YET ANOTHER REASON TO VISIT NEPAL

Nestled in the verdant valleys of the mighty Himalayas and the hippie hangout of the 70s, Nepal today is an emerging global market. One of the last Hindu kingdoms in the world, its foggy, sleepy villages, emerald forests and upscale capital Kathmandu, continue to draw large crowds of tourists. Among the first and few countries in the Indian sub-continent to run casinos, flood its markets with imported goods and live life in the fast lane, Nepal was hip and happening long before the India story began. After a dark period of tragedy and gloom, which saw the horrific massacre of the royal family, Nepal is reclaiming its lost glory as it woos back tourists and businesses alike.

One such win back scheme, which is being launched this year and which promises to be an event that will draw as many a hundred thousand people to Kathmandu, is the Nepal International Consumer Expo 2013 or NICE 13. To be held between February 21 and 25, it will provide a great opportunity to national and international brands to display their products that include both durable and non-durable consumer goods. At the same time, it will prove to be a profitable market for buyers who will also be exposed to new products and emerging market trends.

Visitors can use the opportunities provided by this business event to travel across the beautiful kingdom of Nepal, which is dotted with rich fertile fields on the one hand and breathtaking monasteries, temples, palaces and museums on the other. Explore the capital Kathmandu for its many temples, the most well-known being the Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath temples, both of which are credited as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are hundreds of other smaller temples and stupas that dot the city, which also boasts several beautiful museums and art galleries. Visitors must make a stop at Nepal National Museum and the Museum of Natural History along with the National Art Gallery and the Patan and Woodcarving museums. Kathmandu is also the hub of Nepal’s rocking nightlife and other entertainment with a smattering of chic watering holes and pubs, discotheques, cinemas, glamorous casinos as well as several cultural events such as ethnic folk dance and music shows. A great destination for shoppers too, its markets are laden with a variety of local handicrafts as well as imported goods for the eager shopper.

Those looking to make this an even more memorable trip can venture on short excursions to nearby places such as Pokhara, a destination of great natural beauty and also a starting point for treks up the mighty Himalayas. Other attractions include places like Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and the historical town of Gurkha. There are several other hill stations big and small that can prove to be great stopovers for those looking for a little relaxation, healing and spa treatments.

Let NICE 13 be your starting point to what could well prove to be an exciting and adventurous trip to this fascinating kingdom. Choose from a variety of flights, hotels and packages only at MakeMyTrip.com!