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 the glittering badge of adventure destination and the adage “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guests are Gods) that reflects "Atithi Satkar, Nepaliko Sanskar" (Hospitality is Nepalese culture) deeply rooted in our culture, the tourism products of Nepal never cease to mesmerize the visitors. 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. Active involvement of the major political parties, members of the Constitution Assembly and Right groups is always taken into consideration in order to make the campaign inclusive and participatory in modus operandi and effective in result. The campaign will also focus on mobilizing the networks of the Non-Resident Nepalis (NRN) communities, Nepalese diplomatic missions abroad, I/NGOs, airlines, and national and international media. Similarly, friends and well-wishers of Nepal, tourism academicians and celebrities will also be approached in order to highlight the campaign internally as well as internationally.

Content source:.nepaltourismyear2011.com/

Going Trekking?

"How hard can walking alone a trail with a pack strapped to your back be? Most first time trekkers start out with the notion that they are in good health and something as simple shouldn't require exceptional skill or conditioning. The truth is carrying that backpack and walking up a hill or down it does require some amount of planning, the right equipment and pain old common sense. There are no strenuous physical and mental exercises that you need to undergo to get ready for that trek. There are however, a few simple things you should know before you head out towards the hills."

Can you handle it?

if you can walk, you can hike, but start with beginner-rated trails of a few kilometer or less and then work your way up to longer, more difficult hikes. In Nepal, there aren't really signs at the trailhead, or even a marked trailhead for that matter so make sure you start out on trails that you have definite information such as the length of the route about. Once you know the length of the trail, work it out in your mind in terms of a familiar distance. for example, how much longer or short is the trail than the distance from your home to your workplace? Once you have a good idea, gauge your time and effort accordingly.

The difficulty of any trek or walk depends on daily mileage (How much you can or want to walk every day), hilliness of the terrain, and altitude. Must walking trips, tailored for moderately active people, cover gentle terrain at low altitudes, and many have optional shorter routes. If you need a break, you can always skip a day and lounge around at the hotel or lodge talking to the locals and engaging perhaps in some photography. but on a serious trek, you seldom have a choice other than  to make it to the day's destination. Altitudes about 14,000 feet or vertical gains of more than 2,000 feet per day demand excellent physical fitness. The good news is that you can have your fitness level assessed. If in doubt, be conservative, specially when it comes to the dizziness and shortness of breath associated with high altitudes.

Essential Skills

Skills needed for hiking apply to any outdoor sport. A course in basic first aid wouldn’t hurt, but at least know how to bandage a wound and to detect the signs of dehydration, heatstroke, and hypothermia. Learn how to read clouds; knowing a nimbus from a cumulus can be the different between a waterlogged hike and a merely cloudy one. Simple knowledge of such things can be crucial.

Gear UP!

Everyone needs a day pack; choose one with multiple pockets, padded shoulders straps, and large zipper closure. And make sure it's the right size: When properly adjusted, the base should sit on your hips and the top should be at least one hand-width below the base of your neck. The wrong size pack can give you a backache and even cause long term problems so give this special attention. Footwear designed specifically for hiking offers better support and traction. Choose a pair that's a half-size larger than your street shoes to allow for some swelling as you walk and to accommodate heavier hiking socks. Wear thick wool or synthetic blend socks designed to wick moisture away from the feet, as wet feet is the primary cause of blisters. Some things to keep in your day pack are: a first-aid kit, water bottle, Swiss Army knife, topographic map, compass, light blanket, and sweater.

Trek Talk

Hot Spot: That little tingle of friction you feel on your foot before you get a blister. Don’t ignore the feelings: Take off your boot and wrap your foot with protective medical tape before that tingling evolves into a full-fledged blister.

Loop Trail: A trail that starts at point A and circles back to the same point without repeating any section of the trail.

Scree Slope:  A challenging slope of loose rock and shale or a rock that is formed from layers of clay.

Saddle: A trail stretched over the lowest point between two peaks, resembling a saddle.

Aiming off: Intentionally erring about 5 degree off-courses when using a compass bearing and heading toward your target destination. The benefit of aiming off is your will know exactly which way to turn to get to your destination when you reach the baseline.

"If you keep this information with you, you should be alright on your trip. But most importantly, head out with a serious intention to have fun and learn from the trip. Everything else should follow."

Happy Trekking!

Few people trek around the Kathmandu valley.  Yet it offers a rich insight into the lives, history, culture and religion, together with the daily toil in the fields of its inhabitants.  The valley rim lies around 1000/2800 m and in the  spring offers early flowering rhododendrons and through the autumn and winter, wonderful mountain vistas which can, from certain view-points, stretch from Everest in the east to Annapurna in the west.

Few people trek around the Kathmandu valley.  Yet it offers a rich insight into the lives, history, culture and religion, together with the daily toil in the fields of its inhabitants.  The valley rim lies around 1000/2800 m and in the  spring offers early flowering rhododendrons and through the autumn and winter, wonderful mountain vistas which can, from certain view-points, stretch from Everest in the east to Annapurna in the west.

 

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu, check in hotel. We provide you airport pick up service from Kathmandu airport to hotel. (A)

Day 02: Today, you have Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. We provide you sightseeing service in Kathmandu and Patan. We inform you the destinations you are visiting today before starting the trip by car. (A, B)

Day 03: Kathmandu-Shivapuri - 7hrs: (A, B, L, D)

Drive to Budha Nilakantha, the starting point of this trekking, is a less crowded and more pristine destination which provides excellent mountains view of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Annapurna. The offerings of nature provide the impetus to visit Shivapuri National Park and nature lovers will hail the close-up view of mountain. For anyone wishing to truly get away from the distractions of urban life, it is a perfect retreat.  Lunch will be served at at the ground of Monastery just above trekking start point from where nice Kathmandu Valley View can be seen in a clear day. After lunch, you will further trek up to the top of Shivapuri Hill. 

Day 04: Shivapuri- Chisapani (2050m) - 7 to 8hrs: (A, B, L, D)

Today you will have to prepare early morning because today trail is little long around 7/8 hours. Start your trek on plain trail about 1 hour, the mountains greetings from you northern side (left side) you and hike slowly to gain the height. On the top of hill the fascinating sight welcome and you will have your lunch here. From here the forest and 3 hours flat trail lead to you Chisapani trek. 

Day 05: Chisapani - Nagarkot (2175m) – 8 hrs: (A, B, L, D)

Morning the northern mountain views attract you. You trek start to Chauki Bhanjag, which takes about 2 and half hours, you will stop here for an hour for your lunch. You continue the charming trails lead 3 hours toward Nagarkot. (Walking 5/6 hrs) Nagarkot, (2175m) is by far the most popular. In the clear weather the Himalaya range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty. 

Day 06: Nagarkot – Kathmandu – 2hrs:  (A, B, L)

You will have sun rise view early in the morning. Nagarkot lies top of the hill. This is also a good place to see Himalayan panorama through a Himalayan river valley. After breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu. You will rest in hotel or you will further have souvenir shopping program in Kathmandu.

Day 07: Departure from Nepal (B)

Today, we provide you transportation service from your hotel to Kathmandu International Airport with our representative to drop you at airport.

(Abbreviation: A - Accommodation, B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner)

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Treksguide offers you the opportunity to experience adventure, exotic cultures and unconventionality in the most mesmerizing and historic places on earth. Our treks, tours, expeditions and educational journeys through the Himalayas and greater Nepal — Mt. Everest, Mt. Kailash, Tibet, Mt.Annapurna, Kathmandu, Bhutan, to name a few — are carefully organized and bypass the 'tourist jams' in these areas.

We have an interesting selection of itineraries to choose from, or offer you the opportunity to work with us to create an itinerary that suits your specific needs and desires. We tread lightly in many sensitive areas, always helping to preserve and protect the environment. Our treks and tours are affordable and accommodating, bound to ensure the 'Journey of a Lifetime memory'.

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