Nepal: the Ancient Country of Adventure
Whether seeking tranquil lakes, stunning scenery, ancient architecture, or exhilarating treks, Nepal is the place to be. Unique to any other country, Nepal has all this at its very best, and more! The friendly, welcoming locals, delicious traditional food, and multitude of sights and activities make this ancient country one of the most pleasant traveller experiences you will ever have.
The best countryside: Pokhara
Pokhara region is the most beautiful for exploring the mountains, fishing on Lake Phewa, or entertaining yourself with countless activities. Whether paragliding, hiring a pedalo, or biking up the mountains; there is something here for you.
The lakeside town of Pokhara is charming in itself, and it is lovely to spend time relaxing here. The nearby village of Sarangkot is a stunning drive up in the mountains, has friendly locals and sunset views.
The best adventure: Everest Base Camp
The cost and years of preparation make the summit of Everest inaccessible to most, but climbing to Everest Base Camp, at 5,364 metres, is an incredible achievement in itself. Not for the faint-hearted, the trek takes 16 days to complete, and requires a lot of fitness and training.
Diverse scenery awaits the intrepid trekker, such as lush rhododendron forests and traditional stone-walled villages. The hike takes you to the village of Phortse Gaon, where you can see the peaks of Everest and Nuptse, among other mountains.
The best for temples: Patan
The city of Patan displays some of the finest temples and palaces in the world, and is located only an hour from Kathmandu. This ancient city of old brick lanes, pretty squares and courtyards, is wonderful to explore. The Sanskrit name is ‘Lalitpur’ meaning ‘City of Beauty’.
In August is the celebration of Krishna, during which Patan Square is filled with people watching holy rituals and re-enactments. There is a multitude of restaurants, cafes, and fair-trade and handicraft shops, helping needy people in Nepal with tourist dollars.
The best for history: Bhaktapur
With medieval alleyways, ancient houses and wood-carvings, the town of Bhaktapur is like walking through an open air museum. The town is located in the east corner of Kathmandu, and shows the best of Nepal’s history.
The Newari people, indigenous to Kathmandu’s valley, showcase their culture and work here. Ancient temples, intricate wood carvings, and a rich culture, with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, keep visitors coming back to this majestic town.
The best for animals: Chitwan National Park
Chitwan means ‘Heart of the Jungle’. Keep an eye out for crocodiles in the dense marshlands, and look out for a diverse selection of wildlife and animals in the forests. Take a safari guided tour through this incredible landscape and you will be amazed what you can find.
Reptiles, birds and mammals thrive in Chitwan National Park and attract thousands of tourists each year. Monkeys, rhino, deer, leopards and sloth-bears can be seen, and possibly even a royal Bengal tiger.
