Responsible Travel

A traveler must understand that the destination we travel to must benefit from our visit. Responsible travel doesn’t mean conciliation on the fun part of your trip or the superiority of your accommodation. What we must consider is if we can directly benefit the communities we visit and make this possible by sustainable tourism, ecology protection and projects (social). “Responsible travel” means assessing our impact on the environment and local cultures and economies - and acting to make that impact as positive as possible. This is therefore important to preserve cultural heritages that all travelers see and enjoy. It is a small way of giving back to the world from which we take such pleasure. Respecting the environment, local traditions and helping local economy are what every traveler must think of. Give below if the list of what you can do to be more responsible while traveling.

1. Collection Boxes: You can donate your left over currencies

2. Respect the Environment: Don’t litter around and use biodegradable soaps while camping

3. Respect local culture: Be respectful to even those cultures that you find strange

4. Begging: Please resist the pleadings of beggars. Don’t encourage begging.

5. Conserve: Save water, electricity. Turn off the AC when you don’t need it.

Remember that Travelers are the best ambassadors of peace and tolerance. Respect this privilege.

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

Sikkim’s Gangtok: The Place where great journeys begin

There are places, without question, where you should be - even if it’s a great distance away. Because it is apparent that in situations where “you have to take a break”, there’s no substitute for your direct, personal attention. What other destination could you possibly look up in your travel journal when you have Sikkim, inviting you to indulge in the most beautiful imaginings of days worth being called a vacation.

An independent kingdom until 1975, unknown to the world has now opened up in all its capacity to share the natural grandeur and pleasure of this astonishing land. Fascinating culture, beautiful hills, stunning countryside, meandering rivers, majestic mountains, good food, enchanting lakes and hospitality unmatched in it equivalence, is what Sikkim has to offer to its visitors.

Sikkim is bounded by Bhutan to its east, Nepal to its West and China to its north. The southern boundary is shared with the state of West Bengal. The topography of Sikkim is such that the entire state is covered with beautiful hills and mountains. Not just a tourism destination, it is also a paradise for naturalist and environmentalists owing to its wealth of flora and fauna. There have been many expeditions related to zoological and botanical research leading to the discovery of a number of plants and animals. It is also the spiritual center for Buddhists all over the world and has around 250 monasteries, each having its own peculiar history and traditions.

Gangtok is the heart of all activities and is the capital of Sikkim. You will have to reach Gangtok, for unless you get here, you will have much difficulty reaching other parts of the state. Standing at an elevation of 5,480 feet, overlooked by the majestic Mount Khangchendzonga, Gangtok is perched on a hilltop, stretching wide as if covering the whole mount and making it glow at nighttime like a reaction of some scientific experiment. When you are here, security is the last thing that you’ll have in mind because there is no trouble at all. You can walk in the streets at midnight and you are still safe. There are many hotels, guesthouses and resorts to house the ever growing number of visitors. A number of fine traditional and multi cuisine restaurants, Discotheques and lounges are all in the vicinity of the town. Taxi service is readily available so mobility is not a problem either. After all Gangtok is not just another dead town, it is a vivacious place to spend your vacation.

The adjoining areas around Gangtok are of historical and religious significance and visiting these places will give you an insight into its history, culture and beauty. It is a point where visitors make way to their further destination for tours and treks however when you are here you should go sightsee and make the most of this amazing place.

Tashi view point which is a 20 minutes drive from the town was built by the late Chogyal (King) of Sikkim; the point commands a panoramic view of the Khangchendzonga Range and the hills of north Sikkim. You should be here early in the morning to witness the sunrise. The early sunrays hit the mountain range and light up the peaks one after another with respect to their altitude. The experience is overwhelming when you see the mountains glow amber taking you to a higher level of spirituality and contentment. Though you would want to stay here forever, there are many places that you can visit while you are in this part of Gangtok.

Ganesh Tok is just about ten minutes drive from Tashi View point. It is a small shrine located on a ride which overlooks Gangtok town. From here you can get a bird’s eye view of the town and myriad hills on the horizon. This small Ganesh temple is popular among the locals and is frequently visited in the morning hours by devotees.
Opposite to Ganesh Tok is the Himalayan Zoological Park covering an area of 205 hectares which is locally known as Bulbuley. Though a road is built and can take you through the park, vehicles are strictly prohibited inside the park. While inside the park you might catch a glimpse of the adorable Red Panda which is the state animal and is also listed under the endangered species list. In a semi natural habitat the animals here roam about freely without any fear of poachers. There is plenty of food and protection; however you are not guaranteed to see the animals because they normally shy away from humans.

Enchey Monastery is located on a hilltop and is quite close to Ganesh Tok. Enchey monastery means ‘solitary temple’ and true to its name the monastery is rather secluded by the greenery of its compound. This monastery was built around 200 years was blessed by Lama Druptob Karpo, who was a great tantrik known for his flying prowess. Legend has it that the great Lama is believed to have flown from Maenam hill which is a hill in south Sikkim to the very spot where the monastery stands now. This monastery is also famous for its Chaam dance (mask) which is organized once every year in the month of January.

You cannot miss the flower show which is on for the entire year. The show is held below the Palace Ridge Park which is about 5 minutes drive from the town. The show has now become an important platform to showcase the floral treasures of the Sikkim. A special competition is organized annually during the springtime where flowers from different parts of the state and the adjoining areas are displayed. This event is truly a bonanza for flower enthusiasts.
Rumtek Dharma Chakra Center also locally known as Rumtek Gompa (monastery) is situated in the hill adjacent to Gangtok. It is about an hours drive through the beautiful countryside. The Gompa was built by His Holiness the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa in 1960 and is an important pilgrimage site for the Kargyudpa sect of Tibetan Buddhist all over the world. It is believed that the monastery has a huge collection of some of the most unique manuscripts and scriptures. It also has the rarest of religious art objects. Very close to the present monastery there is another monastery which is called the Old Rumtek Monastery built by the 9th Karmapa in 1730 and was destroyed in fire which was later rebuilt to its present state.

Rumtek monastery organizes the Mahakala Chaam (spiritual mask dance) once a year in the month of February. This is an extravaganza of enigmatic music, graceful moves, color and intricately painted masks. This event is witnessed by a huge congregation of Buddhist of the Kagyurpa sect and tourists, especially foreigners who gather once a year just for this extraordinary dance.
You should also visit the Directorate of Handicraft if you want to see the age old tradition of craft and weaving. The traditional weaving, painting and carvings are taught by masters to younger generation of craftsmen keeping alive skills passed on through centuries. Here you can actually see how traditional carpets are weaved and masks carved. You may even want to pick some for your friends and family back home.
If you are in Sikkim and you haven’t visited Tsomgo/Changu Lake, you haven’t seen it all. This lake is situated high up in the mountain, 40 kilometers from Gangtok. The lake remains frozen during the winter season. Changu Lake is revered as the holiest lake in Sikkim. The lake is about a kilometer long and somewhat oval in shape. It serves as a stoppage point for the various migatory birds and ducks and more importantly it is home to the Brahmini ducks. It’s an amazing place with breathtaking views around almost everywhere. There are a number of stalls run by the local people where you can refresh yourself with a hot cup of tea, a much needed beverage in the cold up here. There are yak in the lakeside and you can enjoy a yak ride high up in an altitude of 12,210 feet. A picture with the amiable beast will be your souvenir from this trip.
And if you have never seen China and its red army, this is you opportunity to see the communist china and its army. The Indo-China border Nathula is just 14 kilometers from Changu Lake. The road to Changu Lake and Nathula is rather scary as you cut through the high hills but the scene enroute is simply incredible with the mountains so close, clad with snow and clouds just above you, the word is just ‘awesome’. Though the road seems scary at times when you see the river down below and it looks like a thread, be assured the drivers here are very skilled and will make you feel comfortable as if you are driving on a 6 lane highway.
In the evenings the market place widens as vehicles are not allowed entry after 5 pm. The market becomes abuzz with tourist and local people making it a fun place to hang around. The market stretch is the only “litter and spit free zone” in India, You are cautioned, if you are caught spitting and littering here, you will be fined. You can visit the local curio and traditional stores pick souvenirs of your trip and if that’s not enough there are good pubs, lounge bars and discotheques for party goers around the town and excellent restaurants if you just want to spend a peaceful evening with your family.

Best time to visit:
April — mid July; September — November

——————
By: Ashish Pradhan.

Meeting the God Regularly

Meeting the God Regularly
By Ashesh Maharjan- www.ecs.com.np

It is not quite possible to avoid visiting temples often when you live in a city like Kathmandu, well known as the ‘City of Temples’. It is said that at one point in history temples outnumbered houses in this place. Though we no more have the luxury of this claim, the density of the temples still awes tourists and natives alike. There are votive shrines scattered throughout in the city. We can find one within a stone’s throw in every direction. What is even more amazing is that these temples are never unattended, they always have at least have a few if not many visitors throughout the day.

People in Kathmandu, whether they know or admit it or not, are religious (or some say superstitious). They thank god for a meritorious day, and regret the sight of an empty gagri (a narrow-necked water vessel) that morning for an unfortunate day. And feelings like these drive most of the people regularly to the temples, at least once a week or, at most, several times a day. They don’t even realize how religious they are because that’s what they have been taught since childhood; it’s their way of life.

Some temples are visited frequently and some are not. Banglamukhi Mandir is one of the temples which is almost always has many devotees; but on Thursdays, the place is teeming with people. Thursdays, for many residents, has become synonymous with Banglamukhi. They believe that worshiping and offering burning incense, flowers and fruits to Banglamukhi Mai every week will make their wishes come true. A local woman of Patan in her weekly darshan (to pay respect) to Banglamukhi temple says “Banglamukhi Mai really made my wishes come true, my son now holds a US visa and all the credit goes to Banglamukhi Mai and Manakamana Mai. I’m sure going to offer something big to Manakamana Mai this year.” God really made her happy. Manakamana is another major Nepalese Hindu temple of wishes.

“I used to go to the temples just for the sake of going, a year or so ago,” says Prabin Sijhapati, a local of Bhaisipati, “but since my mother got sick and lost one of her kidneys, I’ve started to visit temples with a deep sense of faith and hope that god will look upon her.” Prabin is a very playful and amusing person and a converstionist, so nobody, including his best friend, would guess the anxiety he is facing. But when he enters the premises of a temple, he is a different person, very grave and filled with hopes. “I no more go to temples with an intention of flirting with girls,” he says, ending the conversation on a humorous note.
Some less religious people, or those who claim themselves to be less religious, visit temples as well. But they have different reasons (or excuses) to go each morning. A young local Newar of Patan says: “I don’t really believe in miracles, but I do visit temples every now and then when I walk past one, and I do have faith.” For almost all, temple-going is a way of life. Some pay their respects to god by visiting temples during morning walks or on the way to or back from work or school.

As people here get old, they lean towards god even more and take on religious quests. They believe that this leads them to salvation. Some religious sites are as popular among youngsters as they are with the old folks. One of them is Krishna Mandir. Though this temple is mostly visited once a year during Krishnastami, the temple complex is always full of youngsters evenings and often until late at night. It’s their hang out. “After a day of college and work I come here with my friends to feel loosened,” one said. “And to have tea, chat with friend and just watch people passing by,” his friend interjected. The large number of white plastic tea cups scattered all around the place suggests the great popularity of the local tea shop. Basantapur is another similar place often crowded with people each evening; but by removing the itinerant street-vendors lately, it has become a bit less crowded.

The worship of one’s kul deuta (ancestral god) is considered important in Nepalese culture. This practice dates back to the Kirat Period (from about 900 .C to 300 AD). Kirat religion, based on fact, love, respect, appreciation and harmony, realized that all of these five principles of life were taught to them by their ancestors. This led them to start worshiping their ancestors, who for them were the greatest of gods. Each family in Kathmandu has their own ancestral god. They visit the temple of their kul deuta every year to pay respect to their patrilineal forebears. The day long ritual, called dewali, is like a family gathering and a picnic at the same time. “All the prosperity, status, fortune, health and all the good things that can happen to a family are believed to be the asirvad (blessings) of our kul deuta,” said an elderly local of Patan when asked about this ritual.

Pashupatinath, the most famous and most holy Hindu temple of all, is visited by people on religious pilgrimage from all over the Indian sub-continent. This holy place, an abode for long-haired sadhus and agile monkeys, is most visited during Maha Shivaratri in February. Swayambhunath, the biggest of all Buddhist shrines on top of a hill west of Kathmandu city, is also most visited once a year during Buddha Purnima in May/June. Another popular temple is Lord Ganesha in Chovar, where every year during a month long mela (festival) in November, thousands of devotees climb all the way up the hill of Chovar to worship Lord Ganesha. Temples like Suryavinayak, Karyavinayak and Dakchinkali are also visited at least once a year by the inhabitants of the valley, but they don’t have a fixed date on which they are worshiped.

Meeting god regularly is the way of life of the Nepalese in Kathmandu. They have reasons to visit temples every now and then all round a year. It gas shaped the history and culture and, not least, the daily lives of the people in this holy valley.

Visions n’ Vistas.

Welcome to the magnificent vistas, the wondrous pulse of ancient religious, and the over powering magic that fills the crystalline air!

Nepal is a land of rich bio and cultural diversities. Its exquisite beauty has lur ed citizens from all over the world to share her natural and cultural treasures. Nestled strategically between Tibet and India, it is presently a dynamic living classroom for sustainable development, ecological restoration and cultural preservation. Presently, micro-financing projects supporting the women are setting an example worldwide for positive development.

Upper Dolpo – A forbidden kingdom Valley.

The Himalayas, roof top of the world, is a magical place where the magnificence of the world’s highest mountains is mirrored in the rugged beauty and unique Bhatia culture of the people who live in their shadow.

Upper Mustang – a land of ancient civilizations

On the border of Tibet, this region is only recently opened to outsiders and is home to ancient tribes and contains remote Buddhist and Bon monasteries. Recent explorations have discovered century’s old Buddhist caves with paintings untouched since the 13th century.

Tibet …. a Himalayan Shangri-La.

Join us in our pilgrimage to Tibet on the ancient caravan route between Kathmandu and Lhasa through hidden valleys, ancient villages and centuries old monasteries. The Buddhist culture permeates every rock in the landscape.

Besides Lhasa, with its world famous Potala Palace and major Buddhist monasteries, we also offer group pilgrimages to Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar Lake where it is said that heaven abides on earth. The four great rivers of Asia, the Indus, Pramaputra, Ganges and Sutlej flow through this region.

A Taste of real Nepal- a cultural immersion-11 Days

This trip offers an experience of the real Nepal. After visiting seven culture world heritage sites, you will experience the reality of life in Pashupati Temple. A highlight of your experience will be riding on an elephant!

Your trip takes you to a wonderful banana palmed valley where the tropical climate ensures your pleasure. Scan the horizon and the 140 kms of majestic Himalayas staggers your imagination.

Holiday of a lifetime in the Himalayas

Anapurna Classic Treks.

Everest Base Camp treks.

Journey to Kanchanjunga.

Chitwan Jungle Safari.

Ghorepani Treks.

Royal Treks.

Jomsom Treks.

Langtang Gosaikunda Treks.

Ancient Heritage tour.

Magic of Himalaya.

Himalayan Holidays.

Himalayan Luxury holidays.

Discover ancient trail.

Discover Bhutan - the last Shangri-La

Travel with us and discover the last SHANGRI-LA, the buddhist faith and the culture where Guru Rimpoche or another Shabdrung may have stopped to meditate. The place where prayers flags are even more common, fluttering on longs poles, they maintain constant communication with the heavens. Read more

Festivals & Events

Festivals and Celebration.

The legend states dances in the Indian subcontinent originated in the abode of Lord Shiva - the Himalayas, and the Himalayan Kingdome of Nepal - where he performed the tandava dance, and this indicates that dance traditions of Nepal are of very ancient origin. With altitudes and the ethnicity, dances of Nepal slightly change, in style as well as in the costume. Accompanying music and musical instruments also change in tune with the themes, which revolve round topics like crop harvestings, marriage rites, war stories, a lonely girl’s yearning for her love, and several other themes and stories from everyday life in the villages.

April-May :

Nawabarsa and Bisket - Nepali New Year and the festival of the God Bhairab in Bhaktapur. Four days of colorful parades and processions

Aama ko Mukh Herne Din - Mother’s Day (literally Mother’s Face Looking Day)

Rato Machhendranath - the festival of Lokeswar, one of the patron Gods of Kathmandu. A 40-foot tall chariot with the God’s image installed is pushed and pulled through the streets by hundreds of worshippers.

Buddha Jyanti - Celebrating the birth of the Buddha .

May - June:

Kumar Sasthi - A celebration of the birth of the Hindu warrior God Kumar marks the beginning of the rice planting season. It’s also celebrated by groups of boys who indulge in stone throwing fights.

June-July.

No major festivals in the wettest part of the monsoon season.

July-August

Gunla - A Buddhist Lent or Ramadan-like holy month of penance and pilgrimage, climaxing in a rollicking celebration.

Naga Panchami –

A festival devoted to the snake gods, who most Nepalis believe ruled the Valley before the coming of people.

Janai Purna –

the festival of changing of the sacred thread which every Brahmin caste Hindu male wears around his torso.

August-September

Gai Jatra - A festival to the sacred cow. Among other symbolisms of the cow, cows are believed to lead the souls of the dead to the underworld; and on Gai Jatra Newar households process around an ancient path believed to mark the city walls of times past, in honor of recently deceased members of their families. It’s also a carnival celebration with practical jokes - something like Mardi Gras combined with April Fool’s day.

Krishna Jayanti –

Celebrating the birth of the Hindu God Krishna.

Gokarna Aunsi Nepali Father’s Day

Tij Brata

A womans’ festval . Worshippers undergo fasting and penance and seek good fortune and long life, and a ritual purification of self. The three (or four) day celebration ends with a great feast.

September-October

Indra Jatra - A Kathmandu festival celebrating the legendary capture of the King of Gods, Indra, in the Kathmandu Valley. This week-long festival is marked with many processions, street dancers, and the annual blessing of the King by the Living Goddess of Kathmandu.

Dasain –

Two weeks of happy celebration and gift-giving, interwoven with bloody animal sacrifice to appease the mother goddess Durga.

October-November

Diwali - A festival of lights, when homes and offices are strung with colored lights and illuminated by candles. This is also the festival of the Goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth, and is celebrated by much good-natured gambling.

November-December

Indriani Puja - Festival of the Goddess Indriani and of the various mother goddesses which protect each village in Nepal.

Sita Bibaha Panchami - Celebrating the wedding of the Goddess Sita and the God Ram with mock wedding processions

Dhanya Purnima - A full moon festival celebrating the end of the rice harvest.

December-January

Seto Machhendranath - A cleansing ritual for the White (seto) Machhendranath, a counterpart god to the Red (rato) Machhendranath who’s chariot procession is in April-May.

January-February

Lhosar - the Tibetan and Sherpa New Year, celebrated by thousands at Bodhnath Stupa and monasteries throughout the country.

February-March

Shiva Ratri - The all day and all night festival of the great God Shiva.

Holi - a rowdy festival of “colors”, in which participants douse themselves (and sometimes unwary onlookers) with colored powder and liquid, and generally have a great time.

March-April

Ghora Jatra - a horse festival, celebrated with coach processions and races and displays on the main parade ground in Kathmandu.

Trekking to Annapurna