Trek to Mustang

Mustang District a part of province No. 4 is one of the Seventy Five districts of Nepal. Jomsom is the headquarter of Mustang. It covers an area of 3,573 sq km and has population of 13,452 (2011). Mustang straddles the Himalayas and extends northward onto the Tibetan plateau. Upper Mustang formerlt Lo Kingdom comprises the northern two-thirds of the district. This kingdom was dependency of the Kingdom of Nepal but was abolished by the republican Government of Nepal on OCtober 7, 2008.
Mustang is famous for the springs and villa ge of Muktinath, apples and natural scenic beauty. Mustang was the lost kingdom of Tibet where traditions remain more Tibetan than in Tibet proper following its annexation by China.

The main hydrographic feature of Mustang is the Kali Gandaki River. The river runs southward towards Nepal Terai, bisecting Mustang. Routes paralleling the river once served as a major trade route between Tibet and India, especially for salt. Part of the river valley in the south of Mustang, forms by some measures the deepest gorge in the world. Traditional Mustang (the Lo Kingdom) is 53 km north - south at its longest and 60 km east - west at its widest, and ranges from a low point of 2750 m above sea level to 6700 meters at its highest. Mustang was once an independent kingdom, although closely tied by language and culture to Tibet. From the 15th century to the 17th century, its strategic location granted Mustang control over the trade between the Himalayas and India. At the end of the 18th century the kingdom was annexed by Nepal.
Jomsom has had an airport since 1962 and has become the main tourist entry point since Mustang was opened to western tourism in 1992. Tourism to Upper Mustang is still regulated and foreigners need to obtain a special permit to enter. Most tourists travel by foot over largely the same trade route used in the 15th century. Over a thousand western trekkers now visit each year, with October being the peak month.



A trek to the remote semi-independent Kingdom of Upper Mustang located north of Annpurna on the Tibet border. The Adventure Connexion Company’s group in 2009 were granted an audience with the King of Mustang at his palace in Lo Manthang.

Dharan

Dharan is one of the major city, one of three Sub Metropolitan cities in eastern Nepal, in the Sunsari District, and is situated on the foothills of the Mahabharat Range in the north with its southern tip touching the edge of the Terairegion at an altitude of 1148 ft (349m). It serves as a trading post between the hilly region and the plains of Terai region. It was once the location of a recruitment center for the Brigade of Gurkhas, opened in 1953. The recruitment center is closed and the campus is now the home of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences since 1993. Dharan Sub-metropolitan city organised a Golden Jubilee celebration of Dharan from January 28 to January 31, 2011 marking the 50th year of establishment of the municipality . It is the second largest city of Eastern Nepal. Also called footballer producing factory of Nepal.

The name Dharan is Nepali, which literally means a place where you saw timber. A typical Dharan is constructed by digging a rectangular plot about 5 to 6 feet deep. This hole is large and deep enough for an adult to comfortably move about. A platform is constructed to cover half the hole. A timber is placed on this platform and two man team, one standing on the platform and the other in the dug out proceed to saw timber with a huge saw blade. This is very labor-intensive and dangerous process.

Dharan is a melting pot of many cultures, representing a mix of diverse cultures of Nepal. There are many people from the surrounding district, Sankhuwasabha, Tehrathum, Ilam, Panchthar, Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Taplegung Khotang etc., who live in Dharan.

Different ethnic groups host their traditional cultural festivities all year around. The Dhan naach (Dance) and Chyabrung naach (Dance) of Limbus, Lakhe naach (Dance) and Gai Jatra of Newars, Sakela of Rai, Selo of Tamangs, Rodighar of Gurungs, Baalan and Sangini of Brahmin and Chhetris, all add to the cultural tradition of Dharan. Dharan also hosts a Sakela competition in Dharan every year. It starts from the Baisakh Sukla Purnima (Full moon of day of the month of Baisakh) and lasts for 15 days.

Dharan is a tourist destination in its own right. Communication is mainly in Nepali and English. People who are English speakers should have no problem comprehending many signs and road maps in Nepal.

Beyond Bhedetar lies the eastern hilly district such as Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Phidim, Terathum. Dharan serves as a gateway to some of the remote tourist attractions like Kumbhakarna Himal, Kanchenjunga, Makalu Barun National Park, Arun Valley, Tinjure-Milke (Rhododendron Protection Area), Gupha Lake, Hyatrung Fall, and Sabha Pokhari. They are quite further and therefore require extended day trips.

To the south of Dharan is the city of Biratnagar and connecting towns, all within an hour's drive. Bhanuchowk is also known as the heart of Dharan. The towns of Tararah andItahari are popular with the local population of Dharan.

Dharan, with its diverse population has numerous centers of worship i.e. temples, churches and a mosque. Bijaypur hill is of a particular significance, as it has several temples of importance, such as Dantakali temple, Pindeshwar temple, Budha Subba Temple and Panch Kanya. These temples are of historical and archaeological importance in as much as religious. These temples are centers for rituals, fairs and events.

In recent years the close proximity of the Tamur River has made Dharan a destination for the white water rafting enthusiasts, Which is start from Mulghat of Dhankuta district and finish in Chatara Ghat.

Illam

Illam is a municipality of Ilam District, which is in the hilly region of Mechi zone, in the Eastern Development Region of Nepal. Ilam also acts as the headquarters of Ilam District and Mechi zone. Geographically it lies in the hill region which is mostly known as Mahabharata range. It is also one of the important town in Mechi zone and one of the major place in Nepal for tea-production. It is famous for natural scenery and landscapes, tea production, and diverse agricultural economy.

According to 2011 Nepal census, the total population in Ilam was 19,427 and the main inhabitants of Ilam were Limbu, Rai,Yakkha, Lepcha, Newar, Magar, Tamang, Chettri, Brahmin, Sunuwar and Gurung.

Ilam municipality is sub-divided in 9 different wards, the major governmental and district office lies in ward number 1 and ward number 2. Ilam also is a major hub for transportation and communication for VDC that lies in the upper part of the discrict.

Ilam view tower located in Panitanki, Gadi is a good place for the majestic views of hills, tea gardens, and some part of Ilam bazar,you can also see some parts of Jhapa on a clear day. The clock tower of Ilam also known as P.P. Tower is located in Ilam chowk bazar.

Tea production in Ilam (as Nepal tea) started as early as 1863, when the Chinese government offered then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana tea saplings that were then planted in Ilam. In 1868, the Ilam tea factory was established, and tea plantations covered over 135 acres of land. In 2010, the tea factory was privatized, and is currently not under operation. However, tea production continues in Ilam in other forms.

In 2010, the total tea production of Nepal is 16.23 million kilograms per annum; a majority of this amount is produced in Ilam itself As well as the organic tea transport the foreign country

It is cold and freezing in the winter,mild warm in summer and fogg in the monsoon season. Many tourists come to Ilam for sight seeing of the natural beauty.

Places to visit in Pokhara

Pokkhara, the second largest city of Nepal as well as headquarter of kaski district is located 200 km west of the capital Kathmandu.  Despite being a comparatively smaller valley than that of Kathmandu, its geography varies dramatically within just few kilometres from north to south and offers many beautiful places to visit for visitors. Pokhara is a gateway to many trekkking routes and other places. Some beauatiful places to visit in pokhara are listed below.

 Fewa Lake
Fewa Lake is one ofe the main attraction in Pokhara Valley. Nepali name for this lake is Phewa lakeFewa Lake covers area of about 4.43 km2 (1.7 sq mi) with an average depth of about 8.6 m (28 ft).It is the second largest lake in Nepal after Rara Lake in Mugu disrict of Nepal. You can rent the brightly painted wooden rawboats around Lakeside on hourly basis and for the whole day also. Several hotels around Fewa Lake have their own boats and you can rent them. A boat gives you access to Varahi temple set on a small island near Lakeside, which is also a major attraction of pokhara.

World Peace Temple
The brilliant-white World Peace Pagoda is balanced on a narrow ridge high above Phewa Tal. It was constructed by Buddhist monks from the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji organisation. There are three paths up to the pagoda and several small cafes once you arrive. Sadly, there have been muggings on the trails in the past. Check the latest situation before you head off. The world peace temple is one of the place that you should visit in pokhara if you arrived in pokhara.


Begnas Lake
Begnas lake is a famous lake in Lekhnath Municipality, Kaski District. It is one of the seven beautiful lakes in Lekhnath and famous for picnic spot and fishing. It has an area of 1 sq mile. 30 minutes drive to east of Pokhara. This lake is situated outside the city area, so if you want some rural experience the it is beautiful choice for you. If you have to worry about accomodation as many hotels and lodges area vailable along with home stay facility.

Sarankot
Sarangkot is a village just above Pokhara. It is known as a one-night destination as most people just stop in to see the stunning sunrise over the Annapurna range and leave. Though that is where guides lead people astray as many show up here expecting just to come for one day and want to stay longer. Aside from chilling out and taking in amazing views of both the mountains and Phewa Lake on the other side, Sarangkot offers a nice glimpse into the peaceful, slow village life and more. Some thongs to do in sarankot are;

Wildlife viewing - Sarangkot offers top notch bird watching and there's even a chance you might see a tiger or leopards as they live in the neighbourhood and occasionally make themselves seen.

Paragliding - Sarangkot is the launching spot for paragliders, so instead of having to drive up the mountain in the morning, by staying in Sarangkot it's possible to get an early start.

Ziplining - Sarangkot is the launching point for the longest and fastest zipline in the world that starts at the top of the mountain and runs down to the valley below.

Hiking - The trail leading to Pokhara makes for a nice day hike and the dirt roads around Sarangkot go through some charming little villages.

Trekking - You can trek from Sarangkot all the way to Annapurna or head towards Panchase and villages near Pokhara.

Devis Falls
It is one of the main attraction in pokhara which is located in ward-17 of pokhara city. In local language it is known as patalechhango. There ia story behind how it got its name. On 31st july 1961 A.D. in the afternoon a sudden flood from Fewa Lake swept away a Swiss citizen Mrs. Devis who was having a bath with her husband beside it. She was flowed and dead.She was recovered after a long attempt since then. It has been taken its name "Devi's Fall".
 
About Water Fall

On 31st july 1961 A.D. in the afternoon a sudden flood from Fewa Lake swept away a Swiss citizen Mrs. Devis who was having a bath with her husband beside it. She was flowed and dead.
She was recovered after a long attempt since then. It has been taken its name "Devi's Fall"

Length : 500 meters underground water flow.
Depth : 100 Feets.
More attractive month : June, July, August and September.

International Mountain Museum
The basic objective for international mountain museum establishment was made to record, document and chronicle the past and present development of mountaineering activities in the world in general and to preserve the saga of the momentous feats in the history of mountaineering in the Himalayan peaks in particular. Many people may not know about beautiful country Nepal, but they certainly know about tallest peak in the world called mount everest. If you want to know about mountains, homalays then you should visit there. It is one of the main attraction of pokhara.

Places to visit in Eastern Nepal

The Eastern Region (Purwanchal) in one of the five development regions of Nepal. The town of Dhankuta is the capital of the Eastern Region, as well as the capital of Dhankuta District. This region offers plenty of beautiful landscapes and places to travel around. Some worth travelling places in eartern Nepal are enlisted below.

1. Khumbu region
Khumbu is a sub-region in Solu Khumbu located on the Nepalese side of Mount Everest. The Everest region is officially called Khumbu and includes the Sagarmatha National Park (above Monju) and the Sagarmatha National Park Buffer Zone. The park, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, consists of 443 square miles of gorges, glaciers and rugged terrain in the high Himalayas. Sagarmatha National Park incorporates several mountain peaks, including Everest, Cho Oyu and Lhotse, as well as the upper reaches of the Dudhkoshi and Bohtehoshi Rivers. The park's natural attractions make it an appealing ecotourism destination. Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas), the Everest region (Khumbu) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal. While many of the routes through the mountains are arduous, there are ample places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. Furthermore, don't worry about getting lost. Just ask a local the way to the next village on your route, and they will direct you.

2.Ilam
Ilam is the Far eastern district of the country which is inhabited by people of different culture, Nature living together peacefully. Illam is located on the foothills of Mount Kanchanjunga. Greenery is all over the hills of Illam all around the year.Illam Tea Garden is situated near Illam Bazaar and Kanyam Tea Garden located between Terai plain and ILam Bazaar are the major of Nepal. Antu Danda, Mai pokhari, Kanyam and Fikkal,Chhintapu, Gajur Mukhi, etc are places that are worth visiting in ilam.

3. Haleshi mahadev and Barah kshetra
If you want to traverse around some religious places then haleshi mahadev and barah kshetra are best choice for you.

Haleshi mahadev
Haleshi Mahadev is the most sacred pilgrimage site of eastern Nepal. This temple is located in a mysterious cave on a hill top.  It is call second Pashuaptinath for Hindu.  According to mythology Lord Shiva hid in this cave to save from the demon Bashmasur who was granted boon of killing any person he wanted by Shiva. This cave is also holy site for Buddhists. They believe that Guru Padmasambhava, the second Buddha meditated here for three months. It is believed the caves to be in existence since 6000 years.

Barah Chhetra
Barah Chhetra (Kshetra) temple, one of four holy places in Nepal is an important Hindu pilgrimage site is situated in the east of Nepal around 20 km from Dharan at the connection of the Sapta Koshi and Koka rivers. Baraha Chhetra is one of the four greatest Hindu pilgrimages. This is the spot where Barah, the boar incarnation of Lord Bishnu, protector of the universe, fought with the demon Hiranakshya and killed him. Apart from the main shrine dedicated to Barah, there are many other temples that bear the image of Bishnu's boar incarnation.

4. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp, set up in 1993, was the first luxury camp in this wildlife Reserve. It was set up primarily for bird watchers. The Camp is ideal for all nature lovers seeking peace within a paradise of nature. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Consisting of 175 sq km of wet and grassland habitat, Koshi Tappu (translating to ‘river islands’) is home to at least 493 species of birds, as well as being the last habitat of the endangered arna (long, pointy-horned wild water buffalo). It was founded in 1976 to protect a small triangle of phanta and tappu (small islands) in the flood plain of the Sapt Kosi River – one of the three main tributaries of the Ganges.

5. Kanchanjunga Region
Kanchenjunga trekking route is one of the best regions for those visitors who want to experience more of Nepal and get away from the well known areas. The region is blessed by the world's third highest peak Kanchenjunga (8586m), the jewel of the Eastern Himalayas and is located on the border of Nepal , India and Tibet .Trekking in Kanchenjunga region is for those people who really ponder about non-spoiled trekking routes combined with rich Nature and culture. In this trip you will encounter varieties of Plants, birds, mammals, ethnic groups, religions and cultures. Trekking this route is a chance to venture into a rarely visited, unspoilt region of Nepal where the hillsides are still densely forested and the need to be self-sufficient is essential. Above the entire exhibition you are presented with the abundance of majestic nature and a whole lot more opportunities to explore and enjoy the traditional culture of the Rai and Limbu native people of this region. The trails in this region follow the ancient paths which meander along scenic riverbanks, intricately terraced fields and forests connecting the picturesque hamlets and mountain villages. You will encounter many eye catching rhodedendron-filled forests which have numerous varieties of blossoms which flower in spring.

6. Makalu Region
Makalu region is famous for trekking and it is like paradise for trekkers. Makalu trekking in located in the eastern part of Nepal. It is protected by the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Project.  Makalu Everest base camp trekking covers both of region the largest valley in the world, the Arun Valley and Top of the world, Everest. Arun and Barun valley is home of more than 650 species of birds and over 800 species butterflies. It is also shelter of the rare and endangered animal Panda. Orchides and other flowers along a faint jungle trail, Swirly prayer flags at Shipton La, walking through this picturesque Sherpa village are the attraction of this region.