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When we started Himalayan Dreams, we understood that the backbone of any travel company is expertise and experience. Having understood that ideology we strived forward to gain all that. It was difficult in the beginning but because we love this industry and respect its privileges, we built up inch by inch to finally become a company that can proudly flaunt its expertise and experience. And today we have the experience of managing more than 3800 travelers from all around the world. We have a professional team to manage all tours. We believe that one can become a good tour operator only if you have experience by your side.  With over 10 years of experience organizing trips in the Himalayan Region; we have considerable experience and knowledge of local places. A good infrastructure always assists us in all our operations.

Himalayan Dreams primary purpose is to provide our clients with the optimum service, care and concern that we feel is obligatory for a first class, top-notch agency. We are extremely proud of our clients’ responses after we have prepared and followed through with a tour. Our attention to detail and our respect for our clients’ wishes makes us a unique travel agent in Nepal.

We pride ourselves on individualizing our tours to meet the interests, requests, and needs of our clients. Because of this high standard of operation we have an excellent reputation among agents worldwide and with our clients.

Treasures of Sikkim

The exotically green state of Sikkim is the kind of place that puts most botanists to a screeching stop. In the lower region of the Himalayas, Sikkim is rich in ecology and is just one of the three Eco regions in India. With abundant and diverse Flora and Fauna, Sikkim has been on the forefront destination for pleasure seekers, botanists and researchers. Due to its varied altitudes and climate that is tropical, temperate and alpine, the presence of the rarest species of plants, birds and animals is not much of a surprise.

Among a vast range of plants, the rhododendron come first in Sikkim, not just because it is a state plant, but also because different species of it is widely available in the northern parts of the state. About 36 types of Rhododendrons are found in Sikkim. Trekking in the eastern and northern parts of Sikkim inevitably takes you across at least one or two rhododendron forest. You also find about 515 rare species of Orchids. The official verification of Orchids found in Sikkim goes to about 450, but in recent years and after continuous research, more kinds of Orchids have been discovered. There are still a lot of unexplored places in Sikkim which are believed to be a haven for even more endangered species of Orchids. In the alpine zone of Sikkim, the most common ones you find are Cypripedium tibeticum, C. himalicum and C. elegance. Other common ones are C. Whiteana, C. chloroleuca, C. anganii. You also find 60 species of Primulas, 11 types of Oak, 23 bamboo variety, 16 conifer plants, 362 species of Fern and more than 400 kinds of medicinal herbs. Other than these you can easily find Juniper, Firs, Cypress, Maple, Birches, Alders, Chestnuts, and Magnolia abundantly.

Sikkim also provides refuge to a large number of wild animals. Since 80% of the state is covered by dense forests, it becomes a safe haven for many of the world’s most magnificent animals. There are among others, the Red Panda, Snow leopard, musk deer, Bhoral, Himalayan Tahr, Ghoral, barking Deer, Himalayan Black Beer, Tibetan Wolf, Civet, Marbled Cat, Clouded Leopard, Langur and the Marmot. The Yak in alpine zones is a domesticated animal. You can also find a large variety of birds in Sikkim. The horned pheasant, golden eagle, woodcock, quails, sandpipers, flycatchers, griffon vultures and the snow partridge all thrive in Sikkim. In total there are more than 500 species of birds in Sikkim.

Sikkim’s Route to Salvation (Rumtek Monastery)

The Rumtek monastery is the largest in Sikkim. The rituals and practices of the Karma Kagyu lineage are performed at this monastery. This beautiful monastery is situated at a distance of about 24 km from Gangtok.  A drive of about 1 hour across the country side of Gangtok to the south east will take you to the Rumtek Dharma Chakra Centre. The monastery was originally built in the 16th century by the 9th Karmapa, Wangchuk Dorje but massive construction work began only in 1960. When the 16th Karmapa, Gyalwa Karmapa fled from Tibet after the Chinese Cultural Revolution, he stayed for sometime in Bhutan after finally being invited by the Choegyal (King), Tashi Namgyal to Sikkim. Gyalwa Karmapa, who was incidentally the 16th Karmapa, chose to reside at Rumtek. Hence the monastery was built in the style of the Kagyupa monastery in Tsurpu, Tibet.  The construction work took three years to complete. The monastery holds a lot of religious artifacts and scriptures. At short distance from the Dharma Chakra Centre, lies the old Rumtek monastery built by the 9th Karmapa in 1730.

Today the monastery hosts various rituals and events. The two most important among all are held during the summer and the winter. The first one is held in the fourth month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar. This event can either be the Guru Rimpoche or the Vajrakilaya Drupchen (great sadhana practice retreat) take place. This event takes place for 10 days. The tenth day is marked by the Lama dance which depicts the eight representations of Guru Rimpoche (Saint Padmasambhava). During the end of the Lunar Year, the monastery hosts another 10 day ritual which is commemorated in praise of the Mahakala. The Rumtek monastery is a fine specimen of Tibetan architecture. It is composed of a meticulous work of wood and metal. The main building is a massive three storey structure which has a wide assembly hall laid out. Just above the assembly halls are designed the living quarters of the Karmapas, and the top floor has a small stupa.

However Rumtek is surrounded by a conspiracy that has baffled many Buddhists and political leaders. After the death of the 16th Karmapa, there remained a void as to who would be the head of this monastery. Today, there are two candidates for the title of 17th Karmapa, Thaye Dorje and Orgyen Trinley.

Buddhist Tours

Nepal is certainly the most melodiously positioned country in the world, but there’s more to Nepal that just the amazing landscape and scenery. It’s one of the world’s most spiritual countries, religious beyond measure. This is a country which contains within itself the very length and breadth of Buddhism and serves as the base of all its principles. Its monasteries range from small chortens to massive stupas that dominate the skyline and history in equal measure.  In any itinerary proposed to you by a travel agent, Buddhist circuit is one where you reach across monasteries to discover Buddhism’s vast significance on man’s soul and his deeds and how it has affected the very core of a nation. Nepal is a country which is filled with legends, relics, stories and monasteries that are associated to Buddhism. Whether it be around the Kathmandu valley or due north at Tengboche, Buddhism has always laid the foundations of Nepal’s overwhelming aura, its goodness and its people’s amazing lifestyle. Therefore a Buddhist tour around Nepal is an absolute must. It is a trip that would provide one with a great mix of spirituality and fun at the same time.

This trip will take you across places like Namobuddha; a place which is revered as a site where kindness and mercy were both personified by the Buddha by offering his body to be eaten by a hungry Tigress. The truth about this trip is that it demarcates the sweep of human history with that of its spiritual perfection; the perfection of nirvana which has been achieved in history by man. We begin this trip from Boudhanath and then we move to places like Namobuddha and then onwards to Pharping and then takes you to Swyambhunath up above the valley of Kathmandu. A lot of travelers who understand the values of Buddhism can’t stay away from the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha who later on became the Buddha (the enlightened one). There have been travelers right in the early ages beginning with Emperor Asoka himself who visited Lumbini. Then in the 5th century AD there was the Chinese traveler Fa Hein, who visited Lumbini and Huen Tsang in the 7th. The fascination for Lumbini lingers on. It is the place where the prince first discovered the four great truths and renounced his kingdom and later on enlightened the world. All of these places are incidentally not far to reach.

It’s that time again

Himalayan Dreams points the way to adventure with remarkable tours in

Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet!

Tours crafted by our staff of trained and talented men and women who are constantly searching the three countries for the truly unusual venues, experiences, and accommodations.

Now is the time to travel in this region. Prices are rising in India at a very rapid rate and in 2011 the Bhutanese government will also be raising the daily tourist rate.  In view of these continuing price hikes now is the right time to book your tour of a life time to the Himalayas.

Himalayan Dreams is just the company to partner with for your trip! Our staff will create a trip just for you. We take pride in designing a trip based on your interests and the needs of the group or individual.  March through May and October through December are ideal times to visit the towering mountains, meet the friendly people of these countries, view spectacular temples, and return home refreshed and invigorated by your journey.

Whether it is a spiritual trip to temples and monasteries, a walk through the past in palaces and ancient squares, or plunging into the world of para-sailing, hang-gliding, bungee jumping or white water rafting …come along with us and fulfill your Himalayan Dream! Unleash your spirit!

Go away from the world with Himalayan Dreams

Pick up world’s top hiking trip of the world. Go far away from your home to home to discover the real beauty of Himalaya, its culture and people. We have many exciting trekking and adventure trips waiting for you. We have come up with a list of the best value journey of your lifetime. Satisfy your craving for adventure ! Go to the world’s most dramatic mountains on earth ! Be mesmerized by the glimpses of an ancient heritage, beautiful art, and a colorful culture. Create your own lasting memories! Discover the new paths and adventure with Himalayan Dreams.

Ancient Tibetan Trail

Fly to holy land Lhasa and experience the ambience of thousands of years of history. Visit the court of wild roses, where hundreds of roses still bloom today in the jeweled gardens of Tibet. Before returning to the hustle and bustle of modern life experience the fathomless depths of quiet mountain lakes calming and soothing ones soul.[more..]

Beijing Lhasa Express

Make an exotic journey on the Qinghai-Tibet railway, the world’s highest railway. The rail line runs above 13000 feet above sea level and covers a distance of around 4065 kilometers. You begin this trip from Beijing. This trip will be a great history lesson for you as you visit THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. The train passes by the magnificent Qinghai Lake, Bird Island, Chaerhan Salt Lake, Kunlun Mountain Pass, Tuotuo River, Changtang Grassland, Eight-Pagodas in North Tibet Pasture, Namtso (Lake Namco), Yambajan Hot Springs, and through dramatic mountainous landscapes. At Lhasa you will take a guided tour and explore the Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, and Norbulingka. Once in Nepal you will make a day trip to medieval city of Bhaktipur, and relax Nagarkot. [more...]

Holiday of a lifetime

Experience the evolving culture and see the faces of the real Nepal. Meet Living Goddess, visit the ancient palaces of the former Nepalese Kingdoms and look into. Explore the wildlife and search for tigers from the back of an elephant. Walk to the most highly regarded pilgrimage destination and relax at the acclaimed Village Resort. [more...]

Life of a travel agent

..the challenges and privileges

The Privilege of Being a Travel Agent
The life of a travel agent is built on a set of ideas. Selling tours is just a small part. Countless hours are spent of strategizing, building and promoting a trip. And although the rewards are less, each effort is motivated by passion. Simply because understanding travel and its power to change the world is an overwhelming realization. When we comprehend that the strife that grips the world can be lessened or cured by appreciating the diversity of faiths, cultures and the world in general, creating journeys is an honor; a rare privilege that only a few enjoy. Having considered that greater vision which almost all travel agents live with, we do all we can to perfect this craft, simply because we love the very idea of travel.

Travel Agents are restless beings. We constantly look for new ways to develop our approach to tourism and to perfectly adapt to the huge amount of tourist influx all around the world. Sometimes it is a daunting job and endless hours are spent understanding and carving out every detail with precision.

This meticulous job gets to most of us sometimes. But the hard work pays off and our understanding of travel and the hard work it commands are overcome by a sense of respite as we see the spark and thrill among our travelers and realize how even by a small measure it has begun to change the world.
It is in such times, we often consider what makes a travel agent better to serve the greater purpose of creating journeys and understanding this great privilege more. There are among many trying qualities, a few which are worth dwelling upon.

Knowledge of Local Places

Knowledge of local places cannot be achieved without appreciating what is around you. One must understand the best thing about a destination. It varies with places but a greater understanding of local places is of utmost importance. This will immerse the traveler with sensitivity for different cultures. You haven’t traveled well if you haven’t understood the local culture and it’s enriching essence. That is why a good travel agent must be able to transfer the same sense of appreciation to a traveler. But this is a tedious process which involves research, constant updates and knowledge of cultures, anthropology, history and sometimes architecture too. However hard work pays off and this is evident on the faces of all the travelers who are in your hands. Traveling is all about seeing and learning and it’s a privilege to be the source of that enriching travel experience.
Personal Attention
Each traveler is special. He/she deserves that special attention and care. Like all businesses a travel operator must think of a client’s benefits before he can calculate his own profits. One must also understand the amount of planning, the funds, and the continuous desire that a traveler considers before embarking on a journey. And he/she travels miles to be in the place where he/she always wanted to be. Personal attention, a sense of care and an allowance for comfort cannot be undermined during a trip. These are traits of hospitality that says a lot about how much you appreciate travelers and this industry. It is in a profound way, a belief in care, understanding and the entire idea of travel. This is why you receive repeat travelers.

Experience
One cannot become a travel agent without some experience. Granted, everyone is a first timer once. But this is a job that requires time, patience and research. More travel agents have spent decades in this industry and know how to conduct tours like the back of their hands. And that is what travelers seek when they book a tour. Sometimes travel agents get a large group of travelers. Providing each one with personal attention and incase of problems during a trek or an expedition could prove to be hazardous. And unexpected occurrences cannot be overlooked. Political turmoil, flight delays, accidents etc could very well be part of travel. During such situations, one can count on nothing other than pure experience.

Infrastructure
Proper infrastructure is important to manage and organize holiday packages. Good Infrastructure is beneficial for strenuous tours which are sometimes very demanding especially in the Himalayas. Focus must be made on taking the hassles and tedium out of travelling for a traveler, so that he/she may enjoy everything around with a carefree mind. Right from Airport pickups to hotels, transports and until departures, travelers must be taken care of in a stress free environment. This can happen only when you have the right infrastructure. Developing infrastructure too, takes a lot of time and effort with careful planning. A travel agent is incomplete without proper infrastructure.

Expertise
Expertise comes from hiring the best staff and it also comes from experience in the field of travel. Expertise helps take out all the hassles of a journey from the mind of a traveler; simply because with expertise by the side of a travel agent, any problem and any hindrance can be solved immediately. Expertise also ensures the safety of a traveler which is imperative. One must have tour leaders who are all trained in first aid and crisis management. Whilst trekking food preparation and hygiene must be given top priority. Right from the initial correspondence, booking, conducting tours and departure, expertise will be appreciated and choosing the right personnel for the right job is key to the success of a travel agent.

Responsible Travel
Responsible Travel/Tourism comes from loving the idea of Travel and understanding its impact on nature, ecology and local people. It is about appreciating many different cultures and nature itself and how we owe something to the things that give us pleasure. A good travel agent always arranges for travelers to connect in a way with local people and make them understand the economy and the ecology surrounding them. In a way Travel Agents must seek to minimize negative impacts of the environment and society and think of ways to raise the economic benefits of the local communities. Travel agents must be culturally sensitive and respect the impacts of relations between the tourists and the locals.

Guided by Greater Vision
Words like excellence, comfortable, luxury, affordable and exclusive are thrown about by travel agents with reckless abandon. Not a lot of travel agents talk about the other benefits of travel. But a few understand that what one travels for makes all the difference. All travel agents and the work they do must be guided by a greater vision. Visions vary of course but they must be based on a set of principles and ethics. Creating journeys is the best way to bring people closer to each other and that privilege must always be appreciated. Most agents believe in the great, sometimes transformative, always educational value of travel. We must always understand that traveling is the only way to cure the world from the hatred and differences that dominate our relationships.

Passion
Travel agents are most passionate about creating journeys and providing more than what a traveler normally expects during a trip. During a trip, the travel agent manages the details so that one can relish all the experience without any hassles or the need to research. Because research and hassles are already considered by the travel agent, trips become easy and pleasurable.

Creative Approach
Almost all travel agents sell similar trips. Well, because the routes are the same! However there are some trips that are unique to each travel agent. These are the ones that are meticulously planned and researched so that travelers can find something different each time they journey a destination. While some believe in adventure and some in practices that show more of culture, the unique trips are something that is closer to the heart of a travel agent who creates them. This creative approach while crafting journeys take a longer time and much harder work. But while this virtue is rare among travel agents, it ensures quality and passion.

Best Itinerary for You-Not the one we want to sell
A travel agent must sell an Itinerary that is best suited to a traveler and not the one that he wants to desperately sell someone. Understanding the needs and requirements of a traveler are of utmost importance in this business. This is done with research and knowing where a particular travel will enjoy the most. A travel agent must always consider an enquiry with detail and offer the best choices.

We face these challenges because we respect this privilege

www.himalyandreamz.com

Mustang tiji festival 2010

Mustang tiji festival 2010

Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang known as ‘Roof of the world’ northern Nepal surrounded on three sides by Chinese held Tibet, one of the oldest civilizations on earth, mediaeval world uniquely preserved from modern technology.

A land covered with small villages, ancient monasteries, friendly people and breathtaking scenery. Mustang’s wealth was derived from being a major trading hub on the Kali Gandaki / Thak Khola trade route between Tibet and Nepal, w hich reflects the rich Buddhist culture, history, laws and customs.

The Tiji festival is a three-day ritual known as “The chasing of the Demons” and it is centered around the Tiji myth. Tiji tells the story of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaks havoc on Mustang by creating a water shortage which, in this extremely arid land, is the most precious life-sustaining resource. Dorje Jono eventually defeats the demon and banishes him from the land.

For more information Click here

NEPAL TOURISM YEAR 2011 !

nepal news and updates - Himalayan Dreams

Jet Airways to launch Kathmandu-Mumbai flights in December

NAC to fly to Lhasa in 2010

Tourist arrival up by 11 pc in Oct

Entry fee to Swoyambhunath Stupa revised

Jet Airways to launch Kathmandu-Mumbai flight in December.

India’s leading private sector airline Jet Airways is introducing daily flights from India’s commercial capital Mumbai to Kathmandu from December 2. The ariline will use Boeing 737 for Kathmandu-Mumbai flights.
Jet Airways currently operates 13 flights a week in Kathmandu-New Delhi sector. The airline will increase its flights on the Kathmandu-New Delhi sector to 14 flights a week effective from November 17.
“The Nepal-India sector is a very busy one, in terms of leisure and business air traffic. We are confident that our new daily services on the sector will be much appreciated,” Nikos Kardaiss, acting JEO, Jet Airways, stated in the company’s website.

NAC to fly to Lhasa in 2010

Nepali and Chinese officials have agreed to operate Kathmandu-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights by designated Nepali airlines. The agreement was raeached during the Third Joint Tourism Coordination Committee Meeting on November 9.
Joint secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Murari Bahadur Karki and Deputy Director General of the Tibet Tourism Administration Wang Songping signed the agreement.
Nepal Airlines Corporation will start the direct flight to Lhasa, while China Airlines will operate Canton-Lhasa-Kathmandu flights.
The meeting also decided to promote a joint rafting industry by the private sector of both sides, develop an action plan to establish a trekking route from Lomanthang of Nepal to Mansarovar of Tibet.
Meanwhile, officials of both the countries are making preparation to resume direct bus service between Kathmandu and Lhasa. The bus service has remained defunct for the last three years.

Tourist arrival up by 11 pc in Oct

Tourist arrival to Nepal in the month of October has increased by 10.8 pc to 56,009 compared to arrival figure of same period last year. Nepal’s peak tourism season begins from October.

Growth in arrival in the month of October was contributed by robust growth in arrivals from India and China. Arrivals from India and China increased by 20.1 pc and 116.4 pc respectively. Similarly, arrivals from Asia (other than South Asia) also recorded positive growth. Arrivals from Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand increased by 10.7 pc, 55.8 pc, 127.8 pc, 4.3 pc and 3.6 pc respectively. Arrivals from the Asian segment recorded a positive growth of 41.2 pc.

In the SAARC region, arrivals from Pakistan and Sri Lanka increased by 177.4 pc and 106.3 pc respectively.

Arrival from the European market registered a growth of 9.9 pc in the period. The month saw the incrment of arrivals from UK, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands by 4.3 pc, 6.6 pc, 5.8 pc, 2.3 pc and 13.6 pc respectively. However, arrivals from Switzerland, Spain, and Belgium declined by 3.1 pc, 9.5 pc, and 15.5 pc respectively.

Travel theme and great ideas!

Enjoy the great opportunity of a lifetime! These treks will reward you with marvelous Himalayan vistas, panaromic views of the most gigantic mountains from Kalapathar, with a beautiful sunrise, through Mt Everest. Take a gentle trek through the Dudhkoshi river valley following beautiful terraces and rhododendron forests. Enjoy the culture of the Sherpas, visit ancient monasteries and learn how Lamaistic Buddhism influences Sherpa

life. Stop at any of the numerous teahouses, sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang (millet beer), and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas.

Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags, prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trailside, singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler !

Entry fee to Swoyambhunath Stupa revised

The Federation of Swoyambhunath Stupa Management and Conservation has revised entry fee for foreign visitors to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
According to Tourist Guide Association of Nepal (TURGAN), foreign visitors will have to pay Rs 200 to enter the Swoyambhunath area as entry fee effective from November 16. Earlier, the fee was Rs 100 per person.
Swoyambhunath Stupa is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.

SOURCE: TAAN E-News.

Maniramdu Festival

Sherpas belong to the Nying-Mapa sect of Tibetan Buddhist which is self an outgrowth of the Manayana tradition Guru Rimpoche (Padma-Sambhawa an Indian yogi) is regarded as the founder of this old sect and spirtual leader.

Legendarily born of a lotus in the middle of a lake, it is to Guru Rimpoche that the Prayers and maniwall inscriptions are address as “”OM MANI PADME HUM”, Hail to the jewel of the lotus. Religious book recount that Guru Rimpoche was a powerful Magician and sorcerer.

Sherpas celebrate many ceremonies in the region, including marriage ceremonies, Funerals, manning of a child, driving out evilspirits, obtaining Sonam (Merit) and other offerings to be made in the name of the local gods. Mani-Rimdu Festival

Mani Rimdu, a very important festival to the Sherpas, falls on the full moon day of Tibetan ninenth month (October/November/December). The three day celebrations of Mani Rimdu follow the ten-day non-stop prayer sessions addressed to the parton deities - seeking ” blessing for the good of all mainkind”. The portagoniest of all is Guru Rimpoche, the founder of Vajrayan Buddism in Tibet. Masked Lamas of Khumbu region perform various religious rituals amidts dancing and singing.

The first celebration of Mani-Rimdu at Monastery of Tyangboche (Everest region) seems to have taken place some time in 1930. It originates from Rongbukh Monastery in Tibet Mani-Rimdu is a prayer ceremony where the Monks put on masks representing divine personages and perform ritual dances.The spectators of devotion come from many village to gain Sonam (merit) from the head Lama’s blessing and making corn and grain contributions to the Monk’s community. Mani-Rimdu normally takes place every year in the month of November (full moon, it can be changed depending upon Tibetan Calender) and at-least for three days.This period coincides with the cessation of work in the village at the end of harvesting. Mani-Rimdu is the only big social event that draws together large crowds from all villagers in the Khumbu region

Bandipur village

Bandipur, a picturesque hill top town is located almost halfway through the highway linking Kathmandu to Pokhara. A steady uphill drive from the highway town of Dumre takes you to this small and lazy Newari town, which once used to be the resting stop for the Newars trading in Tibet.

This town remains preserved ever since it was built and allows the tourists to enjoy its beautiful architecture and great Mountain View. Bandipur is known for its majestic view of the Himalayan ranges covering the entire Annapurna range including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang. The view starts from the snow capped mountains spreading to the great Marshyandi River valley below.

History

Newars, the native inhabitants of Kathmandu valley also known for their business acumen found Bandipur a good resting spot between the northern hills and southern hills of the country while they traded in and out of Tibet. In the early days, the town enjoyed the hustle and bustle of these affluent Newar traders. After the downfall of the Rana era and Prithvi Highway was built, the town sidestepped as a busy trading stop. Now, it is a quiet and lazy town for travelers seeking for a relaxing vista point.

Architecture

The town is built in a blend of neo-classical and Newari architecture. Built in the 19^th century, the town’s art is influenced by neo-classical style brought in by the Ranas from Europe and Newari architecture. The buildings are spacious with big windows and beautiful woodwork.

Climate

Bandipur is a place for all seasons. Wintertime starts from November to February and goes as far low as zero centigrade. Winters are cold in the morning and evening, with sun shining all day. August to October and March & April are the autumn and spring respectively. There are moderate and perfect weather times. The summer is hot but dry and monsoon is not as harsh on the hills as the valleys and lowlands.

Community

Bandipur town/bazaar is predominantly a Newari town. Before the Newars established this place, Magars are the inhabitants of the region. The surrounding hills have Magar and Gurung settlements. These are ethnic people from the hills known for their strength and bravery in fighting.

Sightseeing areas

Ramkot: Ramkot is a Magar village which is about 2 hours of pleasant walk from Bandipur through the edges of the hills past forest and trails overlooking valleys and hills. The village has mud houses most of them round in structure which is traditional of the area and the ethnic group. Untouched, the walk and village allows travelers to explore the country side of Nepal.

Siddha Cave: Discovered in 1987, Siddha Cave is said to be the larges cave in the country and also in the South Asian Continent. Almost an hour and a half walk down hill through the forests from the Bandipur town will take you to the cave. Once equipped with lights and a stick, it is quite an adventure to explore this huge cave.

Activities

One Night

Day 1: Depart from Kathmandu and arrive in Bandipur for lunch. Rest of the day to explore the town and nearby temples. Overnight at Gaunghar, an old building of the town renovate into a hotel.

Day 2: Enjoy the relaxing town or take a short hour walk to nearby village. Depart to the next destination.

Two nights

Day 1: Depart from Kathmandu and arrive in Bandipur for lunch. Rest of the day to explore the town and nearby temples. Overnight at Gaunghar, an old building of the town renovate into a hotel.

Day 2: Day hike to Ramkot with picnic lunch. Overnight at Gaunghar.

Day 3: Depart for the next destination

Three nights

Day 1: Depart from Kathmandu and arrive in Bandipur for lunch. Rest of the day to explore the town and nearby temples. Overnight at Gaunghar, an old building of the town renovate into a hotel.

Day 2: Day hike to Ramkot with picnic lunch. Overnight at Gaunghar

Day 3: Half day hike to Siddha Cave. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Gaunghar.

Day 4: Depart for the next destination.

FOR MORE INFORMATION contact at:

HIMALAYAN DREAMS- Unleash your spirit!

Post Box 25551 Kathmandu, Nepal.
Ph +977-1-4442812/4428746/4362706 /
Email: info@himalayandreamz.com
www.himalayandreamz.com

Everest sherpa trails

Panaromic view of most gigantic mountains from Kalapathar with beautiful sunrise through Mt Everest. The treks will reward the trekker with marvellous Himalayan vistas. Gentle trek through the Dudhkoshi river valley following beautiful terraces and rhorondrodon forests.

Although this is a short trek, by Nepal standards, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the culture of the Sherpas, visit ancient monasteries and learn how Lamaistic Buddhism influences Sherpa life. Stop at any of the numerous teahouses sip a glass of sweetened tea or Chang (millet beer) and get a taste of hospitality unique to the Sherpas.

Beautiful, multi-hued prayer flags prayer wheels and intricately carved Mani stones line every hilltop, rock wall and trailside singing prayers to the gods with every breeze and every passing traveler.

more details

Bhaktapur by night

HNS -2009-11-03 9:10 PM
KATHMANDU: Live performances of customs and cultures under the full moon, bright stars and shimmering oil lamps made the passers-by almost lose their way. They seemed to be totally captivated by the fascinating hidden charms of the nightlife at Bhaktapur.

The 9th Bhaktapur Night held on November 2 at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in fact provided a perfect time and place to get acquainted with the actual nightlife of Bhaktapur to those who are unfamiliar with it.
Students from different local schools performed traditional dances. One of them was Ghintang Kisi Dance, which is a stick dance and the students gave an attractive performance. In Dhimey dance, the performers danced to the beat of traditional drums wearing the traditional Newari attire. Jyapu-Jyaapuni dance, Astamatrika dance and Bhairav dance were some of the other dances performed during the event.
The Saki manaa Punhi Festival of Newars, a festival celebrated on full moon, was also being observed on the same evening. While the performances were being held at the Durbar Square, one could see local people making shapes of chariots and major temples of Bhaktapur out of wheat, maize, roti, and other different kinds of grains.
The event has been organised by Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee (BTDC) on the occasion of Saki manaa Punhi Festival for the last eight years with a motive to promote night tourism of Bhaktapur.

more >>
Published on THT- 4th Nov,

Best New Trips: Hiking Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail

BY http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com
As the sun warmed the valley, the memory of a subzero night faded. The golden barley mounds around us mimicked the forms of two peaks in the distance—snowy, arrowhead-shaped giants jutting literally miles into a deep-blue sky. I pictured a blindfolded person being flown around the world and deposited in this hidden valley. When the mask was removed, he would almost certainly guess where he was, for there was only one place on Earth this could be: the Himalaya. The world’s greatest mountain range. Nepal, where the modern adventure travel industry was born, and where its focus has newly returned.

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[published in NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM] sited on 29th oct, 2009

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