Nepal is a country of highly diverse and rich in geography, culture, and religions. The mountainous north contains eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest (SAGARMATHA) . The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. By some measures, Hinduism is followed by a greater majority of people in Nepal than in any other nation.
HIMALAYAN REGION
The word “Himalaya” is Sanskrit for “abode of snow”. This region has an altitude ranging between 4,877 m to 8,848m. It includes eight of the 14 highest summits in the world that exceed an altitude of 8000 m, including the highest of them all, Mt. Everest (8,848 m). Only 8% of Nepal’s population live in this region.
The region’s culture and religion are closely linked to Tibet, and the traditional economy was (and sometimes still is) based on trans-border trade with its northern neighbour.
One can enjoy the magnificent Himalayas of this region in three different ways: take a mountain flight and enjoy the splendid view of snow capped Himalayas from the safety of the presurrized aeroplane cabins, or gaze at the panorama from popular mountain viewpoints such as Nagarkot and Dhulikhel around the Kathmandu Valley and Sarangkot in Pokhara or take the direct approach and trek to the mountain base from where you can actually touch them and feel the Himalayas.
Indeed, the best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture riches is to trek through them. One should know that trekking means walking and is a process rather than a destination. As one gets into shape, it’s easy to fall into walking-machine mode. Though trekking demands a physical challenge, a trekker should remind himself/ herself to stop at teashops, admire the views, splash in a stream and play with local kids. Walking and nothing, but day after day, provides illuminating insights of Nepal’s diversity in terms of geography, people, religion and culture. The main precaution to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high too fast. The body should be given plenty of time to acclimatize. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) refers to the effects of the thin air at high altitudes which can be very dangerous and may even result in death. If you get initial symptoms like nausea, dizziness, swelling of the face and breathlessness, descend to the lower elevation immediately and seek medical help.
Trekking is possible at any time of the year depending on where one is going. The most popular seasons are spring (February – May) and autumn (September-November). Winter is very cold above 4,000m and high mountain passes may be snowbound but it is good for trekking at lower altitudes. During the monsoon season (June-August) you can trek in rain-shadow areas of the northern areas of regions like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. These places are out of reach of the rain clouds because they lie beyond the high mountains whcih block off the monsoon clouds.
The natural scenery, high mountains, incomparable cultural heritage and numerous specialties have made Nepal a well-known destination in the world tourism map with a distinct image of its own. However, the development of tourism is limited in number and within the certain areas of the country only. The new government has shown greater concerns about the real value of tourism and its role in contributing to economic growth, poverty alleviation, equity and overall tourism development in the country.
Therefore, the government is placing high priority on the tourism sector in its new economic development policy. As there is a favorable political situation in the country, the government is all geared towards economic revolution in next 10 years for the up-liftment of the masses. In this connection, government of Nepal in consultation with Nepalese Tourism Industry, concerned organizations and experts decided to launch a national tourism campaign “Nepal Tourism Year 2011“. This announcement reflects the government’s anticipation to bring into at least one million international tourists in Nepal by the year 2011 and spread the benefits of tourism to the people at large. The national campaign also indicates the tourism industry’s exigency to organize a tourism promotion campaign having wider impact.
With a great saying in nepali “ATITHI DEVO BHAWA” (Guests are Gods) and “SEWA NAI DHARMA HO“(Service to mankind is service to god) . The cultural, geographical, ethnic and bio-diversities of the country allure international visitors to Nepal time and again which truly substantiates the spirit of Nepal tourism brand; ‘Naturally Nepal, once is not enough !
The concept of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 envisions harnessing these opportunities and strengths and bringing together the commitment of the government, expertise and experiences of the organizations like Nepal Tourism Board, aptitude and dynamism of the private sector and communities for further tourism development in the country.
Objectives of the campaign
Establish Nepal as a choice of premier holiday destination with a definite brand image,
Improve and extend tourism related infrastructures in existing and new tourism sites,
Enhance the capacity of service renders,
Build community capacity in the new areas to cater the need of the tourists, and
Promote domestic tourism for sustainability of the industry.
LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT IN NEPAL
1. Kathmandu
2. Patan
3. Bhaktapur
4. Boudhanath
5. Budhanilkanta
6. Chandeshwari
7. Changunarayan
8. Chovar
9. Dakshinkali
10.Dhulikhel
11.Godavari
12.Kakani
13.Kirtipur
14.Kapan monastry
15.Nagarkot
16.Nagarjun
17.Namo buddha
18.Pashupatinath
19.Phulchowki
20..Shivapuri
22.Swyanbunath
23.Pokhara and begnas
25.Tansen
26.Lumbini
27.Dolpa
28.Rara lake
29.Upper mustang
30.Janakpur
31.Biratnagar
32.Barahachetra
33.Antu dandrapti valley (chitwan)
34.Rapti Valley (Chitwan)
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