Imagine emerald green land resting in the lap of the Himalayas, watching the sunrise from behind the world's highest peaksÂ… The earlier travellers called it the mythical paradise of Shangrila, but to us earthly mortals it's Nepal. Sandwiched between India and Tibet, Nepal could be just the place for partying during the season of numerous religious festivals or escaping to a mountainous retreat. Trekking is the main attraction for any tourist who come here. Exhibiting some of the world's loftiest peaks, here you can team up mountain climbing with traditional culinary delights for an unforgettable experience. Small towns and pleasant rural villages are linked by paths through paddy fields, forests and yak pastures, giving trekkers access to the foothills and mountains beyond. Nepal is also perfect for soul-searchers wishing to spend some time lying idly in the shadows of snow-covered mountains listening to the peaceful sounds coming from the Buddhist monasteries or Hindu temples. Situated in the central region of greater Himalayas, besides trekking, Nepal also offers an opportunity for spirtual experiences.
View the Kingdom Nepal. Video hosted on Google. Draped along the spine of the Himalaya, Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, time-worn temples, and some of the best hiking trails on earth. It's a poor country, but it is rich in scenic splendour and cultural treasures. The kingdom has long exerted a pull on the Western imagination. It's the kind of country that lingers in your dreams long after you leave it. This is why so many travellers are drawn back to Nepal, armed the second time round with a greater appreciation of its natural and cultural complexity, a stout pair of walking boots and a desire for sculpted calf muscles.
Always consider the climate when you plan a trip to Nepal. Judge it wrong and you may never see the mountains. The best time to visit is probably the start of the dry season in October-November: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect and the countryside is lush and green following the monsoon. However, roads and trails damaged during the monsoon may not be repaired until later in the year. There are some important and colourful festivals to enjoy too, though the Dasain festival in October can be disruptive if you are on a tight schedule. February-April, the tail end of the dry season, is the second-best period: the weather is warm and many of Nepal's wonderful wild flowers are in bloom, but dust can reduce visibility (and the pleasure of travelling by road).
In December and January the skies are as clear as Swarovski crystal but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow, and a warm sleeping bag is an asset in cheaper hotels, even in Kathmandu. On the other hand, sitting around an open fire wrapped in a yak wool blanket can be a very cosy experience. The rest of the year is fairly unpleasant for travelling: May and early June are generally too hot and dusty for comfort, and the monsoon from mid-June to September obscures the mountains in cloud and turns trails and roads to mud. Flying is often the only way to reach outlying areas at this time of year, and the western border crossings to India are often impassable.
Although the Maoist insurgency has ended, travellers should monitor the situation and keep abreast of warnings. Fatal bomb blasts in Kathmandu on 2 September may be a sign of rising political tension heading into a national vote in November. Heavy monsoon rainfall has caused floods and landslides across the country. Travel in districts of Banke, Bardiya, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Jhapa, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Saptari and in the region known as the Tarai may be difficult and travellers should seek local advice regarding their travel plans.
(From: Pilot Guides / Lonely Planet)
 |
Subscribe to this comment's feed
