Nepal: A Quick and Handy Travel Guide

From its serene natural beauty to the warmth of its people, the home town of Gautama Buddha is definitely one of the more underrated places to visit abroad. Nepal has a lot to offer for every kind of traveller.

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Don’t leave Nepal before you:

See

Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a unique amalgamation of culture and modernity. From the old royal palace at Durbar Square, an UNESCO Heritage Site (now on the mend after the devastating earthquake earlier this year), to the crowded backstreets where street vendors sell shaphale, Tibetan meat pies, this city is a must visit for every traveller. You can also plan a day trip to Patan, a suburb of Kathmandu, known for its fair-trade shops and restaurants all dedicated to channelling tourist money to the needy in Nepal.

Bhaktapur

The best preserved medieval city of Nepal, Bhaktapur, with its cobbled streets and red-brick houses, is straight out of a museum. Temples and statues adorn almost every street corner and one can spot artisans weaving cloth by the roadside. Although on the brink of transitioning into a modern-day city, Bhaktapur still holds on to its ancient Newar heritage.

Lumbini

The birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, a trip to Lumbini is incomplete without a visit to the Maya Devi temple, beautifully adorned by gardens and stupas, where monks pray and meditate under a Bodhi tree.

Do

Trek to the Everest Base Camp

Everest is more than a mountain’, they say. This trek is not for the faint-hearted and though the difficulty level may be comparatively higher than a regular circuit trek, this one is truly a life-changing experience. This absolutely unique experience takes 12 days and includes teahouse stays, conquering glaciers and passes and a maximum altitude of 18,192 feet. Be sure to read all prerequisites and prepare adequately with respect to medicines and trekking gear.

Spot some wildlife on the Chitwan Safari

Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, jungle cats and sloth bears inhabit the wild forests of Chitwan. On the edge of the Indian plains, this park offers a jeep safari, nature walks and jungle lodges: a treat for all nature lovers!

Enrol at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute

Take a short summer course on Buddhist Studies or Tibetan while in Nepal at the Rangjung Yeshe Institute. Their programmes are accredited by the Kathmandu University, and you’ll get to meet students and enthusiasts from all over the world!

Read More: Here’s Why Nepal Makes for a Perfect Long Weekend Getaway

Eat

Momos

The Nepali version of the Chinese dumplings is usually made with minced buffalo or chicken and eaten with a spicy pickle.

Sel Roti

A sweet doughnut-like dish, Sel Roti is rice flour deep fried in butter. It is mostly prepared during the festival of Tihar.

Dhindo

A traditional Nepali dish made of buckwheat and maize, Dhindo is spiced with Kagati (lime)and Hariyon Khursani ( green chilli) and eaten with a vegetable curry.

When to Go

Late September to early December is the peak season, with clear skies, fresh air and days of sunshine. This time is also ideal for mountain climbers and those keen on trekking. Another good time would be March- April. With the onset of spring, one can witness blooming rhododendrons this time of the year.

Getting There

By Air

Nepal has one international airport, Tribhuvan Airport, east of Kathmandu.

By Train

Taking a train from New Delhi to Gorakhpur followed by a bus to the border is a viable option. There is also an existing rail route between India and Nepal that commences at Jayanagar in Bihar till Janakpurdham, in Nepal’s Mithila region.

By Road

Kakkarbhitta (West Bengal), Biratnagar (Bihar), Birgunj (Bihar), Sunauli, Nepalgunj, Dhanagadi and Mahendranagar ( from UP border) are all border towns  that are entry points into Nepal by road. Take a bus or a cab or even drive in (Indians do not require a visa).

Book Your Flight to Kathmandu

Read More: Can You Trek The Annapurna Circuit In Nepal?

Getting Around

Small aircrafts can be taken to fly from one place to another in Nepal. For shorter distances, hire a cab or rent a car.

What to Pack

During the peak season, the temperatures are relatively warmer. Carry light comfortable clothing with a light jacket for an odd chilly evening during end November/early December.

From beautiful flora and fauna to centuries-old architecture, Nepal has it all! So what are you waiting for? Chheeto(hurry), as the locals would say, and book your tickets!

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