Airports

Whether you are traveling to or from Nepal, or within the country, you are likely enter at least one of this amazing country’s airports. Most travelers will arrive in Nepal via the Tribhuvan International Airport located in Kathmandu. This is the only international airport in the country and handles a large number of flights from both international and local airlines. From here you will find a variety of transportation to take you to your accommodation.
Aside from the Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal boasts a number of regional airports for quick and easy travel between destinations. These include Pokhara Airport, Nepalgunj Airport, Simara Airport, Bharatpur Airport, Dolpa Airport and Jumla Airport. Whilst you are whisked from one airport to the next, you can enjoy the spectacular landscapes for which Nepal is famous. So whether you want to explore the intriguing sights of the Kathmandu Valley or are planning to head further west for some fantastic trekking, air transport from Nepal’s airports is your quickest and simplest option.

Butterfly watching

Butterflies are beautiful colorful creatures and they have been studied in Nepal for over 150 years. In the early days of the Raj, the British residents and their subordinates took considerable interest in butterflies and managed to collect quite a number of species which they meticulously studied and catalogued. After 1950, it was the Japanese who took particular interest in collecting butterfly species through scientific expeditions. This later resulted in the establishment by Tribhuvan University of the Natural History Museum at Swoyambhu in 1974. According to official records, Nepal has 651 species of butterflies which is 3.72% of the world's butterflies. Favored by Kathmandu valley’s mild day time temperatures which hovers around 18ºC in mid-winter, there are butterflies all year round. The best seasons for butterfly watching are late March/April, mid May/mid June and late August/September. The forested areas in the valley are still remarkable places for butterflies, and they include open country near Chobar gorge and there is very little activity except for the very common Oriental Species. With the distribution of butterflies in Nepal being quite specific, about 10% of the butterflies are Palaearctic species found at above 3,000 m, and about 90% Oriental species are found around Swoyambhu, the base of the hills and forest streams at Godavari, Nagarjun, Budanilkantha and Sundarijal. The forested hilltops of Phulchowki, Jamachowk and Shivapuri, and the open scrubby bush areas of Nagarkot, Suryavinayak and Chandragiri are good areas for butterfly watching.

Bird Watching

Nepal and specially the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern tarai is a bird watcher’s paradise. Nepal boasts of more than 850 species of birds, and a surprisingly large number of these birds can be spotted in the Kathmandu valley alone. The hills around the valley especially Nagarjun, Godavari and Phulchowki are popular birding areas and the Tauda lake on the way to Dakshinkali is fabulous for watching migratory water fowl during the winter months. In the higher Himalayan regions are found the raptors and birds of prey of which there are numerous species. The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardia harbor a wide variety of birds. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the Daphe or the Impeyen Pheasant which is found in the Himalayan region. Bird watching trips are organized by most resorts and are accompanied by experienced naturalists.

Meditation Centers

Meditation has gained immense popularity in the last decade. There are many meditation centers in and around Kathmandu. The prominent ones are listed below:Mahayana Buddhist Himalayan Yogic Institute located in Baluwater, conducts regular evening meditations and weekly dharma teachings (donation) and hosts a revolving schedule of day-long workshops and courses in Tibetan Buddhist meditation and related Tibetan arts. The center has a library and meditation room. HYI is affiliated with Kopan Monastery, north of Boudha, where it offers seven-to ten-day meditation courses during the autumn and spring. Nepal Vipassana Centre runs ten-day courses on meditation. A strict regimen is followed here throughout the course. Daily meditation begins at 4.30 am, and silence is kept for the entire ten days. To register or pick up a pamphlet on the course, visit the centre's Kathmandu office (Sun-Fri 10 am-5.30 pm) in the courtyard of Jyoti Bhawan, in Kantipath. All courses are funded by donations. Kathmandu Buddhist Centre holds introductory talks in Buddhism several times a week during the tourist seasons. It also conducts one-day courses in Buddhism and two-day meditation workshops at its premises next door to Hotel Ganesh Himal, about 200m south and then west of Chhetrapati Chowk, overnight retreats at Nagarkot, and five-day residential courses in Patan. Asheesh Osho Meditation Centre in Tahachal and its branch in Lazimpat conduct one-hour dynamic meditation sessions every morning; they are open to all and the fee is charged in the form of a donation. The third venue, Osho Tapoban Forest Retreat Centre is located in.roundings north of Nagarjun forest. There are occasional retreats as well as daily meditations and discourses. They have a city office near the Clock Tower in Kamaladi.

Myths & Folklores

Perhaps nowhere on earth myth features so prominently in the beliefs of the people as it does in Nepal. For Nepal has millions of myth-ridden gods and goddesses, mighty snow-clad mountains - some of them the very embodiment of the gods and goddesses themselves. Added to this, are the rivers and valleys - each of them dotted with a legendary myth of their own. Not even the planetary system in the universe escapes these myths. In- deed myth in Nepal amounts to a lively legend which manifests itself in the folklores of its diversified ethnic commu- nities. That is why even a layman in Nepal is a great story-teller, be it a part of a myth he has heard or something of his own coinage.

Nepali Cuisine

There are different types of Nepali food depending on the region the kind of food belongs to but most Nepali s have Dal (lentil soup), Bhat (steamed rice) and Tarkari (curried vegetables). It is often accompanied by aachar (pickles). Curried meat is popular, but since meat is expensive people save it for special occasions. Tibetan influences increase as you go north and perenial favorites like momo s (steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat), are widely available. As we move towars the south Indian influences are seen in the food. Most Nepalese do not use cutlery to eat but use their right hand.Daal-Bhat: The taste of Daal and Bhat vary, depending on the cook. It always tastes wonderful with aachar. It is often available in restaurants.Rotis: They are flat pancake-like breads made of wheat or rice flour. They are available in restaurants and can be eaten accompanied by Daal and curry.Dhedo: The most average Nepali people have this as a meal. It is made of different kinds of flours, ranging from wheat to millet, which is boiled until thick.Halaal Food: Halaal food is available in some of the restaurants and localities of Kathmandu catering to Muslims visitors. The Five star and Four star hotels in Kathmandu provide halaal food on request. Moreover, in small restaurants and eateries in Jyatha, Thamel (Near Tibet Guest House) and in localities near Jame-Masjid and Lazimpat in Kathmandu, Halaal food is being served. In Pokhara, Halaal food is provided on request by restaurants along the Phewa Lake and in Resorts and Star hotels .

Music and Dance

Nepali classical music has its origins in the Rig Veda. Later, the metrical chanting of its hymns found its expression in the songs of Sama Veda. Since then classical music has been a part of the Nepali music sphere. The tradition of playing classical music has been handed down from generation to generation. The classical structure of a melody is known as Raga, and there are hundreds of Ragas either played on musical instruments or sung according to seasons and time. The 24 hour period is divided into 8 segments of 3 hours each and each Raga is restricted to a particular time frame in order to produce the desired effect. At times, some branches of these ragas composed of songs are incorporated in dances. Small groups of itinerant minstrels namely Damais and Gaines have become an integral part of the Nepali folk culture. Traditionally, Gaines go from door to door singing folk songs accompanying themselves on the Sarangi (a local violin-like instrument) as this is their profession. They travel from place to place telling tales often related to past events. The Damais play various instruments including the Sahanai (a kind of trumpet). Traditionally, they have been playing in ensembles where many instruments are played and were mostly engaged to play for weddings. For such events, the Damais play Panchai Baja (Sahanai, Narsinga (trumpet-like instrument), Damaha (drum), Dholaki and Tyamko (a small drum)). But music is only a part time job for them as they earn a living from tailoring. Folk music in Nepal thrives throughout the country and they are as diverse as the ethnic groups themselves. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley are the main exponents of classical dancing. They have kept alive the traditions of performing masked dances during their many colorful festivals. Such dances are often of a Tantric nature with the dancers being possessed by various gods and goddesses. The Lakhe dance is of particular interest and in Bhaktapur the colorful Mahakali masked dancers perform during the Indra Jatra festival each year. Masked dances are also performed by monks in the numerous monasteries around Nepal. In fact some treks are timed to coincide with festivals where masked dances are the highlight. Each year many tourists arrive in Thyangboche and other places to observe the popular Mani Rimdu festival. Mani Rimdu is unique to the Himalayan regions but other masked dances do take place around Katmandu as well especially during the Tibetan New Year. The Tharu people of the tarai have their own stick dances that can mesmerize spectators while the Gurungs have a unique drama-like dance called the Ghantu where young girls go into a trance. The dance speaks of their heritage and depicts past events that are of historical significance. These are also sometimes performed especially for tourists.Musical instruments There is evidence in the form of ancient stone statues indicating that Nepali music was alive even before the time of the Kiranti and Licchavi dynasties. 7th century inscriptions show the existence of a well-organized musical team (ensemble) even during that era. There are many musical instruments mostly made from local resources. Nekoo, made of the horn of a water buffalo, is believed to scare away evil spirits when played.

Honey Hunting

Ever since Eric Valli published a book and made a film on Honey Hunting, it has received immense publicity. This is an ancient tradition handed down through generations. Requiring remarkable skills, it is undertaken by experienced villagers who hang from cliffs as tall as 300m with the help of home-made hemp ropes and ladders. The wild bees choose difficult perches high on steep rock faces for their hives. The honey is harvested twice a year, once in April-May and again in October-November. The honey collected in spring has a higher flavor and is favored. This wild honey has medicinal value and fetches a great deal of money in the international market

Museums and Galleries

Nepal’s museums are of great historical value as they showcase artifacts covering many centuries and various dynasties that ruled the country. Libraries that started as private collections are the most interesting among libraries and there is no dearth of art galleries.

Nepal Association of Fine Arts (NAFA)

Nepal National Library

Patan MuseumNational Museum

Asha Archives

Ethnographic Museum

Hanuman Dhoka Museum

International Mountain Museum

Kaiser LibraryLumbini Museum

National Art Gallery

National History Museum

Arts and Architecture

Speckled with numerous exemplary works of art and architecture, Kathmandu Valley stands a testimony to ancient Nepal's inclination toward the aesthetics. Several monuments in the Valley have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the only World Heritage Site outside the Valley in South Nepal.Like architecture, most artwork of Nepal is based on religion. Artworks range from the famous Buddhist Thanka and Newari Paubha paintings to the traditional crafts of woodwork and metal. Other art include literature, theater, music and dance, mirroring the different stages of Nepali society. Nepali art has been deeply influenced by religion since very early times. Early art of Nepal can be seen as stone sculpture and temple architecture. Other art include Newari Paubha and Tibetan Thanka paintings, wood and metal crafts, ceramics and clay pots, textiles, paper, Tibetan carpet, music and literature. Contemporary Nepali art represents two distinct segments, traditional idealistic paintings and the contemporary western style works. The contemporary painting is specially noted for either nature based compositions or compositions based on Tantric elements or social themes. Nepali painters have also earned international reputation for abstract works based on these themes.Kathmandu Valley houses a number of museums and art galleries displaying art work of the past and present. Some are: The National Museum at Chhauni, Museums at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Museum of Natural History at Swayambhu, National Library at Puchowk, Kaiser Library at Thamel, National Birendra Art Gallery at Naxal, Asa Archives at Tangal, National Art Gallery at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, National Woodworking Museum at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bronze and Brass Museum at Bhaktapur, Nepal National Ehnographic Museum at Bhrikuti Mandap. Museums outside the Kathmandu Valley are such: Dhakuta Museum, Hattisar Museum in Bhimphedi, Mustang Eco Museum in Jomsom, Tharu Cultural Museum in Thakurdwara and International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.

Entertaintment & Sports

With the thrills of outdoor activities Nepal also offers city fun for its visitors. While visitors enjoy the rustic by simply beholding spectacular sights and partaking in the activities of exotic cultures, in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara some entertainment is on par with western world.
Visitors have a choice from a potpourri of amusements. They can: partake in cultural shows that include theater and local art; wine and dine at premier hotels that provide excellent service; enjoy music and dance at newly-opened discotheques; try a luck at rummy or blackjack at one of our casinos; enjoy a game of golf in our Himalyan serenity; or just watch a movie as cozy twosome in one of our movie theaters.
A taste of Nepali culture is still sought by tourists. Visitors are fascinated by ethnic ambience in local restaurants that serve authentic Nepali food. Art galleries and museums of the Valley exhibiting cultural treasures are also among preferred tourist choices. Health clubs and gymnasiums are available for sports lovers. While latest Nepali and Hindi movies run in most movie theaters, a theatre in Kathmandu also runs good English movies. Video and DVD stores offer wider range of choices.

Fetes & Festivals

Everything festive in Nepal traditionally begins with something religious and moves with spontaneous spirit into a pleasant family feast. This is because, for Nepali's, relegion has always influenced and has been the core of Nepali culture.

Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal are religious. However, they can be generally divided into four sections keeping in mind the main aspects of the festival emphasized:

Religious: These festivals are specially designed to honor a certain god or goddess. For instance, Bada Dashain, the festival of Devi Durga, the universal mother goddess also known as Kali.

Historical: The historical festivals are celebrated to keep alive memories of events of importance. Gaijatra, was introduced by Jaya Prakash Malla.

Agricultural: Since Nepal is an agricultural country there are different festivals like Laxmi Puja which mark the different seasons of harvesting, planting etc.

Seasonal: The different seasonal festivals are celebrated in order to mark the beginning of special seasons. Holi or Fagu is the festival inspired by spring, the season of colours.

Legendary: These festivals are based on legends than on any reliable historical record. Ghantakarna is a festival, which is also based on a legend. It is celebrated as a great relief from the death of a most dreaded legendary monster-Ghantakarna.

One of the interesting ways to understand the beauty and richness of Nepali culture is through its festivals. During festivals in Nepal, cultural dances, songs and performances are practiced. These cultural treasures make the festivals interesting and entertaining. People find more joy participating in performances and watching others perform and so, no festivals are idle gatherings. Instead, they are lively and purposeful.

Dashain

Dashain is one of the major festivals celebrated in Nepal. The festival, which falls around the month September-October, is also celebrated all around the world by the Nepalese Diaspora. Since family and relatives gather while worshipping gods and goddess and celebrating the days, the value of the festival has also increased. Family dispersed in due of their works returns to their home during Dashain.
The festival is a blend of Hindu Tantrik and animistic harvest festival traditions. Ghatasthapana is the first days of the festival. "Dashain Ghar", special worship room is set up on this day, where Astha-Matrikas (the 8 tantrik goddesses) and Nava Durgas (the 9 durga goddesses) are worshipped. Barley is sowed on big earthern pots which have a coating of cow dung. These seeds will sprout in ten days. The sprouts, which symbolize a good harvest, will be decoratively placed on the heads of family members later on in the festival as a blessing.
On the seventh day, Fulpaati, the town of Gorkha sends an offering of flowers to Kathmandu. A band associated with the army also plays its music and goes through the old core of Kathmandu.
Day after Saptami is Asthami - the day of sacrifices. Goddess temples all over the Kathmandu Valley receive sacrifices, ranging from goats and buffaloes to ducks and chickens. Blood, symbolic for its fertility, is offered to the goddesses. This meat is taken home, cooked and takes the food as a blest by divinity. This food, after offering to the household gods, is shared amongst the family.
Sacrifices continue on Navami, the ninth day. Families will visit various temples around the Kathmandu Valley. On the tenth day, "Dashami," a mixture of rice, yogurt and vermillion will be prepared by the women. This preparation is known as "Tika". Elders put this on the forehead of youngers to bless them with fertility and abundance in the upcoming year. The red also symbolizes the blood that ties the family together. Elders will give "dakshina", or a small amount of money, to younger relatives at this time. The Tika continues for five days, during which time people also gather to play cards around massive amounts of food and drink.
In several parts of Nepal, Dashain is the only time of the year when people receive a set of new clothing. Likewise, in poorer families, the animal sacrifice was eagerly anticipated since it might be the only animal protein the family would eat all year. This may be true in certain parts of Nepal where food is in low supply, but is less so in the cities. In general, the tradition of sacrifice is lessening with the easy availability of meat for daily consumption, and with the influences of Vaishnav Hindus (who are vegetarian).

Shopping and Souvenirs

“Shop till you drop” should be your motto as Kathmandu is a shoppers’ paradise. The remarkable choices of handicrafts made in Nepal are immensely popular throughout the world. The brilliant workmanship and artistic creations are unique. Much of the handicrafts also carry religious significance and in fact many are meant for religious purposes. Nepal ranks high when it comes to making statues and statuettes of copper, bronze, silver or gold. Exquisite wood carvings are in great demand and entire beds made of carved wood are exported to the west fetching mind boggling prices. Extremely popular and exported regularly are the wood carved windows. Recently products made of rice paper have been quite popular and amazingly a large number of funny hats are exported. Other souvenir pieces are the famous Gurkha knife or Khukuri, prayer wheels, stone carvings, singing bowls, papier–maché masks, thangkas and pauvas, pashmina, carpets, jewelry, etc.Note :All handicraft items above 100 years are termed ‘antique’ and taking them out of the country is illegal and a serious offense. But the rest of the handicraft items particularly made of stone, metal and wood or paintings or any handicraft resembling historical artifacts need a clearance certificate from the Department of Archaeology in Kathmandu (near the Supreme Court ) before being exported. Please take the purchase receipt for clearance of the same.Shopping Malls and Departmental StoresNepal is a shopping destination for many tourists and regular travelers. Shopping Malls and Departmental stores have mushroomed and today dominate the Kathmandu skyline. Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores are gaining popularity in other cities as well, like in Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Pokhara and Nepalgunj. Anything from the latest cell phones, ipods and laptops to electronic appliances, cameras, music systems, kitchenware, branded garments, jewelry, perfumes, watches, toys, fitness equipment and a multitude of household items are all available. Popular shopping areas in Kathmandu are around New Road, Putali Sadak, Kumaripati, Bhatbhateni Lazimpat, Sundhara, Tripureshwor and Jawlakhel. The most popular malls are Bhatbhateni, Blue Bird, Khastamandap, Kathamandu, Namaste, Saleways and Gemini. In Pokhara, the major shopping areas are Lakeside and Mahendrapul bazaar areas among others. Look out for seasonal discounts especially clearance sales and festival discounts which can be as much as 50 %.

More Adventure

An adventurer's delight, Nepaloffers a plethora of outdoor activities, from paragliding near the mountains towaiting for the Bengal tiger in Chitwan'swild. Adventure tourism in Nepaldates back to the early attempts to ascend the world's highest peak Mt. Everestsome fifty years ago.
The 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest was celebrated in 2004amidst great fanfare and extravaganza. Renowned mountain summiteers Sir EdmundHillary, Ms. Junko Tabei, Mr. Reinhold Messner, Mr. Appa Sherpa, Mr. JamlingNorgay Sherpa took part in the celebrations.
Trekking and mountain climbing are still the most popular sport among visitors.Rafting on white-water mountain streams across the typical cross section of Nepal'sgeography is equally popular. Jungle safari in the Terai is preferred byvisitors interested to see Nepal'srare varieties of animals and birds. Mountain biking, hiking to nearbydestinations, bird watching, canoeing in the rivers, staying in rural homestaysand umpteen other possibilities prevail. Nepal also offers bungy jumping abovethe wild River Bhote Koshi. Canyoning to explore the rugged and under-waterfalllandscape is another option at the site.
Aerial activities include taking off in micro-light aircrafts or paraglidingfor a good view of the mountains. Mountain flights offer the closest possibleviews of Mt. Everest and other peaks. The closeencounter with the tallest mountains of the earth often draws awe-strickensilence from onlookers.

Rafting

For adventure seekers, rafting is the perfect way for an extended adventure on the river to get your adrenaline pumping to a new high. Nepal has some of the best rivers for rafting. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three day trips to trips of two or three weeks. Paddling is a fun way to enjoy the trip as well as bonding with fellow rafters. A typical day in the river begins early morning when rafters arrive at the put-in point. The river guide begins with instructions on safety and emergencies before everyone is given life vests and helmets. This is a must for safety on the river at all times. Lunch on some white sandy beach around mid-day is fun. The best time for rafting is from October through mid-December and March to early May. In winter the water is cold and during the monsoons months from June through September, the white water sections are dangerous, but gentler stretches are easy to raft on.

Trekking

Trekking is by far Nepal’s biggest attraction. Pioneered by Col. Jimmy Roberts in the early 1960s, most tourists embark on some trek or the other and many do multiple treks before heading back home. Some arrive each year to do a different trek each time. A trek is also the best means of seeing the country and to understand its people. Walking through emerald rice fields; through rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness with towering mountains in the background, make trekking an unforgettable experience.One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang). The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.

Mountaineering

Nepal first came into world focus when Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand conquered Mt. Everest in 1953. Ever since, there have been countless expeditions heading off to the Himalayas. With eight of world’s highest peaks within Nepal’s boundaries, there is tremendous interest in the Nepal Himalaya. Most of the peaks over 8000m high were conquered during the Golden Decade of Climbing in the 1950s. Climbing by then had become a national affair with various nations vying with each other to be the first to climb. Today it is all about breaking records. There are some 326 peaks in Nepal open for mountaineering today.Climbing permits for peaks in the Nepal Himalayas are issued for all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The requisite official documents must be furnished when seeking permission to climb. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officers for expedition while the rest must be accompanied by one.Climbing gear and equipments can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or the whole expedition can be handled by mountaineering and trekking agencies. All logistics are taken care of by these agencies including gear, food, transportation, guide and porter services. They also arrange for insurance coverage. Always choose an agency that has a good track record.

Pilgrimage Sites

Nepal has several ancient pilgrimage sites. Each temple is attached to a legend or belief that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity. Kathmandu Valley is home to the famous Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Stupa and several other famous temples. Hundreds of famous temples are located in and around the Kathmandu Valley. Some well-known pilgramage sites are: Baraha Chhetra, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, Pathibhara, Tengboche in East Nepal; Manokamana, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Tansen, Kathmandu Valley in Central Nepal; and Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram in West Nepal. Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, and Boudhanath are the sites that are also listed in the UNESCO Heritage Sites.
Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India throng the temples during special festivals. Even though weak infrastructure renders some places hard to reach, efforts are being made on national level to develop and promote some popular sites.
Pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda make popular trekking destinations. Tours to these sites are encouraged for the novelty they provide in terms of nature and culture. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the holiest Hindu destination in Nepal. Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. Janaki Temple dedicated to Janaki (Sita in Ramayana).

hill stations

Nepal is basically known for its altitudinal variations, ranging between 100 m above the sea level to pinnacle of the Earth, the Mt. Everest. This fact describes Nepal as the mountainous country encompassing many sky-penetrating mountains with lush green meadows, serene hills and deepest gorge. Notable among hill stations include: Bandipur, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Tansen, Gorkha amongst others.Bandipur is an ancient trading town of quaint streets and charming atmosphere, which lies 135 km out on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. Bandipur retains its age-old cultural attributes. Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Tansen is on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and it is not too far from the Chitwan National Park and located around 1,300 meters above sea level, on the south flank of Srinagar Hill. Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. It offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountains.

Rural Tourism

Nepal where major chunk of area is occupied by villages has tremendous potential in rural tourism. Its main aim is to link Village Development and Sustainable Tourism through the generation of income, employment and local markets for agricultural products and handicrafts. Other objectives include the provision of incentives for forestation and nature conservation and the creation of a global family through the encounter between rural Nepalese people and foreign tourists during village home stays, resulting in mutual understanding and learning. The main target group of the program is women who will be the main beneficiaries due to new income opportunities. It is a rural enterprise owned and operated by the local people. It is a group activity, and benefits are shared among as many villages and individuals as possible. "Village Trek", visits to indigenous people are the activities, which will make tourists, experience rural life and Nepalese hospitality off the beaten path with all the beautiful scenery and cultural diversity of Nepal. Accommodation is in individual guestrooms with host families or, in between villages, in tents. During the trekking, meals are prepared by a professional team. In the villages, the visitors can try a delicious, hygienically prepared Nepali "Daalbhaat" consisting of locally produced rice, lentils and garden-fresh, organically grown vegetables. The guestrooms are simple, but clean and cozy.