Nepal is a hub of trekking. 100s of the trekking routes are in Nepal and classified in various variables. And Annapurna is the second most trekking route in Nepal. Annapurna also we have multiple categories for the trekking adventure. Lower Annapurna is the best for short treks – below the week, and Upper Annapurna are long or regular trip is about the 2 to three weeks. The best short trek in Annapurna are:
One of the best lower-elevation short treks is Poon Hill in the Annapurna trekking region. It is a 5days scenic, easy trekking trail. Anybody can visit Poon Hill Ghorepani, aged 5- 75, but parents are mandatory for the children. The difficulty level of Poon Hill is painless but involves a steep hike. Sunrise from Poon Hill and Ghandruk Village is the attraction of this trek.
Another short and scenic trek in Annapurna is Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is also a week trek with Pokhara city. Badal Dada and Upper View Point are the best viewpoints of the Mardi Himalaya trek. The giant face of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) is just in front of you from Upper Viewpoint.
Royal Trek is the trekking on the foothill of Annapurna. The name of route as a royal is just because in the early 80s, Prince Charles and his 90-person entourage had explored it. We can experience the culture and practices of the locals that inhabit there.
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
It is a superb short trek for just two nights with a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Dhampur Saragkot Trek enables short hikes, exploring World Peace Stupa, Sunrise view over the Himalayas, and areal view of lakes and city.
Any of the above-given trips are available with us and can customize as per the trekker’s availability and time limit.
There is so much to do and see in Kathmandu. It is hard to include all in a few days. The post aims to assist you with how you can see everything in Kathmandu in 3 days itinerary. Kathmandu itinerary can be the best choices for them because we have limited time and are interested in exploring the history, culture, and nature of Kathmandu. Similarly, the culture, history, and natural hike, we enjoy the time in food, museums to discover, and nightlife. For more details about the Kathmandu tour, the itinerary of Kathmandu valley Highlights is for you.
Kathmandu Itinerary
Day 01 – Historical Kathmandu
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
Day 02- Religious Tour
Pashupatinath Temple
Baouddhanath Stupa
Swyambhunath Stupa
Day 03- Natural Tour/ Day Hike (One the them)
Shivapuri Peak
Jamacho Peak
Champadevi
When you arrive at Tribhuvan Airport, you need to take care of the following things in Kathmandu.
Purchase a SIM card for your phone. It is essential to be in touch either directly by telephone or via the internet.
Get some Nepalese currency from the many ATMs around the airport/ hotel or cities.
There is a prepaid taxi counter for them who have not booked the program with any travel agency or hotel.
If you booked a trip, they send a representative with your Name details – check it on the arrival section. The representatives will be there with holding the name card on the arrival terminal.
Where have to visit in Kathmandu?
Historical Kathmandu
Kathmandu valley holding centuries dating back to history, and these histories blended with the culture and regions. That’s why each of the destinations is linked to each other, you find the ancient history as well as religious aspects and culture.
The prime destination that I have picked out from the viewpoint of a Tourist is 4 Royal Palaces and Museums, Religious Sites, and a day of hiking in Shivapuri National Park.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the central part of Kathmandu, just nearby the touristic town of Thamel Bazaar. Hanuman Dhoka is the old name and the way locals recognize it. It was the Royal Palace in medieval times but was not merely for the Royal activities but also a Center of administrative, cultural activities, and festivals.
The historical buildings and temples in the area were erected from the time of King Ratna Malla (1484-1520AD) to Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah (1875-1911AD).
Why is it named Hanuman Dhoka?
Because a large red-painted statue of Hanuman is in the golden gate of the palace and it is believed that Hanuman is the Powerful protector.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Taleju Temple – 1562AD by Mahendra Malla
Krishna Temple – 1649 AD by Pratap Malla
Jagannath Temple – 1563 AD by Mahendra Malla
Stone Column – Pratap Malla
Degutalle Temple – 1671 AD King Shiva Sing and renovated by King Pratap Malla
Hanuman Statue – 1672AD by King Pratap Malla
Shiva- Parvati Temple – by Rana Bahadur Shah
Big Bell – 1779 AD King Rana Bahadur Shah
Kal Bhairav – by Pratap Malla
Maju Dewal – built during the 17th century
Trilokya Mohan Narayan – built during the 17th century
Kumari Ghar – 1757 AD by King Jaya Prakash Malla
Basantapur Durbar – 1770 AD by King Pritivi Narayan Shah
Gaddi Baithak – 1908 AD by Chandra Shumsher
Kasthmandap – built during the 12th century
Ashok Vinayak –
Dhansa – 1637 AD by Pratap Malla
Patan Durbar Square
Patan is also known as Lalitpur – which means the city of the art. It is located across the river Bagmati – about 7-8km from Thamel. This city was founded in the 3rd century by King Veera Dev and has the distinction of being the home of the finest craft and is considered the oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Mall period from the 16th to 18th century – Credited to King Siddhi Nar Singh Malla, Shri Niwas Malla, and Yog Narendra Malla.
Patan Durbar Square
Main Chowks (Courtyard) 1647 AD Patan Durbar Square
Bhimsen Temple
Vishwanath Temple
Krishna Mandir – 17th century by King Siddhi Narshing Malla
Stone Column – King Yog Nagendra Malla
Jagannath Temple –
Harisankhar Temple – 1704 AD Yog Nagendra Malla
Taleju Temple -by King Siddhi Narshing Malla
Golden Temple – 12th century by King Bhaskar Varma
Kumbheshwor – 14th century by King Jayasthiti Malla
Mahaboudhha – 15th century – Architech by Avaya Raj
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees was founded by King Ananda Dev in 1197AD according to the Gopal Raj Vamsabali even though the existence of the city could be traced back to the Lichhavi period (175 to 750 AD). The Durbar Square was the seat of the Malla Kings and the present structures were erected from the 12th century to the 18th century. Bhaktapur is about 20KM from the center of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Lion Gate – 1696AD King Bhuptindra Malla
Golden Gate – 1754AD by King Ranjit Malla
Four Pilgrimage Sites – Jaganath, Kedarnath, Rameshwor, and Badrinath
Stone column – by King Bhupatindra Malla
55 Windows Palace – 1427AD by Yakshya Malla
Vastala Temple – 17th century by Jaya Ranjit Malla
Yakcheswor Mahadev – 1480AD by King Yakshya Malla
Taumadi Square
Nyatapola
Bhairab Nath Temple
Teel Mahadev Narayan Temple
Dattatrya Square
Dattatray Temple
Bhimsen Temple
Pujari Math
Pashupatinath Temple
The meaning Pashupatinath is Lord of Animals and is considered to be the patron deity of Nepal and India. It is considered the holiest site for Hindus all over the world.
Pashupatinath temple is a pagoda-style two-tiered golden roof with exquisitely carved four silver doors containing in its sanctum a phallic idol with four faces facing each direction and the other fifth one looking up toward the zenith. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the present site by Lichhavi king Supusha Verma. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupalendra Malla in 1697AD.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath Stupa follows the Vajrayana form of Buddhism which is a tantric variation of the Mahayana Buddhism. The stupa was constructed during the Lichhivi Period.
Swayambhunath
Harati Temple
Anantapura and Pratapura
Bajra Dhatu Mandala
Forms and Buddhas and their consorts
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is the biggest stupa in Nepal, it lies about 5KM east of the center of Kathamndu, Thamel. The stupa stands on a three-tiered platform raised over the crossed rectangles to bring out the yantra form. The stupa has believed to have been built in the 5th century A.D during the reign of the Licchivi Kings.
Shivapuri Peak Hike
Shivapuri Peak Hike is the greatest and also full-day hiking trail in Kathmandu.
Location: Northern Part of Kathmandu
Hike Start Point: Budhanilkantha
Elevation: 2730m/ 8,957 Feet
Shivapuri National Park is home to 177 species of birds, 102 species of butterflies, and 129 species of mushrooms.
The surveys have recorded the existence of Indian Leopards, Himalayan Black bears, Deer, Wild Boar, and more in the park. Shivapuri Peak Hike is the best warm-up before heading into the higher mountains trekking. And, also good for them we are doing City Tour, Cultural Tours in Nepal. Shivapuri National Park is home to the source of the holy Bagmati River. Budhanilakantha is the starting point and takes about 3-4 hours to hike. The summit offers spectacular views of the Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, and Jugal Himal range.
Manaslu circuit trek had officially opened for the tourist in 1991 A.D. Up to the year the 2010s, the most popular camping trek. Now, the camping trek has shifted to teahouse because of expanding roads linking the rural villages with the cities. In the previous days, we used to trek through the Gorkha Bazaar, and Arughat would be the first camp. But now, we drive up to Machhekhola directly from Kathmandu. It has shortened to 15 days of trekking from three weeks. But it lacks the charm and beauty of camping in the different locations, primarily on the bank of Budhi Gandaki River.
Why Manaslu Circuit Trek?
No doubt, Manaslu is rich in Nature and Culture. From beginning to end, each day – dawn to dusk, we enjoy natural phenomena and locals. Mt. Manaslu ( 8156m) is the world’s Eights Highest Moutain, and we go to notch the peak. Larkey La Pass (5106m) is the igniter of the Manalsu trek. Exploring the Gurung Village and diving into the Gurung culture is another richness.
Less crowded than well-known trekking trail such as Annapurna Base Camp, Everest Base Camp etc.
It does not require the domestic flight
Brief Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport
Day 2 Permit issue day in Kathmandu (Check the Public Holiday)
Day 3 Drive to Machha Khola (900 m) via Arughat Bazaar Gorkha (640m) and Soti Khola (775m)
Day 4 Trek to Jagat (1,340m)
Day 5 Trek to Deng (1860m)
Day 6 Trek to Namrung (2,630 m)
Day 7 Trek Trek to Sama Gaon(3,500m) via Lho (3,200m)
Day 8 Acclimatization and exploration day
Day 9 Trek to Samdo (3,860 m)
Day 10 Acclimatization at Samdo.
Day 11 Trek to Larke Phedi (4460m)/ Dharmasala
Day 12 Cross Larkya La (5,215m) and trek to Bhimphedi/ Bhimphedi(3,590m)
March to May and September to November is a perfect times. However, winter is also suitable if you adjust to the cold. You may expect some snowfall during the time.
What does the permit cost?
September – November
USD 100 per person/week
USD 15 per person/day (beyond a week)
December – August
USD 75 per person/week
USD 10 per person/day (beyond a week)
How to get Machhakhola and route?
Take a private Jeep/ 4WD
Public Bus
The trek is wild and remote, yet there are teahouses at everyday stage, so trekkers don’t need to bring tents and food, making it more accessible and affordable than similar treks.
The trailhead is reached over land, avoiding the need for domestic flights.
The first part of the trail follows the Buri Gandaki, a deep, long river gorge, with many suspension bridge crossings.
The scenery provides all Nepal has to offer: you’ll trek from the subtropical jungle at lower elevations, through the Himalayan foothills to the high, cold and challenging crossing of the Larkya La above 5,100 meters / 17,000 feet.
Nepal is great choice for Indigenous Tour.Indigenous peoples are them who have rich, most unique and diverse cultural expressions that have developed over thousands of years.These expressions represent a pull factor for potential tourists who wish to experience indigenous natural and cultural heritage in physical, intellectual and emotional terms.
Indigenous Peoples In Nepal
Tamang People – Middle Nepal
Gurung/ Ghale- Middle West Nepal
Rai/ Limbu – Eastern Nepal
Tharu – Southern West Nepal
TAMANG
The Tamang community is the indigenous inhabitants of the Hills outside northern Kathmandu. Tamang people speak Tibeto-Burman languages, and their ancestry belongs to Tibet. Tamang Heritage Trail of Langtang is the best option for those who want to learn and explore in depth of the Tamang community.
Rai and Limbu
Limbu, the second most numerous tribe of the indigenous people called Kiranti, living in Nepal, on the easternmost section of the Himalayas east of the Arun River.
Kirat Rai Cultural Trail, Limbu Trekking Trail of Eastern Nepal are the quite famous trekking trails.
GURUNG
The Gurung people live in Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Lamjung, Parbat, Dolpo and Syangja, Dhading districts. They speak the Sino-Tibetan Gurung language.
Ghandruk and Ghale Gaoun Trekking trail are the famous for the Gurung Culture.
THARU
Tharu people have been living in the Terai since at least the 10th century. They claim to be descendants of the Śākya and Koliya peoples who lived in the ancient city of Kapilvastu. Tharu are scattered over most of the Terai.
Opportunities
Indigenous people are scattering all over Nepal. It offers magnificent views of Valleys, Terai, and the Himalayas.
We can learn and share cultures.
Enjoy the untouched beauty of these communities.
Challenges
It is difficult and takes a long time to explore all communities at once.
Challenging an overnight stay in some communities because of the lack of awareness, marketing, and improper infrastructures.
It is difficult and will not get the proper answer of Why visit? It depends on what the trekkers assume or how they dream about the Everest base camp. Some trekkers enjoy the Himalayan view, and others enjoy the core culture and practices.
Every year thousands of tourists visit Everest Base Camp with a different goal. Everest Base Camp is not only for trekking but also has been famous as the wedding spot, dating location, and nest of a couple of lovely birds. Since 2015, we have also done a couple of wedding programs in Everest. The most significant was the wedding of the gay couple at Everest Base Camp. Every year thousands of married or unmarried couples visit the EBC either for a date or to exchange the ring with the witness of the giant peak of Mt. Everest. Many of the trekkers trek only for reaching base camp. Others may visit to see the campsite and climbing arrangement.
Gay Wedding in Everest
As per our experiences, trekkers also visit the EBC to explore Sherpa architects, and he does not care for the Himalayas and the weather. He was enjoying the holidays by capturing photos of doors and windows. Some visit Everest to Kiss their beloved in front of Mt. Everest. If they could not see Mt. Everest, that was disappointed for them whether they saw other mountains or not, do they do not have any interest in others such as architects, culture or costumes.
When is the best time to visit Everest Base Camp?
Every month is possible to visit EBC, though Spring and Autumn are considered the peak season. Generally, the Summer and Winter are less flow on trekking. The core climbers who are visiting Spring and mid-Autumn. Trekkers visit EBC almost throughout the year.
Who can visit EBC?
Everyone can visit the base camp, though the age may play a role. Generally, from 13 to 65 years old person can trek over there. But it requires good health and mental conditions. We have to be able to carry a small day pack with a water bottle and a few chocolates etc.
Kathmandu always opens the door to multiple activities. Besides the historical and cultural tour in Kathmandu, we have options for a day hike in the hills around Kathmandu. Top hiking trails around Kathmandu are Nagarjun /Jamacho Peak, Shivapuri Peak, and Champadevi Bhasmasur Hill.
What exactly is Accessible Tourism, and why is it important?
The feature of the tourism industry is the immovability of the product. It requires physical presentation to receive service for any customer. Accessibility is the possibility to receive tourism service. Different attractions motivate tourists but, they must be affordable and possible for all. Accessibility is that to be the possibility to visit, to feel, to see, to realize or understand, and to experience.
Since the World Tourism Organization assigned World Tourism Day to Tourism for All in 2016, many talks about “accessible travel. Accessible tourism is a tourism that supports and encourages especially disabled people who are outside mainstream tourism. It pushes up all people to participate in and enjoy tourism experiences.
Yes, it is essential because a billion people live with different abilities, and ensuring equal access to travel is simply the right thing to do. Article 30 of the United Nations calls to ensure that people with disabilities enjoy the benefits of tourism.
More people need access whether or not related to a physical condition. Older and less nomadic people have access needs, which become obstacles when traveling. Therefore, accessible tourism is an endless effort to ensure touristic destinations and services are accessible to all people, nonetheless of their physical limitations, disabilities, ages.
Accessible Trail in Nepal
Accessible Trail is for differently-abled and elderly citizens with different needs in 2018. It is in the Kaski District, 12km from Pokhara, and has a maximum elevation of 1,568 meters. Sarankot is a nearby landmark for sunrise views and paragliding and can effortlessly go by road. It offers a magnificent view of Machhapurchhre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri Himalayas.
“Let’s go together to reduce CO2 emissions during travel with us. Apex Asia Holidays tries to operate all tours and treks by lessening the Co2 emission.”
What is Traveling?
For many of us, traveling is creating a memorial experience on earth. We get opportunities to see beautiful places, try exotic foods, make new friends, share cultures, and many more while traveling.
But amid all the merriment, we do not think about the impacts of our activities on the environment. We forget/ignore how much our journeys’ impacting in the climate. Many elements can affect climate. What kinds of transportation and style of accommodation do you opt for, personal habits of eating, way of backpacking or stuff in a suitcase, each affects your holidays’ carbon footprint. Well, when it comes to reducing Co2 emissions on your next trip, ask several questions yourself. Can I take longer flights instead of transit? How do I find green accommodation? etc.
What do we do during the travel?
We have to accept the bitter truth of the challenge of waste management in developing countries. Nepal is also facing the challenge of it. But as being responsible tour operators, we have policies and practices for reducing the garbage during the travel. That can play a vital role in the project of reducing carbon footprint.
Fly direct
All we know the carbon footprint of flying is larger than any other mode of transport. We request our clients aim to reduce the number of possible stops and ideally fly by direct flight if possible.
Pack light and rent bulky items
It is requesting you all valuable clients to make your bags lighter as you can. You know that the heavier the plane, the higher the fuel consumption and the bigger the carbon footprint. If you are going on a mountain climbing, mountain biking types holidays, please try to rent them in Kathmandu instead of carrying them. That will not only significantly reduce your traveling weight, but also you will enjoy a hassle-free flying experience.
Carry Reusable Water Bottle
We discourage using plastic items during our holidays. We highly recommend you bring a reusable water bottle. It is better to have an aluminum water bottle rather than plastic. But if you need to buy, think about BPA-free. Having a reusable container for your water means you can cut down on one-use plastic bottles. That can cut your carbon footprint for the manufacture and transport of each bottle.
Be Smart With Energy and Water
Try to be intelligent while using the energy and water in the hotel. We have to be careful while staying in the hotel. Taking an extra-long shower, leaving switched on lights and appliances, running AC for 24 hours consume extra energy. Let’s try to minimize water and electricity usage even they are freely available, but they might be inadequate resources in the area. By being more aware of your consumption, we can still enjoy all of the typical hotel nature-comforts – but have a much smaller environmental impact in the process.
Carry a Shopping Bag
While you go shopping, carry a shopping bag with you. There are some general reasons to use reusable bags rather than plastic bags.
YES, travel medical insurance is mandatory. Life is full of uncertainties. The risks could be related to health, luggage, or your important documents. So, it is an essential investment that travelers make when they decide to travel. The policy should include good protection for overseas medical cures, evacuation, baggage and equipment, cancellation and curtailment cover, and the specific activities applied in your adventure. It is a prime factor to make a hassle-free journey. We strongly recommend you book travel insurance as soon as you book your holidays. A good travel insurance plan can relax your financial perils and help you at an overseas destination.
Different Types of Insurance Policies.
While purchasing the travel insurance, it is necessary to know the coverages types: Primary (Health Insurance) or Secondary (travel insurance). Primary (Health Insurance) will pay out before any other health insurance you have. And, if the health insurance does not provide the coverages, the secondary (travel insurance) will become primary. Another important is how often you travel in a year? You may choose a single trip plan and a multi-trip plan.
What’s May Not Covered by Insurance?
It is important! You have to be clear on what it does not cover. Some travel medical insurance policies will not cover dangerous activities such as mountain climbing, skydiving, or paragliding. Especially, trekking in the Himalayas and engaging in such activities, make sure whether these will cover or not.
Generally, travel medical insurance will not cover emergency medical costs due to intoxication or drug use. For example, if you are intoxicated and fall off a balcony, travel medical insurance may not cover the cost of your injuries.
Who Needs Travel Medical Insurance?
Even if you are fit and fine, and in good health, it is essential to have travel medical insurance. The most common overseas medical emergencies during the travel are:
High Altitude Sickness
Fractures from falls
Respiratory problems such as a collapsed lung
A cardiovascular problem such as a heart attack
If you do not have the proper coverage on your trip, you’ll be stuck paying medical bills out-of-pocket.
How Much Insurance Should You Have?
It’s a good idea to select a plan with enough coverage based on the type of trip you’re taking. For example, emergency medical evacuation from a high Himalaya base camp can cost between US $10,000 to US$ 25,000, depending on the distance from Kathmandu.
You can compare the best medical insurance companies and purchase the best one – that fits your travel location, duration, and elevation.
Acute mountain sickness(AMS), is also known as Altitude Sickness, is a severe medical condition that occurs at high elevations.
If you plan on trekking to high altitudes, you must understand the signs and symptoms of the condition of the sickness. In this article, we provide you with general information on AMS. What is altitude sickness, and how it works, and what to do if it happens to you? Through the article, we also provide you with remedies and supplements you can use to reduce the chances of developing the conditions while you are on the High Himalayas.
What Causes Acute Mountain Sickness / Altitude Sickness?
Acute mountain sickness is because by reduced air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high elevations. The faster you climb to a high altitude, the more likely you will get acute mountain sickness. The best way to prevent altitude illness is to ascend gradually.
The best way of escaping AMS is to spend at least two days ascending to 9850 feet (3000). Above this point ascend very slowly and try to do not to increase more than 990 feet to 1640 feet (300m to 500m) per night.
This is where AMS begins to set in some individuals. It generally begins with headaches and alters night vision.
Tingling sensations, headaches, fatigue and other indications of altitude sickness will usually begin to manifest from around 2500m and on.
Many will experience unconsciousness at this altitude if not properly acclimatized. There are only a few mountain ranges that reach this altitude. Maximum in Nepal
The oxygen concentration at this altitude is very low so your cells do not have oxygen to build new tissue. Your body continually withers away until death.
