Category: Travel Guide

Why do you need travel insurance when visiting Nepal?

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Heading out to Nepal is an astounding knowledge as there’s simply such a great amount to do. Regardless of whether you need to invest your energy in visiting Nepal and drenching yourself in the neighborhood culture or you need to attempt some experience sports and trek through enormous mountains, you will have a great time.

Anyway with the ton of fun and experience additionally comes the danger of being not well, harmed or other shocking accidents. Every one of these contentions are just preventative remembering the most pessimistic scenario situations. Be that as it may, there’s no should be terrified. You will have a great time here. Be that as it may, it’s ideal to be sheltered than sorry.

In case you’re just making a trip to Nepal for a short excursion of couple of days or a week and you’re intending to invest the energy touring, you likely won’t have to get any kind of protection. Your trek will be really direct with inflexible plans, and there are not many odds of anything turning out badly.

Be that as it may, in case you’re heading out to Nepal to go hard and fast on experience and get your adrenaline kicking, you will be glad to get protected. Better to be as careful as possible.

We should talk experience sports.

There is simply an excessive number of things to experiment with in Nepal in the feeling of experience. From bungee hopping to hiking, wilderness safari, boating and notwithstanding skydiving, you won’t be disillusioned seeing the quantity of various choices you have available to you. Be that as it may, these high hazard sports likewise mean you should be genuine cautious.

Boating for example in fierce waterways that stream straight from the snow-top Himalayas can be alarming now and again. Indeed, even a scarcest slip-up or imprudence can make them unearth a stone. Different gutsy games, for example, off-road bicycle riding and paragliding can be similarly as unsafe. While these exercises are performed under the supervision of specialists, it’s smarter to be guaranteed than puncturing your financial balance.

Another prevalent movement among pretty much anybody visiting Nepal is trekking. Trekking in Nepal is a lovely involvement with wonderful sights of the Himalayas left and right, and the sentiment of energy can’t be summed up in words. Be that as it may, trekking is additionally an amazingly testing assignment. There are trekking courses that achieve the vantage purpose of up to 5550 m in Nepal.

Part of individuals who aren’t utilized to places with high height think that its hard to manage the elevation infection. Additionally, there are different odds of wounds as well. You may pull your hamstring, sprain a lower leg or even break a bone while driving yourself to walk 6-7 hours per day. You clearly won’t crave trekking back to Kathmandu. You may require a helicopter salvage which can be very costly.

6 Reasons To Visit Nepal For Your Next Holiday

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Nepal opened its ways to the outsiders strangely 50 years prior. Be that as it may, in these couple of decades, the nation has turned out to be a standout amongst the most visited and adored vacationer goals on the planet. Here we have recorded down 6 Reasons To Visit Nepal For Your Next Holiday out of zillion reasons on why you should design an excursion to Nepal.

The Mountains

With eight of the fourteen most noteworthy pinnacles arranged in Nepal, the minor Himalayan country brags of being the best Himalayan trail on the planet. The Nepalese Himalayan segment alone brags of an awe-inspiring 1700 km of tracks, portioned into ten segments. You may not really be on the highest point of the world, however with all these transcending crests, it will beyond any doubt feel like you are.

World Heritage Sites

In spite of the size, Nepal’s regular, social and chronicled magnificence will abandon you in stunningness. It is home to a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites that further complement the nation’s as of now over-spilling excellence. Try not to miss to look at antiquated social wonders like Golden Temple, Boudha Stupa, and Changu Narayan Temple to transport to the medieval occasions to encounter the Old-World Culture.

Experience Hotspot

With monstrous slopes and mountains, lessening white waterways and peaceful lakes, Nepal fills in as an ideal goal for experience searchers. The nation actually has several alternatives to look over for experiences like mountaineering, trekking, untamed life safaris, paragliding, sight-seeing balloons, zip flying ultralights, thus substantially more! Good karma choosing.

Emerald elevated lakes

The elevated lakes in Nepal are similarly as unblemished and delightful as its silver mountains. There are more than 200 lakes in Nepal with icy mass beginning at different rises, yet the emerald lakes situated in the lower regions of the mountains take the show. These lakes are noteworthy for their dreamlike excellence as well as for their otherworldly significance. Notwithstanding being landlocked, Nepal beyond any doubt doesn’t miss the ocean with all these excellent lakes.

Differing Cultures

With more than 100 ethnic gatherings calling Nepal home, there are a few astonishing religions, dialects, music, and food in Nepal. It is the ideal host nation to develop out of you safe place and submerge yourself in various old Nepalese culture. With Nepalese individuals commending one of a kind celebrations consistently, you can involvement and be a piece of somewhere around one of these celebrations for an encounter of lifetime.

Reasonable Stay

You don’t need to beg to be spent to visit Nepal. The nation is shockingly and most advantageously moderate. It is particularly valid on the off chance that you contrast Nepalese trekking trails and Kilimanjaro or the Inca Trail. With USD $1 adding up to Nepali Rupees 104 (at the season of composing this article), you can undoubtedly live off about $10 every day. Likewise, you can locate a nice and clean lodging for pretty much $15 overall.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Tips

Posted on by Plan Holidays

Everest basically needn’t bother with any presentation. Home to the world’s tallest pinnacle, it is likewise a standout amongst the most adaptable and satisfying trekking locales in the Himalayans. With perfect and ethereal pinnacles like Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Manaslu to flaunt, Everest district sees the most noteworthy count of impressions in contrast with Nepal’s other mountain areas. Trekking to the base camp of the Everest and being welcomed by the 360-degree perspectives on huge silver pinnacles will surpass every one of your desires. Here we have recorded 5 hints to improve your Everest Base Camp trekking tips background to make the most out of this ideal voyage.

Run with a built up trekking organization

With mountaineering and trekking society picking up force by the passing day, it is characteristic that there are currently trekking organizations mushrooming in each niche and corner. Be that as it may, it is basic to design your trek through a trekking office with long stretches of involvement and aptitude. You would need to be in safe hands all through your voyage, be it dealing with your flight tickets and allows to trekking with expert aides and doormen.

Get your trekking gears in Kathmandu

Given the growing trekking business, there are many trekking gear shops than you check. The vicious challenge among them additionally implies you can purchase the apparatuses, best case scenario costs. You can get everything from polarizing shades to hiking beds and quality down coats at a generally less expensive cost in Kathmandu. Additionally, put resources into a tough, waterproof, and obviously, agreeable pair of shoes. Remember to break in (relax) the shoes before you start your trek venture.

Hydration is the key

A standout among the most significant thing to remember is hydration, undoubtedly. At higher rise, your body will dry out significantly speedier dimension that it does adrift dimension, accordingly, you should ensure that you drink a great deal of water to redress. The prescribed amount is 5 liter daily. Likewise, it is insightful to keep a full container as extra and your own iodine or chlorine tablets for filtration. Simply fill in the container as you go at the town taps and immaculateness it yourself in a hurry.

Spare additional days for the end

While it is enticing to give your movement venture a head begin with a voyage through the open social exhibition hall otherwise known as Kathmandu valley or unwinding by the Phewa lake in Lake City of Pokhara, it is constantly insightful to design them toward the finish of your trekking venture. Severe climate can postpone flights coming in and going out to Kathmandu from Lukla. In the event that you are adhered in Lukla because of awful climate, it’s anything but a smart thought to have a tight global flight booked for the following day!

These are some of the Everest Base Camp Trekking Tips, we hope to fulfill your knowledge for the trekking.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

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