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

From being home to the world’s highest mountain range to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal is bountiful in its own unique ways. This tiny Himalayan country is serene and spiritual, mythical and magical, adventurous and romantic, all at once. And the best part is that you cover most of it over a long weekend! Here’s how to make the most of your weekend escapade in Nepal.

Summer Treks in Mustang

The Mustang district of Nepal is situated on the far side of the Himalayan range, making the weather conditions there markedly different from the rest of the country. Since it is nestled in the higher mountain reaches, the destination is ideal for a summertime trip. The landscape around this time is beautiful, with lush green mountains, and vibrant fields dotted with fresh produce and blossoming flowers. The clean air and serenity of this region is just what you need to rejuvenate your senses over a weekend getaway.

Water Sports on Trisuli River

A water sports outing on Trisuli River must feature on your to-do list if you thrive on the thrill of a good adventure. The Trisuli River is a great spot for kayaking and rafting all year round, even during the monsoon months when the water levels are dramatically high. The river runs along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway, and is thus, easily accessible. There are several camps out there offering one to three-day kayaking and rafting packages.

The Exotic Chitwan National Park

Sprawled over an area of 934 sq km, the Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to exotic animals such as the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, as well as 544 unique bird species. A minimum two-day stay is recommended to be able to explore this national park to its best potential. Go the luxury way by booking a stay at one of the high-end resorts that also organize wildlife tours and safaris for their guests, or just go backpacking and fall back to Sauraha for a night halt at one of the many budget hotels and homestays.

Fishing on Lake Phewa

Nepal’s myriad freshwater bodies replete with a diverse population of fish are nothing short of a gold mine for fishing and angling enthusiasts. The Phewa Lake in the Pohkara region is one of the most sought-after destinations for this experience. Spread over an area of 4.4 sq km, this lake is home to more than 22 native varieties of fish, meaning even amateurs and novices stand a good chance at landing a catch here.

Fly Over the Everest

Now, not everyone has the skills, grit and determination to scale the world’s highest mountain peak, but that does not mean one should be denied the once-in-a-lifetime experience of beholding this towering mountain from up close. The flight tour of the Everest offers an eye-level view of the mountain range, flying at an average height of nearly 7000 metres. This hour-long flight that is scheduled in the morning hours takes you through imposing Himalayan peaks such as the Everest, Annapurna Kanchenjunga, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, Makalu, Nuptse, Langtang, Lhotse, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri.

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Lumbini – the Birth Place of Lord Buddha

Your religious beliefs notwithstanding, the town of Lumbini, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha, warrants a visit. If you are searching for inner peace and harmony, spending a quiet weekend here is sure to touch you in a special way. The tranquillity at the monastery as well as the general peaceful vibe about the town is highly infectious and therapeutic. The Maya Devi Temple, situated in a large park comprising monasteries and lakes, is definitely a not-to-be-missed attraction here.

If Nepal’s on your mind for your next weekend getaway, here are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your brief escapade:

How to Get There: There are 8 direct flights from New Delhi to Kathmandu, and several connecting flights from all other major cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore and Ahmedabad. Alternatively, you can take a train to Gorakhpur and enter Nepal via Sunauli in a local bus or tempo.

Where to Stay: Taleju Boutique Hotel, Kathmandu | Da Yatra Courtyard Hotel & Resort, Pokhara | Da Yatra Courtyard Hotel & Resort, Nagarkot

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