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Welcome to Nepal!
Sandwiched between two of the most populated countries in the world (China & India), Nepal sits like a jewel among giants. Nepal is a small country, about the size of Florida, but one of the most mountainous areas in the world. The Himalayan mountain range runs the entire length of Nepal’s boundary with China. The most famous mountain in the world, Mount Everest has put Nepal on the map for mountaineering and trekking; but little is known about the impressive mountain biking, birdwatching, national jungle parks and other activities that can be enjoyed in the Himalayan foothills.
The Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is Nepal’s largest city with 600,000 people, still only 2% of Nepal’s total population. A lake once filled this valley and ancient myth tells of the monk Manjushri draining the lake with his sword to make the valley we see today. Now this capital city sits in a fertile valley ringed by small foothills and dotted with villages, giving the mountain biker, hiker or birdwatcher endless areas to explore without leaving the comforts of Kathmandu Valley. In addition, Kathmandu Valley is the historic and cultural center of Nepal. Three different kingdoms have stood in this valley (Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu). Each kingdom built unique palaces & temples, which helped Nepalese art, learning and culture to flourish. In 1768, after a long war, the entire valley was unified into Kathmandu Valley, putting an end to the warring states. Now the different states of Bhaktapur and Patan still exist and have been painstakingly preserved for future generations to admire. A visit to either of these states can sometimes give the adventurous tourist a real glimpse into a past era and a lifestyle little changed by time.
The Everest Region
The Khumbu (Everest) region is home to the highest peaks in the world, the tallest & most famous being the 29,025 ft. Mount Everest.
The British sent the first failed expedition to Everest in 1921 from the Tibetan side, as foreigners weren’t allowed in Nepal until 1950. Many expeditions where launched from Tibet but none came close, except possibly the mysterious climb of Mallory & Irvin. During the fall of 1952 once the Nepalese started allowing foreigners into their country, a Swiss team was allowed into Nepal to have a crack at the world’s highest mountain. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful, giving the British another chance. On May 29th, 1953, George Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay Sherpa where to forever known as the first persons to have reached the summit of Everest: they were on the top of the world!
But the Khumbu region isn’t just about huge mountains, it’s more about the Buddhist culture and the Sherpa people that dominate this region, coloring the landscape with Chortons, Manni Stones, Prayer Wheels and Prayer Flags. Religious beliefs go hand in hand with daily life here, as most Sherpa homes have altars where photographs of loved ones and the Dalai Lama are displayed, along with offerings of rice, water and butter candles – altars where daily offerings to the god Buddha are made. The Khumbu is also home to one of the most widely known monasteries in the world, the Tengboche Monastery. Many of you saw the Tengboche Monastery featured during the IMAX film “EVEREST” which has helped to make this monastery a favorite of every traveler.
After climbing Mount Everest, Sir Edmund Hillary put Nepal on the map and the Sherpa people at center stage. Hillary wanted to give something back to the Sherpa people for their hard work and loyal friendship so the Hillary Foundation was formed. Affiliations and funding from this foundation have made this area affluent by Nepalese standards. Schools, hospitals, beautiful teahouses and research centers dot the region.
Other highlights include the village of Namche, the cultural and trading center of the Khumbu. Each Saturday, people come from all over to trade and sell their goods at the famous bazaar here. Namche is the hub of the Khumbu, which makes it an interesting place to spend a couple of days. The streets hum with talk of expeditions, exploration and excited travelers, all coming to the Khumbu to see Everest and the extreme landscape of this region.
The Annapurna Region
Jungle waterfalls, wild monkeys, arid landscapes, donkey caravans, authentic Tibetan culture, and picturesque mountain landscapes are what wait for you in the Annapurna region. Get ready to experience the beauty and ecological diversity that distiguish this area of Nepal. Whether in the lowland terraced farms, mountain ringed glacier basin of the Annapurna Sanctuary, or the hidden arid valleys reminiscence of Tibet, you may never witness such diverse splendor again.
During the spring, the Annapurna area becomes a mass of pink; white and red blooms as the hills are covered in blooming rhododendron trees. Not only are the flowers incredible, but the views of the Annapurna mountain range from Ghorapani and Poon Hill are awe-inspiring.
The weather in this region is remarkably mild – with warm, sunny days and cool nights. Along the way, the native people will be planting crops and getting ready for summer. The villages on this trek are interesting and colorful, with many terraced fields and small farms.
Fall brings crisp blue skies to the Annapurna region, remarkably clear after the summer monsoon has cleaned the air of dust from India. After the long hot summer, farmers work in the fields gathering crops and getting ready for winter. Even during winter, the lowland areas are still warm and comfortable for travel, and a second crop is planted during this time. But up in the higher mountains, travel comes ends in late November until spring trekking season starts in late February.
All Annapurna treks visit Pokhara, the second largest city in Nepal. A large lake reflects the vista of the mountains all around you as you’re free to shop, sightsee, take a boat ride or just relax in the sun of this dramatically picturesque resort city.
The main two groups of people living in this area are the Gurung and the Tamang. The Gurung were made famous as the military soldiers called Gurkha, who were hired by the British because of their bravery in battle. The wealth of the retired Gurkha soldiers has created some of the richest villages in Nepal, resplendent with beautiful homes and teahouses.
Whether you take the Annapurna Extravaganza, the Annapurna Sanctuary or the Beautiful Annapurna trek, you won’t be disappointed. Pack plenty of film and get ready for the views of a lifetime.
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