Sunday, October 30, 2011

Skydiving (Parachuting)



Skydiver After Separation
Skydiver After Separation
Skydiver After Separation
Nepal may be a cultural jewel of the world with its mountains, temples, architecture and people, but it is not without its fun and adventure. Nepal's varied topography and Himalayan peaks give birth to some of the worlds most exotic, beautiful skydiving locations in the world.
Among other adventure sports, skydiving is fast becoming a popular Nepal travel activity.
Previously unattainable and costly to the average person due to restrictions and special permissions requirements, skydiving in Nepal is now becoming more and more popular thanks to companies such as Avia Club Nepal who will take up skydivers.
Skydiving At Sunset
Skydiving At Sunset
Skydiving At Sunset
Previously, skydiving in Nepal has been an event that almost demanded sponsorship as the prices for a jump have ranged in the 1000s of dollars. One group jump in 2008 in the Everest region cost $25,000 per person!
It is now possible to book affordable skydiving flights for professional skydivers for a fraction of the price, through air sports companies such as Avia Tours & Travels in close cooperation with sister company Avia Club Nepal, for nothing more than a regular ultralight flight! ie. around 110 Euro for 10,000 feet!
It's surprising, that given Nepal's unique terrain, that air sports such as Skydiving, Paragliding, etc. didn't come to Nepal sooner, but the economic and volatile political situation has slowed the progress of adventure sports in Nepal. With the current situation in Nepal stabilized, air sports such and skydiving are expanding exponentially.
Today, various forms of skydiving are practiced from skysurfing to wingsuiting. All of which are becoming becoming popular in Nepal.Parachuting, was later adopted by the military as a way of delivering soldiers to the battlefield and as early as the 1930s, the first true skydiving/parachuting competitions were held.
Skydiver After Landing Pokhara, Nepal
Skydiver After Landing Pokhara, Nepal
Skydiver after landing, Pokhara Nepal
Currently, to skydive in Nepal with Avia Club Nepal, you must be a professional, possess a skydiving/parachuting license and have proof of your own insurance, but future regulations, should allow the operations of skydiving schools and tandem skydiving flights for amateurs.
Skydiving in Nepal may not be on the top of your Nepal travel activities, but for the many that feel the need to feel the rush of freefall in exotic places around the world, Nepal is the place to go.
It's best to book in advance, as the flights are busy during the tourist season from October - March and for those not ready to take the leap, the company also provides fun, scenic and mountain flights from ultralights.

once is not enough


city tour

















Saturday, October 29, 2011

FOTO











Sunday, October 9, 2011

Changu Narayan



The main temple, rebuilt around 1700, stands in a quiet quadrangle of rest houses and pilgrims' shelters.
 
The oldest temple in the valley is the Changu Narayan Temple, located 22 km from Kathmandu and a 25-minute drive from Bhaktapur city. The original temple was built in the 4th century during the time of the Lichhavi rulers and is perched on a hill overlooking the nearby city. Much of it was rebuilt in the 18th century.
This temple is known for its beauty, location and age. It is a Vishnu temple. One of the oldest Lichhavi period stone inscriptions is also found here.  A Vishnu image with ten heads and ten arms is another fine example of stone carving from the 5th century. The struts of the two-tiered temple depict the ten incarnations in which Narayan destroyed evildoers. A 6th century stone statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu, while another recalls the dwarf incarnation in which he crushed the evil King Bali. Garuda, the steed of Vishnu, kneels before the temple. The statue of Vishnu astride his steed is a popular favorite.

Tamang villages between Telkot and Changu Narayan
 
The hike to the Changu Narayan temple complex and then on to Bhaktapur is a very enjoyable day hike. The route passes through small villages and farmlands that are almost always bustling with activity as the farmers work their fields.
To begin the hike, get on a bus from Bhaktapur towards Nagarkot. Get off the bus at Telkot half-way to Nagarkot. From Telkot it is one and a half hours' pleasant walk to Changu Narayan. The walk follows the saddle of a ridge with great views of the valley on one side and the Himalayas on the other.
From the temple it is another 1 ½ hours down to Bhaktapur.
                  
Changu Narayan has the finest collection of ancient statues outside the National Museum
 

Probably dating from the sixth century, Changu Narayan's celebrated statue of Garud kneels before the temple, looking human but for a pair of wings and a cobra scarf.
At the northwest corner of the compound, the twelfth- or thirteenth-century Vishnu Vaikunthanata - reproduced on the Nepalese ten-rupee note - shows a purposeful Vishnu riding Garud
The eighth-century Vishnu Trivikranta Murti, Vishnu of the Three Strides, illustrates a much-loved story in which the god reclaimed the universe from the demon king Bali. Disguised as a dwarf (another of his ten incarnations), Vishnu petitioned Bali for a patch of ground where he could meditate, which need only be as far as the dwarf could cover in three strides; when Bali agreed, Vishnu grew to his full divine height and bounded over the earth, sky and heavens.

Wooden struts and decorations of the main temple
 

Kathmandu Valley

Turmeric/
Gurkemeje

Bhaktapur's Pride


Golden GateGolden Gate is considered to be the most beautiful and rich specimen of its kind not only in Nepal but the entire world. Door of the great monument is bedecked with mysterious monsters and other mythical creatures. The door is of immense archaeological, historical and religious importance, and the architecture is indeed of great value.

The Golden Gate was built by Monarch Ranjit Malla. It is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of fifty-five windows, in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Also recognised by many as Sun Dhoka, the Golden Gate is the pride of Nepal. A figure of the Goddess Kali and Garuda (mythical bird) is at the top of the door. It is also assisted by two heavenly nymphs.

Overview
Location Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Significance UNESCO World Heritage Site (Bhaktapur)
Built In 1753
Built By King Ranjeet Malla


Quote-Unqoute
In the words of Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and historian, "The Golden Gate is the most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom: it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings."

Major Attractions
  • The gate is praised for some of the most beautiful gilded copper-work in the Kathmandu Valley.
  • On either side of the door frame a doorkeeper, a vase symbolising good fortune, and figures of deities like Bhagawati, Ganesh, Bhairava, Kumari and Kali.can be seen.
  • Ten-armed Godesses Taleju attended by Shri and Lakshmi seated on a crocodile and a tortoise appear above the door.

Tit-Bits
  • Sun Dhoka or the Golden Gate connects the two blocks of the palace of 55 windows.
  • It is an entrance providing access to Kumari Chowk and the Taleju Mandir.
  • Jaya Ranajit Malla erected the Golden Gate in 1753 after successful conquest campaign against Dudhkosi and Tolkha.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

PEAK CLIMBING IN NEPAL

Nepal is famous in mountaineering field. It is best known in every corner of the world as the homeland of the Mt. Everest & other several series of mountains peaks. Nepal offers such concentrations of high snow capped mountains that you could find anywhere else & also have the opportunity to climb some of the highest peaks in the world too. No doubt, everyone is familiar about the name of the Mt. Everest in Nepal, besides, it has got other seven peaks over 8000m & innumerable other between six to eight thousand meters. There are about 236 peaks currently available for expeditions & further 18 minor peaks are being designed for trekking purpose

Taking into consideration of your budget, these Trekking Peak climbing trips are undertaken which are rewarding for those who want to make challenging climb in the Himalayas, a taste of being in the `white wilderness,' is another highlight. These Trekking Peaks locating in the popular trekking spots offer climbing trips can be organize in short period of time. Of course, with relatively easy access to the mountain, these trekking peaks give greater possibilities to explore the spectacular views of the Himalayas.

Participants must be in position of good physical condition. Since previous climbing experience is not essential, having some outdoor background will be useful. Moreover, in order to ensure safe climbing trip, you are provided basic knowledge about handling ropes as well as about other climbing equipments before starting the actual summit. During trekking, our experienced guides- registered with the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA), give you accompany with a view to assist you fully who are mostly locals & obviously very much familiar with the routes of trek & the mountain peaks they make summit. Its a privilege, with little challenging but very exciting experience in the high Himalayas, if you do summit one of our Trekking Peak climbing treks that once was reserved only for the fabled 'expedition climbers.'
Peak Climbing
NAME OF TREKKING PEAKS:
GROUP "A"
S.N.
Name of Peak
Height
Region
01.
Mt. Cholatse
6440m.
Khumbu Himal
02.
Labuje West
6145m.
Khumbu Himal
03.
Mt. Chhukung Ri
5550m.
Khumbu Himal
04.
Mt. Machermo
6273m.
Mahalangur
05.
Mt. Kyazo Ri
6186m.
Mahalangur
06.
Mt. Phari Lapcha
6017m.
Mahalangur
07.
Mt. Nirekha
6159m.
Mahalangur
08.
Ombibaichen
6340m.
Mahalangur
09.
Mt. ABI
6097m.
Mahalangur
10.
Mt. Langsisa Ri
6427m.
Jugal
11.
Mt. Bokta
6143m.
Kanchanjunga
12.
Mt. Chekigo
6257m.
Gaurishankar
13.
Mt. Larkya Peak
6010m.
Manaslu
14.
Mt. Yala Peak
5732m.
Langtang
15.
Mt. Yabra Himal
6035m.
Langtang
Fee Structure for Group "A" Peaks

Royalty for up to 7 members - US$ 500.
Royalty for each additional members up to 12 person - US$ 100.
Note: Maximum number of members in Group A team is 12.

GROUP "B"
S.N
Name of the peaks
Height
Region
01.
Mt. Hiunchuli
6441m.
Annapurna Himal
02.
Singu Chuli (Fluted Peak)
6501m.
Annapurna Himal
03.
Mt. Tharpu Chuli (Tent Peak)
5663m.
Annapurna Himal
04.
Mt. Mardi Himal
5587m.
Annapurna Himal
05.
6654m.
Khumbu Himal
06.
Mt. Kusum Kanguru
6367m.
Khumbu Himal
07.
Mt. Kwandge
6011m.
Khumbu Himal
08.
6160m.
Khumbu Himal
09.
6119m.
Khumbu Himal
10.
Mt. Khongma Tse (Mehra Peak)
5849m.
Khumbu Himal
11.
5806m.
Khumbu Himal
12.
Mt. Chulu West
6419m.
Manang District, Gandaki
13.
Mt. Chulu East
6584m.
Manang District, Gandaki
14.
6091m.
Manang District, Gandaki
15.
Mt. Parchemuche
6187m.
Rolwaling Himal
16.
5925m.
Rolwaling Himal
17.
Mt. Ganjala Chuli (Naya Kanga)
5844m.
Langtang Himal
18.
Mt. Paldor Peak
5996m.
Ganesh Himal
Fee Structure for Group "B" Peaks
Group Size
Rate US$
Additional P/P US$
1-4 persons
350 only
-
5-8 persons
350
Plus 40 per person
9-12 persons
510
Plus 25 per person
Garbage Deposit: For all 33 NMA Peaks, an amount of US$ 250 should be deposited to NMA as garbage deposit to get permit, which is refundable after trip completion.

Eco Tour and Trekking in Nepal

Mission Eco Trek is very conscious about the preservation of Eco Trekking and environment. Eco Trekking focuses on local cultures, wilderness adventures, personal growth and learning new ways to live on green planet. Mission Eco Trekking believes in those travel destinations where the flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Eco Trekking practice responsible Green tourism which includes programs that minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, plans by hospitality providers to promote recycling, energy efficiency, water re-use, and the creation of economic opportunities for local communities are some of Eco Trekking’s objectives.

In numerous places, trekking groups have left littered trails and degraded forest in their wake. Against this alarming backdrop, the practice of ecologically friendly-tourism has been gaining increased momentum – both in Nepal and around the World. Eco Trekking approach to tourism seeks not only to preserve the environment and culture of a tourist destination but also to be of benefit to the local People. By fostering environmental awareness, both among locals & Eco Trekkers and by linking tourism to social and economic development, it is possible to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of an area through the promotion of sustainable tourism. This not only enhances the positive experience of those on holiday it also helps to increase the standard of living of the local residents. Such a lot has been said about Eco friendly trekking and tourism and no doubt a lot more will be. We (Mission Eco Trek) can proudly say without hesitation that we (Eco Trekking) have led the way in responsible Trek and tours to our beloved country.
What are the main views to Explore Eco Trekking?
* I want to trek without destroying the nature.
* I want to visit Nepal without harming Nepal culture.
* I want to contribute to the people of the Himalayas.
* I want Nepali children’s to have education and a brighter future.
* I want to support the protection of Himalayan forest and wildlife.
* I want to make sure that local people are benefiting from our trekking.
* I want to support human rights and labor agreement.
* I want to learn about Nepal and experience how people live.

We (Mission Eco Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd) want to make fun and a memorable holiday. As we are Eco Trekking, we would suggest our clients to trek where lodge facilities are not available and looks very remote with green hill.

What made Eco-Trek / Eco Trekking
01. We build environment and culture awareness and respect.
02. We provide positive experience for our valuable visitors.
03. We provide direct finical benefits for conservation.
04. We buy rice, vegetables and what ever available from Local’s to support their financial issue.
05. We raise sensitivity to host countries political and social climate.
06. We pack in and out ourselves: no garbage is left to pollute the environment
07. We use kerosene for cooking instead firewood while we trek the beaten path
09. Our guides, cooks and all supporting staffs are from the areas we trek
10. We have sponsored some of school where we visit.
11. We strongly support and fallow human rights and labor agreements.
13. Our porters carry no more than 25kg. Even they carry get more money.
14. Our staff has insurance and access to health care.
15. Our Guides and supporting staffs are highly experienced

JUNGLE SAFARI IN NEPAL

Nepal has an excellent variety of perfect wildlife and national parks. Nepal presents you a chance to go through the jungle and view some of the rarest and most scared wildlife in the world. A Jungle Safari trip in Nepal can be a very thrilling experience once in your lifetime. There is no age and time restriction to stay in these parks and take part in a well prepared jungle safari and activity program. Staying in Jungle is great way to rest after a trek and soak up the jungle atmosphere, bring your kids along and have the family celebration and holiday of a life time. In the jungle you can experience, elephant safaris, Jungle walking, bird watching, recreation activities, canoeing and cultural programs, depending on which National park you desire to go to.

One can stroll into the jungle on foot with a knowledgeable and an experience guide, by elephant back, by bunker canoe or by jeep. A Jungle safari trip in Nepal is a full of fun package ideal for anyone. The national parks offer a range of accommodations from luxuriant resorts to basic tent method. The resorts make a package for you that included everything from your sleeping arrangements to serving of food two days full of activity.

Scenery walking or Jungle walking means overlooking or observing the enchanting beauty of Jungle area. Truly jungle walks bestows close-up chance to study different categories of animals as well observe their trail, mark and sounds. The most fascinating and interest- grabbing plan obtainable by Nepal not found elsewhere in the world is observe as jungle safari. In Nepal you will find out the ideal condition of viewing the jungle surroundings, jungle safari in Nepal, jungle safari, wild life safari in Nepal, safari Nepal, elephant riding in Nepal, wild life Safari, wild Animal in Nepal, birds and animals and the native people, their colorful tradition, Koshi Tappu Jungle Safari in Nepal, unique costumes and languages.

Elephant Bathing
National Parks & Wildlife Reserves
Nepal has nine National Parks, four Wildlife Reserves and three Conservation Area. About 15,500 square kilometers amounting to almost 18 percent of the total area is protected. This is an amazing commitment to conservation. The Terai lowlands are defined by a belt of well-watered floodplains stretching from the Indian border northward to the first slopes of the Bhabhar and the Siwalik Range. This is the richest habitat in the land with tall grasslands interspersed with riverine and hardwood Sal Forest. Here one can see wildlife such as the swamp deer, musk deer, black buck, blue bull, the Royal Bengal Tiger, gharial and marsh mugger crocodile and the last of a breed of Asiatic wild buffalo. Parks and Reserves are also rich in bird species with a variety of babbles and orioles, koels and drongos, peacocks and floricans, and a multitude of wintering wildfowl.

Mountain Flight

Mountain Flight

We offer you a panoramic encounter with the highest majestic Mountains on earth. The 14 setter comfortable plane departs from Kathmandu and flies along side the Himalaya to give you eye level views of the snow peaks and then brings you in one hour. Cruising close to the awesome massifs of rock and ice, the flight presents a mind -boggling sight.

When the plane takes off and heads towards the east you will see gosiankund also called Shisha Pangma, standing at the majestic height of 8013m. With in a minute to the right of Gosiankund, there appears Dorge Lakpa 6966m.To the right of Dorge Lakpa is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley.

As the plane glides along, the mountains come closer and closer. Next the vision Is Choba Bhamare, the smallest on of the lot at 5933m. Then appears the mountain that is not only prominent in sight but also in spirituality Gauri Shankar. Lord Shankar [Shiva] and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7134m.and summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts till 1979. Gauri -Shankar is sharp and very conspicuous during the mountain flight. As the plane moves toward the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalaya, a succession of glorious mountains follow Melungtse, a plateau like mountain, stretches up to 7023m.Chugimago at 6297mis still virgin, waiting to be climbed. At 6956m. Numbur Mountain resembles a breast, the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solukhumbu.

Next is Kayrolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6511m. gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the sixth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8201m. It appears stunningly beautiful from the Aircraft. Next in the menu is Gyachungkang, at the majestic height of 7952m. Considered an extremely difficult climb. To the Right of Gyachungkang is Pomori 7161m. As you get closer to Everest there is Nuptse 7855m. Which means west peak, signifying its direction From Everest. Finally there is Mt.EVEREST 8848mitself, known as Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. Wetness it face to face during the Mountain flight is something else. Even while in looms there in front of the eyes, it remains an enigma, this majestic spot on Earth.

Ultragliding

Ultralight aircraft take off from Pokhara and offer spectacular views of the lakes, mountains and villages. This is an ideal way to see life from a new perspective. The choice of the Pokhara Valley for ultralight aircraft is appropriate chiefly because of the proximity of the mountains, and the scenic lakes. For those who wished they could fly like birds when growing up, this flight is a must. It might be lonely at the top, but the spectacular view from up high certainly makes it all worth it. Flights are from the Pokhara airport beginning September through June. The flights take place from sunrise to 11a.m. and from 3p.m. to sunset everyday during these months.
Ultragliding

Rock Climbing

If you want a cliff hanger experience in Nepal, the Kathmandu valley perimeter offers some hair-raising spots. There are some terrific, dizzying places for those who get their kicks from crawling up vertical cliffs. If you are not making it to some of the kingdom's high peaks, here's another opportunity to get a high. Of late, rock climbing has found increasing popularity among the tourists coming into Nepal as well as for local enthusiasts, Trekking agencies too have jumped into the bandwagon and some of them now offer the rock climbing experience.

Most of the spots are situated to the north and northwest of the valley, in the vicinity of the Nagarjun Royal forest and the shiva puri watershed and wildlife reserve. Your rock climbing trip can therefore be combined with bird watching, game watching and experiencing some of the last of the valley's wilds. Nagajuna is a verdant hill located to the northwest of the Swyambhu Stupa and believed to be the place where the famous Buddhist philosopher.

Nagarjun meditated.

The cliff here is located inside the Nagarjun forest reserve suitable for both beginners and wall rats. The limestone rock face is about 12-15 m high and bears the remnants of earlier climbs. what purists would describe as "piton scarred " or a defaced face. You could always do a free climb if experienced enough or use the friendlier chocks.
Rock Climbing

Paragliding

Nepal forms a rectangle on the southern slopes of the Himalaya and is without exception, the most stunning country imaginable. The main area for paragliding is the Pokhara valley, commanding views of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks with friendly and constant conditions for your paragliding holiday.

Tandem flying involves a pilot flying with a passenger. Both have separate harnesses that are attached to each other and the wing. Paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety, they feel more like an armchair. Once launched the passenger just sits back, relaxes and takes in the epic scenery. Even taking pictures is not a problem. Due to the portable nature and easy launch characteristics of a paraglider (they fit into a rucksack) We can take them anywhere and fly them from most mountains in Nepal.

We take a 20 min jeep ride from Pokhara to Sarangkot the viewpoint 2000ft above Lakeside. From here we can see 3 of the highest mountains in the world. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, all over 8000 m. We offer 3 types of tandem flight from here.

Phewa Tal View :
In the morning and late afternoon these 15min flights give you a taste of unpowered flight, taking you over Pokhara lake and then landing by a Lakeside bar.

Cloud Buster :
This midday flight gives you the thrill of high flight as we thermal up above Sarangkot in the company of eagles and vultures, 30min - 1 hour. We land by the lake.

Cross - Country :
This offers you the chance to experience flying from one valley to another. Using thermals, clouds and birds to guide us, we take you on an unforgettable journey north of Pokhara towards the big mountains. We fly as long as we can and aim to return to Pokhara that afternoon.
Paragliding

Bungee Jumping

If you thought bungee jumping was restricted to some places in Europe, New Zealand and America, it's time you got and update. The sport has finally found a natural home in the highest mountain range in the world. The ultimate thrill of a bungee jump can now be experienced in Nepal at perhaps the best site in the world.

Nepal's first bungee jumping site is situated 160m over the wild Bhote Koshi river, and located close to the Nepal-Tibet border, a three-hour bus ride from Kathmandu. As can be arranged on arrival in Kathmandu. As of now, there is only one agency offering this sport. The jump, at 160m, was designed by one of New Zealand's leading bungee consultants, and is operated by some of the most experienced jump masters in the business. It's mishap-proof. The agency takes safety "very, very seriously".

Location :
Less than 3 hours outside Kathmandu by Ultimate Bungy Shuttle. You will travel the Arniko (Kathmandu/Lhasa) Highway to within 12km of the Tibet Border and the famous Friendship Bridge.

The Gorge :
Ultimate Bungy Nepal takes place on a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhoti Kosi River.

The Bridge :
Swiss designed, specially for bungy jumping with a 4x safety factor. The bridge has a loading factor of 250kg per running meter. This means that the bridge will hold 250 x 166 = 41,500kg or 4.5 tonnes. And... those are Swiss measurements! * Over 6000 meters of steel wire was used to build the bridge * Longest suspension bridge in Nepal * The bridge joins two sides of a great valley. Before its construction, locals walked five hours to cross this river gorge.
Bungee Jumping