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Top Things To Do
Cycling
Hire a mountain bike and peddle your way around the quieter corners of the Kathmandu Valley. Be rewarded with stunning valley vistas, especially from Nagarot in the Bhaktapur District, which also boasts a view of Everest's snow-topped peak. Festivals Nepal’s calendar is packed with colourful festivals. Holi, in spring, sees people splattered with bright powdered paint, and a three-tier umbrella erected in Kathmandu's Durbar Square, while autumn's Indra Jatra includes an appearance by the Kumari Devi, Nepal's living goddess. Fly over Everest Get close to Everest's peak without the leg work by taking a scenic flight. Most domestic airlines arrange flights in light aircraft, and flights are also available from Pokhara and other locations west of the capital, flying over the spectacular Annapurna range. Ride an elephant The tried and tested method of getting great views of Nepal’s wildlife is by elephant back. Plod your way through national parks, such as the Royal Bardia National Park or the Royal Chitwan National Park, for the best possible chance of spotting rhinos, wild elephant and, if you’re very lucky, the orange streak of a Bengal tiger. River rafting With its mountainous terrain, Nepal's array of crashing rivers offer world-class rafting conditions. From the swirling challenges of the Marsyangdi River, to the scenic Trisuli River, thrash it out on the country’s exhilarating waterways for an extra-special experience. Rowing Relax after a mighty trek by taking a rowing boat out on Phewa Tal, the mesmerising lake in the Pokhara Valley. See the reflections of the Annapurna range glinting in the calm waters, and glide across to the Barahi mandir temple, situated on the island in the lake. Shopping Scout for Tibetan handicrafts and artefacts at the hugely impressive Bodnath Stupa, a centre of Tibetan exile culture, just a short ride from central Kathmandu. Alternatively, visit the lively bazaar in the hill town of Gorkha - the ancestral home of the Shah Dynasty and residence of the original Gurkha soldiers. Take to the skies Nepal's undulating landscape is particularly breathtaking from the air. Try ballooning, hang-gliding or even have a go at flying a micro-light plane, from Kathmandu, Pokhara or the Langtang region. Paragliding is also a popular activity in Pokhara. Trekking: Everest Conquor Nepal’s most famous resident: Mount Everest. (Well, trek to Everest Base camp anyway.) Everest is called Sagarmatha (Head of the Sky) in Nepalese, and, at an altitude of 8,848m (29,022ft), it is the world's highest peak. Trekking: Annapurna The Annapurna region is an emerald and white backdrop of valleys and peaks. Wooded paths and dense canopees offer cooling relief, while the many teahouses offer a warm welcome and sweet cups of massala tea. We booked our Annapurna trek through Nepal Travel Plan: www.nepaltravelplan.co.uk. |
