8
Feb 2011
Discovery Tour of Nepal Top 10 Things to Do
Nepal has many attractions which can be enjoyed by everyone. After recovering from the flight in the luxury hotel of your choice, there are cultural highlights to seek out, stunning views of the Himalaya and soft adventure in the southern lowlands.
Exploring Kathmandu's temples ranks high among the top 10 things to do, followed by the lovely lakeside resort of Pokhara and the Chitwan National Park. Access from the capital is by road, or air if time is short. In the shadow of the Himalayas highest peaks, this popular three centre tour is a gentle introduction to the legendary land of Nepal.
Top 10 Things to Do, Explore Highlights in Kathmandu :-
* Durbar Square, the cultural heart of Kathmandu dotted with ancient temples, shrines, honking rickshaws and rooftop restaurants with spectacular views. There are market stalls awash with produce and holy men offering tikka and blessings.
* Bodhnath, an enormous whitewashed stupa garlanded in Buddhist flags, lined with prayer wheels and shrines, most lively late afternoon when local Tibetans come to pray.
* Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Pilgrims laden with offerings access via a long steep staircase but there's a road to the top.
* Thamel, a maze of lanes overflowing with hand-made crafts, silk, pashmina, second hand books, trekking gear, prayer wheels and much more. It's the best place to find a cheap meal and check out agencies offering group or tailor made tours, including the Everest flight which takes you there and back just for the view.
Nepal Discovery Tour, What to See in Pokhara :-
* Phewa Lake, framed by the snow capped Annapurna and distinctive Fishtail peak. Rowing boats can be hired, with or without guide, a great way to enjoy fabulous reflections, visit the island temple and stop for freshly caught whitebait at a waterside lodge.
* The Peace Pagoda, all gleaming white high above Pokhara, with unrivalled views of mountains, town and lake, and strings of multicoloured flags fluttering among marigolds, hibiscus and poinsettia.
* The sacred Mahadev cave leading down to a gushing waterfall, and the craft shops, garden restaurants and rooftop terraces sprinkled around this generally quiet and delightful resort.
Soft Adventure in Nepal, Chitwan National Park :-
* Enjoy an elephant safari through grasslands and jungle, the safest way to explore the park and spot the wildlife, including rhinoceros, monkeys, boar, deer and for the lucky ones, tigers and leopards.
* Canoe down the Rapti river to see crocodiles basking on the banks and learn to identify the rich flora and fauna under the guidance of a local expert.
* Sleep in a jungle camp or tented lodge, deep into the forest, listening to mysterious sounds throughout the night and exotic bird song as dawn begins to break.
Posted By : Dipalee Mithbavkar