Author: Plan Holidays

Plan Holidays, a leading Destination management company for Nepal, India, Tibet, & Bhutan, established in 1998 by Travel professionals having decade’s long experiences in the Tourism Industry.

5 Best Trek Destinations for Teahouse-Style Trekking

Posted on by Plan Holidays

With the increasing inflow of tourists for Best Trek, the major trekking routes have lodges dotted across their trails. These lodges are also known as tea houses. These tea houses have made trekking for beginners and advanced trekkers an ease during their stay in the trail. Tea houses are available throughout the trail in major trekking hot sports.

You can now trek for weeks by carrying only the essentials without worrying for warm bed and hot supper or lunch. The tea houses are accommodations offered by the local hosts who reside in the trekking regions. Due to which, you will be glad to know that the money you spent on trekking goes to these local peoples instead of some wealthy companies in Kathmandu or abroad. Tea house trekking also lets you meet other trekkers under the same roof and is kind of socializing house for trekking lovers.

Not all of the trekking trails in Nepal offer tea house- style trekking. So, here we have listed 5 best Trek Destinations for Tea House-Style Trekking in Nepal.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp is a medium-hard graded 16-day tea house trek which has tea houses throughout the whole trail. The trail has the highest altitude of 5545 m.The tea houses in this trek have better facilities than many other trails as it is one of the most trekked routes by trekkers in Nepal. Trekking in Everest Base Camp is trailing the footsteps of great mountaineers like Reinhold Messner, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The 2015 earthquake led some minor damages in the tea houses in this region but, now they have been attended and fit to lodge the trekkers in this region. The preferred month to visit this region is from February to May and October to December.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit is a medium hard graded 12–18 days trek. This trek is second to none in terms of facilitating trekkers the lodging and comfort. The trail reaches the highest altitude up to 5,416 m. This tea house trek also offers side trips along the trail if you ever feel like diverging. The side trips also have the tea house lodge facility to serve you in the trek. The tea houses in Annapurna Circuit can be found every couple of hours. As for the cost, the ACAP has set the standardized price for the tea house lodging and its foods. However, expect the cost to increase as you trek further from the road. The same Dal Bhat that costs you 250 in the starting days of your trek will cost you almost double while reaching Thorung Phedi. All in all, Annapurna Circuit has been rated excellent in terms of Tea house availability and service. The suitable time to visit the Annapurna Circuit is from March to April and October to November.

Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley is one of the nearest treks from Kathmandu but is no easy feat for everyone. It has been graded medium with 7-8 days in the off beaten path. The trail passes through high alpine valley and glaciers with the highest altitude of 3,870 m. Although the 2015 earthquake brought havoc in this trail’s tea houses, most of them are maintained and up for service. However, many side trails are not yet ready to be trekked in this region. The suitable time to trek to Langtang valley is from September to May.

Mustang Trek

Mustang is a 10 day trek with medium-hard rated difficulty. The maximum elevation of this trek is 4,325 m. Also known as kingdom beyond the mountains, Mustang has been a hotspot for trekkers from very beginning of trekking history in Nepal with the likes of Jimmy Hendrix visiting this beautiful haven. After the earthquake in 2015, some lodge hosts have left the area and are suited in plains. So, some tea houses you stay might be crowded due to the limitations.

Mardi Himal Trek

The new yet progressive short tea house trekking has been quite the heart throb of every trekkers. The beautiful sceneries of Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Series has mesmerized everyone in this trek. There are tea houses growing rapidly in numbers due to the increasing inflow of tourists in this trail.

So, these are the 5 best tea house-style trekking in Nepal which are suitable for the ones who want minimum of weight on their backpack.

Why is Gosainkunda a perfect destination for a short trek?

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Among the Short treks in Nepal, Gosainkunda trek has earned its place among the top. The accessibility, trail routes, topographical variations and a circuit trek are few of the many reasons in making Gosainkunda a perfect destination for short trek.

Gosainkunda lies in the north of Kathmandu Valley in the Langtang region. Although widely affected by the earthquake in 2015, the trail of Gosainkunda has now been restored and is available for the trekkers. Gosainkunda is a high-altitude lake in Langtang region, which is mostly referred by the Hindu pilgrims as the holy place where Lord Shiva drank water from. The place is flocked on by both domestic and international tourists during the month of August on the day of Janai Purnima. Without further ado, let’s see what makes Gosainkunda a perfect short trek.

gosaikunda trek
gosaikunda

Superb view of Himalayas

Gosainkunda Trek is the kind of trek where you can get the Fantastic views of Himalayas in short initiation of the trek. The superb views of Mt. Ganesh, Manaslu and Annapurna will be along your side when you are on this trek. After you reach Laurebinayak on your 2nd or 3rd (depends on from where you’ve started your trek), you will be setting your eyes on the breathtaking series of Mountains which includes Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung and many other Tibetan Mountains. It will be even better to capture these magnificent Himalayas on your camera during sunrise and sunset.

The pious Gosainkunda

The main highlight of the trek as the name denotes is the calm Gosainkunda Lake. The lake Gosainkunda is highly regarded as the lakes of gods in Hindu Scriptures. Alongside Gosainkunda, there are several glacier lakes such as SaraswatiKunda and BhairavKunda. The Hindu mythology has mentioned that Lord Shiva had struck his trident in this region to pacify his burning throat after drinking poison. Thus, the glacier triggered by the thrust of Shiva’s Trident formed this holy Lake. Furthermore, Visitors from India and Nepal come for pilgrim bath in Gosainkunda in the month of August.

Sighting of Endangered Animals

Langtang Region has always been listed as the conservation area for two endangered species of animals. The possibility of seeing Red Panda and Snow leopard is high in the Gosainkunda Trek. After reaching Chandanbari, you will pass through the small bamboo shoots on your trek. Here, the reports on sightings of Red Panda has been mentioned by many fellow trekkers. Especially, if you are trekking in the morning and evening, you will have high chances of encountering the enigmatic Red Panda. As for the Snow Leopard, they are often sighted in the region of Phedi and Ghopte where the altitudes are higher than in other regions. There are high chances of seeing Blue Sheep and Other Mountain goats in your trek.

Get to see geographical bio-diversity

The trek starts from a mid-hilly region which includes lush forests and Rhododendron forests. Along the way, you will see a change in the bio-diversity with the inclusion of Juniper and Pine trees. Then you will see the beautiful shrubs and shoots of Bamboos as you ascend. The trek gradually comes to the barren region of the trek where only moraines and rocks will be seen. Here in the moraine area lies the beautiful Gosainkunda Lake.

Opportunity for seeing new culture and lifestyle

The Gosainkunda trek is not only known for the lake but also the tribes and their lifestyle in this region. In the hilly region, you will see the settlements of Tamang people who are indigenous people. As you make your way to the top, you will pass through the Sherpas and Tibetan settlements. Although the flocking of Hindu people is maximum during the month of August, the actual settlers in the region are Buddhists people. It is a great opportunity to see the Buddhist culture with their beautiful Gompas in this trek.

If you have limited time on your hands but want to experience trekking in Nepal the Gosainkunda Trek is the perfect choice for you. Bearing all the qualities of breathtaking views and easy graded trek, Gosainkunda Trek is undoubtedly a perfect short destination for short trek.

Five best summer destinations in Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Summer is great – travelers have a lot more of daylight to explore new places. Tans will eventually fade away but memories won’t. From watching orange sunsets to admiring the cool breeze on a cloudless day, summer has its own way of casting a spell on everyone. However, like everything else in life, it too has a few shortcomings. For instance, sweltering heat and dripping sweat. However, in Nepal, luckily, summer isn’t very harsh like everywhere else. The summer months stretch from May to August, with temperature rising to 35 degrees on a very, very hot day. Although autumn and spring are the peak seasons for tourist arrivals, summer has its own distinctive character and appeal, making it very worthy for a visit. Here is out list of five best summer destinations in Nepal.

Kathmandu

Since the country’s only international airport is in Kathmandu, virtually all travel journeys commence from here. Kathmandu isn’t just the administrative capital of Nepal but also the cultural capital. It is one of the greatest cities of the Himalayans – a unique survival ground of all cultural practices that died out a thousand years ago in Indian subcontinent. It is a carnival of cultures, traditions, and histories that are seamlessly engraved and entwined. It is the hotbed of communist revolution and an epitome of a failed democracy. The truth is that this city will never fail to shock you. This City of Temples is also home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and thousand others that failed to make the cut but are equally historical and ancient. There is an endless list of places to visit and things to see in Kathmandu.

Pokhara

Pokhara ticks all right boxes, from luxurious accommodation and food to stunning view of the Himalayans and serene lakes from the terrace top. With frequent rainfalls, summer is considerably cool in Pokhara. This Lake City has its own microclimate. The laidback charm of Pokhara has helped it reign as the number one tourist destination in Nepal for decades. Here, you can choose from a plethora of adventure sports to undertake. Soaring like an eagle on a paraglider or rafting all the way south to Chitwan, you can do anything. And on rainy days, you can visit the Mountain Museum, Annapurna Butterfly Museum, Planetarium and Science Centre, or just go spell some cash at the mall.

Mustang

Mustang is the quintessential Himalayan Shangri-La. Located to the north of the Himalayans, this mountain kingdom lies in the shadow of the majestic Dhaulagiri, receiving little to no rain. Thus, it is the perfect alpine destination to travel in summertime, which is often accompanied by rainfall. The weather is warmer and the visibility is clearer. You can have some of the best views of the mountains that loom behind your back like they’re just a few hundred meters far from you. Since the weather is far more forgiving, you can even trek all the way up to Upper Mustang, cross the Thorung La and reach Manang. The opportunities are endless!

Nagarkot

Nagarkot, the premier hill station of Nepal, is located just 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu. It is a wee distance away from the city borders, into the heart of the Nepalese countryside. This quaint hilltop town is mostly famous for its spectacular views of mountains. You can see peaks ranging from the mighty Everest in east to the stunning Dhaulagiri in the west. Moreover, the sunrise and sunsets views, as the sunlight paints the mountain red, are other noteworthy highlights of Nagarkot. You can comfortably reach Nagarkot on a four-wheeler, get there on a dirt bike, or even hike all the way from Bhaktapur it is also the best trekking summer destinations in Nepal.. There is also a plethora of hotels ranging from moderate, economic ones to high-end, luxurious resorts.

Jiri

Jiri also known as the Switzerland of Nepal. It is the timeless gateway to the Everest. Since it is the closest road head to the Everest region, several treks into the Khumbu region commences from Jiri. A good 184 kilometers away from the capital, it will take an 8 hour long bus ride from Kathmandu to get there. From here, you can have excellent views of notable central peaks like Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, and Ganesh Himal as well as the Everest. A popular stop for trekkers, Jiri boasts of a great number of teahouses and hotels that offer all kind of standard, basic amenities.

These are some of the trekking summer destinations in Nepal.

Top five national parks to visit in Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Today, Nepal has evolved into an iconic destination for mountaineering, trekking, and adventure sports. However, the same geographical diversity that gave the country its tall mountains has also given massive jungles, grasslands, and wetlands. These regions house a wide variety of rare and exotic flora and fauna species that might give the Savannah a run for its money. Here we have presented out list of top five national parks to visit in Nepal.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is amongst the country’s most popular and frequented ones. Located in the Terai lowlands of Southern Nepal, this national park is spread over an area of 952 square kilometers. The forests of Chitwan NP are home to an extraordinary number of flora and fauna species. There is a whole plethora of things you can do at this place. For instance, you can explore the jungle on an elephant’s back, from a jeep, and even on foot! During these exploration tour, you can have sighting of endangered species like Royal Bengal Tiger and One-horned rhino. You can also go boating or canoeing in rivers inhabited by marsh mugger crocodiles, visit the elephant breeding center, embark on a bird watching tour, and explore the indigenous culture of the Tharu people. The list just goes on.

Top five national parks to visit in Nepal
One horn Rhino in Chitwan national park

Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park is located in the eastern bank of Karnali in the Bardia district of Terai. Spread over an area of 968 square kilometers, it is the largest in the Terai region. Since it is very less visited, if you are looking for a quiet adventure in the wilderness of Terai jungles, this is perfect for you. On top of that, you can even combine it with a thrilling white-water river rafting experience among dolphons and gharial crocodiles in the country’s longest river, Karnali. Covered lushly with Savannah forests, Sal forests and grassland, this park is home to exotic species like blackbuck, marsh mugger crocodile, sarus crane, swamp deer and so on. During the jungle safari, you can witness a number of rare animals and birds among the park’s 30 mammal species and 250 bird species.

Rara National Park

Situated in Mugu and Jumla districts, Rara National Park is the remotest and most far-flung national park in the country. Spread over an area of just 106 square kilometers, it is the smallest too. While the main attraction of this park is the spectacular Rara Lake, it also houses a great number of rare alpine flora and fauna species too. For instance, it is reported that there are more than one thousand flora varieties inside this small park. Moreover, it is also home to 241 recorded species of birds, 51 species of mammals, and two reptiles. Unlike the aforementioned two parks, you can’t go on an elephant safari here, but you can explore the wilderness on foot or from a jeep. The vegetation here is dominated by alpine coniferous jungles. Thus, trekking through those dense forests of rhododendrons, juniper, oak, and pine will surely be an enchanting experience.

Langtang National Park

Spread over Nuwakot, Sindhupalchowk, and Rasuwa districts of central Nepal, Langtang National Park is the first Himalayan national park in the country. The park is spread over an area of 1,710 square kilometers, and its highest elevation point is 6,540m. It also boasts of a spectacular variation in its ecosystem. There are over 14 vegetation types in 18 ecosystems, spanning from upper tropical forests at 1,000 meters to mountainous scrub and perennial ice at 5,000 meters. Here, you can have sighting of some of the rarest Himalayan animals like red panda, snow leopards, giant falcons, ghorals, during the visiting of national parks in Nepal.. In addition to the diverse wildlife, the region also houses number of icy lakes and glaciers. Lastly, another main highlight is that you can have closeup views of central mountains like Dorje Lakpa (6990m),Gang Chhenpo (6,388m), and Langtang Lirung (7,246m) among others.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park in the northeastern Nepal is home to the highest peak on the earth – Mt. Everest. Encompassing an area of 1,148 square kilometers in the Solukhumbu district of Nepal, it’s elevation ranges from 2,845 meters to 8,948 meters. A large part of this national park is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, huge rocks, and glaciers. In addition to being the home to the tallest peaks of the world, it also houses a great variety of wildlife and over 118 species of bird including crimson-horned and the impeyan. While traversing through the forests densely populated by fir, juniper, rhododendron, and birch trees, you might have sighting of rare animal species like the Himalayan Thar, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and wolves during the visiting of national parks in Nepal.

Why should you visit Nepal 2020 for your next trek?

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Nepal has been known as the Himalayan Shangri-La for centuries. The sheer tranquility of this country is bound to have a positive effect on anyone that is lucky to experience it. The mountains, the landmarks, the people all are the epitome of the haven you are searching for. Here we present five points on why should you visit Nepal trek for your trip.

It is highly affordable

At the time of writing this blog, USD $1= 115 Nepali rupees. I think that alone sheds a good amount of light on how cheap is it to travel in Nepal. It may be hard to believe, but you can easily live off $10 even in Kathmandu. On top of that, due to cut-throat competition among travel agencies, you can find good bargains and deals without any difficulties. It becomes even more easier to land these offers if you are travelling with a group. Thus, when we combine the experiences Nepal has to offer and the bucks you will be paying, it won’t be wrong to say that this country is a backpacker’s heaven. However, if you are on the affluent side, there are still plenty of luxurious and premium hotels of international standards.

It is a trekker’s paradise

The lowest elevation (59 m) and highest elevation point (8,848 m) are just 200 kilometers apart in a straight line. Now you can just imagine the staggering geographical diversity Nepal boasts off. On top of that, it is home to one-third of the Himalayan strip with many eight-thousandths to call its own. These are just few of many amazing facts that make Nepal the number one trek destination in whole world. Literally, there are hundreds of great Himalayas trails to choose from in more than a dozen regions. There is something for everyone – from a first-time trekker to the most seasoned ones. That is why, hundreds of thousands of foreigners come to Nepal for just trekking.

It has a rich wildlife diversity

With all that hype about the Himalayan, one may think that the country’s beauty and tourism begins and ends with mountains. However, that is very far from the truth. Nepal has 12 national parks, 6 conservation areas, and 1 hunting reserve that will make you very confused about which one to choose for your trip. Luckily, no matter which one you choose, you will have the opportunity of witnessing at least one or two animals among the rare ones like Bengal tiger, snow leopard, one-horned rhino, and red panda. Very underrated, but these protected lands are also perfect for a serene and relaxing day of bird watching and butterfly-watching in Nepal trek.

It is a living cultural museum

More than 100 different ethnic groups reside in Nepal. These groups have their own set of languages, cultures, traditions, and heritages. While in Nepal, you will get the opportunity to indulge in the illustrious and historical culture of the Newars in Kathmandu and also experience the ancient BON religion and customs of the Himalayan region. No matter where you travel, you are bound to be taken aback by the vivid and rich culture of that place. However, one this is common in all – warm hospitality. You will be welcomed with the warmest smiles and receive most heartfelt invitations. I’m sure that these kinds of responses will enhance your Nepal visit by leaps and bounds.

It’s an adventurous playground

With all that geographical diversity we talked about in aforementioned paragraph, you can say that Nepal is nature’s best playground. No matter what your forte is, there is something for you. If you like rafting, you can choose from the one-day long rafting in white waters with very high currents to the ones that last for days in the deepest gorge of the world. That is just one example. You can embark on bungee, skydiving, kayaking, ziplining, ice climbing, mountain marathons, dirt biking, and so much more. And the bonus is that you can undertake any of these sports amidst the most stunning geographical locations. That is more than any adrenaline-lover could ever ask for.

Now is the best time to visit

The country so heavily relies on its tourism industry that when the earthquake hit it in 2015 and people stopped coming, its economy plummeted. At the end of the day, it is a fact that Nepal is a third-world country and millions of people here depend on tourism to full even bare minimum. If you are travelling and spending money in Nepal trek, you are injecting money directly into the very grassroots and much-needed areas of the economy. The trails have been fixed, the heritage sites are almost reconstructed, and most importantly, the country is once again completely able to host you and guarantee your safe-being. Thus, if you are planning to visit Nepal 2020 in future, this might be the most perfect timing you’ll ever get.

Five best Buddhist heritage sites to explore in Kathmandu Valley

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Kathmandu is known as the City of Temples. However, it is not short of spectacular and beautiful Buddhist heritage sites. These monasteries and temples are the city’s unique landmarks and carry a very distinctive identity. While devout followers visit these revered sites daily for religious sites, these holy sites also attract other visitors with their architectural and recreational features. Here are some monasteries to visit when you’re in Kathmandu. Here is a list of five best Buddhist heritage sites to explore in Kathmandu Valley.

Swayambhu Nath

Swayambhu Nath is considered to be the holiest Buddhist heritage site in Nepal. Perched on the top of a hill just two kilometers west of Thamel, this fifth century temple is a must-visit highlight of Kathmandu. The name Swayambhu literally means self-created in Nepali, and it is believed that the eternal flame over which the stupa was built came into existence itself. The stunning stupa is a solid white dome with 13 steps emerging from it and pointing to the sky. Between the dome and steps is a rectangular portion that is painted with the most beautiful and piercing eyes that are believed to be Buddha’s. Alongside this main stupa, there are several other big and small temples and stupas that accentuate the site’s beauty and religious significance even more.

Buddhist heritage sites
Swayambhu Nath

Golden Temple

The Hiranya Varna MahaVihar in Patan, also known as the Golden Temple, will literally blow you away. Although tucked in a corner, it is the most sought-after temple in the Patan Durbar Square. Well, it actually isn’t a temple but a Newari Buddhist monastery built in 1409. Its new name “Golden Temple” actually arose from popularity rather than it being made of pure gold. The temple itself is stunning three-story temple with absolutely intricate gold details. At the entrance, you will be welcomed by two gigantic brass elephants and riders on each side. Also, the temple plaza contains enough artifacts to keep an art and history buff amused for a whole day. It won’t be wrong to say that this temple offers great closeup views of so many artifacts without being in a museum.

Bouddha Nath

Bouddha Nath is the largest stupa to ever exist in Asia and believed to be the holiest by the Tibetans outside Tibet. Although there are many legends surrounding when was it built by whom, the most popular legend is that it was built by a prince to redeem the sin of killing his own father. Just like the Swayambhu Nath, the stupa consists of a massive white dome with 13 steps emerging from it and a set of Buddha’s eyes between the two. However, here you have the liberty to entering the core plaza and climbing up to the dome. It is quiet fun to circle this enormous stupa. Also, you can visit the Tamang Gompa situated right in front of stupa and take blessings from the monks.

Druk Amitabh Mountain Monastery

Perched on a small hill northwest of Swayambhu, this is the most famous Buddhist monastery site in Kathmandu. Also known as the SetoGumba or White Monastery, Druk Amitabh Mountain is now more often visited for recreational purposes than religious ones. It is a great place to be for a short getaway picnic or an outing. Dedicated to Amitabh Buddha, it was built in the 80s. From an architectural point of view, this monastery is downright impressive. The built of the monastery itself is beautiful, and on top of that, the intricately painted walls that depict Buddha’s teachings add even more to its beauty. It also has a nunnery where more than 300 nuns reside and practice Mahayana Buddhism.

Kopan Monastery

Just a stone’s throw away from Boudha, Kopan monastery, Kopan Monastery, too, is perched on a hilltop. This monastery follows the Gelung tradition which stems from Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism under His Holiness Lama Zopa Rinpoche. While the monastery is aesthetically very beautiful, it is mainly popular for other features like its meditation retreats and courses on Buddhism. You can even undertake an official course in affiliation with the Foundation for the preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). You can visit the residences nearby that is home to more than 360 monks, lamas, teachers, and other workers. All in all, it is a great place to learn profoundly about Mahayana Buddhism.

These are the five best Buddhist heritage sites to explore in Kathmandu Valley. Enjoy your trip.

4 Short Treks From Pokhara

Posted on by Plan Holidays

If Kathmandu is the cultural capital of the country, Pokhara is the natural capital. With its serene lakes, closeup mountain views, and milky white rivers, this is truly the most beautiful Nepalese city. Every year, thousands and thousands of tourists come down to Pokhara to have a merry time or venture into the mountains. This wide valley is surrounded by hills on all sides and is open to different adventurous trails of Western Nepal. All major treks in the Annapurna region commence from Pokhara, thus lending the “Gateway to Annapurna” name to the city. However, many don’t know that the city’s outskirts also boast of equally alluring but short treks that are suitable for visitors who are looking for just a short getaway. Here, in this list, we have 4 best short treks from Pokhara to explore during your next visit to the Lake City.

Dhampus Trek

Dhampus is a small but very beautiful Gurung village in Kaski. It is located in the northern face of Pokhara valley right behind the wet and lush terraced rice fields. If you are looking for a short getaway to the countryside without committing too much time and effort, this is undoubtedly the best trek for you. The highlight of the trek includes beautiful scenery of Mt. Machhapucchre and Annapurna range. On top of that, you can also enjoy views of sunset, sunrise, Pokhara valley, Phewa Lake, and World Peace Stupa from here. The trek also gives you the opportunity to experience the warm hospitality of the Gurung people and indulge in their delicious cuisine.

The trek can be completed in just 2 days, but if you want to spend some more time in this beautiful village, you can extend it to three days. It commences and ends in Phedi which is a 30 minutes’ drive from Lakeside, Pokhara.

Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk is undoubtedly the most famous Gurung village in whole Gandaki zone. Its perfectly built lines of stone houses and splendid views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna range makes it one of the best short treks in whole of Nepal. This model village is a popular getaway and a resting point for all the treks in Annapurna region. Here, you can enjoy peaceful rural vicinity with green forests, shiny mountains, and picture-perfect homes. You can even visit the Gurung Museum and get to know and see everything about this popular indigenous tribe. You can even wear the traditional Gurung attires and click photos for a good time and good memories.

The trek can be completed in anywhere between 3 to 4 days and commences from Phedi. It is even possible to complete it in 2 days if you travel up to Pothana in a vehicle. The trail to Ghandurk is pretty much straightforward with no difficult ascents or descents and no risks of altitude sickness.

Begnaskot Hike

Begnaskot is a picturesque Hillock that is situate in the northeastern rim of the Pokhara Valley. This place offers an excellent overview of several mountain ranges including the Annapurna massif, Pokhara valley, undulation of lush green hills, and the serene Phewa Lake. During the trek, you will pass through Sundari Danda, which is an exemplary model of agritourism in Nepal. During the hike, you will walk through few rural villages and be able to witness the everyday life of simple, country people. On the top of the hill is a Hindu temple called Begnaskot Temple.

The hike can be easily completed in just a day if you start off early, of course. The hike commences from Begnas Lake – the third highest lake of Nepal. You can even go boating first in this calm lake before commencing your journey. The route is very less trekked and unexplored, thus, leaving you with ample opportunities to trek in a quiet and peaceful environment.

Ghorepani Poon hill Trek

Due to easy accessibility and surreal mountain views, Ghorepani Poon hill trek is quickly becoming one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Ghorepani is a small Gurung village in Kaski and Poonhill is a very popular viewpoint. The trek offers some of the best views of the Annapurna region. From Poonhill, you can see almost 20 towering peaks in all directions. The trail passes through quaint Gurung villages and dense forests of oaks and rhododendrons.

The trek can be commenced in 4-6 days, but you always have the options to either lengthen or short treks from pokhara. It commences from Tikhedhunga which is a 2-hour drive from Pokhara. The highest elevation of the trek is at Poonhill at 3,210 meters. While returning, you can either walk down to Dhampus or Ghandruk, adding more diversity to the trek.

5 trek etiquette’s trekkers must follow during their trek

Posted on by Plan Holidays

The Himalayans are possibly the best wonders of nature. Everyone must have dream at least once in their lifetime to be in close vicinity of the Himalayans. But we are also very aware of the incredibly unforgiving terrain and weather of the Himalayans. If we have to prepare so much for just a week’s trek, imagine how hard is it for the people that practically live in the mountains. As trekkers, it is ours responsibly to make their lives easier and preserve the nature through our travels. Here, we have listed five trek etiquette’s trekkers must follow during their trek.

Leave only footprints

Waste management is still a tremendous challenge in developing countries like Nepal. While even capital city struggles with disposing its wastage safely, the mountains practically have no proper system of disposing their waste. As trekkers, we have to be incredibly careful about how much waste do we produce and how do we manage them. While creation of some forms of waste is inevitable, we can always make small differences. For instance, don’t take too much of disposable stuff that you might not need while trek etiquette’s. Avoid using plastic bags and use cloth bag preferably. While disposing the waste, make sure that throw them away properly in designated landfills or dustbins. While these may all seem to tedious and pointless at first, when we all do it collectively, we are indeed making a very big difference.

Respect the local culture

Culturally, Nepal is a very rich country. Its mountains are no different. While the new generation is more open minded towards everything, the previous generation still carry their culture and tradition in their hearts. Everywhere you go, you will come across beautiful and ancient temples and monasteries. During your trek, you will get to experience the tradition and lifestyle of the place you spend the night in. That means, you will eat their cuisine and basically live like them for a day or so. During that time period, make sure that you do not ridicule or show disrespect towards their culture. Of course, when you go to a new place, their culture is bound to be intriguing to you but make sure that you don’t overwhelming react to it.

Travel with a sustainable travel operator

This point comes in before you even begin your trek etiquette’s journey. Nepal has thousands of trekking agencies too eager to plan a trip for you. While the primary objective of all these firms is to earn profit, some are also driven by their sustainable and social responsibility. It might be a bit tough but it is not impossible to find one of these agencies. Search on Google and you will find a list of travel agencies that actively work with the rural communities and have practices that preserve the environment. For instance, some travel agencies employ guides from the particular local area and promote local employment. Some contribute a share of their profit into earthquake rehabilitation process and some might sponsor education to needy kids. You just have to pick one.

Shop locally

Nepal sure has air-conditioned malls and galleries that sell all kind of exotic and ancient handicrafts and souvenirs to take back home. While it is too tempting and convenient to shop at these locations, we suggest you to do otherwise. Not just souvenir shopping but also eating and sleeping, where you choose to spend your money makes a big impact on Nepalese tourism economy. By choosing to buy gifts and souvenirs from vendors locally, you are big time helping to inject the money directly into the local community. By choosing to have your dinner at a hole-in-the-wall eatery or spending a night in a family-run motel, you are helping the businesses at the lower spectrum grow. While there are so many advantages for the local community if you choose to do so, going local will also create a more unique and authentic travel experience for yourself too.

Volunteer for a cause

Following the disastrous earthquake of 2015, Nepalese countryside and mountains could surely use some volunteering from you.  Matter of fact, even if it wasn’t the case, volunteering in Nepal goes a long way. It doesn’t matter if you are visiting for two weeks or spending a whole year, contributing a portion of your time to worthwhile charities and non-profits can help make a small difference. Irrespective of whatever skill you have, be it medical, engineering, or social care, there are wide variety of options to choose from to help put your value experience to other people’s good. This indeed is going to be a very heartfelt, fulfilling, and rewarding experience for you.

 

Mardi Himal Trek – Everything you need to know about

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Lying in the western region of Nepal, Mardi Himal is the trending route for all Foreign as well as Domestic tourists. The short itinerary and full of scenic view, Mardi Himal is now a sought after trekking route in the present days. A relatively new route, Trekking in Mardi Himal for only a week endows you with the grandiose views of Machapuchhre, Annapurna, Mardi Himal and several other peaks. The trek has been graded easy medium trekking standard by TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal). This route encapsulates rich biodiversity as well as cultural diversity. Along the route to Mardi Himal, you will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful Gurung community cultures of Kaski district. Mardi Himal is a full circuit trek with fantastic views for the ones with limited time.

When to Go

The tourist season for Nepal is from September last week to December’s end week. However, the month from October to November is reviewed by many as perfect season to trek in Mardi Himal Region. Expect fewer chances of snowfall at the high camp and base camp during this period.

It isn’t advised to trek Mardi Himal during the end of December as the temperature goes minus with snow blocking the route from High Camp to Base Camp.

Also, the March and April is the second preferred time to trek to Mardi Himal. The beautiful sight of blossoming Rhododendrons and several other flowers makes the trek full of contrasting colours. However, we advise you to bring a raincoat as there can be outbreaks of rain.

What to Expect

The route lies to the north-west of Pokhara with rich diversity in terrain. The range of this trek takes you from the forested area through to the coarse rocky mountain terrain. Also, the chances of snow are there in the Base Camp.

On the way to base camp, you will get to shoot the picturesque views of MachapuchhreHimal along the top ridge. The time period for this trek is between 4-7 days which solely depends on your pace and requirements for the trek.

Accommodation

The newly initiated trekking route, Mardi has yet to provide full fetched accommodating facilities to the trekkers who want a comfort trek. However, there are plenty of tea houses that provide bed and breakfast with shared bathroom and simple beds.

The room prices come cheap in this trek due to the new establishment. These room prices generally start around 100-300 Rupees. The price of a room in the high camp will cost 600+ Rupees. However, expect an increase in the room price in coming years.

The internet service provider will be available in most of the tea house trek but expect slowest of speed due to the altitude and climate.

We advise you to charge your gadget batteries in every chance you get in the trek. However, charging your batteries from Forest Camp up to High camp will be difficult as the tea houses will have battery themselves for their lighting. You might not even get chance to charge your devices in Forest and Low Camp.

Maps

The detailed Map for Mardi Himal is not available till now. The guides and team leaders will be using the Annapurna Circuit Maps and Annapurna Base Camp for reference and will gladly show you the routes.

As for the itineraries and stops during the trek, your guide will have their own routes and stops along the trek.

Permits

The Mardi Himal lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP); which means you will be needing a permit to trek in the Mardi Himal trek. You can get these permit in Kathmandu (same building as the Tourism Board). You can also get permits easily at the Annapurna Conservation Area Project office which is in the Dam side, Pokhara (Nepal Tourism Board building). These permit will cost you 2000 Rupees.

A TIMS permit is also required for trekking to Mardi Himal. This will also be available in the same building (Nepal Tourism Board) with a cost of 1000 Rupees. If you would like to travel independently then you need to take Free Independent Trekker (FIT) permit. These permits will be available in TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal).

Have an enjoyable Trek.

Five reasons to visit Manang for your next trek

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Manang is seldom travelled exclusively. It is always travelled as a part of trek itineraries like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Thorung La Trek. But, if there is one place in Nepalese mountains that embodies both myths and mysticisms, it would be Manang. Perched into cliffs rising 3,518 meters above the sea level, Manang district is set north of the Annapurna region. Although the Marshayngdi River lies to the east, the region is dry and barren. A dwindling, treacherous road leads into the Manang settlement, which is one of the largest villages along the Annapurna Circuit. In the past, it was only travelled on foot or a horse’s back, but, these days, jeeps, bikes, and few ambitious buses make the trip. Here we have listed reasons to visit manang trek for your next trip.

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is a breathtakingly beautiful lake that’s situated at an elevation of 4,919 meters. The lake is believed to be the highest lake for its size in the world. For many people, the lake itself is the main highlight of the whole trip to Manang. The view of the stunning emerald lake and the Annapurna range guarding it is beyond a person’s imagination. On a clear day, the mountains perfectly reflect on the lake, elevating the experience even further. The good news is that trekkers no longer need to camp when trekking to the lake as there is now accommodation available between Manang and the Lake.

However, you have to be extra careful as the trail leading to the lake is challenging and landslide-prone. But, once you reach the lake amidst glaciers and hear the ice crackle on its surface, you will forget about all the hardship taken to reach the lake.

The villages

The Manang district is divided into two sections, Upper and Lower. Throughout the district, you can see that the households are beautifully decorated with Buddhist prayer flags and other icons of ancient Bon religion. The district boasts of several traditional, picturesque villages that are more than a century old. All of these villages are heavily influenced by the Tibetan culture and still retains and practices ancient rites and rituals. That will definitely be an interesting cultural experience for you, which you wouldn’t have been able to witness in other popular trekking trails due to commercialization. Pisang, Chame, Nar, Phu, and Bhakra are just some of these excellent mountain civilizations to name.

Lesser trekked

Treks to Mustang, Annapurna Base Camp, and Poon Hill receive thousands of trekkers every season. However, despite being in close proximity of all these regions, Manang receives significantly lesser number of tourists. If you decide to trek here, you won’t have to pass through crowded trails, encounter flocks of trekkers heading towards the same destination, and jam-packed viewpoints. Sometimes, these factors might hamper the kind of serenity and isolation a trekker is looking for. But, manang trek, despite being one of the finest trekking options in Western Nepal, receives significantly lesser number of tourists. For instance, Nar and Phu trek in Manang is an excellent choice for trekkers who are looking for a very remote and isolated Himalayan destination. Here, you could be the only customer a diner will receive all day, and you will be greatly appreciated and thanked for that.

Cultural Excellency

Although very remote and far-flung, Manang is a very old settlement with an illustrious past. One may wonder, how on earth is it possible to even live in such trying conditions, let alone build a civilization. But, the several monasteries that are still standing tall and sturdy are the testament of Manang’s glory. Here, you can visit numerous monasteries that are more than a century old. All of these monasteries are intricately built and architecturally magnificent. On top of that, these monasteries house several important artifacts, paintings, and statues that depict the Gautam Buddha’s life. Here, you can also seek blessings from Gurus, Lamas, and spend some spiritual time with monks and nuns. Sher Gompa, Satek Gon, and Braga monasteries are few of them to name.

Thorung La Pass

At an elevation of 5,416 meters, the Thorung La Pass is the highest in Nepalese Himalayans. This nerve wrecking and exciting pass connects the Manang to Mustang. Crossing this enthralling pass is only suitable for the best of trekkers as it takes a lot of effort, energy, and willpower. But, the views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range that you get from the top of the pass is worth every bit of hassle that it took to reach there.

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