thecircumference.org catalogs the best life experiences around the world; country results for Nepal

Tour the Ancient Landmarks of Kathmandu's Durbar Square

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 02:37:16 +0000

There are many ways you can describe Kathmandu: a capital city, the largest metropolis in Nepal, or maybe most appropriately a refuge of ancient temples. Today Kathmandu is the prime art and cultural centre of the country, and has developed into a great tourist destination of Nepal. A highlight for the thousands of tourists that visit each year are the ancient temples and historic buildings. They provide tourists who visit Kathmandu with a glimpse of rich culture and colourful heritage. Kathmandu is home to a large number of ancient temples, historic buildings and artistic monuments. Every sightseeing Kathmandu tour of the city usually starts with Durbar Square, famous for lots of ancient structures, one of which is Hanuman Dhoka (or Royal Palace). Hanuman Dhoka is the old residence of Nepal’s royal family. The eastern section of the building dates back to the 16th century, and it is believed that there was a palace at this spot even before the 16th century. The eastern gate of the palace, known as the Hanuman Gate, features a colourful statue of Lord Hanuman—the Monkey God. At a short distance away lies another impressive sculpture of Lord Narasingh, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. There are a number of historic buildings present within the Royal Palace Complex, some of which include Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir, Tribhuvan Museum, and Basantpur Tower. As your Kathmandu tour moves towards the southern side of Durbar Square in Kathmandu, you will come across a very important spot, the Kumari Chowk, which is famous for the Temple of Raj Kumari: “the living goddess” of Kathmandu city. The Raj Kumari, who is considered to be the incarnation of Goddess Durga, is essentially a prepubescent girl selected from hundreds of girls of a specific clan within a goldsmiths’ community. The Temple of Raj Kumari becomes a favourite spot for the locals during the Indra-Jatra festival when Raj Kumari comes out of the temple to give her blessings to the general public. Tour Kathmandu to the Kasthamandap building, located at the southwestern end of Durbar Square, which is another famous landmark on your Kathmandu tour. This is the oldest wooden building in the city that is said to date back to the 12th century. During its earlier days, the Kasthamandap used to serve as a rest house for traders on the historic trade route to Tibet. Lots of other temples, statues and historic buildings fill the area around Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, including Maru Ganesh, Trailokya Mohan, Gaddi Baithak, Shiva Parvati Temple, Telaju Bell, Kal Bhairabs, Jagannath Temple, and Teleju Temple. Swayambhunath Stupa, located west of Kathmandu, is one site that should not be missed on a Kathmandu tour. Also known as Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa is basically associated with lots of Buddhist mythological stories. It also offers magnificent views of the entire Kathmandu valley. There are lots of other popular tourist attractions, ancient temples and historic buildings in Kathmandu that you should not miss when you tour Kathmandu. These include National Museum, Singha Durbar, Pashupatinath Temple, Goraknath Temple, Great Stupa at Boudha, Sankhu Bajra Jogini, Sleeping Vishnu, Indrachowk, Tel Tol, Seto Machhendranath, Asan Tol, and Mahabuddha.

Trek the Great Himalayan Trail

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 03:58:16 +0000

Mapping out the Himalayas has been historically recorded since people started climbing and undertaking expeditions to the Mt. Everest. However, only in 2008 did Robin Boustead successfully map out a feasible traverse on the Himalayas using GPS and the help of his wife and friends. This route is known as the Great Himalayan Trail and it is touted to be the ultimate goal of any mountain trekker. The Great Himalayan Trail is approximately 7800kms and is divided into 7 trails that may be explored individually. The Great Himalayan Trail, according to its pioneers, is more of a recommended trail rather than an actual, permanent one. Trails in the Himalayas change constantly and there are a lot of possible ones still waiting to be explored. The Tibetan region of the Great Himalayan Trail is not yet open to foreigners and has not been mapped out properly by professionals, so the whole trail may increase in distance in the future. Moreover, the Great Himalayan Trail is divided into two routes, the high route and the cultural routes. The high route Great Himalayan Trail takes you to wonderful mountain scenery and immerses you in untouched natural beauty, whereas the cultural routes immerse you to communities living on the foot of the Himalayas. Trekking the Himalayan Trail can take over 157 days to fully complete, so to make it a bit more realistic, many break it up into smaller treks of 14 to 30 days. Beyond the breath taking beauty encountered daily, trekkers along the Great Himalayan Trail will see 8 of the world's 14 peaks over 8,000m. Aside from the popular Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit, other popular trails include the Dolpa Circuit, Rara Lake or the Jomsom to Mustang trek. The Great Himalayan Trail opened in 2011 and is still growing. ll. Eventually, the hope is that it will stretch from the towering 8,000m peak Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, believed to be the westernmost marker of the Himalaya, to Namche Barwa in Tibet. When completed the Great Himalayan Trail will span five Asian countries - Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan; and allow for exploration to some of the most remote areas not previously travelled due to years of civil war.

Feel the Presence of Buddha at his Birthplace in Lumbini, Nepal

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 13:23:28 +0000

The Parinibbana Sutta sacred book for Buddhists says that Buddha identified four pilgrimages where devotees would pay homage after his departure from the world. These four holy places of Buddhism are: the place of Buddha’s birth, his enlightenment, his first sermon, and his death. Lumbini Garden in Nepal is the site where the Buddha was born, and so of course is very popular for those travelling to Nepal. For all Buddhists of the world, Lumbini Garden is the place where the story of Buddhism started. Lumbini is probably the most important historical town in Nepal, and this small town offers visitors some of the most momentous archeological treasures of the country, some dating back to the 3rd century BC. Lumbini lies in the western tarai region of Nepal, and during Buddha’s life, it was basically a beautiful green eden. Tarai was under the reign of Shakyas and Kolias clans, and Buddha’s father was a Skakya king. Legend has it that Buddha was born on a day when Maya Devi, his mother, was travelling to her parents’ home. When she reached Lumbini, she decided to take some rest under a Sal tree, and was so mesmerized with the beauty of the place, she gave birth to a baby boy while holding the branch of the Sal tree. It is surprising to note that Lumbini Garden never received proper attention and care of the people after Buddha departed from this world. Great Indian Emperor, Ashoka, paid a visit to Lumbini in the 3rd century BC, and converted it into a beautiful village, making a number of structures in memory of Buddha, including four stupas and a stone pillar. However, during later centuries, Lumbini Garden was again completely neglected by the world. In the last decade of the 19th century, Feuhrer, a German archaeologist, discovered the great pillar of Lumbini. After that, excavation work started in the area, revealing a number of ancient structures. Lumbini is now visited by thousands of tourists every year looking to get a feel of the place where Buddha was born. The Sacred Garden of Lumbini is the most important site as this is said to be the very place where Gautama Buddha was born. There are lots of ancient structures present in the Sacred Garden, including temples and monasteries. Maya Devi Temple dates back to 300 BC, and is named after Buddha’s mother. It is the oldest structure in Nepal. Made of bricks, the Maya Devi Temple lies within the Sacred Garden. Towards the south of the temple lies Pushkarni, the revered bathing pool, where Maya Devi is said to have taken a bath before giving birth to Buddha. West of the temple lies the Ashokan Pillar that was made by King Ashoka. According to an inscription on the pillar, King Ashoka visited Lumbini in 249 BC. It is said that the pillar broke into two parts during the 7th century when lightening fell on it. However, it was repaired later with the help of metal bands. Kapilvastu, also known as Tilaurakot, is located about 24 km from Lumbini, and makes for a nice excursion site from Lumbini. It is believed to be the place where Buddha spent his childhood days, and you can explore many ancient structures that are known to date from the Shakya kingdom period.

Practice Tantra at Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 11:55:58 +0000

The history of Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa is believed to be as old as the Kathmandu Valley. Perched on the top of a hill, Swayambhunath is a site that should never be missed on a Kathmandu tour. This ancient stupa is one of the oldest religious structures in the whole country. In spite of Swayambhunath being a Buddhist place, it is considered a holy and revered place by the Hindu community of Nepal. Swayambhunath Stupa lies about 2 km west of Thamel in Kathmandu, and is one of the best places in Nepal to get a glimpse of the culture and traditions of the region. After your first visit, chances are, a single visit will not be enough to get acquainted with each and every aspect of the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is also popularly known as the Monkey Temple, and offers a magnificent view of the entire Kathmandu valley. You’ll find lots of monkeys within the temple area that are said to be holy creatures by the local people. There are a number of mythological stories in Buddhist scriptures related to Swayambhunath. One of the stories says that Kathmandu Valley was actually a lake in ancient times, and was filled with snakes. One day a lotus flower emerged on the lake by itself. Since this flower was self-created, it was called Swayambhu (meaning self-emerging). The story further states that bodhisattva Manjushri, who wanted humans to worship Swayambhu, cut a gorge at some distance from the lake. As the lake drained into the gorge, the lotus took a seat on the top of a hill. Manjushri then made a shrine at this place to worship Swayambhu. The whole area was later inhabited with human population. Modern historians believe that the first temple at this site came into existence with efforts of King Vasudeva during the 5th century. Another story suggests that Emperor Ashoka built a temple on the hill during his visit in the 3rd century BC. Some people believe that Buddha himself visited Swayambhunath in the Kathmandu Valley during his lifetime. The hill on which the stupa stands today was used for animist rites about two thousand years ago, and Buddhists engaged in tantric activities consider it a highly important divine power-gaining centre in the entire Kathmandu valley. You can get to Swayambhunath Stupa from the eastern foot of the hill. A stairway, used by visitors to reach the stupa, was made by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. On the way to the Swayambhunath Stupa, you will encounter many Buddha statues, dating from 17th century. The stupa is a simple structure but represents the complex Buddhist cosmology, and the central dome signifies the womb from where the whole world emerges. Colourful torans are present on four sides, featuring thirteen tiers above and behind them. At different points are statues of the meditating Buddha. Statues of female counterparts sit at other key points, and it’s a nice idea to visit the place early in the morning or during the night to watch monks doing various religious activities near the stupa site.

Trek Langtang Nepal

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:06:53 +0000

Langtang National Park is located north of Kathmandu and stretches all the way to the Nepali/Tibetan border. The remote and stunning views offered here of the Himalayas are unparalleled and well worth the strenuous trek that it takes to see them. The region is home to the Tamang people who have built several Buddhist monasteries among the peaks, which house brightly colored Buddha’s and cradle hundred-year-old silk brocade paintings called Thangka. Setting out to trek Langtang region, we took the bus from Kathmandu to Thulo Bharku, a spine shattering, nerve-wracking, patience-trying ride, that took 11 hours to travel a mere 130km. Driven and conducted by two boys whose ages added together couldn’t have equaled my own, the bus broke down twice, each time causing a delay of no less than half an hour. Although not an uncommon occurrence for this area of the world, once all was said and done, we had arrived in the endearing village of Thulo Bharku. Happy to be there; our guesthouse was clean, the dahl baht delicious, the people friendly and the kids cute as buttons. Thulo Bharku is where our trek began, at 1,860 meters (6,100 feet). We wound our way through Barbal and Thulo Shyaphru, down to the Langtang River, a rushing torrent of water, even during the dry season. From there the trail headed up, up, up, to a couple of guest houses at ‘Landslide’, where we spent our second night of the trek. Though we had descended nearly a kilometer during the day, we ended up at almost the same altitude that we began at. The family at the lodge we stayed at was lovely and to help them out, and my knees, we paid their 15-year-old son to be our porter the next day. Our third day of trekking the Langtang area, we spent the day ascending to Rimche Village at 2,455 meters (8,045 feet), where we enjoyed our last decent shower of the trek. The next morning we caught our first glimpse of snow-capped mountain crests. It was exhilarating getting the first of what would be many spectacular panoramas, the reason for our journey. In April the trail from Rimche to Ghodatabela (2,972 meters or 9,750 feet) is lined with beautiful rhododendrons in sparkling shades of the rainbow: red, white, pink, yellow and purple. Much of this part of the trail follows the riverbed up through the valley, providing exceptional views of mountains, trees, waterfalls and streams. Once in a while, we would round a corner or climb up a hill and there through the moss-covered trees, we would catch stunning vista view of the peaks we were trekking towards. Regularly throughout our trek in Langtang, we encountered Buddhist prayer wheels built over streams. Buddhists believe that each turn of the prayer wheel grants good karma, and so have built some in such a way that the wheels are turned by the running streams, providing them effortless good karma! After Ghodatabela Village the valley widened and the walk from there to Langtang Village was serene and relaxing along a smooth flat trail. Yak-cows (a hybrid of the temperamental yak that can handle high altitudes and low temperatures and the more mild-mannered cow that cannot handle high altitudes but is more pleasant to work with) prevalent in Nepal area could be seen grazing on dried out grass. As the valley widened, the views of the Himalaya were constant. Not only were the Himalayan views incredible, but the views back down the valley from where we'd just trekked were spectacular as well. In Thyangsyapu, which is close to Langtang Village, we found ourselves surrounded by craggy rock peaks with brilliant views of Langtang Mountain. The walk from Thyangsyapu through Langtang, to Kyangin Gompa is likely to be the most spectacular walk of my life. The landscape grows increasingly sparse with trees and grass gives way to scraggly bushes and rocks. Past 3,500 meters altitude we started to notice the Himalayan Iris, a stunning little purple iris, much like the irises back home. On this leg of the trek we enjoyed views of enormous demanding peaks, some with snow and others unadorned. Boundlessly drawn in by excess foothills that fell away behind you. It was here that we got our first full view of Langtang Mountain in all its majesty. The village of Kyangin Gompa (3,870 meters or 12,697 feet) is where we finished our ascent. Really hardcore trekkers can continue on, but the last of the accommodation is in Kyangin Gompa, so to continue on means your or a porter will have to carry your tents, food, cooking equipment, etc. For us there was no need to continue on after Kyangin Gompa because the views were spectacular. We got a 360-degree view of soaring mountain peaks and ice-blue glaciers. Every way we turned there were snow-capped mountains, and this was an ideal place to just sit and appreciate them. In addition to these towering crests, there is a four hundred year old monastery here that houses a local Buddha statue and colorful Thangka paintings. It is no longer an active monastery with resident monks, but important local celebrations are still carried out here with important lamas and monks in attendance. A local woman looks after it and opens it up every day for worship or tourists. The trek down from Kyangin Gompa was just as beautiful as going up. Watching the world come back to life is staggering. Streams start to reappear, scraggily bushes turn to lush green trees and the barren ground starts again to yield grass. It is also nice to be back down where the air is full of oxygen and us lowland folk can breath. The Langtang Region of Nepal will not give you views of the highest mountains in Nepal, but at the relatively low point of 3,870 meters you get one of the best views of peaks in the world. It is well worth the trek up there and is an experience I will relish the rest of my life!

Elevate to New Heights at the Summit of Mount Everest

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:41:54 +0000

The greatest of the greats, humbling, awe inspiring, life changing, and empowering are all common regards held toward the highest mountain on earth, Mount Everest. Those who endeavor to conquer it in their lifetime follow the trail of some of the greatest adventurers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, the first two people to ascend to the summit of Everest on May 29, 1953. Also known as Chomolungma, Qomolangma, Sagarmatha or Zhumulangma this epic summit measures 29,029 feet above sea level. It's hard to say exactly how many thousands of people have now challenged the heights of Everest's famous peaks, but due to the extreme weather conditions deaths are not uncommon tolling 210 to date. Located between Nepal and Tibet, there are different ascent routes to choose from but to get an idea of what it is going to cost you to brave this front costs to consider are the following: license to climb purchased for $10,000 cnd. - $25,000 cnd. (dependent on number of people in climb group) from the Nepal government, sherpa guides, equipment, and transport, making the average trip in the $65,000 cnd. range easily. Trips can range in duration from as little as one day upwards of 30 days which will also affects the price. Mount Everest might cost you a pretty penny, but well worth the price for joining the list of elite adventurers at the top of the world!