Visit Nepal 2020|Major Attractions and Contributions of Travelers

How many of us have already heard of Visit Nepal 2020? Probably, most of us have. No worries! If you have not heard yet, then this is the right blog for you.

The Tourism Board of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, has prepared/launched the ‘Visit Nepal 2020’ campaign which aims to attract more than 2 million tourists to the “roof of the world”.

Since the heart-wrenching earthquake of 2015, Nepal has effortlessly repaired and rebuilt monuments, roads, accommodation, and other infrastructures. The tourism fraternity is now back to the pre-earthquake scene. Nepal has been listed frequently among the most popular tourist destinations and the number one best-value destination in the world in a few international media.

If Nepal has made an entry on your bucket list, or you have been planning to return, Visit Nepal 2020 beckons you all.

Significant Attractions of Visit Nepal 2020

1) Trek towards the highest altitude lake: Tilicho

Located at an altitude of 4,949 m above sea level is Tilicho Lake, which is the world’s highest-altitude lake in the Manang district of Nepal. On an honest note, getting there might be tough as we have to trek along with the landslides-affected area but once we make it to the lake, one may not want to leave with the breathtaking view and stunning blue lake.

From the capital Kathmandu, it takes a minimum of 5 days trip to reach Tilicho Lake or more than two weeks if you want it a bit slower. You can also rent and ride a motorbike yourself or a 4 4-wheeler or simply trek as a backpacker. From Pokhara and Jomsom, we can easily reach Tilicho within 2 to 3 days.

2) Mountain Biking on the off-the-beaten trails

Even though most people seem to be unaware of mountain biking sport in Nepal, it is the fastest-growing game in the country. You can undergo great single-track and/or multi-day adventures throughout the Himalayas. Playing hide and seek with mountains, gorges, and hills is a bonus for every cyclist in Nepal. Many astonishing trails make it possible to do MTB in just about any part of the country. It is recommended widely that Annapurna Circuit which is best generally done in April/May or in October/November, second Upper Mustang presents a unique desert landscape and Tibetan culture. Mustang is the windy wonderland that also represents the rain-shade area and is the paradigm of the trans-Himalayan region. The geographical isolation of Mustang is a boon for it and hence offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience than the previous route.

Lastly, Pikey Peak which starts from your base at Salleri, the entrance to the Everest region. It is a freshly opened route for trekking and biking. Grab the moment and make it to Pikey Peak before the tourism hits.

Talking about the peripheral tracks in and around Kathmandu, Nagarkot also stands on the list. Shredding in the jungle of Nagarkot thrills any soul on the Earth.

3) Birthplace of Lord Buddha

Do you know one thing? Lord Buddha’s statue we see everywhere in the world, is of a real person named Siddhartha Gautam. His real name, Siddhartha Gautam was later on changed to Gautam Buddha. Buddha, the preacher of Buddhism, was born as a prince who gave up everything including himself, his wife, and his son to seek a peaceful state of mind life, and more.

So, the place where Buddha had stepped his first movers on this Earth is called Lumbini and it is popular not only in Nepal but also in the world. Every year legions of pilgrims flock here to worship, meditate, and learn at the site.

4) Mount Everest: The roof of the world

It’s well known that Nepal is an abode to the highest, Mount Everest. And if that is not enough, Nepal hosts 8 tallest mountains among 14 in the world, which are above 8000m. Trekking in Nepal is a wish list for many. Especially conquering Mount Everest or even just Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is a dream come true trail for many adventure seekers and walking enthusiasts. Base camp trekking can be done easily within weeks if everything goes to plan. We should be careful about altitude sickness, and our fitness level, and getting a guide or porter is highly recommended. However, if you are more of a DIY kind of person, SOLO travel is also recommended.

everest base camp, leaf holidays

Thinking about what else to witness in and around the Everest Base camp region? We normally recommend Tenzing Hillary Airport (one of the world’s dangerous airports), Lukla markets, Namche Bazaar, Monastery in Tengboche, Sherpa culture, Peak Climbing, Everest Base Camp area itself mainly the expedition site, and Kala Patthar, the most astonishing vantage point of entire EBC region which is widely famous for that once in lifetime experience featuring sunrise and sunsets views with sick landscape.

5) White Water Rafting Adventure

Nepal is the second richest nation in the world when talking about water resources. Hence one of the most sought-after places for rafting and kayaking.

When it comes to drifting in Nepal, aqua enthusiasts can choose from Bhote Koshi (1 – 2 days), Trishuli River (2 up to 3 days of rafting/kayaking), Seti Khola (up to 2-3 days of rafting trip), Kali Gandaki River (3 days rafting trip), and Marshyandi River (Max. 2 days rafting/kayaking trip), Arun River (9 days rafting adventure combining with trek), Karnali River (10 days whitewater rafting and kayaking), Kaligandaki River of nearly 3 days, Sun Koshi River (more than a week of rafting trip) and Tamor River (11 to 12 days of water fun and adventure combining with as short trek). A few of the travel agencies may have different offers too. Rafting trips vary from easy, to medium to difficult. During your aqua journey, you will also get the chance to relax on bug-free beaches along with your campsites. The thrill of rafting in wild Nepali rivers, flowing rapidly, is exciting and is something you will cherish forever.

6) Wildlife Safari | Bird Watching

Nepal is not just about mountains and high hills. You can change the scenery from the majestic mountains, and wild rivers to the vast jungle and plains in the south. Enjoy tracing the tigers, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, and other wild animals in Chitwan National Park, Shuklaphanta National Park, or Bardia National Park. Though, the latter is less heard of so, more off-the-beaten trails offer a rugged experience. We recommend heading South of Nepal, especially between October and March.

If watching a bird is your cup of tea, Nepal is a bird watcher’s paradise. Or if you are a researcher and winged creatures are more of your thing, Nepal got you covered as well. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve offers over 400 bird species and won’t disappoint anyone of us. We can spot various species of ducks, eagles, storks, geese, terns, lapwings, kingfishers and more. If you want to witness or meet the national bird of Nepal, Danphe [Lpohophorous], hike to 2500m to 3000m areas of Annapurnas, you will encounter them a few times.

7) UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are 11 World Heritage Sites in Nepal. Seven of them are inside Kathmandu Valley whereas four of them are Sagarmatha National Park ( Everest region), Chitwan National Park (wildlife area), and Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha outside the valley. Inside Nepal also, Kathmandu Valley is an eclectic source of present and past and it would be a good starting point to explore this beautiful country.

swambhunath,leaf holidays

So, the remaining seven sites in Kathmandu are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (monkey temple), Pashupatinath, and Changunarayan. Even if your area of interest is outside of the history or sites, these divine sites will make your trip worthwhile. So do yourself a favor and check them all.

8) Miscellaneous | Authentic Nepali Cuisines | Adventure Package

Stroll around the narrow alleys of the medical city, Kathmandu, and relish the traditional Newari cuisines. Bara, Chhoila, Yomari, Mo: Mo dumplings are must-try foods in Nepal. When in the mountains, try yaks’ cheese and Dhido and Daal Bhaat.
As Nepal is gifted with hills, mountains, rivers, and plains there are dozens of adrenaline rush sports including Bungee Jump to Mountain flights, canyoning, paragliding, kayaking, and whatnot.

What is Visit Nepal 2020?

The government of Nepal had organized Visit Nepal Campaigns back in the year of 1998 and Nepal Tourism Year 2011, similarly, the Tourism Board of Nepal has introduced another tourism year, Visit Nepal 2020. It’s a visiting mission to Nepal with its prime motto as “Lifetime Experiences”, aiming to host as many as 2 million globetrotters and holidaymakers from all around the world.

Your contribution to #visitNepal2020 as a traveler:

As the campaign visit, Nepal is targeted to all l merrymakers and adventure-seekers from all around the world, indeed the tourists its main elements. As a wayfarer and well-wisher of this masterpiece of Nature, Nepal, your small steps or actions will have huge impacts. Here I have mentioned a few things you can do to contribute to #visitNepal2020 as a normal person, as a wanderer, as a writer, blogger, and not! We, everyone, can do a little support to make visitNepal2020, a grand.

1) Buying regionally crafted souvenirs

In Nepal, it’s common to export its unique and appealing handicrafts to its peripheral countries and the rest of the world since centuries ago. In the meantime, more than 100 ethnic groups with their original tradition and culture are living in Nepal. Wherever you stroll or hike in and around Nepal, you encounter street vendors selling or about to convince to sell eye-catching handicrafts such as carved wooden windows and singing bowls to a Tibetan prayers’ wheel. As a nomad, one can have these handicrafts from streets, souvenir shops, supermarkets, and handicraft stores. Getting it from local street vendors who probably make less than USD 10 per day is not only a greater humanitarian gesture but also an immense contribution to the campaign visit Nepal 2020.

Hence, assisting local start-ups and projects is a good thing one can carry out during his/her good days for real. It’s not in the case of Nepal, everywhere in the universe, it does apply. We should buy the local products so that the trend or their small-scale industries can sustain and hence last for a few more editions.

2) Good Words of Mouth

Well known that word-of-mouth referrals are the best way of recommending something worthy. As a wayfarer or as a well-wisher, Nepal is in its developing phase, and just spreading a few good expressions about Nepal after returning to your homeland, will leave a positive image for this piece of heaven, Nepal.
Taken over by the world wide web, the world now, there are various other efficacious ways of publicizing on different platforms like blog writing, posting photos on several social sites, sharing photographs, and posting on social media. As a whole, word of mouth can be spread worldwide.

3) Eating in a Local Eatery

Nepal has prior rendezvous with international hotels, inns, and restaurant chains like KFC and five-star hospitality hosts such as Hyatt Regency, Soaltee, and Hotel Annapurna. However, if you wish to savor a locally owned and managed Khajaghar[lunch house], it will be awesome. You are not only supporting locals but also you are paying local producers such as farmers.

As Nepal has extensive choices of traditional cuisines to present to everyone representing every walk of life, one can simply wish to eat from this type of community-based food provider.

4) Hire Local Guides and Porters

Traveling SOLO is fun and traveling with our loved one is even more joyous. But, while traversing a few new sights and places, the presence of local guides and porters is a bonus. It might help us with the knowledge and by maintaining our backpacks as well as extra stuff. On one side, you are getting help and information. On the contrary side, this initiative also leads to the opportunity for jobs among Nepalese people who may not have any other forms of employment to support their families. Deep down, it’s not always the case of finance while hiring instead you get to know more about their dialects, native languages, culture, traditions, and daily chores. The interaction while exploring with locals is the best way of traveling.

5) Exercise Sustainable Tourism, Accept and execute Eco-friendly Moves

In far-flung villages of Nepal, most people might not have insights into sustainable tourism hence we as trippers should assist them in practicing sustainable steps in the tourism fraternity. As the scenario of Nepal is fresh and remarkably clean, we should keep this beauty perpetual so that we can hand it over to the upcoming generation.

Hence, our actions need to be Eco-friendly as we are conscious humans. For every wanderer, there are still a few things to consider while traveling beside the economical aspect i.e. the environmental side. For example, we can simply limit the use of plastic bags and their usage. Carrying back our litter from the mountains can be the best example of sustainable tourism.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can even shed some light on knowledge on how to get rid of the wastage correctly between and among the locals.

6) Explore new destinations among 100 spots published by the Government of Nepalese

Targeting Visit Nepal Year 2020, the government of Nepal has published its 100 new spots which are yet to be in the “limelight of tourism”. Hurry up, before tourism hits hard on these amazing destinations.

For more insights, updates, and fresh information, stay tuned with us. We accept the comment, appreciate compliments, and welcome feedback. Don’t forget to write to us, we will be happy about the response.

A spiritual sojourn to Kailash Mansarovar

Introduction

Considered to be the center of the Universe, and revered by people all over the globe, Mt.Kailash and Manasarovar region in Tibet is truly an organic bliss! It is widely said that only those who have the purest of hearts can make it to this almost impossible terrain. The adverse weather status and treacherous pathways also compound to make it a less visited place and tourism hasn’t hit hard yet. It’s no wonder that only a few thousand people can make this trip. One who reaches there is among those fortunate few.

A spiritual journey to Kailash Manasarovar is also known as the Kailash pilgrimage tour, one of the most famous pilgrimage tour packages in Tibet offers staggering Himalayan vistas including of holy Mt. Kailash and the other giant hills lying around the area. Sarovar indicates “the holy pond” in the Nepali language hence the name Mansarovar.

Along with this, the sojourn to Kailash also offers the bewitching appearance of the holy Manasarovar Lake, astounding landscapes, lush valleys, trails, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan cultures. The tour to the Kailash Mansarovar is the perfect way to traverse the hidden treasures of the Tibetan plateau.

As hikers, trekkers, and pilgrims have to walk from the low to high altitude gradually, we can reach there without high altitude sickness complexities.

kailash,leaf holidays

Mt. Kailash is regarded to be the physical embodiment of the mythological Mt. Meru, which is believed to be the holiest mountain in the world. Its snow-dusted rock pyramid is situated in the scenically rich region of western Tibet. Mt. Kailash, an abode of the divine is also assumed as the most auspicious to take a religious pilgrimage, Kora circumcising around the Kailash.

Indeed, the entire region where Mt. Kailash lies holds an important religious significance and entails the two turquoise-blue, unspoiled high-altitude, fresh-water lakes- Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal.

Did you know? Mt. Kailash is regarded as holy by followers not only Hindus. Instead, it is revered by all seven religions. For Hindus, Mt. Kailash is an abode of Shiva and nearby Manasarovar Lake, Brahma’s soul. Tibetans refer to Mt. Kailash as Kang Rimpoche, Jains venerate it as Mt. Ashtapada, the apex from where the religion’s founder, Rishabanatha, was enlightened with spiritual liberation, whereas, the acolytes of Bon-Po, the ancient pre-Buddhist shamanistic religion of Tibet mention Mt. Kailash as the soul of Tibet. Mainly, during May, June, July, and August pilgrims flock to this region, and hence are the best time for the Kailash Manasarovar trip.

The Kailash-Manasarovar Trip is recommended to all of us as it is a once-in-lifetime experience for real.

About Mt. Kailash – The Center of the Universe

Towering with a dignified presence, Mt Kailash resides at 6,638m [22,000 ft.] According to Hindu beliefs, it is the abode of Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. It is part of the Trans-Himalayan belt in Tibet.

Resembling its shape with a cone of pure white snow, Mt. Kailash has the distinct appearance of being one of the world’s most venerated holy places. As we mentioned already, Mount Kailash is also a portrait of the mythical Mount Meru, which many religions contemplate to be the cosmic mountain positioned at the exact center of the universe.

On reaching there, all pilgrims make a circumference (Kora or Parikarma), circling the mountain (almost 53 km), which usually takes about three days to complete. In this trip to Mt. Kailash, enlightenment is something that is guaranteed especially to those zealot souls who complete 108 times around it. At the base of this giant mountain lies Manasarovar (‘the lake of consciousness and enlightenment’: 4,500m), a beautiful cobalt blue lake. According to the legends, a dive into its icy waters is mandatory for most pilgrims to the site. You will also be welcomed by finding another lake nearby, named the Rakshas Tal, (Lake of Demons).

The Toughest Pilgrimage | Mt. Kailash Manasarovar

Kailash Manasarovar, a pilgrimage for the followers of all religions, is the toughest pilgrimage in the entire world. Situated about 20 km far from Mt Kailash, the lake Manasarovar further holds a major significance in the mythology. This region acts as the origin of four of the prime rivers namely Indus, Sutlej, Brahmaputra, and Karnali. Kailash Manasarovar expedition is widely renowned for its cultural significance, religious value, spiritual awakening, physical appearance, and thrilling nature. It is visited by hundreds of people every year.

manasarovar

How do I get there?

No doubt! Mt. Kailash is one of the world’s greatest (and one of the most daring) pilgrimage sites for people of many beliefs. We can make it to Mount Kailash through different and exciting routes. One of the routes is through Xigatse via Saga to Manasarovar. One of the tours will take you to Tibet from Kathmandu from where you will march west to Manasarovar’s eastern shore, a four to five-day journey. You will get down at a tiny settlement called Darchen located at an altitude of 14,000 ft. This is where we traditionally embark upon the Kailash Parikrama.

We can also travel on a 6-day drive from Xigatse to Ali and up to Darchen, or from Kashgar through Ali, or from Nepal’s Simikot via Purang. The last-mentioned route via Simikot (situated in the country’s far northwestern district of Humla) proceeds to Hilsa (the western border) and from there, progresses into Tibet, and then to Taklakot in the Purang Valley, thus helping us to make it to the Manasarovar.

To reach Simikot, we need to get to Nepalgunj in western Nepal first (by air or by road) from where we can use the airways to Simikot. From there, the trekking trail follows the grumbling Karnali River right up to Tibet’s border. Next, we cross the Nara-la pass from where the trail drops exponentially down to the border town of Hilsa in Tibet. And then, there is no option except to take a ride on a four-wheeler to Purang through the Dolma-La pass (18,417 ft.) on the way, so that we can reach Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.

Other itinerary proceeds as follows:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300 m)

Day 02: Half-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu-The city of temple

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi

Day 04: Drive from Syabrubesi to Kerung

Day 05: Kerung – Saga (4400 meters)

Day 06: Saga – Mansarovar (4558 meters)

Day 07: Mansarovar – Darchen (4575 meters)

Day 08: Darchen – Yamadwar (7 km drive/13 km walk) – Dirapuk (4909 m)

Day 09: Trek to Zuthulphuk (4760 m) (18 km/hrs)-Passing through East face Kuberkunda pass (5,700 m)

Day 10: Zuthulphuk – Darchen – Mansarovar – Saga (end of Kailash Parikrama)

Day 11: Drive from Saga to Syabrubesi via Kerung

Day 12: Drive back to Kathmandu

Day 13: Final Departure

Kailash and Manasarovar Region Beyond Our Words and Imagination

Having seen the place only in virtual pictures till now, any soul on the earth will be in awe to behold the captivating beauty of the area with our naked eyes in the real world! The geographical structure around the mountain is rugged and dry but embellished by crystalline blue streams and other water bodies. The contrast, therefore, is well blended, like an artist’s canvas creativity!

Manasarovar, the blue and emerald-hued lake, is one of the highest freshwater lakes in the world, with intense religious, spiritual, and natural significance. The beauty of the round lake with crystal clear reflections of the peripheral snow-capped mountains, the sun, and white clouds in the clear blue sky is something out of the world! Around ninety kilometers in circumference, the lake is an epitome of purity and tranquility. The calmness of the lake along with the majestic aura around it offers a serene environment for meditation and traveler start to seek their soul.

A ‘Parikrama’ of the lake is believed to kick out all evils and sins from the inner soul and body. Generally, pilgrims bow down in respect and reverence as they touch the holy water. Also, one can drink the pure and sweet water and take a dip in the lake in a humble attempt to cleanse all sins. It is urged to all the pilgrims (trekkers) to take utmost care neither to use any chemical (even soap) nor pollute the water in any way.

Why Kailash Manasarovar is taken as literally “heaven on Earth”?

Have you ever thought of a paradise on Earth, where it could be? It has to be the most appealing place on the planet, right? Such a place where Gods would like to dwell themselves! On an interesting note, in several religions, Kailash Manasarovar, named after two holy destinations- Mount Kailash (standing high at 6,636m.) and ‘The Gem of Tibet’ – Lake Manasarovar, is considered to be the haven of Lord Shiva and other ethereal beings.

More Exciting Attractions | Kailash and Manasarovar area

As Mt. Kailash is an abode of Shiva, the lake is supposed to be the abode of summer birds called ‘Hansa’ which represents wisdom and beauty. Surrounded by a few monasteries on its shores, the Lake presents the most notable ancient Chiu Monastery built on a steep hillock, which looks as if it has been carved right out of the rock. Yeah! It seems to be emerging outright. The gateway to ancient civilization with placid beauty.

mount kailash,leaf holidays

Another, lake during our journey is the lake, Rakshastal, which is considered to be the place of severe atonement by ‘Ravana’, which is around two miles away from Manasarovar. Not only that, sometimes it seems juxtaposed, to witness the concurrence of two contrasting ponds at the same place; one being held in high consideration and revered while the other considered the lake of fallen angels and denounced by the locals.

The amalgamating spirit

No matter which religion, the visitors believe in, the noteworthy point is the dedication and human zeal which unifies people representing different castes and age groups while visiting this region. Visitors are drawn to the simplicity of life and find satisfaction in the toughest terrain, trek, and climate during the ‘The Spiritual Journey’. After the trip, one will find them different not only in terms of physical sense but also spiritual tone, it matters a lot.

Farewell to materialism

Like other religious journeys on Earth, many of the visitors would be expecting hundreds of temples, saints, loud rituals such as ringing bells and performing elaborate ceremonies, singing hymns along the presence of donation boxes at Mount Kailash. But, surprisingly, there exists no such materialistic and superstitious status quo. The heavenly place engages the mind, captures our nerves, and frees our souls to see the divine outside the temple. Mt. Kailash Manasarovar is the perfect place to realize oneself his/her body, mind, and soul. A welcoming/appreciating perspective indeed!

Conclusion

On a concluding note, the voyage to Kailash Manasarovar is a life-changing experience for most of the pilgrims who undertake it each year, providing them with a sense of self like nothing else can. A pilgrimage to this serene timeless, breathtaking, and fascinating spiritual spot is like a sojourn within him/her (self).

The Nepal Trekking offers you all a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to embark on this journey to Kailash Manasarovar. All our fellow holidaymakers will unanimously agree that they all returned from this trip completely enlightened. The magical and mystical spot has been drawing people to its divine appearance for several reasons. That is why you should not miss the chance to be a part of the Kailash Manasarovar Awakening.

Journey to mystical, Mount Kailash-Manasarovar has bestowed blessings of God on us signified by the strength and grandeur of the mountains, the calmness of the water, and the warmth of the simple human life which cannot be compared to anything else in this materialistic world.

Thanks for the read. If these chronicles of the Himalayas excite you, you can book this trip with us. We will be happy to embark on our spiritual journey with you, your families, and your friends’ circle.

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