Transcript Slide 1 - WTM London

Kathmandu
A city in transition …
The city of Kathmandu is a melting pot
for the nations population not only
today but also in the yester years.
Perhaps that is the reason behind the
rich cultural heritage of the city.
Kathmandu with its unique
architectural heritage, palaces,
temples and courtyards has inspired
many writers, artisits, and poets both
foreign and Nepalese.
It boasts a unique symbiosis of
Hinduism, Buddhism as well as
Tantrism in its culture which is still
alive today as it was hundreds of years
ago. The relegious influence can be
openly seen in the city.
Patan
City of artistisians …
Patan also known as ‘Lalitpur’ literally, the City of Artisans, lies 5km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen
who preserve ancient techniques such as repoussé and the lost wax process, still producing exquisite pieces of sculpture.
The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and the multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples and
Buddhist monasteries (Vihars). The predominant sound in Patan is not motor vehicles but the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the
statuettes they are shaping.
Bhaktapur
In the past …
Perched on a hill at an altitude of
1,401m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally
the City of Devotees, is a major tourist
attraction taking visitors back in time.
Itretains the charming paved roads, red
brick houses and a way of life that goes
back to medieval times.
The extraordinary ‘Durbar Square’ with
its celebrated Golden Gate and
extraordinary Palace of Fifty-Five
windows reflects the glory days of the
Malla Dynasty when art and architecture
thrived in the three cities of the valley.
This ancient city is also famous for
pottery and woodcarving amply
displayed on the squares and windows
respectively
Nagarkot
Wind hill …
Nagarkot, located only 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is
renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from
Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. With an elevation of 2,195 meters,
Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round.
Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different
coloured flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. One can traverse
short distances on hiking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant forests, flower-covered
meadows and unusual rock formations.
Pokhara
Beginning of an end …
Pokhara valley, the ‘Jewel of the midwest’ is a favorite of tourists from
around the globe. With the
magnificent Annapurna range of
mountains as a backdrop and the
serenity of the three lakes of Phewa,
Rupa and Begnas, Pokhara is the
ultimate destination for relaxation. Yet
the valley has grown in recent years as
the destination for adventures sports
such as paragliding and ultra-light
flights.
Boating, bird watching, trekking and
mountain biking as the other
attractions, Pokhara has it all.
Chitwan
Jungle adventure …
Asia’s most well-preserved
conservation area is the Chitwan
National Park, where wildlife thrives
and habitats remain intact. Only a halfhour flight away from Kathmandu, the
park lies in the 'Tarai' region (plains)
and is home to a range of wildlife
including endangered species like the
Greater One-horned rhinoceros and
the elusive Royal Bengal tiger.
Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, the park has a particularly rich
flora and fauna boasting more than
450 species of birds. Resorts within
the park facilitate safaris on elephant
back, boat ride or jeep drives.
LUmbini
Birth place of Buddha
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site. This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout
Buddhists from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born.
A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great Emperor who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been
enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist
communities.
Nuwakot
Peace & tranquility
Nuwakot is located on the hill top with
breath taking views of Trisuli and Tadi
valleys only 76kms North West of
Kathmandu. A mere three hours drive
from Kathmandu either through Kakani
or from Galchi. At the center of Nuwakot
is the palace of Nepal's unifier, Pritvi
Narayan Shah who choose the area for
its strategic hill-top views, as you will
also notice when you go to Gorkha
Palace.
The area has a large population of
Newars while there are Brahmins,
Tamangs, Dalits and other ethnic
groups you will see spread across the
hill top.
Gorkha
Birthplace of the Brave Gurkha’s
Some 300 years ago, Nepal was divided into 50 tiny states, and
Gorkha was one of them. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the
founder of `Shah Dynasty', unified Nepal into one kingdom.
Gorkha palace resides on top of a hill at an altitude of 3281 feet
(about 1000 meter). Gorkha is also the home of Gurkhas - the
legendary brave warriors who fought with knives against guns.
This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill
above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus
station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess
Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of
Gorakhnath Baba (sage).It is believed that the name of Gorkha
was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings
inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal.
From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle
east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is
spectacular.
Bandipur
Once upon a time …
Bandipur, once a prosperous trading center is now a popular holiday spot with its classic Newari architecture buildings, Magar
villages in the surrounding areas and beautiful view of the mountains and the deep valleys below. Originally a simple Magar
village, Newars from Bhaktapur took advantage of its Malaria-free location to develop it into an important stop on the India-Tibet
trade route and you can see that they have also brought with them their rich cultural heritage and architecture which adds to the
beauty and feel to the present day Bandipur.
Ghandruk
The gurung village …
The trek is an easy trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary area which starts from Nayapul, a three
hour drive from Pokhara. Ghandruk is a famous Gurung village and is on the way to the
Annapurna Base Camp, which is for the more adventurous.
As you leave Birethati and climb up from Syauli bazzar, you will see interesting Gurung
villages along the trail. Reaching Ghandruk, you will see interesting views of Annapurna
South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna II and Machapuchare.
Ghorepani
The start of your journey into the Himalayas …
The trek to Ghorepani is a mild trek that is bound to be the beginning of your journey into
many more treks in the himalayas. The trail is a relatively easy one with only some steep
climbs. The trail can also be extended to Annapurna Base Camp for the more adventurous.
Every year, thousands of trekkers visit Ghorepani and walk up to Poon Hill to watch the
majestic Himalayas at sunrise. You can see one of the best panoramic views of the
Annapurn
Upper Mustang
The last mystical kingdom
Mustang (means “fertile plain”) is the former Kingdom
of Lo and now part of Nepal, in the north-central part of
that country, bordering the China on the Tibetan
plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and
Manang. The district is officially divided into two parts,
with regions north of Kagbeni as Upper Mustang and
region below Kagbeni as lower Mustang.
The Kingdom of Lo, the traditional Mustang region is
well marked y official ‘Mustang’ border signs north of
Kagbeni where non-Nepalese require special permits
to enter the region. Once an independent kingdom, the
region still retained its monarchy and it officially ceased
to exist in 2008 by the order of the Government of
Nepal. The walled city of Lo Manthang has surprisingly
changed very little in appearance and the entire region
is possibly the region which still has Tibetan culture
intact.
Lower Mustang
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Mustang (means “fertile plain”) is the former Kingdom of Lo
and now part of Nepal, in the north-central part of that country,
bordering the China on the Tibetan plateau between the
Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. The district is
officially divided into two parts, with regions north of Kagbeni as
Upper Mustang and region below Kagbeni as lower Mustang.
Lower Mustang falls in the popular Annapurna circuit where
trekkers come down through the Thorang Pass (5,416m) from
Manang into Muktinath (3750m) and trek down south along the
Kaligandaki gorge. The gorge is one of the worlds deepest
gorge separating major peaks Dhaulagiri (8165m) to the west
and Annapurna (8091m) to the east.
The local culture closely resembles Tibetan culture with
Thakali’s dominating the lower part of the district, from South of
Jomsom.
Tibet
A once forbidden kingdom
Tibet, once the forbidden kingdom whose origins are hidden in
legends, has always captured man's imagination. Long been held as
one of the must see places in the world, for centuries the remote and
rugged plateau of Tibet has been beckoning those on a spiritual
search for a heightened state of enlightenment, as well as those who
simply seek to be in the heights.Tibet has been found its place in the
modern day map, but remains symbol of spiritual devotion and human
survival. The Tibetans, known as curious and amiable people, are
probably the most religious on earth.
Brightly painted monasteries with golden roofs and the deep crimson
robes of monks starkly contrast the vast dusty plains and the dizzing
heights of the white mountains, indeed the highest mountains in the
world. Whether you arrive by flight or by vehicle across the highest
plateau of the world, the first sight of Tibet is a breathtaking
experience. Here, one experiences a sense of timelessness, created
by the moon like landscape, the ancient solid stone houses as well as
the ever changing skies.
Bhutan
The Last Shangrila
The Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its culture, architecture and archery, but in many ways, it has remained a mystery until half a
century ago.The serene country, which is about half the size of Indiana, is cradled between its husky neighbors China to the north
and India to the south. Its lands include subtropical savannahs to forests to the unforgiving Himilayas that guard the country’s
eastern border.
Its isolation, domestic policies and decision to limit tourism have helped to protect its culture and its natural beauty. These are
among the reasons it is referred to as the Last Shangri-la and the crown jewel of the Himalayas.
On the other hand, the Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon, because of the violent snow storms.
Rafting in Seti
in the mountains
Rafting in Seti River, You can have a fairly short trip in the Seti River and offers beautiful mountain views and
also unique river passing through two beautiful and contrasting scenic areas of Manaslu and Annapurna
regions. This River has relatively small volume but blue and warm water and we recommend this as an ideal
short trip for first time rafters or as "Warm-up" for intermediate kayakers. Seti is Best River for learning kayak in
Nepal as she has very best character for this.
The water temperature is incredibly warm, making it a popular choice for winter trips and also for kayak clinics
for the course of beginners, diploma and advanced as well. After your exhilarating white water trip you have
options either to drive or fly back to Kathmandu or to visit the Royal Chitwan National Park or again you can go
for the trekking trip in the popular area of Annapurna region for few days.