Plan Holidays, Author at Plan Holidays

Things to do while you are in Nepal

Posted on December 19, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Nepal is a multicultural and naturally beautiful country located between India and China. Nepal is well-known around the globe for the wide range of attractions that it offers to tourists. With lush hills, snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, roaring rivers, mesmerizing landscapes and dramatic scenery, it is no doubt that Nepal is a heaven on earth. Nepal has a geographic and topographic variation as you move from the north to south or east to west. Here are some of the things to do while you are in Nepal.

The northern part of Nepal is covered by the mighty Himalayas. The snow-covered mountains with breath taking beautiful glaciers and lakes stands tall towards the north of Nepal. As you move downwards, the deep forests with rich wildlife covers the hill region of Nepal. The southern part of Nepal is flat terrain of Terai with picturesque beauty of nature and wildlife.

Similarly, the eastern to western range of Nepal also has a wide diversity in terms of culture, geography, ethnicity and community. This diversity leads to some of the major tourist attractions as it offers a wide aspects to explore in close proximity. There are many interesting things, ideas that might get you excited for your plan your holidays in Nepal.

Plan a visit to historical places and World Heritage Sites

The best way to get to know any place is through its history. Nepal has a brave history which is still preserved in the museums and historical sites. On your visit to Nepal, do not miss out exploring the historical sites of your destination to gather additional experience of travel.

Also, you would not want to miss the 10 best places in Nepal which have been enlisted in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Among these 10 places, the seven heritage sites are inside Kathmandu valley which makes it possible to visit all of them in a very short interval of time. However, the rest three are located outside the capital. These World Heritage Sites in Nepal are Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa, Changu Narayan Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Lumbini, Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha National Park.

A brief visit to historical places and World Heritage Sites is a great idea to understand the history, architecture, culture and beliefs of diverse communities residing in Nepal.

Go on treks and hikes

The diverse geography of Nepal has turned out to be a paradise for trekkers and hikers from all around the world. You get so many options to choose from. In fact, you can look for a trekking or hiking route around your destination here in Nepal. Majority of the tourist destinations here in Nepal offer hiking and trekking trails. Mardi Himal Trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Everest base camp trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Nagarkot Hike, Champadevi Hike, Ghandruk Hike, Poon Hill Hike, etc. are some of the treks and hikes that might excite and Things to do while you are in Nepal.

Opt for adventure tours and activities

Lately, many tourists are attracted by the growing adventure tourism in Nepal. If you are someone who loves adventures, then rafting on the fast flowing rivers of Trisuli , bungee jumping from a daringly high tower, kayaking and canoeing are some of the fun activities you definitely should try out. Other than these adventure sports, exploring the world’s highest mountain peak, Mt. Everest or hiking to some of Nepal’s most rural yet beautiful areas can be an exciting idea too!

Try spending your vacation here

Vacations are short but the memories created on vacations last for a lifetime. Nepal is the best destination for you if you plan on traversing through exciting memories in a short time. In addition to this, the warm hospitality of people in Nepal would ensure you a home-like feeling away from home. Nepal has many fun activities to choose from which would definitely make your vacation memorable. You can spend your vacation by enjoying in some of the major cities in Nepal or in serene places away from the city chaos.

Try local cuisines

Because of the cosmopolitan mixture of various ethnic and cultural groups, Nepal also offers some authentic delicacies and some local cuisines throughout the country. You should definitely try out local places or restaurants for local cuisines. The mouth-watering mixture of spices brought together in a perfect proportion is sure to excite the taste buds of anyone. Furthermore, every dish has cultural significance, do not forget to explore more about it when you try the dish. ‘Thakali Khana’, ‘Newari Khaja’, etc. are some of the dishes that are linked to a specific community.

We hope that your visit to Nepal becomes a comfortable one. Happy traveling!

Popular Day Tours In Nepal For Your Holidays

Posted on December 5, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Nepal is a country of Peace. It is a landlocked country. It is located between China and India. Nepal is one of the beautiful country in the world. The highest peak “Mt. Everest (8848 m)” is in Nepal. Nepal has many mountains which is listed in top 8 highest peak in the world. Nepal is surrounded by the beautiful hills. There are 77 District and 14 Zones with 5 Development Regions. It’s capital city is “Kathmandu”. Nepal is a developing country. It has a population of 29,478,685. Here are some of the popular tourism sites, popular cities tours in Nepal. Some of the cities are listed below.

swayambhu nath

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is the most rated city in Nepal. It is the largest metropolis in Nepal, with a population of 1.5 million in the city proper, and 3 million in its urban agglomeration across the Kathmandu Valley, which includes the towns of Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi,Bhaktapur and the municipalities across Kathmandu valley.

Pokhara

Pokhara is another popular cities in Nepal. It is also called the second capital city of Nepal. Pokhara is a metropolis, and is the largest city of Nepal in terms of area, and the second largest city in terms of population. It has the population of 2 hundred thousand.

Lumbini

Lumbini is next popular city of Nepal. It is a place of Peace. Buddha was born in Limbini so called the city of Peace. It is the place where, according to Buddhist tradition, Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Siddhartha Gautama in 563 BCE. Gautama achieved Enlightenment and became the Buddha and founded Buddhism. Lumbini was situated in east of Kapilavastu and southwest Devadaha of Shakya kingdom of Nepal.

People in Nepal

Nepali is also known as Gurkha or Gorkhali. Nepal is home to people of many different national and ethnic origins. Like: Newar,Tamang, Rai, Chettri, Limbu, etc. Festivals in Nepal: There are many festivals in Nepal. The most popular festival of Nepal is “Dashain”. It is celebrated by entire people in the country (Nepal). Each community has their own cultures and traditions which they have been following for centuries.

Festivals and cultures of Nepal

Nepal can also be called as land of festivals. The main reason of festival exisitng is because one’s pride and cultures are respected by others. Some of the festivals are listed below:

1. Dashain:

Dashain is one of popular festival in Nepal. This festival is celebrated to rejoice the victory of god over evil. It is celebrated for 15 days.

2. Holi or Fagu Purnima:

Holi or Fagu Purnima is another popular festival of Nepal. It is also known as the festivals of colour. This festival is supposed to be a celebration of the death of ‘Holika’.

3. Tihar:

Tihar is next popular festival of Nepal. It is also called the festival of lights. It is celebrated after 2 weeks of Dashain.

4. Bisket Jatra:

This festival is the begining of the year. It is celebrated in date 1 & 2 of Baishak month (first month of nepalese calender). It is celebrate in Bhaktapur.

5. Indra Jatra:

This is also the popular festivals of Nepal. It is celebrate to honor “Lord Indra”, so called the “God of Rain”. It is celebrated in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Best seasons for tours in Nepal

Best time/seasons for Day Tours in Nepal: The best time or season of Day Tours February to April. This time is Nepal’s second busiest tourist season. Here are some Day Tours in Nepal:

1. Kathmandu World Heritage Tours In Nepal

Kathmandu World Heritage Tour provides a close glimpse of Nepal. It is carefully designed for the visitors who have enormous interest on Art, Culture, Lifestyle and Historical sites around Kathmandu valley. The tour takes you to three places: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath temples that hold both religious and cultural importance to the Nepalese people. A visit to the UNESCO approved World heritage site of Nepal is best opportunity for researcher, innovator or historian to assemble historical and socio-cultural significance of the landmark city. The architectural history of the valley is said to have begun with the Lichhavi and the Malla kings.

2. Patan City Tour

Patan City Tour Package is the Half day tour, where you will visit Patan Durbar Square. Patan, an old name of the city of Lalitpur. It was a historical city founded probably in the 3rd century BS. The ancient city is located on the southern bank of the holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers south-east of the capital. It is famous for the Durbar Square including the famous old and other beautiful architectural structures such as Tusha Hiti and The stone temple of Lord Krishna with its intricate stone and bronze carvings are two other masterpieces in the same vicinity. Patan is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features its own royal palace with its golden door and window.

3. Kathmandu Mix Culture Tour

Kathmandu Mix Culture Tour half day tour which covers the two historic places Pashupatinath Temple and Patan Durbar Square. Explore the Hindu and Buddhist temples of the Kathmandu Valley with a knowledgeable guide and expert service. This city offer Kathmandu Mix Culture Tour and traditional life style. If you have a leisure half day and if you are interested in experiencing the cultural heritages of Kathmandu, this tour is for you.

4. Kathmandu Medieval Tour

Kathmandu Medieval Tour is a half day tour where you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar and Pashupatinath Temple. Heritage Valley Kathmandu is named as The Valley of Temples and Gods. This tour provides the perfect package for the culture and tradition enthusiast. Kathmandu is the largest and the densest cosmopolitan valley of Nepal, Kathmandu metropolitan inside it is the Nepalese capital. Beautiful verdant hills and traditional Newari and Tamang villages encircle the valley of Kathmandu.

5. Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour

Upon your request and interest, we can arrange the tours in Nepal where you will visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Asan and Indra Chowk Market of Kathmandu.Immerse yourself in the daily rhythms of life in Kathmandu during this 2-3 hour. In this Half Day Tour. you will explore the Royal Palace of kathmandu City. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch, took place. This is an UNESCO protected world heritage site. The Durbar Square is surrounded with spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. https://trekroute.com/festivals-in-nepal/ https://wikipidea.com/

Pros and Cons of travelling to Nepal alone

Posted on November 17, 2019December 5, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Nepal is host to arguably one of the oldest civilizations in the world. Often referred to as the center piece of the Buddhist religion, Nepal has a beautiful and diverse culture worthy of admiration by people around the globe. In this segment, we’ll go over a few Pros and Cons of travelling to Nepal alone . Note that it isn’t necessary that these might apply to you. However, it’s best to go over all of these before you book your ticket!

If you’re planning to travel to Nepal in the near future, then you’re on the right track. The reasons why you should go for this track are plenty. However, to make the most of your trip, you need to take things at face value as opposed to what they might seem to be.

hiking and mountaineering

Pros:

Improves language skills

The best benefit that solo travelling to Nepal will present you is an improvement in your language skills. Since the majority of Nepalese people don’t really speak English, this is a great way to work on your language skills all by yourself.

However, it’s important to mention that the bulk of the populace is fluent in English.

Cathartic self-discovery

The collective region of South Asia and Nepal is that which is often submerged in spirituality. If you’re travelling alone, Nepal can definitely serve as a stepping stone for your journey towards spirituality.

If you’re travelling with a group, there’s a decent chance that a few individuals might have some reservations about the experience that focus primarily on meditation and other practices famous in the region.

Cost-effective

The main benefit that travelling alone to Nepal is that it will save you money down the road. Generally speaking, currency conversion ensures that you’ll be well-off in Nepal. Likewise, saving an extra buck can also come in handy.

Furthermore, it’s also easier to get accommodation since you’ll only need a place for one!

Cons:

More susceptible to danger

Travelling alone to Nepal can leave you susceptible to all types of danger. However, these dangers are those that can be found virtually anywhere. The common protocol here is that you should be smart with your encounters and transactions.

Common sense is the best tool that you have. Don’t be too quick to trust someone, because there are plenty of con-artists who are waiting for the next unsuspecting tourist.

Hiking and off-road travel can be dangerous

Nepal is famous for its off-road hiking and mountaineering tracks. If travelling alone, this is one option that needs careful consideration. This is because getting lost in the woods and on these trails is more normal than you might think.

The general guideline is to hire a tour guide who can stay with you throughout this part of your trip. This is for your own benefit. These are Pros and Cons of travelling to Nepal alone, Remember it’s better to spend a little money and be safe, as opposed to being sorry.

Tips to plan adventure holidays in Nepal

Posted on November 10, 2019November 10, 2019 by Plan Holidays

It gets a bit chaotic when it comes to planning your adventure trip. Plan Holidays addresses all your needs and hence has come up with this blog on all the tips you’d want to plan an adventure trip to Nepal. Here we give some tips to plan adventure holidays in Nepal. Happy reading!

Do a proper research about your destination

It is always a preferred idea to know what you expect from your destination. It saves your time and makes your journey even more pleasant. Doing a proper research on your destination not only helps you to set your benchmark but also helps you on what you need to pack, what precautions to take, what issues to avoid and where to start from.

Travel blogs from travelers who have visited the destination before helps a lot. Also, travel magazines and guidebooks can serve as good references.

Trust what your friends recommend. After all, you cannot avoid all the difficulties but you can surely reduce it by learning lessons from somebody else’s experiences.

Do some research but do not expect to get all organized. Adventure trips are more fun when taken spontaneous!

Bardia Superior Package

Pack light, pack proper

Now this is a travel tip most of the adventure travelers from all around the world look up to. Packing is an art. What you should realize is that you can always buy the secondary necessities in your destination but you should not forget the most important items while packing. First make a checklist of all the outfits, gears and equipment you would want during the journey. Then, sort out your priorities. If you don’t find something that important, don’t pack it; it’d only take up unnecessary space.

After you’re done with the checklist, get prepared with a luggage or a suitcase that best fits your travel guidelines. If you are allowed to only have a luggage weighing 20 kg, let’s say, you would not want your luggage to weigh out most of it.

The rest of the amenities that you use most of the time, like sanitize, keep it in the hand carry. It sounds simple but is effective.

Documents and Finance

While choosing an international destination, documents and finance are something you would not want to forget because in the absence of either of these two, you’d either won’t get into or out of your destination.Before planning your trip, make sure you have all the required documents as per the country’s entry requirements. Then, check out for the currency.You should do this in your planning phase because documents require time. If you are up for some adventure sports like rafting, mountaineering, bungee jumping or trekking here in Nepal, make sure you have all the necessary permits.

Always keep copies of your important documents and some reserve cash. You never know what you will face in the destination, so be prepared for all of it.

Packing the perfect outfits

Before you head out for a trip and plan adventure holidays, always have an idea of the weather conditions in your destination. Pack your outfits accordingly. Also, have a plan on what kind of trip are you looking out for. If you are heading for an adventurous trip, pack your outfits according to the adventure needs with proper gears and equipment. Take most of your sports wear and only a few casual wear with you.

Also, don’t forget that you would want to buy some outfits in your destination too. So make space for it beforehand and that way, you are not gonna end all messed up while returning.

Kali Gandaki River Rafting

Always prioritize your health

Remember that even if everything goes as planned, you would not be able to make the most out of it without proper health. Pack all the necessary medicines including the medicines that you have been consuming. Make a separate space for medical kits in your luggage. Keep yourself hydrated and stay away from allergic and raw foods.

Consider your health conditions before opting for any adventure sports. If your health does not support it, it is not worthy no matter how appealing it might seem like.

Travel Insurance

It is always better to have proper precautions than to regret later. You are traveling somewhere outside of your comfort zone, so you should be prepared for all kind of consequences it might offer. Travel Insurance is the best idea to get you covered.

Trip cancellation insurance, travel-medical insurance and medical evacuation charges are some of the insurances that will get you all covered up. That way, you wouldn’t have to worry about not having your investment refunded or having some serious injuries.

Choose your travel operator wisely

Last but not the least, the travel agency that you choose eventually affects your journey. While choosing your tour operator, safety and reputation should outweigh the price. With Plan Holidays, you would be able to make the best out of your trip. Owing to 20 years of a reputable establishment in the tourism industry, we assure you that you would leave satisfied and happy Tips to plan adventure holidays in Nepal. Come join us and make your adventure trip a memorable one!

Beginners guide to peak climbing in Nepal

Posted on October 30, 2019October 31, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Nepal, widely known as the lap of Himalayas, is known as so for a reason. The tourists from all over the world don’t only get spellbound by the natural and scenic beauty but also admire it for the full range of Himalayan activities it offers. If you love to gather experiences of Himalayan activities, Nepal is undoubtedly a country you would not want to miss. Mountaineering and Peak Climbing in Nepal have been one of the major tourist attractions. Nepal has been the top destination for mountaineers and climbers to achieve a lifetime experience and record; after the first successful expedition on Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal on 29 May 1953. Here we are giving the Beginners guide to peak climbing in Nepal.

peak climbing in Nepal

Nepal offers visitors with more than 1310 peaks, which are over 5500 m, with the highest being 8848 m above the sea level. Most of the mountains are open to climb. However, some of them have not yet opened. These wide ranges of peaks are categories as trekking peaks and expedition peaks. Nepal Mountaineering Association has 18 trekking peaks over 6000 m to 6500 m under it for the trekkers to explore while in their journey to Nepal.

Every peak climbing experience can differ in accordance to the type of peak. But, it is generalized into one whole idea of an essential guide. So, if you are looking forward to peak climbing in Nepal, here’s a list of a few things you would not want to miss:

1. Plan your journey in advance

It surely is a preferred way among the travelers to explore spontaneously, but when it comes to peaks, you might not want to do that. It is always wise to plan your trip. Do some research regarding the altitude, technicality, and previous trekking experiences. Know your destination before you plan to reach one.

planning trekking

2. Climbing Gears

Since exploring the trekking peaks in Nepal does not require any mountaineering skills, climbing gears can surely be your companion throughout the journey. Climbing gears are readily available on rent from Pokhara and Kathmandu in case you don’t look forward to buying it.

Climbing gears ensure you with safety and precautions. Furthermore, it is always advisable to carry a medical kit with you for further protection.

3. Opt for base camps of the peaks

Along with the climbing gear, you can also opt for trekking to the base camps of the ridges so that you get acclimatized once you get to the top.

4. Stay on route

It is always the best idea to hire an experienced guide who can help you explore the peaks in safer ways. The guides can also help you with the knowledge of rock climbing, how to walk on icy pathways, techniques of using the rope knots, and any other dangers.

Always try to trek with a guide. If not, at least travel with someone from the community who has been to the peak before. Always follow the instructions and stay on route. Don’t overlook their advice. Know that they have been there before and know how things back.

trek with a guide

5. Travel insurance

The purchase of travel insurance will get you prepared and assured both economically and mentally. Before you decide to explore the higher altitudes of Nepal, it is better to get yourself a travel insurance that covers at least 6000 meters of a helicopter rescue operation.

These are some of the tips for Beginners guide to peak climbing in Nepal. Find more of similar travel tips on our websites.

5 interesting ideas to plan your holidays in Kathmandu

Posted on October 21, 2019October 23, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Kathmandu is an ancient city rich in culture and traditions that will take you through the majestic beauty of classical architecture, the enchanting aura of religious sites and countryside vibes along the outlines of the valley. Do you want to experience the diverse taste of culture that will leave you mesmerized? If yes, then we came up with 5 interesting ideas to plan your holidays in Kathmandu.

Ancient City

1. Plan your visit to museums

Planning your vacation to museums in Kathmandu is one of the best ways to experience the full range of history, culture, and traditions of Nepal. Also, it saves you much money since the museums don’t have expensive entrance fees. Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the Taragaon Museum, National Museum of Nepal, Nepalese Army Museum, and Aviation Museum Nepal are some of the museums in Kathmandu holiday tours. Museums can always be the best option to get to know more about your destination.

2. Try spending your honeymoon here

The idea of spending your honeymoon in Kathmandu can be a fun thing to do. Kathmandu welcomes couples on honeymoon with warm hospitality and a wide range of romantic activities. All you have to do is plan your journey, finalize your travel package, and live in the moment. From the best national and international cuisines to exciting honeymoon packages, Kathmandu is a city of wonders for those seeking a romantic escape. The outskirts of the town give you a serene feeling while the energetic city vibes keep you activated throughout your journey. Plan your honeymoon packages with Plan Holidays, and we assure you to give memories worth cherishing for a lifetime.

3. Find Kathmandu Tour Packages

Finding a tour package that best fits all your expectations gets hard sometimes. But with Plan Holidays, you need not need to worry about that. We have a variety of Kathmandu tour packages designed to meet the needs and expectations of all our clients. Try some of them, and you will explore all the depths of Kathmandu in a short interval of time. Tour packages save your time and effort while keeping your journey exciting at the same time.

4. Visit World Heritage sites

As you walk around the beautiful lanes of Kathmandu valley, make sure to visit temples, some of which are listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The walk around these places will help you inhale all the multicultural aspects of Kathmandu. Try exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The Durbar Squares in Kathmandu and around the valley carries a history within themselves. Furthermore, the spiritual aura around these durbar squares is sure to make you spellbound. In addition to these, roaming around world heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Changunarayan would add great memories to your journey. Join us to explore the UNESCO listed world heritage sites.

World Heritage Sites

5. Adventure sports

Another fun thing to do while your visit to Kathmandu is to go on adventure sports around the valley. Rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, short hikes, and treks can make your experience an exciting one. You would not want to miss this adventurous journey full of adrenaline rush.

Rafting

Why Us?

Plan Holidays is a destination management tourism company run by professionals. With 20 years of its establishment, Plan Holidays serves to meet the purpose of every travel journey. We add value to your memories. Owing to attentive, efficient, and caring customer service, we assure you to be leaving with a satisfying experience.

Everest base camp trek: Quick guide

Posted on September 20, 2019December 5, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Before setting off for any adventure, it is of utmost importance that you first set a base. As it will serve as your primal retreat if things don’t go as planned. Furthermore, a Everest base camp trek will also help you get accustomed to how things work in that particular region.
As far as mountaineers and trekking go, the base camp for Mount Everest is arguably the most famous one. Since the regions host a bunch of the most prominent mountains on earth, it’s only natural to assume that you need to familiarize and learn as much as you can about the trek that lay ahead. In this segment, we’ll be going over the essentials.

Everest base camp trek

The two main camps

The two main base camps for Mount Everest are on opposite sides of the peak. The southern base camp lies in Nepal, whereas the Northern base camp is in China, Tibet. Both of them sit at about the same elevation and are roughly 3000 m below the summit.
The base camp in Nepal is at an altitude of 5,364 meters, whereas the one in Tibet is at 5,150 meters.

Best time of travel

If you’re considering giving Everest a shot, then there are two distinct trekking seasons to find. The first one is pre-monsoon (February, March, April, May), and the second one is post-monsoon (September, October, November, December). However, it recommended that you opt for either February or September. Going mid-season might result in increased ticketing and budget, whereas going in January or late December means you’ll be packing extra for the cold and extreme climate!

Setting a budget

The budget breakdown for the whole trip depends entirely on where you decide to spend. Furthermore, the minor details involved can be tweaked to your preference. For a 12 to 15 day trek, anticipate investing about $1400 to $1700 or more than that according to your luxury. As it will include permits, local flights, accommodation, and food.

Essential equipment

The clothing and equipment mention below are those that people don’t account. If you want to have a safe and comfortable trip, don’t forget to pack these!

two-liner socks
two pair trekking pants with a zip-off bottoms
two fleece sweaters (lightweight/heavyweight)
two trekking shirts (short-sleeve)
Quick-drying long-sleeved base layer shirts
Trail shoes
Liner gloves

trekking the EBC

Safety precautions

In situations such as these, a slight mishap has the absolute probability of resulting in death. Hence, you need to make sure that you commit the safety precautions to heart and follow them with the due diligence they deserve.
1. Keep yourself hydrated and gradually attain height. Furthermore, make sure you consume enough calories. In the absence of these, you run the risk of contracting Acute Mountain Sickness.
2. Keep track of your health insurance and make sure it has you covered in the event of an emergency.
3. Always follow and listen to the trek guide.
4. Don’t try to look for more accessible or alternate paths for the sake of adventure.
5. Always keep a whistle on you so that you can attract attention if you’re in trouble.

6 Best things to do in Pokhara

Posted on September 8, 2019December 5, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Pokhara is the most famous destination in Nepal, which has attracted the attention of many tourists. Pokhara valley is a beautiful place, full of lakes and people can see Himalayan range from there. It is famous for extreme sports like bungee jumping, rafting, and canoeing. If you are confused about what to do in Pokhara then here is the list of top 6 Best things to do in Pokhara to make your trip more memorable.

Burning mountain morning view

Top 6 things to do in Pokhara

1. Explore Pokhara on bike

Exploring the city on a bike is the most awesome experience one can get. You can go to many further places on a bike. It is better than both a bicycle and a car. So make the team and rent a bike. The view of Himalayas is not seen from Kathmandu, so enjoy the breathtaking views while you are on a bike.

2. Boating in scenic Phewa Lake

Nepal is famous for its historical places. Tal Barahi temple is a very beautiful temple which is located in the middle of Phewa Lake. The lake itself is very scenic and gives an eye-catching view. Many people like to visit the temple, and the only way to reach there is by boat. So boating in a scenic Phewa Lake is probably the best thing to do while you are in Pokhara.

Fewa lake view from Sarangkot

3. Visit peace Stupa

Peace Stupa is a kind of temple located at the top of a small mountain. There are probably only two ways to reach it. One by trekking for hours which has its benefits and the other is by boat. Many people love trekking, while others love boating. So it is convenient for both as there are facilities.

4. Don’t forget bat cave

Are you scared of bats? Well, there is a cave in Pokhara, known as a bat cave. It is a dark cave which has bats all over its roof. In Nepal people call this place as Chamero Gufa. It looks very unreal and fascinating. It is also dangerous sometimes because bats love animals and human blood. There is no safety check at all and everyone is responsible for their own life. But you get to interact closely with the bats which are no doubt a shocking thing.

5. Enjoy the sunset at Sarangkot viewpoint

If you come to Pokhara and leave without seeing the sunset at the viewpoint, then you have missed everything. You can go to the top on a bike for a nice bird’s eyes views. You can see incredible views from up there and observe Mother Nature.

6. Chill at Begnas Lake

Many people don’t like to mix with the crowd and wants a peaceful place for a nice walk with their loved ones. Begnas Lake is the place you are looking for. It is a peaceful lake where you can relax and chill without being disturbed. Not many tourists visit this place, but you can see locals washing their clothes, self fishing with hooks and even using small boats for fishing. You can also hire a motorboat and admire the beauty of the mountains.

Begnas lake Pokhara Hidden lake

Conclusion

Pokhara is a city worth visiting. It has several activities to do, and these are some top activities you can do during your stay.

Lake and boat pokhara

How Difficult Is The Everest Base Camp Trek

Posted on August 25, 2019December 5, 2019 by Plan Holidays

As intimidating as it may sound, the Everest Base Camp trek is not difficult at all, and the death rate is pretty low considering that more than 30,000 people each year trek through Khumbu Valley up to the Everest Base Camp. However, only a few successfully summit the Everest each year.

The Everest base camp trek generally doesn’t require any experience of expertise and people of all ages have completed it over the years. It’s just a long trek at a very high altitude. Generally, 12-14 days, which is the actual deal-breaker for a lot of people since people aren’t accustomed to trekking for such long. However, despite its relative ease and is achievable, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind before setting off.

Everest Base Camp Trekking

Altitude

If it were not for the altitude, the trek would be pretty basic. So, this is certainly the factor you need to consider the most, a lot take this lightly and end up facing deadly consequences like altitude sickness (AMS), which should not be underestimated as a minor issue as it can eventually result in death! The starting point of the trek is just below 3000 meters, which is already enough to induce AMS while the altitude will go up to 5500 meters, more or less.

Make sure to know the symptoms and treatments of AMS available there before your trip. Also, keep in mind you need to have 2-3 days fixed to acclimatization and have a slow approach to high altitudes. Your outward leg should take at least 70% of the total time of your trek. Furthermore, AMS is not related to your fitness or age, so everyone is vulnerable!

Length

Essentially, the distance between Lukla, your starting point, and Everest base camp is around 65 km. However, you will have to cover a round trip, which is more or less, 130 km.

Initially, this may sound like a lot of distance to you if you’re not an experienced trekker, but according to the mathematics, you will only have to walk 15 km/day as 2-3 days are spent in acclimatization, which doesn’t seem much as an average human walks with a speed of 5 km/hr.

Still, you should be prepared as the altitude will be increasing with every step and the terrain would be quite rough, so the walk will not be that easy keeping in mind that you will have a lot of baggage with you as well. But luckily most tour operators have porters or mules to carry your baggage so you may not have to worry about that.

Training

While Everest base camp trek does not require any prior training and any novice-trekker can generally handle it, but due to the altitude and the length of trekking, having some basic level of low-key training would help you get through your trip without running into any discomforts.

As we read, some things make Everest base camp trek stand apart from any other treks, so it is advisable to have a few weeks spent in the gym before pursuing your trip. A leg workout should be the top priority, which will help you carry yourself up to the mountains, and don’t forget the squats, you won’t regret it!

Choosing Between Hiking, Trekking or Peak Climbing

Posted on August 14, 2019November 4, 2019 by Plan Holidays

Hiking, trekking or peak climbing, also known in some places as mountaineering are three different words that mean almost synonymous to a large number of people. On paper, however, the differences are quite noticeable and should be kept in mind when choosing any one of them. So, to understand completely, you first need to have an idea between the significant differences in them. Thus, we will be explaining them very briefly for you to develop a plan.

trekking alone

Major Differences between The Three

The type of terrain, difficulty level, and the equipment used account for the differences in them. Hiking means only an act of walking on clearly indicated trails without needing any climbing skills or equipment. Trekking, on the other hand, is a bit rough; there are no well-established trails, the terrain may be rough making it more difficult, but it too does not require any technical skills or special equipment and lasts for more than two days usually. Peak climbing, on the other hand, is entirely different. It needs specialized equipment, technical skills, and the right fitness level. Now that we have basic knowledge, so let’s decide what you should pick.

trekking with guides

Are You a Leisure Time Hiker?

If you are looking to spend your precious leisure time walking up mountains, hiking should be your instant pick. You can start from one-day hikes, and then after some successful trips, you can increase the number of days as your body gets more used to it.

Duration of the Trip

How many days are you planning to spend on your trip? If you don’t have much time and are looking for something to be completed within two days, hiking should be it. If you want to go for a longer time and not to look for a considerable difficulty, then you could go for a trek, and finally, if you have the skills and you have months to spend, there can be nothing more enjoyable than peak climbing.

Medical and Physical Fitness

These two key factors are probably the most important ones to bear in mind for your very own safety purposes. As you may not be conscious of it, but peak climbing requires a great combination of excellent medical and physical fitness. It demands very long endurance training sessions as well as other technical training so you can’t just go straight up without having all of it or you may have to face severe problems caused by high altitudes, varying temperatures, unpredictable weather along with other technical issues.

cycling tour

Equipment You Are Willing to Use

The gear you have is essential, as well. While you don’t need anything for hiking, you may need some elementary equipment for trekking. And as for peak climbing, it’s a different thing. You need exceptional gear, and you have to know how to use them like fixing of ropes, using crampons, etc.

equipment for trekking

Conclusion

we are pretty sure you have already decided what you want and made up your mind. Now It’s easy Choosing Between Hiking, Trekking or Peak Climbing. If it’s a leisure time walk to see nature, go hiking. If you’re going to approach the countryside and increase the duration and adventure of your trip and you’re somewhat physically fit too, go trekking. However, if you have had adequate training and equipment, and have a lot of time and want to see the beauty of the mountains to the most and stand at its summit, go for peak climbing without having any second thoughts.