Category: Interesting

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

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.

Tucked between giant countries of China and India, it is often too easy to overlook it in the world map. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for its adventures! Famous for its soaring mountainous regions and amazing trekking trails, the country offers all this and even more with its dense jungle landscapes, ancient cities, and holy sites. Want to know more? Nepal has something to offer for every type of traveler, whether you want adventurous trekking or just relish in some adrenaline-pumping activities. Backpackers across seven seas flock to Nepal to overdose on views of pristine mountain peaks and so much more. Anyway, what makes Nepal the ultimate Disneyland for thrill seekers? Here we have listed the best activities to satiate the thrill seeker in you.

Waterfall ice climbing

With eight out of fourteen tallest peaks located in Nepal, the Nepalese Himalayans are a mountainous playground for mountaineers, trekkers, and of course ice-climbers! Here, you can battle adverse extreme altitudes and temperature to take on the toughest jagged peaks and icefalls. Waterfall ice-climbing has not just become very popular in this destination alone as not only you can embark on the challenge to climb through some majestic frozen water, you can also relish in the vicinity of amazing landscapes you will encounter during your ascent.

Where: The main regions to embark on ice climbs are Annapurna Sanctuary, Langtang Valley, Thame, and Khumbu Bijuli Power house. However, make sure to do your homework on where the ones are you want to climb as some are so close enough that you can conquer two in same day!

Bungee Jumping and Canyon Swing

Although Bungee is not a sport exclusive to Nepal, an exhilarating bungee jump with amazing views makes bungee so special in Nepal. The most popular bungee jump site in Tato Pani, Sindhupalchowk is labeled as one of the best sites in the world to experience the ultimate thrill of a bungee jump. It is indeed an adventure to plunge off a tropical gorge at 106 meters over one of the wildest rivers, BhoteKoshi.

Where: The Last Resort in Tatopani is one of the most famous bungee destinations in Nepal. if you want to further accentuate your day of adventure, you can combine this jump with undertaking of the world’s highest canyon bungee swing from same spot or trekking through the high hills.

Mountain flights

Not able to commit the time and energy required to trek up to the Mount Everest? If your answer is yes, then this particular choice of adventure is best suited for you. Mountain flights (chopper or plane) offer all the pros of viewing the amazing summits, only from hundreds of feet higher! That’s why, sit back, relax, and comfortably enjoy the miles and miles of snow peaks while flying close to giant massifs of ice and rock. A bird’s eye view of the panoramic mountains, glaciers, and ice lakes make up one hell of an adventure.

Where: The Annapurna region, Everest region, and many more. Departures take place from Kathmandu and Pokhara where you fly alongside and to the remote an far flung corners of Himalayans.

For long, Nepal has been on the bucket list of avid mountaineers and trekkers alike. Similarly, it has also been on the wish-list of culture and history buffs for its ancient and rich culture. However, as of late, the Himalayan nation has caught the eyes of a new kind of breed: Photographers. Here you don’t have to wait for the spring to arrive, you don’t have to wake up at dawn for sunrise or watch the clock for the golden hour. The country is so surrealy beautiful that being photogenic is its inherent character. Here we have listed down five of the best locations in Nepal for some amazing photography.

Kathmandu

As soon as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be overwhelmed by the multitude of sensory experiences that will surround you. The photography bug in you will be tempted to take photos of everything from a child vendor selling cotton candies to a cow crossing the road. Known rightly as the living cultural museum of the world, the city serves as the perfect model for you to take rich pictures with even richer backstories. The city’s seven incredible world heritage sites within the radius of 15 kilometers that awaits your arrival.

Pokhara

You would be pleased to know that the iconic Nepalese photograph of silver peaks reflecting on a pristine lake was taken in Pokhara. The city is mainly famous for its emerald lakes, milky white rivers and gorges, and the beautiful views of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Mt. Annapurna. The city is dotted with iconic and photogenic landmarks that accentuate the already pretty landscape of Pokhara. Additionally, an hour’s drive away from Pokhara is Sarangkot that is famous for its impeccable mountain views, specially during dusk and dawn.

Poonhill

Poonhill in Myagdi district of Western Nepal is one of the most famous trekking destinations in Nepal. A few days trek away from Lake City of Pokhara, it is famous for the panoramic views of the mountains. With a 360-view of over 20 lofty mountains of the Western Himalayans, it is a photography Shangri-La for any photographer. It is especially famous for the sunset and sunrise views on eight thousanders like Annapurna 1, 2, 3, 4, and South, Manaslu, and Dhalugiri ranges.

Annapurna Base Camp

Annapurna region is the most versatile Himalayan section of Nepal and encapsulates the best of experiences. If you can make it to the basecamp of Mt. Annapurna, you will be rewarded with absolutely stunning views of the heavenly Annapurna Massif and other towering satellite peaks. Here, you can easily take several national geographic-worthy peaks of these mountains dotted with colorful prayer flags and often painted orange by the sun’s golden rays.

Gosaikunda Lake

Gosaikunda lake in central Himalayans of Nepal is renowned for its touristic as well as religious and spiritual values. The beauty of pristine Gosaikunda lake is accentuated by the view of snowy peaks that guard it. Moreover, the region also houses 108 other big and small water bodies that allows you to take beautiful pictures of all kind of lakes sourcing from highest peaks in the world.

There’s a saying popular among Nepalese – heaven is a myth, Nepal is real. It indeed is a small nation full of amazing natural and cultural beauty. Much like the Kinder Joy chocolate, it is a small package full of surprises. Here are ten facts about Nepal you’ll find hard to believe.

No Independence Day

Despite having some of the world’s most powerful imperial countries for neighbors, Nepal has never been colonized in its history. Today, famous for its brave Gurkha regiments, the country had fought hard to maintain its sovereignty at different points of history against powerful opponents like Imperial China, Muslim Invasions from India, and the East India Company.

A unique flag

It is the only country in the world with a non-rectangular flag. Also known for being the most mathematically-accurate flag in the world, Nepal’s maroon-colored flag consists of two triangles featuring the moon and the sun in each triangle. The design for the flag is believed to around 2000 years old.

Home to only living goddesses of the world

An intriguing aspect of Nepal’s rich culture is the worship of Goddess Kumari, whose literal translation is virgin. The 400-year-old tradition believes the pre-pubescent girls to be earthly manifestations of goddess Taleju and worships them on several religious occasions. Practiced exclusively in Nepal, it is a great example from the past of respect to female energy.

Extreme places on earth

Despite the size, Nepal is home to some of the most beautiful, adventurous, and extreme places on the earth. Other than being home to world’s tallest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848m), it also houses Tilcho lake at a highest elevation of the world; SheyPhoksundo Lake, a deepest lake at highest elevation; Kali Gandaki, world’s deepest gorge; and Arun Valley, the deepest valley on earth.

Rich Biodiversity

Also known as the Amazon of Asia, Nepal houses a staggering number of diverse and endangered floras and faunas. For instance, the country has over 360 orchid species which constitutes over 2% of world’s orchid. Similarly, it has 8% of total bird species and 6% of rhododendron species found in the world.

Living cultural museum

Nepal is known to have the densest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. Out of ten world heritage sites in Nepal, Kathmandu Valley alone houses seven. These sites are located within the radius of just 15 kilometers! No wonder that Kathmandu Valley is hailed as the living cultural museum of the world.

Biodiversity safe haven

With over 19% of the country’s land protected under national parks and conservation regions, in the last 25 years, Nepal has succeeded to save Blackbuck from extinction and increased the population of several endangered species like Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhino, Indian Bison, and Gharial. It is one of the best records in the context of global wildlife record.

A linguistic hub

You will be amazed to know that Nepali isn’t the only language spoken in the country. In stark contrast to its geographical limitation, there are over 120 stunning languages spoken in Nepal. its very close ties with India and Tibet since millenniums have given birth to several unique, colloquial languages.

A true Himalayan nation

Home to one-third (800km:2400km) of the amazing Himalayan range, Nepal has over 1300 identified peaks over 6000 meters. It also has a great number of ice glaciers, ice lakes, and ten out of the world’s 14 highest peaks. Thus, Nepal truly is the world’s only Himalayan nation in every sense.