On the Trail to City of Lakes (03 Nights / 04 Days)
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On The Trail to City of Lakes (03 Nights / 04 Days) INTRODUCTION A landlocked country Nepal is in Southern Asia, between the Tibet autonomous region of China and India. It contains 8 of the world's 10 highest peaks, including Mount Everest - the world’s tallest –bordered with Tibet, and Lumbini, the birth place of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. A monarchy for hundreds of years, Nepal was declared a republic in June 2008. A very diverse geography, rising from less than 100 meters (328 ft) elevation in the tropical Terai, the northern rim of the Gangetic Plain, beyond the perpetual snow line to some 90 peaks over 7,000 meters (22,966 ft) including Earth's highest Mount Everest or Sagarmatha at 8,848m (29,029 ft). Prithvi Narayan must have been a charismatic figure, for he recruited, equipped and trained a formidable army and persuaded his subjects to underwrite all this from his ascension until his death in 1775. Through conquest and treaty, he consolidated several Chaubisi kingdoms. As his domain expanded, Khaskura became known as Gorkhali, i.e. the language of the Gorkha kingdom. Then he moved east into the next river basin, the Bagmati which drains the Kathmandu Valley that held three smallurban kingdoms.Like the Rapti, the Bagmati raises somewhat south of the Himalaya. Unlike the Rapti basin, this valley had once held a large lake and the remaining alluvial soil was exceptionally fertile. Between the agricultural abundance, local crafts, and extensive trade with Tibet, the cities were prosperous. Prithvi Narayan encircled the valley, cutting off trade and restricting ordinary activities, even farming and getting water. With a combination of stealth, brutality and intimidation he prevailed and deposed the local kings in 1769, making Kathmandu his new capital. This was the high point of PrithviNarayan's career; however he continued consolidating the Kathmandu Valley with the Chaubisi and Baisi federations to the west until his death in 1775. Gorkhali was re-dubbed Nepali as 'Nepal' came to mean not only the urbanized Kathmandu Valley, but all lands ruled by the Shahs. Nepal is also one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and variation in altitude. The elevation of the country ranges from 60 meters above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt. Everest at 8,848 meters, all within a distance of 150 kilometers resulting in climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Arctic. Nepal is occupying only 0.1 % of the earth and is home to: 1. 2 % of all the flowering plants in the world. 2. 8 % of the world’s population of birds (more than 848 species). 3. 4 % of mammals on earth. 4. 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species). 5. 600 indigenous plant families. 6. 8 of the 14 highest (8000 m) peaks of the world 1 NEPAL AT A GLANCE: Official Name: Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Area: 147, 181 square kilometers. Geography: Situated between China to the north and India to the south, east & west. Highthest point Mt. Everest (8848 m) and the lowest Kechana (60 m above sea level) Capital: Kathmandu – surrounded by four hills – Fulchowki, Chandragiri Shivapuri and Nagarjun. Kathmandu valley has three major cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Situated at the altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level, Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Before the unification of Nepal in the 18th century, the three cities were independent states ruled by the Malla Kings. Population: 27.8 million (according to the census of 2013) Language: Nepali is the national language. However English is spoken by many. People/Religion: Nepal has more than 105 ethnic groups with diverse culture, traditions and lifestyle. Nepali people can be divided into two distinct groups: Indo- Burman and Mongoloid. Nepal is a secular state with majority of people following Hinduism. However, people practicing Buddhism, Christianity and Islam among others live in a good harmony. Politics: Multi-party Democracy. Administrative Division: Though Nepal is a federal republic, federal states are yet to be carved. Nepal is divided into five development regions, 14 Zones and 75Districts. Climate: Nepal has four seasons, namely; (1) winter – December to February (2) Spring – March to May, (3) summer – June to August & (4) Autumn September to November. Nepal can be visited the whole year around. What to wear: Light weight clothing is recommended for May through October, Warm garments are required in October through till March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy season. (June /July) Voltage: Standard voltage only 220 volts. ITINERARY AT A GLANCE TRIP FACTS DAY 01: 08:00 Hrs : Drive Kathmandu to Bandipur (1030 m) Time Period: 03 Nights / 04 Days (148 Km) In Bandipur: 01 Night on BB DAY 02: Drive Bandipur to Pokhara (884 m) (84 Km) In Pokhara: 02 Nights on BB PM : Visit Mountain Museum or hike to Peace Accommodations: Hotels in Bandipur and Pokhara Pagoda + Boat Ride Tour Cost: (*Details of cost included /excludes given at the bottom of the itinerary. DAY 03: Full Day Sightseeing Tour of Pokhara (Please note all times& distance mentioned are estimated and not DAY 0 4: Transfer to airport and fly Pokhara / Kathmandu (Approx. 25 Minutes Flight). Upon arrival, actual hours and may vary as per individual, physical, weather & transfer to the Hotel. Group conditions) ** End of Arrangements ** 2 DETAILED ITINERARY - 2018 Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Bandipur (1030 m) / 148 Km) After breakfast, we negotiate the traffic out of the Kathmandu city and drive out of the valley at the cross section of the ring road at Kalanki and then set out for check post at Nagdhunga, just past Thankot. From here, the road twists and turns as we negotiate the traffic and descend to Naubise, 26 kilometer marker (about 17 kilometers from Nagdhunga). Then the road becomes much larger and a much more smoother enjoyable drive on the highway to Kurintar, 103 kilometers from Kathmandu. Another two kilometers brings us to the Manokamana temple Gate. We continue drivingto Mugling, the junction where the highway bifurcates, south to Chitwan and West to Pokhara. We head west by crossing the bridge and follow the Marshyangdi river for about 25 kilometers to arrive at Dumre town. Continue for another ½ kilometer and then take the left turn to the Bandipur Township. This 8 kilometer drive is a pleasant one as we continue to ascend on a winding path. Near the top we divert on a rough track for about 1 ½ kilometers to arrive at a clearing and the Bandipur Resort which is hidden from view lies at the edge of a clearing in a densely wooded area overlooking the valley below. Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower as one can view the spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang from here. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life . Upon arrival at Bandipur check in to the hotel and rest of the day is free to relax and explore around Bandipur village. Overnight at Hotel Day 02:Drive Bandipur to Pokhara (85 Km) / Visit Mountain Museum or Hike to Peace Pagoda + Boat Ride After leisurely breakfast board the waiting vehicle and drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is approximately 85 kilometers from Bandipur. Firstly, descend to the main highway near Dumre and then head west following the Marshyangdi River for a while and then slowly ascend through terraced agricultural lands and small road side villages. At the outskirts of Pokhara, we are greeted with views of the Annapurna Mountain range including the famous Fish Tail Mountain. Visit Mountain Museum or hike to Peace Pagoda + Boat Ride 3 Pokhara stands at 827 meters above sea level and is an ideal vacationer’s paradise. With its crystal clear lakes, magnificent views of the Annapurna Mountain Range and its bustling but quaint lake side bazaar, it is a major tourist attraction. From here most of the treks starts for the western region and is a haven for people who wants to relax in this serene mountain beauty. The Annapurna mountain range is impressive by any standard and looming ahead to take the center stage is Machapucchre or “Fish Tail Mountain”, which gets its name from the shape of its summit and flanking it from either side are the great mountains of the range including Annapurna I (8091 m), the first 8000 m peak to be scaled in 1950. The range continues to meet the Lamjung Himal in the east while to its west looms the massive dome of Dhaulagiri (8161 m). Upon arrival at Pokhara, check in to the hotel. Guest will be welcomed with the welcome drink and the room will be assigned. PM: Board the waiting vehicle and drive to the International Mountain Museum (IMM) for the sightseeing tour or Drive to Peace Pagoda and Hike to the Lake and do the Boating in the Fewa Lake. While in Pokhara make it a point to visit the International Mountain Museum (IMM) that records, documents, exhibits and chronicles the past and the present development of mountains and mountaineering activities in the world. Built by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), much support was received from various mountaineering clubs and associations as well as individual donors from around the world.