NEPAL

Capital:- Kathmandu

Population:- 27,676,547 (July 2005)

Location:-Southern Asia, between China and India

TREKKING TO MT EVEREST

MT.EVERST

Everest region is considered as the most popular and sought after trekking destination in the world. it is the focal point of Nepal’s national icon– Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. This area is an alluring trekking destination which provides myriad of opportunities for trekking enthusiasts to explore the impressive natural scenery, Buddhist monasteries high altitude lakes, fine Sherpa villages and stunning mountain vistas.

The must-see places of this region are Sagarmatha National Park with its gift of nature and the home of a rich cultural heritage in and area spreading 1,148 square kilometers. The park is also the home to the world renowned mountains-climbing people, the Sherpa’s. From this area spouts some of Nepal’s gushing Himalayan Rivers. The snow clad mountains and various glaciers of this region touch the heart and imagination of everyone. The prominent glaciers are Khumbu, Lhotse, Imja, Ngozunba and Nangpa which are the remarkable jewels of this area. The eye-catching peaks of this region include Mt. Everest (8848 meters), Mera peak (6476 meters), Island peak (6183 meters), Pokalde peak (5806 meters) and many others.

Himalayan black bear, wolf, lynx, and snow leopard are rarely seen but if you are luck can be spotted The Everest region offers the trekker a dramatic experience. It is situated under an umbrella of blue sky and framed by the white shining snow capped mountains. Lush green vegetation embellished by varieties of wild flowers makes this area seem like heaven.Common wildlife in this region include the Himalayan Tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare), weasel, jackal and many others. Birds inhabiting this region are the Impeyan Pheasant (danphe), blood pheasant, snow cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon.

The popular trekking areas are:

1.Everest View Trekking

2.Everest Base Camp Trekking

3.Gokyo Lake Trekking

4.Gokyo Rinjo Pass Trekking

5.Ama Dablam Base Camp

6.Everest Trekking via Jiri

7.Khumbu Trekking

8.Khumbu Panorama Trekking

The places most popular and famous in the Everest Region are:

Namche Bazaar: -

The entrance point to the Everest area and administrative centre for the Khumbu region. It is about 241 kilo meters from Kathmandu and accommodation is readily available. In Namche you can visit the natural history and cultural heritage museum. As well experience the vibrate market place.

Thengboche: -

It is the most famous place of Sagarmatha region from where you can see spectacular views of the Mt. Everest. In Tengboche you will see the Tengboche monastery which is the oldest monastery of Nepal and a popular site for trekkers to visit.

Chhukung Valley:-

Chhukung a beautiful and romantic village set amongst a back drop of dramatic mountains. It is the staging place for climbers attempting Island peak and Chhuking Ri (5546 meters). From Chhukung the view of Island peak is tremendous.

Gokyo Valley:-

Gokyo is the collection of stone houses in a striking and beautiful village set on the shores of this high altitude lake. In Gokyo you will find many lodges with clean room and tantalizing food. The views around Gokyo are tremendous. For the best view you have to climb Gokyo Ri where you have the panoramic view of Cho Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholaste and Tawachee.

The best time to visit this area is in October and November and from March to May. To access this region, there are regular flights to Lukla from Kathmandu and buses depart daily from Kathmandu to Jiri.

GORKHA

Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shah(Father of nation) - The Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath. Gorkha can be reached in about 6 hours from Kathmandu and in about 4 hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting

MUKTINATH

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of mustang and is situated about 18-kms north-east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom .

BUDDHA BORN PLACE LUMBINI

Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha?s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tensen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car

POKHARA

The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200-kms west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara?s numerous lakes known as ?Tal? in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming