending on religious, ethnicity and castes. Not only has our ethnicity decided the festivals we celebrate, but the region where we belong too.
Offering fascinating insights into the religious beliefs and ancient customs, these celebrations also let travelers enjoy significantly and enriching interactions with the locals.
Overflowing with vibrant colors, sacred customs and primeval rituals, these festivals, and cultural celebrations are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for travelers and will make any trip to Nepal unforgettable.
The festivals offer a glimpse into Nepal’s ancient history, culture, and rich heritage; and while the majority of Nepal’s festivals are cultural ceremonies, there are also certain celebrations that are specific to certain cities or regions.
Amongst numerous festivals, Mani Rimdu Festival is the most iconic and interesting high Himalayan cultural festival observed annually in the Everest region. This Himalayan festival has delighted several trekkers throughout the year, who still wanted to observe it.
In addition, the festival happens right in the autumn season, which is one of the most popular trekking time of the year. If you are planning to undertake trekking to the Everest region then grab the opportunity to witness this festival. It is a very interesting and perfect festival to combine with a trekking expedition in the Everest region.
Are you interested to participate Mani Rimdu Festival in November? If so, you can choose to venture one of the following treks:
Alternatively, if you are pondering to trek in lower Everest then Pikey peak trek is the ideal one. One can join Mani Rimdu Festival Trek in Chiwong Monastery.
What is the Mani Rimdu Festival?
Mani Rimdu is a traditional festival passed on from the mother monastery of Tengboche monastery, the Rongbuk. The festival is a re-creation of legendary events; the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet by the great saint, Guru Rimpoche/Padmasambhava.
Mani Rimdu is the worship of Phakpa Chenrezig, the god of Compassion and the locals believe that his blessings bring peace and good luck to the region. One of the rituals invokes the blessings of the God of Compassion on the rilbu, the long-life pills. “Mani Rimdu” comprises two words, ‘Mani’ means “part of the chant of Chenrezig” (A Bodhisattva who symbolizes all the compassion of Buddha) and ‘Rilbu’ or ‘Rimdu’ means small red pills that are blessed during the festival. The red pills are purified repeatedly during the festival and then distributed among attendants of the festival.
These sacred ceremonies are a series of events of empowerment. It is a sequence of 19 days festivities, which culminate with the last three days allotted as a public display of the festival.
When and where Mani Rimdu Festival does take place?
As per the Tibetan lunar calendar, the Mani Rimdu festival observed from the first day of the tenth month which takes place between October –November. The chief lama of the Tengboche monastery announces the dates of the festival. This year the festival celebrated on 12th, 13th and 14th November 2019.
The festival is widely celebrated in the monasteries of Tengboche, Chiwong, and Thame of the Everest region.
The main site for the Mani Rimdu festival is at Tengboche Monastery (3867 m). Perched in Tengboche village, it is the biggest monastery in the Everest region. In 1916, Lama Gulu constructed the monastery with strong connections to its mother monastery called the Rongbuk Monastery in Tibet.
Furthermore, the remarkable aspect of Tengboche Monastery is that it is situated in the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded with a breathtaking backdrop of majestic renowned snow-clad peaks comprising Everest, Nuptse, Nuptse, Tawache, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
What happens during the Mani Rimdu festival?
Mani Rimdu festival is a time where Sherpa and Tibetans get the opportunity to gather and rejoice together with the monastic community. People of the surrounding region gather around in a monastery for 5 days (for the welfare of the world) to celebrate the festival.
The main first day of the festival comprises prayers, second day for an interesting monk dance performance. The final day involves some hilarious dances and chanting prayers. When the festival concludes, and all prayers make their leave, the monks carry out a fire rite to disperse all troubles and evil of the world. The ceremony encompasses prayer, 16 ritual dance with interludes of comical effect, fire rituals and feasts.
Before exhibiting the ritual dance, the monk take oaths at an empowerment ceremony with Truslshig Rinpoche. They have to go through the preparation of festivals such as Sand Mandala, the Empowerment, and the Fire worship.
Main Preparation of Mani Rimdu Festival
During the 19 days, monks carry out several sacred ceremonies and rituals purifying the unique Mandala called Mani Rilwu (the sacred red pills).
The Sand Mandala
The festival initiates with a decorative portrayal of the Mandala drawing made with color sand collected from the sacred hills. The colored sand used to prepare mandala and create a fine-looking design that is highly emblematic in nature.
It signifies the palace of Garwang Thoze Chenpo (Lord of the Dance). The protective defensive blade signifying deities kept around the mandala while sacred Mani Riluwa pills bowl placed above the center.
Monks chant the ceremonial mantras constantly during the weeks of the ceremony before the public festival. During meditation, they visualize compassion flowing in the form of the mantra, into the Mandala and the Mani Rilwu pills and empowering them with kindness.
It usually takes four days to construct mandala and covered. This mandala is significant for the religious festival that continues for the next 10 days.
Wong (The Empowerment)
The Wong is the opening public ceremony carried out on the full moon day, of the tenth month in the Tibetan lunar calendar. The holy and sanctified Mani Rilwu (sacred or blessed pills) and Tshereel (pills for long life), then distributed to spectators and attendees by Trulshig Rinpoche.
Ritual Dances
1.Chham (The Dances)
The Chham (dances) exhibits on the second day of Mani Rimdu. The monks dressed up in brocade gown and wonderfully decorated masks. The elaborate mask symbolizes the old ghosts.
Then sequence ceremonial Lama Dances depicts the victory over demons, dispersed, to Dharma Protectors, as positive forces clash with those of chaos. The dances express Buddhist teaching on numerous levels from the simplest to the most philosophical.
During the dance, the monks are thought to turn out to be a divine being. The dances performed during Mani Rimdu regarded to be holy, and not for ordinary amusement.
2.Ser-Kyem
Ser-Kyem is two pieces of the larger raised dish-shaped bowl and a smaller raised offering bowl used to make tea offerings to Dharma protectors such as Mahakala
The smaller positioned in a standing position in the larger dish when the offering is being made. The smaller offering bowl placed upside down in the larger bowl when not in use. The food offerings can also, be sited in the larger dish when in use.
The six dancers exhibited the dance portraying a tantric magician known as Ngag-pa. Throughout the performance, they offer tormas and alcohol from silver vessels to numerous deities such as Yidam (personal deity) and Khandro (wisdom dakini), as well as to Shi-Dak (Earth deities) and the Lama (spiritual guide).
A crucial theme in Tibetan Buddhist practice is to make offerings to these beings so that they will support the righteous actions which lead to Buddhahood.
3.Chhingpa
The next dance depicts the Four Protecting Ghings, who are defenders of the Buddhist religion. Among four, two of the Ghings are women who carry drums whereas the other two are males carrying cymbals.
The males signify skillful means and the female denote wisdom; these two aspects are made-up to help in achieving enlightenment.
Each dancer wears magnificent vibrant paper masks exhibiting a continuous smiling expression. Their dances are musically escorted by the beating of cymbals.
The priests performed the Dakini dance pleasantly. They executed dance in a gentle motion dance steps, keeping perfect time with the soft jingle and relaxed beat of bells and drums in their hands.
The dancers without masks represent female spiritual figures; consorts of Padmasambhava. There is a belief that they originate from his pure land of Shangdok Palri where they reside in his mandala. They symbolize the forthcoming arrival of Guru Rinpoche at the Mani Rimdu.
The Fire Puja (Jinsak)
The fire rite carried out in the yard once the three-day public festival concluded, and the viewers returned to their home.
The fire ceremony is an offering to Agni (the god of fire), and to the Gods of the mandala. The harm imagined as liquefying into the grain and burned the butter. Subsequently, the sand mandala dismantled and give as an offering to the serpent gods (Nagas). Thus, the 19-day Mani Rimdu completed partaking bestowed numerous with pills and blessings for long life, bliss, and success in the future.
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.
Dashain also known as Vijaya Dashami is the longest and the most auspicious festival of Nepal. This festival is observed by Nepalese of all caste and creed all over the country with great faith. Government offices, education institutes and other offices remain closed during the festival.
The festival of Dashain is a celebration of reunion and fun. People who are away from their country and home return to their own home from different part of the world. Every members of the family especially the children are provided with new clothes to add on the happiness. Various traditional foods, feasts, kites and the bamboo swings are the things that symbolize the arrival of Dashain.
The atmosphere during the Dashain has energy in itself. The markets are busy all around the country and the economy of almost every sector boost. Houses and the surroundings are cleaned; people move from places to place and the whole environment seems so lively. The natural environment adds more beauty in the occasion. It is neither too hot nor too cold, rain stops to pour, the sun shines, trees regenerate green leafs and the flowers bloom. We can feel the festive evidence in the fragrance of the environment.
When is Dashain in 2018?
Dashain falls on the month of September or October. Dashain is a 15 days long festival that falls on the “bright moon” until the full moon in the month of Ashwin. In the first nine days of the festival, people worship goddess Durga and her different manifestations. The tenth day is celebrated grandly by worshipping the idols of gods and goddess in a procession and celebrates the victory over evil. The rest of the five days celebrate the victory with blessings from the goddess. Among the fifteen days of celebration, the first, seventh, eighth, ninth and the fifteenth days are more important.
This year the Dashain starts from 10th October 2018 which is 24th Ashwin 2075 according to the Nepali calendar. However, the major day of celebration is the tenth day which falls on the 19th October 2018 or 2nd Kartik 2075.
History and Significance of Dashain
According to the Hindu mythology, once a water buffalo demon named Mahishasura was causing trouble in the world of the gods. There was a battle between the demon and goddess Durga. The battle lasted for ten long days. In the last day, the demon was killed by the goddess which is the day of celebration of the Dashain. The former days of the festival indicates the battle days between the Mahishasura and the goddess Durga while the tenth day is celebrated as the day of victory. Vijaya means the victory and the Dashami means the tenth day, which made the name of the festival.
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Likewise, another Hindu legend Ramayana represents Dashain as the day when Ram (vice) got the victory over the Ravan (virtue) with the blessing of goddess Durga.
Does not matter how it is described, it symbolizes the victory of good over evil. The people believe that the celebration of Dashain will lead an individual towards the right path. Also, goddess Durga will protect the members of the families forever. The elder members bless the younger of their family and neighbor with good advices. They also believe that it is good to receive the tika and blessings from as many people as you can.
Dashain Celebration: What happens in different days of Dashain?
Even though Dashain is the festival celebrated for continuous fifteen days, some of the days have a specific and important significance. Let’s know more about Dashain, going through what specifically happens in certain days:
Day 1: Ghatasthapana
The first day if the festival; Ghatasthapana is the day of sowing Jamara. Ghada or Kalash means ‘holy vessel’ and sthapana means ‘to establish.’ Literally, in this day, a Kalash symbolizing the goddess Durga is kept and filled with the holy water that is collected from a sacred pond or river. The devotees prepare a rectangular sandy area with the Kalash at the center. The priest starts the Puja inviting the goddess to rest in the Kalash for coming nine days. The barley seeds are sown around the Kalash in the sandy area which are believed to be pure and blessed.
The room where this is all done is known as Dashain Ghar and is worshipped throughout the festival period. Traditionally only the males of the family used to perform the ritual, however, it is not the same these days. The place where seeds are sown is chosen in such a way that direct sunlight does not reach there. For nine days the Kalash is worshiped and the sown area is watered regularly. At the end of the ninth day, the seed will grow almost up to five or six inches and will be yellowish in color. This grass is considered as sacred and is called Jamara.
Day 7: Phulpati
During the day of Phulpati, the Brahmins from the Gorkha bring out the Royal Kalash, Banana stalks, Jamara and sugarcane tied with the red cloth. The procession is about three days long. The government officials wait for the arrival of the Phulpati in Tundikhel and join the parade to Hanuman Dhoka. The Nepalese army observes the continuous firing of the weapons for about fifteen minutes to celebrate the arrival of the Phulpati. There is a Royal Dashain Ghar inside the Hanuman Dhoka where the Phulpati are kept.
But since 2008, after the Royal family was overthrown from the country, the tradition of the arrival of the Phulpati has changed. The Phulpati now goes to the residence of the President.
Day 8: Maha Aasthami
The people worship the fiercest manifestation of goddess Durga; blood thirsty Kali in the eighth day of Dashain. Goddess Kali and Durga receives massive sacrifices of animals like goats, hens, buffaloes, goats and ducks in Kathmandu and in several parts of Nepal. The blood is sacrificed to the goddess as a symbol of fertility. The meat is then taken to the homes, and eaten as a sacred food; Prasad, which is blessed by the goddess. The people organize feast in their homes.
The Newar Community perform the feast called Kuchi Bhoe in which ritually people should consume two pathi of beaten rice including bhuttan, (fried intestine and other abdominal part), tori ko saag (mustard leaves), bara, (beancake), chowella, (marinated meat) aaloo ko achaar, (potato pickle) bhatmaas, (soybean) aduwa, (spiced ginger) bodi (blacked- eyes peas) in a banana leaf including Aila (liquor) and thoo (Newari alcohol).
Day 9: Maha Nawami
The ninth day of the festival; Maha Nawami is the last day of Navaratri. Until this day, the ceremonies reach to the peak. The state offers the sacrifices of the buffaloes under gunfire salutes in Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace. During the day, Vishwa karma is worshiped (the god of creativity) where people sacrifice duck, goat, duck egg, hens to vehicles, various equipment and tools. The devotees believe that the worshiping of the vehicles on this day will prevent the accidents in the future days.
The night of the ninth day is also called as Kal Ratri or the Black night. The Basantapur area is lively the whole night and there is a tradition of the mass scarifying of 54 buffaloes and 54 goats in the Dashain Ghar.
The ninth day of Dashain is the only day when the gates of the Taleju temple are open to the public. Thousands of devotees go to pray and honor the goddess throughout the day.
Day 10: Bijaya Dashami (Vijaya Dashami)
The tenth day is the day with the most significance. The tika; a mixture of rice, vermilion and yogurt is prepared by the women. Dressed up in new and beautiful dresses, the younger receives the tika from the elders. The elders also give the younger ones blessings to be a good person and for their better future. The red tika is taken as a symbol of blood that ties the family together for forever. Along with the tika, the younger also receive a small sum of money called “Dakshina”. The relatives and the family members away from their home come to receive tika on the following days of the tenth day.
Day 15: Kojagrata Puja
The fifteenth day of Dashain is the last day that falls on the full moon day called Kojagrata Purnima. The actual meaning of the Kojagrata is ‘who is awake’. On this day, people worship the goddess of wealth; goddess Laxmi. They believe that the goddess will descend down to the earth in this day and bless her with prosperity that is awake for the whole night. The people enjoy the night by playing cards and much more.
Traditions during the great festival of Dashain
The people of Nepal celebrate the Dashain with great enthusiasm and fun. There are still more traditions associate with the festival which includes:
Kites: The kites are the very important part of the festival. As the festival arrives closer, we can see the various colored and various sized kites in the sky over most part of Nepal. The kites are also considered as the messenger to the god for more rain. Mostly, the children are found enjoying with the kites. While the children are busy with the kites, the elder members are busy in playing cards.
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Bamboo Swing: Dashain is almost incomplete without Bamboo Swing. The people construct the swings by using the four Bamboo sticks, a thick rope made up of grass and wood. This swing is called “Linge Ping.” There are swings in almost one and other villages during the Dashan. The swing is constructed at least a day earlier than Ghatasthapana and is almost kept until the Tihar. We can find people of different ages in a queue waiting for their turn to play the swing. The people also believe that during the Dashain festival, they must leave the feet from the earth and play the swing at least once.
Rotis: There is a special tradition of making a round shape roti during the Dashain. Especially sweet ring shaped rice bread is prepared on Dashain. The roti is called “Sel Roti” and is prepared from the floor of rice. Almost every house makes this roti during the festival.
What for the Tourists?
Tourists can also enjoy the festival in many ways. Numerous small fairs are conducted throughout the country with Ferris and wheels and other rides and entertainment. Tourist can listen the Dashain music all around the cities which is called “Mal Shree Dhun”. The markets during the Dashain are worth visiting with so much of the crowd and many offers in almost every sector. Most importantly, the Dashain procession that passes through the three cities of the Kathmandu Valley is something that will amaze the tourists.
