Jomsom Is A Beautiful Place

Jomsom is a naturally beautiful place in Nepal.It  is a small town in the upper Kali Gandaki valley in Nepal, at an altitude of 2770 m. Jomsom is the principal place of the Mustang district and lies on the Annapurna Circuit. The place possesses an airfield, which is approached from Pokhara and therefore Jomsom is often used as the start or completion of a trekking holiday. A training unit of Alpine troops of the royal Nepalese army is likewise stationed there. Nearby is the famous pilgrimage site Muktinath. A few kilometers south lie the most well-known area of cultivation of apples and of apricots in Nepal (Marpha, Tukuche).

Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as Thakalis. A training unit of Alpine troops of the Nepalese army is likewise stationed there.

Life here in Jomsom is a balance of hard work, and ancient culture. Many visitors find their most lasting impression of Nepal comes not from the ancient temples in the urban valleys but from visits to places like Jomsom and its exhilarating spiritual environment. Jomsom area is not only the most popular trekking destination in Nepal but also the gateway to Upper Mustang - "Kingdom" within the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. Jomsom is also the gateway to The Muktinath shrine that holds great religious significance to both Buddhists and Hindus. Muktinath is the most popular site in Jomsom. Visiting this sacred site, one will able to grasp a complete picture of Buddhist and Hindu religious, culture, tradition and custom of local people.

 

Rara Lake is The Biggest Lake of Nepal

This trek through the remote wilderness of western Nepal offers a superb experience of nature and a visit to Rara Lake, Nepal's Largest Lake at 3062 meters. Beginning the trek from the mountain airstrip of Jumla after flying from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, the trail passes through green countryside which provides unusual glimpses of a culture and scenery quite different from that found elsewhere in Nepal and which eventually culminates to the Rara Lake National Park. This beautiful high altitude lake is surrounded by alpine meadows and forests of pine, juniper and spruce, whilst in the background you can view the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. 

Sunrise at Rara Lake

The entire route is 'off the beaten track' which involves the crossing of Ghurchi Lagna pass at 3450m on the way to Rara Lake and a few ridges at around 3000 meters when hiking on the way back.
Any physically fit person can do this moderate trek anytime in March to May and October to early December.The picture shows in left side is the views of lake in sunrise condition.Actually this picture increase the beauty of lake.

Humla and Jumla District is a beautifull place

Humla is a very remote district of Mid-West Nepal in the north-west corner of the country bordering Tibet. It is the country’s second largest district and ranges in altitude from 1,500-7,300 meters. The district centre is Simikot (2,950m), 10 days walk from the nearest motor road in Nepal and 6-7 days walk from the road head over the Tibetan border at Sera (near Hilsa). In a composite index of development, Humla district ranked 4th from worst off.1 In recent years the area has suffered from severe food deficits and occasionally disease epidemics. Gender issues are a major

concern - in a ranking of the 75 districts of Nepal, Humla scores lowest in terms of women’s

empowerment.

Jumla district a part of Karnali zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal. The district, with Jumla as its district headquarters, covers an area of 2,531 km² and has a population (2001) of 89,427.

The origin of Nepali language is Sinja of Jumla. Therefore, the Nepali dialect "Khas Bhasa" is still spoken among the people in this region.

Ilam Is Famous District For Tea

Ilam is famous for tea product.It is also improve the natural beauty of Nepal.The picture shows the field of tea. Ilam Tea Garden Trek Situated between the alleviation ranging from 140m to 3,636m above the sea level, Illam is one of the untouched destinations for tourists. Famous for tea production, Illam is a small hill town with pristine landscapes of sloped tea gardens, mountain streams, dense natural forests, holy sites and a unique culture. It offers a brisk walk in the tea garden, tranquil picnic and sightseeing stops, short treks along gentle slops, or a trudge into the nearby woods. The best time to visit time Illam is between October - December or from April - February. However, the subtropical climate of Illam ensures good weather throughout the year. Illam district is bordered by Jhapa in the south, West Bengal of Indial in the east, Panchthar in the north and Morang and Dhankutta districts in the west. The district lies to the south of Mahabharat range and west of the Shangrila range. The district is ragarded as one of the richest districts in Nepal in terms of its cultural diversity, natural landscape, and flourishing cash crops sector. Besides, it is also popularly known as the place of botanical and anthropological research. Brahmins and Chhetris are the dominant ethnic groups living in the area. One can find a Lepcha museum at Antu. No doubt, Illam reflects rich cultural and social heritages of people living in harmony.

Shree Antu (2,328m) offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset over the estern himalayas. Situated at a distance of 3 hr. drive from Illam Bazaar, Shree Antu aslo offers home-stay facilities. Similarly, Maipokhari is another attraction of this trek. Popularly recognized as a religious and historical spot, Maipokhari (2,121m), a pristine lake surrounded by dense forest of fir, juniper, birch, pine and a variety of flora and fauna is considered as the sacred abode of Goddess Bhagawati.In the same way, Kanyam and Fikkal hold good recognision for making Illam famous for tea production across the country. Likewise, Siddhi Thumka (1,800m) has also gained its fame for offering excellent views of sunrise and sunset from its height. It is about 3 hrs. trek from Illam Bazaar. Chhintapu (3,353m) is another attraction of Illam.

The right side picture shows the peak place of this district. It is the second highest peak in Illam district. It is also rich in terms of floral and faunal diversity. It is the home of 11 varieties of rhododendron, rare berbs, endangered species of animals like the musk deer and red panda. Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world can also be clearly viewed from Chhintapu. The temples and pilgrimage sites such as Gajur Mukhi, Sanu Pathibhara and Mai beni have also added additional decoration to Illam. Similarly, Mangmaling and Sandakpur are also the names to be pronounced when we talk of Illam tourism.This small but beautiful destination can be reached directly from Kathmandu by bus. We can also use aeroplane up to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu and take bus or car from there. Besides, Illam can also be reached via. Pashupatinagar, the Nepal- India boarder of Illam district.

Jankpurdham is a historical place

Janki Temple

Janakpur,also known as Janakpurdham, is one of the historical and religious city of Nepal. Janakpur is the administrative headquarters of Dhanusa district of the Jankpur Zone and has a population of approximately 80,000. The city is located about 123 km south-east of Kathmandu, 20 km from the Indian border at 26° 42' 44" N, 085° 55' 18" E  Janakpur has a substantial tourism industry due to its significance in the Hindu  religion and is home to the only operational railway in Nepal, the Jankpur railway..

Historically it is called Mithilanchal, is the centre of the ancient Mathili culture, which has its own language and script.

The most important historical reference to Mithila/Janakpur is in the Hindu epic Ramayan, where Lord Rama'swife Sita Devi (also called Janaki) is said to have been the princess of Videha. Her father, King Janak, found baby Sita in a furrow of a field and raised her as his daughter. When she grew up, the king announced that she should be wed by whoever was able to string the divine bow of Shiva. Though many royal suitors tried, Lord Rama, prince of Ayodha, alone could even lift the bow. As Rama and Sita are major figures in Hinduism, Janakpur is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.

In addition, both the great saints Gautama Budha, founder of Budhism, and Vardamana Mahavira, the 24th and final Thirthankara of the Jain religion, are said to have lived in Mithila/Janakpur. .

Ratna Sagar,Jankpur

Janakpur is located in the Teai, alluvial, forested and marshy terrain at the base of the Himalaya mountain range. The major rivers surrounding Janakpur are Dudhmati, Jalad, Rato, Balan and Kamala. Janakpur is famous for its temples and the numerous ponds which carry significant religious importance, but are now extremely polluted. Now, the people are becoming conscious and trying to preserve the 52 gandas, i.e., 208 ponds as a sacred place. Earlier, people used to bring the water from those ponds for cooking purposes when there were no hand-pumps and no electricity.

One can see all the six seasons in Janakpur. Basant ritu (Spring-February/March), Grisma ritu (Summer- April/May/June), Barsha ritu (Rainy - July/August), Sharad ritu (Autumn- September/October), Hemanta ritu (Autumn-winter: November/December), Shishir ritu (Winter: December/January). The best time to visit Janakpur is from September to March as the weather is pleasant and several festivals fall during this period.

This picture is taken at a big festival dashai in Jankpur dham.A large of people grouping together for worship the God.Dashai is a most important festival of hindu reigion.

Annapurna Base Camp

The Annapurna Base Camp trek leads to a natural amphitheater that is used as the base camp from which climbers start on their way to conquer the Annapurna Mountaintop. The mountain reaches 8091 meters above sea level, and the base camp's altitude is 4130 meters above sea level.

The treks in the Annapurna area are the most popular and famous of Nepal's treks. Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done in about 8 days (depend on your walking pace). The way up to the base camp is also the way back down. The trek is not easy, and the adjustment to high altitudes may be difficult, and altitude sickness is very common. On the other hand, anyone with a reasonable level of physical fitness can walk the trek.

Preparations before the trek:

• Trekking permit
  There is no need to issue a trekking permit to go on treks in the Annapurna area as it was in the past.
• Food and water
  There is no need to take food and water to the trek. Everything can be bought in the restaurants and guest houses along the way. As the trail goes up, so does the water prices increase. Therefore, as long as you are at the beginning of the trek it is worthwhile buying mineral-water bottles. Later on the way it is possible to use water purification tablets.
• Sleeping equipment
  There are many guest houses along the trek (don't expect too much...). Bring a good and warm sleeping bag with you, that will protect you from the cold (there is no heating).
• Equipment
  Map of the trek, big backpack and a rain cover for it, small backpack, sleeping bag, water purification tablets, toilet paper, toiletries, sandals for the shower, towel, flashlight, spare batteries, reading book, first-aid kit, sunglasses, laundry rope, washing powder, sun-screen, fleece coat, rain coat, water proof nylon bag, travel clothes, warm clothes, laundry bag, camera.
• Toilets and showers
  In the beginning of the trek you may find running water, but as you climb, they will become more and more scarce. If you want to take a shower further on the trek, you will have to take a bucket showers (sometimes with hot water).
• Porters
  It is highly recommended to hire a porter (carrier and guide) that will carry your heavy big bag with the equipment, and leave you with the small bag. The porter will also be your guide (no need for an additional guide). It is recommended to hire a porter through an agency to reduce the chance that the porter will disappear with you bag. You can use one porter for two persons, but avoid overloading him.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National park is the first national park in Nepal. Formerly called Royal National park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 km² (360 sq mi) and is located in the subtropical iner terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan district. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 meters (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills.

In the north and west of the protected area the Narayani-Rapti river system forms a natural boundary to human settlements.

Since the end of the 19th century Chitwan - Heart of the jungle – used to be a favorite hunting ground for Nepal’s ruling class during the winter seasons. Until the 1950s, the journey from Kathmandu to Nepal’s South was arduous as the area could only be reached by foot. Thus, in an area known as Four Mile Forest  comfortable camps were set up for the feudal big game hunters and their entourage, where they stayed for a couple of months shooting hundreds of tigers, rhinocerosses, leopards and sloth bears.

 In 1950, Chitwan’s forest and grasslands extended over more than 2,600 km² (1,000 sq mi) and was home to about 800 rhinos. When poor farmers from the mid-hills moved to the Citwan valleys in search of arable land, the area was subsequently opened for settlement, and poaching of wildlife became rampant. In 1957, the country's first conservation law inured to the protection of rhinos and their habitat. In 1959, Edward Pritchard Gee undertook a survey of the area, recommended creation of a protected area north of the Rapti River and of a wildlife sanctuary south of the river for a trial period of ten years. After his subsequent survey of Chitwan in 1963, this time for both the Fauna Preservation Society and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, he recommended extension of the sanctuary to the south.

By the end of the 1960s, 70% of Chitwan’s jungles were cleared using DDT, thousands of people had settled there, and only 95 rhinos remained. The dramatic decline of the rhino population and the extent of poaching prompted the government to institute the Gaida Gasti – a rhino reconnaissance patrol of 130 armed men and a network of guard posts all over Chitwan. To prevent the extinction of rhinos the Chitwan National Park was gazetted in December 1970, with borders delineated the following year and established in 1973, initially encompassing an area of 544 km² (210 sq mi).

The Chitwan National Park is home to at least 43 species of mammals. The "King of the Jungle" is the Bengal Tiger. The alluvial floodplain habitat of the Terai is one of the best tiger habitats anywhere in the world. Since the establishment of Chitwan National Park the initially small population of about 25 individuals has increased to 70–110 in 1980. In some years this population has declined due to poaching and floods. In a long-term study carried out from 1995–2002 tiger researchers identified a relative abundance of 82 breeding tigers and a density of 6     females per 100 km².
Leopards are most prevalent on the peripheries of the park. They co-exist with tigers, but being socially subordinate are not common in prime tiger habitat. In 1988, a clouded leopard was captured and radio-collared outside the protected area, and released into the park but did not stay.

Other felids reported from the protected area comprise fishing cat, jungle cat, leopard cat, and the rare marbled cat. Chitwan is considered to have the highest population density of sloth bears with an estimated 200 to 250 individuals. Smooth-coated otters inhabit the numerous creeks and rivulets. Golden jackals are common. Bengal foxes, Spotted linsangs, palm civets, Large and Small civets, several species of mongoose, honey badgers and yellow-throated martens roam the jungle for prey. wild dogs are rare. Striped hyenas prevail on the southern slopes of the Churia Hills.

Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations. In 1989 more than 31,000 people visited the park, and ten years later already more than 77,000.

There are several lodges inside the national park offering full board and accommodation in combination with elephant and jeep safaris, rafting tours and guided jungle walks. The pioneer safari lodge is Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge which has been receiving guests since 1972, before the national park was established. Tiger Tops has developed standards for responsible conservation tourism and supports the “Long-term Tiger Monitoring Project” of the International Trust for Nature Conservation and anti-poaching units operating in the national park.

On the edge of the national park Sauraha is a well-known spot for tourists.

Mounteverest is a hightest mountain in the world

The official altitude of the world's highest peak is 29,029 feet (8,848m). However, the National Geographic Society has determined the height to be 6 feet taller, 29,035 feet, but the Nepali government has not yet been made this new altitude official.
Shifting tectonic plates continue to push Everest upward, along with the whole Himalaya mountain range, at 1.6 to 3.9 inches (4 to 10 centimeters) per year.

Everest is part of the Himalaya mountain range along the border of Nepal and Tibet. It is located 27° 59' North latitude, 86° 55' East longitude.
Everest is also called Chomolungma in Tibet and Sagarmatha in Nepal.
Blowing with the strength of a hurricane at 118+ miles/hour, the Jet Stream blasts the rocky, icy summit of Everest nearly all year long. The Jet Stream is a constant wind force at 4 - 6 miles above the earth. Observers can tell when the Jet Stream is blowing on the summit of Everest from the long while stream of ice crystals extending out from the tip of the mountain. Those wishing to actually stand on the summit have to choose their moment carefully: the mountain is most inviting in early May, when the Jet Stream is pushed northward over Tibet by the arrival of the monsoon. There is also a window of opportunity in the Fall when the Jet Stream is again pushed northward.

As the altitude increases, the oxygen content of the air decreases dramatically. At 9,800 feet, for example, there's about 2/3 of the oxygen in the air than at sea level. At 20,000 ft, there is roughly half the oxygen content in the air. At 29,035ft, the summit of Everest, there is only a third of the oxygen in the air.
Mountaineers climbing Everest establish a camp at the base of the mountain, and four higher camps before reaching the summit. For the next 30 days or so, they will move up, then down again, allowing their bodies to get used to the reduced oxygen content of the air. This process is called acclimatization.
Acclimatizing properly is essential to safely ascend to high altitudes. Climbers acclimatize by ascending slowly, resting one day for every 1,000 feet they climb in one day. They drink plenty of liquids and eat healthy food. They also practice a rule of thumb: climb high, sleep low. Climbing high, then descending to lower altitudes allows the body to build up and gain strength with fresh oxygen, digest food better, get sounder sleep and any wounds can heal and they'll feel much stronger by descending. It was also allow them to build up their bodies, worn from the low O2 content, with fresh oxygen.
Some climbers don't like to go down, but the significant benefits on the body from staying at lower altitudes make it worth it. It's important that the climbers don't stay down too long because it's possible to lose some acclimatization in the process.
How high are the camps?
The approximate elevations of each of the camps are:
Base Camp - 17,500ft (5,400m)
Camp 1 - 20,000ft (6,100m)
Camp 2 - 21,300ft (6,500m)
Camp 3 - 24,000ft (7,400m)
Camp 4 - 26,000ft (8,000m)
Summit - 29,035ft (8,850)
At the summit, the temperature can be 100°F below zero. But on a good summit day, a climber can expect around -15°F
What is the hardest part about climbing Everest?
Each climber has a different opinion about what is the most difficult part of climbing Everest. Most would agree, though, that the altitude is tough to deal with. And most will also have stories about crossing the infamous Khumbu Icefall going from Base Camp to Camp One. Mountaineers climb through this moving sea of ice using ordinary aluminum garden ladders.
When was Everest first climbed?
On May 29, 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal & Edmund Percival Hillary of New Zealand climbed to the summit of Everest via the Southeast Ridge Route
What are some other important "firsts"?The first woman to climb Everest was Junko Tabei of Japan. She climbed via the Southeast Ridge on 16 May, 1975.
Appa Sherpa has made the most successful ascents of Everest. He has reached the top 11 times.
On May 8, 1978, Peter Habeler of Austria and Reinhold Messner of Italy climbed made the first ascent without bottled oxygen via the Southeast Ridge.
Ang Rita Sherpa has reached the summit 10 times, all without oxygen.
Reinhold Messner climbed for 3 days completely alone from his base camp at 6,500m without the use of artificial O2. Messner climbed via the North Col to the North Face and the Great Couloir.
Babu Chiri Sherpa set the speed record from the Nepal side.
Davo Karnicar made the first true ski descent.
At age 16 Temba Tsheri Sherpa become the youngest person to Summit Everest in 2001.
American Sherman Bull, at age 64, is the oldest person to summit Mount Everest, also in 2001.
Anna Czerwinska was born on 7/10/49 and climbed Everest from Nepal side, making her the oldest woman to reach the summit.
On 24 May, 1996, Hans Kammerlander of Italy Hans made the fastest ascent of Everest via the standard North Col-North Ridge-North Face. He left base camp at 6,400m on 23 May at 5pm and was on the summit 16 hours, 45 minutes later at 9:45 am the next day. He descended most of the route on skis.
Andrej & Marija Stremfelj of Slovenia were the first married couple to summit together on 7 October, 1990.
Peter Hillary of New Zealand was the first son of a summiteer to reach the summit on 10 May, 1990.
First Ascent by an American was made by James Whittaker via the Southeast Ridge Route on May 1, 1963. Whittaker summitted with Sherpa Nawang Gombu.
Stacey Allison made the first Ascent by an American Woman via the Southeast Ridge Route on 29 September, 1988.
Mexican climber Ricardo Torres was the first Latin American.
In May, 2001, American Erik Weihenmayer becomes the first blind person to summit Everest.

Lord Budha Birth Place Lumbini

Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, is situated about 22 km. from Bhairahawa (Siddharthanagar), below the Churia range, 24 km. south from the foothills of the Himalayas, on the western bank of Telar river in Rupandehi district of Lumbini zone in Nepal. It is about 300 km. west of capital city Kathmandu. Kapilvastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi Terai districts of Lumbini Zone are around Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha, which are fertile and densely populated.
It is about 34 km. from Naugarh Railway Station on the North-Eastern Railway of India. Buddha, Known as the Lord of Asia, was born in Lumbini during the full moon day in the month of Baisakh in 623 BC. He was born under a sal (Shorea robusta) tree when Mayadevi was going to her maternal town on the occasion of delivery.

This is the birth place of lord Budhha.   Suttanipata has mentioned the earliest description of the birth of Buddha in Lumbini. After the birth of Buddha he took seven steps towards north and, looking in all directions, he declared that "I am the foremost of all creatures to cross the riddle of the ocean of the existence, this is my last birth and here after, I will not be born again". The site is spelt as Rummindei or Rupandei (beautiful lady), the perverted form of Rupa devi, the queen Anjana of the king of Devadaha which was situated to the east of Kapilvastu in ancient time. The site is called Lun- min and La-Fa-Ni by the Chinese pilgrims Fa- Hien and Hiuen- Tsiang respectively. In course of exploration of the ancient Buddhist sites General Cunningham has mentioned La-Fa-Ni is Sanskrit Lavani, a beautiful lady. In Buddhist literature it is known as Pradimokşa vana blessed with various trees and flowers, which is compared to the Chittalata grove of Indra's paradise in heaven. The earliest Pali text Suttanipata has mentioned that, "The wisdom- child, that Jewel so precious, which can not be matched, has been born at Lumbini, in the Sakya land for well being and joy in the world of men". A Muslim historian of India named Abul Fazal has called Mokta. It is also known as Paderiya (Parariya) where the Asokan pillar is located in the Nepalese Terai. The name of the site is spelt Lumminigame and Lumbini Vana in the Asokan pillar Edict still standing at the same place. Mukherji has also mentioned the name Rummin-dei in his report. In the Magadhi language, being used in the north-eastern pillar edicts in India and Nepal, 'la' is invariable substituted for 'ra'. The location of Lumbini is pointed out in the Buddhist literature, as well as, in the records of the Chinese pilgrims who visited India in the fifth and seventh centuries AD. As mentioned in Jataka story this sal garden was in joint possession of the Sakayas and Koliyas during the life time of Buddha. The Mahavamsa, a Ceylones chronicle, and Nidana katha have also located it between Kapilvastu and Devadaha. The sal garden was the place of recreation during the reign of the Sakayas and Koliyas. Buddha charita of Asvaghosa describes Lumbini as "gay like the garden of caitra ratha with trees of every kind. According to Fa- Hien it is located about 50 li east of Kapilvastu. Hiuen- Tsiang had also pointed out that it was about 80 or 90 li.(21.729 or 24.445 km.) north-east of arrow-well. It was linked through popular ‘Uttara path' to Kapilvastu, Ramagrama and other important cities during the Buddhist period. The present location of Lumbini, the exact birth place of Lord Buddha, is absolutely clear.

 

For centuries, Buddhists the world over knew that the general area of Lumbini was where the Lord was born. In the words of those famous Chinese pilgrims of antiquity, Huian Tsang and Faeihan, 'Lumbini -where the Lord was born - is a piece of Heaven on Earth, where one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden, embedded with stupas and monasteries!' However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure until 1 December 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it was indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Since that day it has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Lumbini is the fourth largest tourist destination in Nepal. Nearly 20,000 tourists visit the area every year (Source: Nepal Tourism Board). Recently, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. It has great potential to grow as the major tourist destination in years to come.