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.

Rainy Days Activities to do in Pokhara

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Everyone who has been to Pokhara has their own story. Some say the weather was sunny while most might say that it rained for weeks and weeks. The contrasting weather of Pokhara is due to its microclimate feature of its own. Till record, Pokhara has claimed the highest rainfall in all Nepal. So, one must be wary enough to be prepared for the heavy rain during their stay in Pokhara. Challenges like the delay of flight or even postponing of flight are normal for the ones who visit Pokhara. Some might extend their stay in Pokhara for its unquenchable beauty and for some; it might be the cancelled flights due to rain. Here are some of the activities which can keep you occupied during rainy days in Pokhara.

Pokhara
Pokhara Lake and Boat

Amuse yourself in the Museum

Pokhara isn’t all about Lakes, Machapuchre and Treks. It also holds beautiful and informative Museums for the visitors.

See the Yeti!

The International Mountain Museum is in Birauta, south-east of Pokhara. This grand museum was first officially opened for visitors in 2004. The International Museum has all the records, documents and chronicles of the past and present development in Mountaineering activities. There is also a miniature display of Manaslu Himal in this museum. The equipment used by legendary Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay during their first expedition to Everest has also been safely kept here in this Museum. The display of every ethnic culture in the Himalayan region and even modelled Yeti can be found in the Museum.

Another is the Gurkha museum which is in deep, K.I. Singh Pool. The Gurkha museum displays the war artilleries and ammunition used by the brave Gurkhas from the First World War. The heroic display of Gurkha soldier is shown through a documentary to the visitors in the museum.

Annapurna Butterfly Museum

Established in 1965 by an American corps volunteer late Dorothy Mierow, the museum is a natural museum which is inside Prithvi Narayan Campus in Bagar. Colin Smith, a British entomologist, made the invaluable contribution to the museum. His 30 years of massive collection of almost all 660 kinds of Butterfly found in Nepal has been put up for display in this museum.

Pokhara Planetarium and Science Centre

A recently opened Planetarium Centre lies to the west of Pokhara in Batulechaur. The infinity mirror maze in the Centre is the main attraction of this place.

Work hard or just do Yoga

If you are not into museums and science Centre then working out on your physique might be best for you. If you are heading for Annapurna trek then working out will ready you for the trek. Yoga is also an option you can try when days are rainy. A place like Mudra Health Centre can be an ideal place for you to visit during these rainy days.

How about reading?

If you just want to lay and enjoy the rain drizzles then grabbing your best read and sipping a cup of coffee will help you to cut through the day. There are several cafes around the lakeside where you have access to Wi-fi and a peaceful environment. You can also visit the Mandala bookshop which is in the heart of Lakeside for your kind of read. Buying learn Nepali language books can be a fun thing to read during rainy days. Imagine how great it would be to say a word or two in Nepali except for Namaste and Dhanyabaad.

Spa would be great too

A visit to the spa can help you relax your exhausted body. A smooth massage along with the audio of rain dropping will smoothly sail through your rainy days in Pokhara.

Watch a Movie

If you haven’t been to a Nepali Cinema hall, then this is the chance to go for it. Nepali cinema releases only Nepali or Hindi Movie, but the atmosphere inside the hall will be a surprise for you. Don’t be surprised if someone or everyone in the theatre cheers or whistles for the protagonist.

With all these attractions and activities to do during Rainy days in Pokhara, now you do not need to worry about your delay in flight and extended stay in Pokhara. Have a rainy day.

What to see and do in Asan – the oldest streets of Kathmandu

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Asan, located conveniently in the heart of the capital, is more than just a marketplace for locals to do shopping. Located just south of the Thahiti Chowk and Thamel is this centuries-old maze of little stone-paved streets with one main street cutting through them all.

In Asan, you can get lost for hours. Discovering old shrines, entering secret courtyards, or just drinking a tea at a “hole in the wall” tea shop. You can buy hundred-year-old antiques, cheap replicas of these antiques, or Himalayan spices to add some authentic Nepalese flavours to your cooking. You will find everything from dried fish to yak tails. Cat Stevens apparently wrote his hit hippie-era song “Kathmandu” in a hazy teahouse in Asan.

Nobody is certain about the origin and history of Asan. At the turn of the 20th century, during the autocratic Rana regime, it was known for being a small market square. Its heyday was during the Malla era when the stunning Annapurna temple was constructed at its centre. The tradition of the native Newars dictates that a portion of all the rice sold in the Asan Chowk must be first offered to the Annapurna – the goddess of abundance.

Here, the day begins as early as 3 am. The market, too, opens by dawn as vendors pour in from all over the valley to sell their fresh produces. It is undoubtedly the most lively and vibrant old-town market you will find in Kathmandu, and, Asia too, arguably. Seeing how the chaos and beauty blend into one, you will feel like you are walking through the heart of the Asian continent. It is itself fascinating to see an old market survive and thrive in modern times. Here we have listed three things you can do in Asan.

Heritage Walk

Asan is only a stone’s throw away from the UNESCO-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can either go on a self-guided heritage walk or take part in a group heritage walk organised by cultural experts. So, you can either begin your walk through Asan and explore the Durbar Square and adjacent areas through Indra Chowk or vice versa.

Since Asan is perpetually busy, you will want to start early in the morning to get the best of it. While Saturdays will be a lot less crowded because it is a day off for vendors, it will not have the same vibe as it does during the rest of the week. There are several temples, historic landmarks, old houses and shops that will transfer you to the Old World.

Visit temples

Asan houses several big and small temples around its main square. Although some of them are surrounded all around by market vendors, these are all places of active worship.

Annapurna Temple

This three-story, the Newari-style temple is the Asan’s grandest temple; and has a rich history. It is ornately decorated with mirrors, lamps, torans, and statues. However, you might be surprised to know that there is no deity inside. Instead, it houses a tantric vessel called a Kalash that symbolises bounty.

Narayan Temple

This beautiful, central stone temple with a single golden roof is dedicated to Narayan. The building is locked and only opened on select days for puja.

Ganesh Temple

It is a small, two-storey temple devoted to Ganesh which is adorned by an ornately built brass roof. The inner shrine is opened only in the mornings and often closed by the evening. The majestic statue of Ganesha sits surrounded by a glided arch.

Celestial Fish

Just opposite the main Ganesha temple is a rectangular stone enclosure. Inside it is a statue of a stone fish. This small fish represents a legendary, mythical story of how an old man learned from a young man and the young man learned from the old.

Go shopping

Bear in mind that Asan Chowk is not a tourist market, it’s a local market. But there are plenty of things to buy from spices, dried goods, and brass utensils to traditional attires to handicrafts. For those in search of genuine and high-quality spices from Nepal, there is perhaps a no better place to shop than Asan kathmandu. From big spices shops like the Annapurna Seed Centre to local street stalls, spices like cardamom, cumin, timur, and turmeric are sold by weight or in premade packaging.

While walking towards Indrachowk, you will be met by dozens of utensil shops on both sides of the stone-paved road. These shops pompously showcase their best offerings outside the shop, making the whole area look like a fair or an exhibition. You can buy anything from traditional utensils to god statues to handicrafts to take back home.

 

Types of Hotel and Ranges you can stay in Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Finding the perfect hotel while travelling has never been easy.  The budget constraint, mixed feeling reviews on trip advisors, confused reservations, bread and breakfast availability on time are some of many queries which one might have while choosing a hotel to stay in Nepal. You wonder if the hotels in Nepal can provide you with the all-round dream stay in Nepal which you had imagined before coming to Nepal. Nepal has wide ranges of hotels when it comes to the price and service ranges.

Here are the types of hotel and their price ranges for your pleasant stay in Nepal.

Five star for the affluent

There are more than 8 Five star hotels in Nepal. Among these, most of them are located in the capital city, Kathmandu. SoalteeCrowne Plaza, Hotel Annapurna, Hotel Yak and Yeti and Hyatt Regency are some of the big names in the Five star Hotel category in Kathmandu. These hotels offer the best of best services for the compulsive spending travellers. If you are a person who has keen interest in casinos then these 5 star hotels are the only ones for you. These hotels include exclusive suites, swimming pools and fine diners in Nepal. As per their provision in amenity, their price range too bears a handsome figure. Hotel Price ranges from NRs 10,000 to NRs 50,000 as per the amenities.

Four star Hotels

There are numerous Four star hotels in Nepal. Hotels of this class are mostly present in the major cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan where there is major inflow of tourists all year round. These hotels are well endowed with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. These hotels are mostly situated in the outskirts of the city areas where one can find harmonious and serene atmosphere. Fine dining, swimming pools, beautiful gardens, easy access to every needs and warm hospitality are the main features of the four star hotels. However, these hotels do not have the casinos for the guests. The price of the 4 star hotel ranges from NRs 5,000 to NRs. 14,000 as per their amenities.

Three star hotels

Likewise the 4 star hotels, 3 star hotels in Nepal too bear the same amenities for their guests. Only because of the minimum threshold of the no of rooms and spaces as required by the hoteling standards, these hotels are categorized on the three star categories. However, some of the three star hotels have the commensurate standard of services just like the four star hotels. You can get the fresh foods with every kind of palette in these Three star hotels. Continental dishes, Chinese food, Indian and Nepali food are the delicacies you can find voiced in their menus.  These hotel prices range from NRs 2200 to NRs 8000 as per their amenities.

Two star hotels

If you are looking for budget hotels to stay in Nepal then these are the ones for you. The two star hotels have an affordable marked price. Good food with basic menus, clean rooms, warm water facility and Wi-Fi accessibility are the basic features of the two star hotels. They also provide you with the permits for trekking services, flight ticket reservations and transportation vehicles with a value added charge. These hotel prices range from NRs 1000 to NRs 2500 for a night stay as per their amenities. However, some may include the bread and breakfast along with the charge.

 Homestay

These are the kinds of the homes which you usually find in the trekking regions of Nepal.  These homestays are the house of the host family. The guests have to eat what the family eats so there is limited choice in the menu for the guests. However, you get to experience the Nepalese way of living which has its own unique experience. Prices are very less in comparison to the hotels in the cities. The price ranges from NRs 500 to NRs 1000.

Top 4 Tour Destinations For Visit Nepal 2020

Posted on by Plan Holidays

If you are still unbeknownst to the beauty and magic of this beautiful nation, 2020 might just be the perfect time to come and experience it. Visit Nepal 2020 is a year-long tourism campaign by the Nepal Government to rehaul the country’s image on the world map as an ultimate travel and vacation destination. With an ambitious aim to welcome more than 20 million tourists, all parties, from Nepal government to travel agencies to individuals, have left no stone unturned to make your visit unmemorable and the year a grand success. In this blog we explore 4 popular tour destinations in Nepal to travel to in 2020.

UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Sites

Kathmandu Valley, once a prosperous medieval kingdom, has the world’s highest density of UNESCO cultural heritage sites. After you land in Nepal’s only international airport in Kathmandu, you can travel back in time and let the magic of these centuries old sites seep in.

You can visit the historical grounds of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan Durbar Square, which lie in the heart of each city. Walking through the old stone-paved lanes, where timeless stone and wood carvings of hundreds of Hindu and Tibetan deities welcome you, you can learn a lot about Nepal’s prosperous Malla Dynasty. Towering temples, intricately built stone taps and courtyards, and majestic palaces will leave you marveling at the unique and flawless Newari architecture.

Lumbini

A UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site as well, Lumbini is the historic birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. One of the world’s most important, spiritual, and revered site, it welcomes millions of religious and spiritual devotees from all around the world every year.

In Lumbini, you can visit over 25 International Buddhist monasteries, study Buddhism, meditate. And visit the specific birthplace within the holy Mayadevi Gardens. According to the inscriptions on the Ashoka Pillar and several historians and archaeologists, 2,200 years old Maya Devi temple is the spot of Buddha’s birthplace from where the newly born prince took his first seven steps. If you are knitting a plan on travelling to exotic places in South Asia looking find to some Nirvana, you cannot miss on Lumbini.

Visit Nepal 2020
Lumbini

Dolpo Region

An underrated destination, but one of the most breathtakingly beautiful regions of Nepal, Dolpo was popularized by the award-winning film “Caravan” which showcases the untouched beauty of the region. Remote yet magical, Dolpo is confined by the Dhaulagiri range in the east and south, Mt. Sisne and Kanjiroba in the west, and Tibet in the north.

Trekking through the hidden valleys of Dolpa, visiting the ancient Shey Gompa Monastery, taking a dip in the icy waters of Phoksundo Lake, witnessing the yak caravans crossing high mountain passes, and visiting some of the highest settlements of the world are just some of the highlights of Dolpo trek. Isolated by the difficult topography, the region has preserved remarkable preserved its lifestyle and culture, remaining almost untouched by the elements of modern world.

Chitwan

If you looking to quench your thirst for the wild nature, Chitwan National Park is where you should be. Located in the southern plains of Nepal, the dense jungles of Chitwan National Park await you with a wildlife experience like no other what next then this up coming visit nepal 2020 for your best plan holidays.

Following the royal Bengal tigers watching one-horned rhinos bathe in rivers with Asiatic elephants in a jeep safari or on an Elephant’s back like old times is truly a special and un unforgettable experience. Another exciting experience is to go canoeing in the marshy Terai river and watching hundreds of marsh mugger crocodiles basking in the sun.

Ultimate Checklist While Choosing Travel Insurance

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Often times, people are so excited for their vacation and holidays plans that travel insurance is the last thing on their to-do list. It is too tempting to think, “Nah, I’ll be fine, I won’t need it”. Right?

Wrong!

Why though? Because travel insurance ensures that when things go south, you have a safety net, a backup plan, and the much-needed reassurance that you are protected at all times. In this article, we will cover how to choose a travel insurance that best meets your needs.

Are all my destinations covered?

If you are travelling to only one destination, for instance, Nepal, then this will be an easy one to check off the list, but if you are travelling to several countries, make sure that they are added to your cover. Any place that you choose to stop over, even though it is just for a night, must be added to your policy. Also, if you are travelling on a cruise, make sure to include the destinations you want to visit as a part of the tour.

Are all my belongings covered?

While a majority of travel insurance policies will provide some extent of cover for your personal belongings, the catch is to know exactly how much you are covered for. It is important to ask will it be enough to protect all of your baggage and belongings. If not, it may be wise to change your policy or consider upscaling to cover more valuable items.  So, if you are taking expensive gadgets with you, make sure you account for them in your policy and get supplemental cover.

What will happen if I lose my luggage?

Baggage cover differs the most, so if you are not carrying expensive and valuable items, save on buying premium policies by selecting an option that offers less. For instance, if a transport provider (e.g. an airline) loses your baggage and refuses to offer compensation, if you are insured, it can be obtained through the insurer. However, don’t forget that the minimum time limit varies per insurance as does the level of cover.

What happens if I cancel my trip?

Sometimes things don’t go as planned and you have to cancel your travel plans. If you do, check that cancellation is a part of your travel insurance policy. A good and credible policy will allow you to claim lost funds from cancelled flights, accommodation, vehicle lease, tour bookings and so much more. Don’t forget to check the maximum amount of money that you can claim back.

How much extra do I have to pay?

Prior to you receiving any aid, majority insurance policies will require you to pay extra. It means that if the extra on your lost baggage is $200, you will have to pay the first $200 of your losses before your insurance company will start paying you. To keep you excesses at minimum, consider purchasing a higher level of cover to choose to waive your extras altogether by paying a higher premium.

What is not included in my policy?

No brainer. Knowing what’s not included in your travel insurance is just as important as knowing what is. Make sure to thoroughly read the insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), which will give you a comprehension of what’s not included in your cover. For instance, some common exclusions are terrorism, pandemic or epidemic, military occupations, travel provider insolvency, and so on. We suggest you  make a quick note of any specific events of items that are not included in your policy.

6 facts about Nepal you will never believe

Posted on by Plan Holidays

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that Nepal is a world in itself. In addition to its surreal natural beauty and enigmatic culture, there are several other surprises the country has in store for you.While I’m sure that there are more than 100 interesting facts about Nepal – this tiny Himalayan Nation, we have handpicked 6 facts that are bound to take you aback!

6 facts about Nepal you will never believe

No Independence Day

Nepal has some of the world’s most powerful imperial countries for neighbors – India and China. Despite that, the country has never been colonized or ruled by a foreign government in its history. Nepal, which is famous today for its brave Gurkha regiments, fought back relentlessly against all odds in the past to maintain its sovereignty. In addition to fighting against powerful opponents like Imperial China, East India Company, and Muslim invaders, the country developed highly impressive strategic and diplomatic relations with its neighbors to protect its land. Due to these reasons, and facts about Nepal unlike most countries in the world map, Nepal doesn’t have an Independence Day.

Amazing Biodiversity

Thanks to its staggeringly rich biodiversity, Nepal has earned for itself the “Amazon of Asia” nickname. To give you an idea, the country is home to more than 360 orchid species which account for 2% of world’s orchids. Similarly, it houses over 900 species of birds, which account for 8.9% of the global birds’ species. If that isn’t justifiable enough, Nepal is also home to 6% of world’s rhododendron species, 4.2% of the world’s butterfly species, and 3.96% of world’s mammal species!

A true mountain country

Nepal is famous worldwide as a country of beautiful mountains and rightly so. Given its teeny tiny size, it is in itself surprising to know that it is home to one: third (800 km:2400 km) of the magnificent Himalaya ranges. Impressively, it is also home to ten out world’s 14 tallest peaks including the Mt. Everest. While the exact numbers of peaks in Nepal is still not certain, it has over 1300 identified peaks alone above the elevation of 6,000 meters, of which 238 are already open for climbing.

Real-life cultural museum

Kathmandu Valley is also known as the City of Temples for its innumerable shrines and temples. You can find a small temple housing a vermilion-laden god in every nook and cranny of the city. But what’s more interesting is the fact that Kathmandu has the densest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. Out of 10 listed cultural heritage sites present in Nepal, the valley alone houses seven magnificent landmarks within the radius of just 15 kilometers! No doubt that Kathmandu is the living cultural museum of the planet this is the unbelievable facts about Nepal temple and culture.

Surreal geography

Sandwiched between India and China with no access to sea, Nepal is a relatively very small country. However, don’t go by its size while evaluating its geography. It is home to some of the earth’s most extreme places that make it a dream destination for adrenaline junkies. Other than housing the highest peak aka Mt. Everest, Nepal is also home to the world’s deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge), world’s deepest valley (Arun Valley), lake at world’s highest elevation (Tilicho Lake), and world’s deepest lake at highest elevation (SheyPhoksundo). These are the facts.

World’s only non-rectangular flag

Unlike all other nations on world map, Nepal has a non-rectangular flag. Also hailed as the world’s most mathematically correct flag, the country’s maroon-hued flag consists of two triangles featuring a crescent moon and a sun in each triangle. The design of the flag is believed to be around 2000 years old!

6 facts about Nepal you will never believe
Nepal flag

Best places to try street food in Nepal

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Not so famous on the international scene, Nepalese cuisine is defined by its lentils and soups, spicy curries and famous momos: Tibetan dumplings made with Indian spices. Gastronomical delicacies like yak curry and buffalo steak are Nepalese staple too.

While most food here have their roots in Indian, Tibetan and even Thai cuisine, over the time, these dishes have been infused with an unmistakable Nepalese twist.  To go truly local, throw aside the cutlery and use the eating tools at the end of your arms. Here we have listed down five best places to try street food in Nepal.

Shandar Momo, Basantapur

Momos are undoubtedly the most popular snack in Nepal and can be found in street stalls or small eateries a bit everywhere along the Kathmandu streets. While you will come across several of these restaurants which can be identified by big aluminum pan with several trays resting in front of the shop, Shandar Momo near the durbar square plaza is very popular and few benchs available will probably be full, forcing you to eat while standing. While restaurants are doing all kinds of experiments with the dish like chocolate momo, the authentic, local taste of momos found in old parts of Kathmandu likeShandar Momo are still a front runner by a long mile.

Lahana, Kirtipur

It is safe to say that Newari cuisine is the most rich and popular cuisine amongst ethnic groups of Nepal. Its popularity transcends Newari households which is evident in the number of Newari restaurants found in every nook and corner of country. Lahana in Kirtipur is one such example. Be it weekdays or weekends, it is always swarmed with hundreds of foodies trying to pick a dish from menu featuring hundreds of food items. What’s even more impressive is the fact that Lahana is a cooperative restaurant operated by the local women of the old town.

Fishtail Food Park, Pokhara

While the number one tourist city of Nepal is dotted with several posh continental restaurants, the street food market quintessentially thrives in Pokhara. The humble eatery Fishtail Food Park has become the most famous stick food joint in the city. They serve a variety of street foods ranging from chicken legs to roasted potatoes. Most of these dishes have been inspired by Chinese street food scene but come with tasty and distinguishable Nepali taste. These deep-fried delicacies with generous amount of spices have quickly carved a name for themselves as go-to food at a low budget for the locals.

Hot Momo Corner, Birgunj

Birgunj isn’t exactly famous as a tourist destination, but since it borders India, majority of Indian tourists enter the country via this thriving commercial city. Since it is densely inhabited by Nepali Muslims, it is famous for their rich and elaborate cuisine. One such example is Hot Momo Corner although the word “Momo” suggests otherwise. It is especially famous for ShilaBagedi, slowly cooked delicacy made from sparrows. Well, if you are battling your morals against whether or not to eat sparrows, there are plenty of other equally tasty dishes like sekuwa and kebabs readily available for order.

Photo Credit: Discovering Nepal Street Food

5 places in Nepal that you must see in this lifetime

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Opened to foreigners only after 1950 s, Nepal draws visitors for a host of reasons. Some are enticed by the mountains and seek to conquer them, while the others are deeply fascinated by the ancient Nepalese culture and City of Temples. The tiny Himalayan nation can either be an adrenaline adventure, a cultural and spiritual eye opener, or a life-changing epiphany. While the country is home to hundreds of iconic natural, cultural and historical landmarks, here we have listed of the best places in Nepal to visit.

Kathmandu Valley

The Nepalese capital is like no other city in the world. The decaying buildings in the heart of Kathmandu are a sharp contrast to the lively atmosphere that fills its street. Once a well-off medieval kingdom, the valley has highest concentration of world heritage sites in world. There are 7 ancient and spectacular landmarks in Kathmandu within the radius of 15 kilometers that qualifies Kathmandu as a real-life museum.

Pokhara

Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is the most famous tourist city in Nepal. Surrounded by mountains like Dhalulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu, it is also the gateway to the western Himalayans. Not only it serves as a vantage point to view spectacular mountains, it itself is home to some of Nepal’s best natural and cultural beauties. Boating in Fewa Lake, visiting Shanti Stupa, and engaging in host of adventure sports are just few to name.

Annapurna region

The Annapurna region is one of the most popular and versatile trekking regions in Nepal. Here are trekking trails that will take you from few days to few weeks. The vibrant contrasts of the authentic and typical Nepalese countryside are especially visible, stretching from the subtropical vegetation of Pokhara to dry and arid rain shadow areas of Mustang. The region has good infrastructure facilities that support trekking and other adventures.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is the place to come and experience a different side of Nepal, far from the gigantic mountains and hills. It is a spectacular place for wildlife viewing with a safari adventure. At an altitude of just 100 meters at some place, the national park is home to some of the most exotic wild life species like one-horned rhino and royal Bengal tiger. You can observe these animals in their natural habitat during your jungle safari tours.

Lumbini

Lumbini , being the birthplace of Lord Buddha has a deep significance historically, culturally and spiritually. Situated off the main tourist track, it is a very gratifying detour on the route from Pokhara to Chitwan National Park. It is a pilgrimage town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you with feelings of deep tranquility and spirituality. Along with a stone relief from 2nd century depicting Buddha’s birth, there are old remains of the prehistoric Lumbini kingdom and several monasteries built by international communities that further accentuate the beauty of Lumbini.

These are the places in Nepal you must visit in your life time if you are travel seekers.

Group Travel Activities That Your Whole Group Will Enjoy

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Travelling in groups can be tricky. It can either make your friendship or break it. Group holidays are a great way to test your patience and friendship. Fortunately for you, there are so many amazing group activities to embark on while in Nepal that it will take away all the baggage of group travelling. Here we have listed four group travel activities to try during your stay in Nepal for a bucketful of amazing memories.

Rafting

Rafting is one of the best group travel activities to conduct in Nepal. Well, firstly because you’ll need a group if you want to raft. But secondly, the free-flowing rivers of Nepal come straight down from the pristine peaks of Himalayans. Rafting through the choppy rivers and mysterious gorges of Nepal is a one-of-a-kind adventure sport that will have your whole group gasping for breath. With over 6000 river and rivulets flowing across Nepal, it is no surprise that the country houses several raft-worthy rivers. There are quite a few of them that are very close to Kathmandu as well. Rivers like Trishuli, Bhotekoshi, and Sunkoshi are just some examples of famous rafting rivers in Nepal, all of which are mere hours drive away from the valley.

Guided world heritage site tour

You don’t have to be a major history buff to enjoy fascinating tales and fables of ancient cities. You don’t have to be a medieval fanatic to enjoy walking through the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways of old town. Kathmandu valley was once a very prosperous kingdom during the middle age. The culture and art throbbed in the city with royal patronage. Today, although the city is the administrative hub of the country and a melting pot, it is also a real-life museum. With highest concentration of world heritage sites, Kathmandu Valley is a great place for guided city tours. There are several guided city tour services available in city with good amenities of food and transportation.

Jungle Safaris

The jungles of Nepal are highly underrated. It is understandable that it is often easy to overlook them when you are confronted by majestic mountains. However, the dense and luscious jungles of southern Nepal house some of the best hidden gems of Nepal. You can unwind in the laps of nature while being in close vicinity of incredible wildlife. It is a very adventurous yet fascinating experience to observe these wonders of biodiversity in their natural habitat. There are over dozens of national parks, wild life reserves, and conservation areas in Nepal that offer amazing jungle safari experiences. Whether on an elephant’s back or in a jeep, national parks like Chitwan NP and Bardiya NP guarantee best jungle safari experiences.

Skydiving

Well, I know this is a bit farfetched, but it truly is the best you could ask for. Skydiving above the Everest is a perfect manifestation of adventure and thrill. Moreover, embarking it with your friends will further accentuate the experience by several folds. The amazing bird’s eye view of the Everest and several eight thousanders, ferocious glaciers, and serene lakes are some sights that you will have to see to believe. Also, landing in the foothills of Everest aka the base camp is another amazing feat in itself. This remarkable group activity is something you and your friends will be talking about for years to come.

The Best UNESCO Heritage Sites to Visit Around

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Did you know that Nepal has the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the entire world? The Kathmandu Valley alone houses seven of these historic heritages within the radius of 15 kilometers. Be it transporting to the Old Word at ancient palace courtyards, seeking a spiritual experience at Buddha’s birthplace, or exploring biodiversity at a national park in Everest’s foothills, Nepal has it all covered. There are altogether ten of these sites in Nepal that feature both cultural and natural gems. Here we have listed five of the best World Heritage Sites to visit.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is hailed as the finest one amongst three durbar squares of Kathmandu Valley. Built between period of 14th to 18th century, the palace plaza reflects the true heights reached by the native inhabitants of the valley, Newars. Exclusiveonly to Nepal, the architectural grandeur that can be witnessed in the palaces, courtyards, and temples of the Durbar Square will leave you in awe. Moreover, most part of Bhaktapur city has retained its old charm in cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, and ornately crafted windows, which qualify the city itself as a living museum.

Changu Narayan Temple

One of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal, Changu Narayan is located on a high hilltop known as Changu. Believed to have been built in the 4th century during the reign of Licchavi Dynasty, it is a double-roofed temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. Not only the oldest, but it is also one of the most intricately and beautifully built temple in Nepal. The wood crafted tundals and pillars, the golden roofs and ornate windows qualify Changu Narayan qualify as an architectural masterpiece.

Lumbini

Light of Asia, Lord Buddha was born in the kingdom of Lumbini in 623BC. Today, the birth site is one the holiest religious and spiritual sites for Buddhists all over the world. The site houses several important testimonials of Buddha’s birth such as commemorative pillars by Indian emperor Ashoka and the excavation sites that house several historic proofs of the prosperous Lumbini kingdom. The beauty of the site is even more accentuated by dozens of stupas and temples built by several countries of the world to commemorate Budhha’s birthplace.

Sagarmatha National Park

Declared as a world heritage site in 1979, Sagarmatha National Park is home to the highest peak in the world. With most of the park lying above 3,000 meters, the NP is full of rugged terrain with gigantic rocks, glaciers, and gorges. Here you can experience the marvels of nature in its finest form. You will be able to savor the incredible views of mountains like Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse among others. Similarly, you can also witness biodiverse wonders like musk deer, snow leopard, ghoral and 118 bird species.

Swayambhu Nath

Swayambhu Nath, which literally means “self-existent one” was built in the 460 A.D by King Manadeva. One of the largest Buddhist Chaityas in the whole world, it has been an important center of Buddhism since time immemorial. The stupa plaza also houses other several big and small chaityas, temples, artifacts, and a museum which has elevated the beauty and significance of the site. Moreover, the view of the Kathmandu Valley beneath from the hilltop is a cherry on the cake.

Trekking in Nepal

Nepal peak climbing holidays

Adventure Activities In Nepal

Jungle Safari In Nepal

Nepal Village Homestays

Hiking in Nepal

Rafting in Nepal

Kathmandu Excursion Tour

Places of interest in Nepal

Day Tours

Nepal Mountain Biking Tour