NEPAL WILDLIFE TOUR

Nepal is home to a fascinating variety of animals and birds including the endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger and one horned rhinoceros. Wildlife tours in the National Parks are greatly enjoyed activities in Nepal. Nepal is a tiny country, but enjoys a climatic diversity ranging from hot/humid to alpine/arctic conditions hence harboring an incredible variety of flora and fauna. Nepal is rich in wild life. The tropical jungles of the Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Nepal has 16 national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas, occupying 16 percent of its total geographical area.
Some famous National parks that lie in the plains (Terai) of Nepal are Bardia National Park, Koshi Tapu Wildlife Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve .Bardia National Park in the western Terai provide some of the best wildlife and nature viewing places in Asia. For the more serious bird watcher the Koshi Tapu Wildlife Park, in south-east Nepal, provide a unique venue for watching migratory waterfowl, waders and shore birds that congregate along the Koshi River from December to February every year. We have a choice of Jungle Lodges, Tented Camps and Guest Houses from where you can explore the Himalayan parks and its wildlife. Jungle safaris on elephant back or jeep rides are offered at the Parsa Wildlife Reserve, which is located in terai. Another famous national park, the Makalu-Barun National Park is in mountainous area of the Himalayas in northern Nepal, it includes the rich forested valleys of the Barun and seven other rivers. Wildlife tour in the park unfold unlimited plethora of fun, adventure, excitement and pleasure.

Royal Bardia National Park

The Royal Bardia National Park is the largest and least-disturbed wilderness area in the Terai. It was established in 1988. One can savor the forest and its unique sanctuary on a quite nature walk with a local guide. It covers an area of 968 square kilometer.). The area of belonging to the park was declared a buffer zone in 1997. It is located in the mid-far western Terai, to the east of the Karnali River. Royal Bardia National Park has immense amount of accumulated plants, animals and ecosystem.

Wildlife:
Royal Bardia National Park, the largest park in the lowland Terai houses more than 30 different mammals, varieties of species of snakes, lizards and fish, endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, blue bulls, wild elephants, greater one horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, wild boars, langur and rhesus monkeys, civets, hyenas, rhesus macaque, jackal wild dogs, sloth bears, otters, tiger, black buck, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger and gigantic dolphin, threatened birds such as Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican and Sarus Crane. Adding charm to the Park, several migratory birds visit the park. The park is marked as bird watcher’s paradise, consisting of beautiful and colorful bird. During your pleasurable visit to the park, you get ample opportunity to enjoy elephant safari, bird watching, rafting along Karnali River, village tour, cultural program and crocodile breeding center tour.

Flora:
The park is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai. About 70% of this vibrant park is embodied with Sal trees adjusted with a mixture of riverine forest, grassland and Savannah. The approximately 1500 people who lived in this valley have been resettled elsewhere. Since farming has ceased in the Babai Valley, natural vegetation is regenerating, making it an area of prime habitat for wildlife.

Entry Fee Per Person Per Day:
For the Foreign Nationals, the entry fee per person per day in this Royal Bardia National Park is around Rs500/-. (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976, and covers an area of 175 square kilometers. The reserve is named after the biggest river of Nepal, the Koshi. It is located on the flood plain of the Koshi River in the eastern Terai of Nepal. It is a major residing, staging and wintering site for waterfowls and waders in the subcontinent.

Wildlife:
With the opening of Koshi Tappu Reserve, bird watching is gaining grounds in Nepal. This reserve is a home to around 441 species of birds, 30 shore birds, 114 water birds, 20 ducks and 2 ibises The Koshi Barrage is an extremely important resting-place for migratory birds numbering to 87 winter visitors. Bird watching is a very pleasant experience during late autumn and early spring when the migration occurs. The Koshi River which forms the major landmark of the reserve is home to 80 fish species. The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have been recorded in the river. The last surviving population of wild buffalo or arna in Nepal is found here. Its number at present is estimated to be 150. The reserve is a habitat of 20 other animal species such as hog deer, spotted deer, wild boar, blue bull and rock python.

Flora:
The vegetation mainly includes tall khar-pater grasslands with a few patches of khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest. The reserve also assists the local economy by providing fishing permits and allowing the collection of edible fruits and ferns in season.

Entry Fee Per Person Per Day:
For the Foreign Nationals, the entry fee per person per day in this Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is around Rs500/-. (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).

Parsa Wildlife Reserve:

Parsa Wildlife Reserve is located in the south-central lowland Terai of Nepal. The 499 square kilometer of pristine sub-tropical jungle makes Parsa Nepal’s largest wildlife reserve. It was established in 1984. Parsa Wildlife Reserve occupies parts of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara districts in central Nepal.

Wildlife:
The reserve supports good population of various endangered species wild Asian elephant, tiger, Royal Bengal tiger, Sloth bear, and Leopard. Blue bull, Sambar, Chital, Hog deer, Barding deer, Langur, Rhesus macaques, striped hyena, Jungle cat, and Palm civet are also found in the reserve.
There are nearly 300 species of birds in the reserve. White breasted kingfisher, Paradise flycatcher, large racquet-tailed drongo, Golden backed woodpecker, etc are some of the common sights. Giant hornbill, one of the endangered bird species is found in some forest patches. The reserve is also famous for reptiles and different kinds of snakes include common cobra, common and banded karit, python and king cobra having hot tropical climate.

Flora:
The dominant landscape of the reserve is the Churiya hills ranging from 750 meter to 950 meter and running east-west through the reserve. The reserve has sub-tropical forest types with sal constituting 90% of the vegetation. In the Churiya hills and along the streams, chir pine grows. Khair, sissoo and the silk cotton tree also occur. Sabai grass, a commercially important species, grows well along southern face of the Churiya hills.

Entry Fee Per Person Per Day:
For the Foreign Nationals, the entry fee per person per day in this Parsa Wildlife Reserve is around Rs5, 00/-. (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).

Makalu-Barun National Park

The park and conservation area are situated in the Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu Districts. The park was established in 1992. It is bordered by Sagarmatha National Park, the Arun River and the Tibetan border; it includes the rich forested valleys of the Barun and seven other rivers. The 2,330 square kilometer region is located only 10 km southeast of Mount Everest which takes its name from the fifth highest peak in the world, Makalu, and the Barun Valley. In a country known for dramatic scenery, Makalu-Barun is a place of particularly spectacular scenery, a rugged landscape of towering Himalayan peaks and deep river gorges. This is the only protected area in Nepal with a strict nature reserve. The park has some of the richest and most unique pockets of plants and animals of Nepal.

Wildlife:
Over 400 species of birds have been sighted in the Makalu-Barun area, including two species never before seen in Nepal the spotted wren babbler and the olive ground warbler. Wildlife includes the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard and possibly snow leopard, in addition to more substantial populations of ghoral, thar, wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan marmot and weasel, common langur monkey and the serow. The Arun river system contains 84 varieties of fish.

Flora:
Stepping up the slopes are a series of vegetation zones starting with tropical Schima-Castanopsis forest (1000-2000m), rhododendron forests in the sub-alpine (3000-4000 m); and herbs, grasses and rhododendron/juniper shrubs in the alpine pastures (4000-5000 m). Recognized for its tremendous diversity of plants, animals and people, the area contains 25 species of rhododendron, 47 types of orchids, 67 species of economically valuable medicinal and aromatic plants, 19 species of bamboo, 15 oaks including Arkhoulo, 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose.

Entry Fee Per Person Per Day:
For the Foreign Nationals, the entry fee per person per day in this Makalu Barun National Park is around Rs1, 000/-. (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years).

WILDLIFE SAFARI TOURS IN NEPAL

Exploring the Jungle of Chitwan

With its lush forests and exotic fauna which include the rare one horned rhino, the Royal Bengal tiger, crocodiles, elephants, deer and over four-hundred species of birds, the Royal Chitwan National Park offers one of the finest wildlife experiences in Asia. Lying in the Terai belt, and ringed by the Churia Hills, Chitwan is flanked by the rivers Rapti, Reu and Narayani . The Royal Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 and is the oldest National Park in Nepal. The park became a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers a total area of 932 sq. kms.
During the late 19th century, Chitwan was the private hunting reserve of the Rana Prime Ministers. In 1911, King George V led a hunting party to Chitwan and is said to have shot thirty-seven tigers and eight rhinos. The jungle of Chitwan was a favorite haunt among Nepalese royalty. It is said during 1933-40 the king and his guests killed around four hundred and thirty-three tigers and fifty-three rhinos. By the late 1960s the population of rhinos and tigers in Chitwan had dwindled drastically due to indiscriminate hunting and poaching. The declaration of Chitwan as a national park in1973 and the imposition of strict measures against poaching and unauthorized conversion of forest to farmland have helped in increasing the wildlife population. At present Chitwan National Park is regarded as one of the most developed and most frequently visited of Nepal’s national parks.

Things to do & Places to Visit
The greatest thrill while at Chitwan is the traditional elephant ride. Taking an elephant ride to the jungle is an experience of a lifetime. The lodges inside the park have their own elephants. Three or sometimes four people can ride atop an elephant. Elephant safaris usually start in the early morning or late afternoon .There are also jeep tours available inside the park. The best months for this is from mid-February when the elephant grass has been cut, allowing unobstructed views. You can also take a walk inside the park, provided you are accompanied by guides. Canoeing along the Rapti or Narayani rivers is the most restful way of watching the wildlife especially the aquatic birds and crocodiles. Several lodges arrange visits to nearby Tharu villages. Tharus, the original inhabitants of Chitwan, have their own culture, language and customs which is quite different from that of the Nepalese hill people. A visit to the elephant breeding camp and the gharial breeding centre can also be informative.
Local vegetation
The jungle vegetation is dominated by sal forest and open grassland .There are also flowering species of trees like the silk cotton, acacia and flame of the forest. These trees bloom from January to early spring and fill the forest with their colorful blooms. The tall elephant grass dominates the grassland and gives it a savanna like appearance.

Wildlife
The park is home to the great one- horned Indian rhino, the world’s third largest land mammal. They feed on grass, which is also their normal habitat and move alone or in groups. The elephants seen frequently at the park are trained and tamed. The tamed elephants are used for elephant rides as well as to carry heavy loads in Chitwan. The Royal Bengal tiger, at the most  remains elusive from prying eyes, but if one is lucky one may chance upon the royal beast ambling alone or sunning itself. The tigers are by nature reclusive and do not attack unless provoked or hunting for food. There are four different species of deer living in the park - the barking deer, the hog deer, the sambar deer and the spotted deer. Different species of birds have been recorded here. The Indian peafowl, the black headed oriole, and the openbill stork are some. The park’s rivers and marshes are home to various reptiles like the pythons, crocodiles, gharials, which feed on fishes and the marsh mugger. The common leopard, langur and rhesus monkey also make up the park’s wildlife population.
Getting there
Chitwan is accessible by car or bus on the Kathmandu -Mugling-Narayanghat Highway or via the Mahendra Highway from Hetauda. It takes around six hours to drive from Kathmandu to Narayanghat. Air-services from Kathmandu to Meghauli and Bharatpur is also available. The best time to visit the park from is from October to February. Many of the park lodges are closed between May to August, the rainy season.At Chitwan, you can stay inside the park. A variety of lodges are available, from multi-starred to basic but comfortable. Travelers can also stay at Sauraha, which has some high end accommodation.

In July 2007, Explore Himalaya had three big groups from Kipling Travel, Denmark who took the route from Beijing – Lhasa – Rongbuk – Kathmandu. This tour was especially organized with an objective to experience the highest train of the world called “The Qinghai Tibet railway” that drove from Beijing to Lhasa at the height of 5000 meters.

All three groups consisted of Danish tourists and had the mixed aged group ranging from 11 year boy to women of 75 year. And the ratio of female to male was 60: 40. The first group which was led by Mr Claus Andreasen together with Ms Annette Benedicte Gallaus consisted of 16 Pax. The second group consisted of 17 Pax and was led by Mr Anders Ellemann Kristensen and likewise the third group led by Mr Mathias Severin Boyer also consisted of 17 Pax.

The tour started their journey from Copenhagen and flew to Beijing, where there were met by the guide and transferred to the Hotel. The group stayed in Beijing for 3 days where they were toured the magnificent, The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and The Temple of Heaven.  Later after Completing their sightseeing in Beijing They boarded the Train to Lhasa of 48 Hours.

After reaching Lhasa they followed 11 days rongbuk tour. This consisted of 4 days in Lhasa with sightseeing places like Potala Palace, Norbulinka, Jokhang Temple, Sera and Deprung monasteries. Visiting Gyantse dzong & kumbum in Gyantse, Tashilampo monastery in shigatse and everest base camp are the few highlights while taking this tour.

After completing Tibet, the group drove from Zhangmu to Kathmandu, Nepal where they were picked up at the border by staff from EH and than transferred to Hotel Malla after reaching Kathmandu. They stayed for 4 nights in Kathmandu and did a sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Darbuar Square.

After completing 18 days of tour they left Kathmandu for Delhi from Sahara Airlines and later to Copenhagen, Denmark. The first group started their tour and arrived Beijing on 05 July 2007, the second group on 06 July 2007 and the third group on 09 July 2007.

Every individual from the group was very happy to have done this Tour and the group leaders appreciated the service which they received from staff of Explore Himalaya.

When asked about the tour, following was the comment received.

“It was my very first time and I loved it, just amazing, we were very lucky to get the view of the mountains in tingri”.
Mr Mathias Severin Boyer (Tour Leader – 3rd group)

Years come years go, new generations take to modernization and with this comes a new wave of change, but Toy Train in Darjeeling stills remains as appealing as before and more so. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, a dream project of Franklin Prestage and most popularly known by the name ‘Toy Train’, has today become a travellers’ destination, poets’ inspiration, lovers’ paradise, movie makers’ favourite shooting spot and a pride of Himalaya. Listed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999, Toy Train has never ceased to etch itself on the consciousness of travellers- capturing their imagination and fuelling their curiosity about Himalaya.

On a 86 km long 2ft narrow gauge railway journey one cannot help marvel at the invention of this steam engine powered Toy Train. Constructed between 1879 and 1881 by Gillander Arbuthnot & Co. in conformity to Franklin’s vision, Toy Train zigzags from Siliguri to Darjeeling in the Indian state of West Bengal for 8 blissful hours and is run by the Indian Railways. Its elevation level ranges from about 100 m at Siliguri to about 2,200 m at Darjeeling and makes an amazing journey up to Ghum, highest point at 7,407 feet.

The aura of Himalaya that surrounds the train ride is simply mind blowing. Gazing through a window from the train one can drink in the spectacular Himalaya panorama silhouetted against the scintillating blue sky. A magnificent view of Himalaya foothills, Kanchenjunga, Mahanandi valley, tea garden landscapes, monastery and verdant forests of pine and oak trees dominates throughout the ride. The train also skirts past markets and towns of smiling people and running children. The train journey not just links one place with another but connects people of different nationalities with one another, be it people from Nepal, Sikkim, West Bengal, Tibet and any other parts of the world.

In the beginning, Toy Train used to be a luxury devised for Darjeeling’s elite from the British ruling class, affluent Indians, Maharajas and Zamindars. Locals had no choice but to use ponies to travel through hill cart road. Gradually, Toy Train became a thing of a commoner. Every individual living in Darjeeling somehow connect to toy train; some may have had best of their childhood running after the train,  some may have waited for hours just to catch a glimpse of the train or to captures its beauty in canvas or have spent memorable journey on it. This amazing wonder of Himalaya has profoundly touched every aspects of life one way or another. Darjeeling has folklore based on this Toy Train.

With the popularity of Toy Train, Darjeeling tea became a popular name and a favourite amongst the tea lovers. There were more increasing numbers of tourists flow in Darjeeling exclusively for Toy Train journey. Even the train welcomed the trend of shooting songs of Hindi movies. Several notable Hindi movies have featured Toy Train mostly in song sequence. Even Discovery Channel could not stay immune to the charm of Toy Train and thus made a documentary based on it. This boosted Darjeeling’s economy to a greater extent.

Conclusively, Toy Train is the answer for those who wish to explore and experience Himalaya in unhurried pace. The gaiety of this train ride amidst the Himalaya beauty is so infectious that it leaves one wanting for more. As the term itself indicates, Toy Train is a gateway to a complete joy ride and the best way to experience it is to bask in this sheer pleasure.

In a country where the culture is to revere guests as gods, Nepal is an ideal family holiday destination. Nepal is synonymous with its mighty Himalaya, ever smiling hospitable and friendly people, family values, rich flora and fauna, unique culture and tradition. With the restoration of democracy and the end of Maoist’s insurgency, Nepal has once again become a safer place to travel. One can travel to every corners of Nepal expecting the same hospitality and people eager to go out their way to make tourists feel at home.
An affordable, safe and multi-faceted family holiday options are available in Nepal; trekking, hiking, rafting, canoeing, boating, sightseeing, cultural tour, bird watching, mountain biking, jungle safari, helitrekking, helisightseeing, mountain flight and many such multi-activity are especially tailor-made for family. Family gets plenty of opportunity to participate, enjoy and indulge quality time with each other. Family holidays are devised keeping the children interest at heart without exhausting them and ensuring that family gets comfortable accommodations, relaxation and good meals. One can choose from 1 day to 20 day tour or more led by tour leader. All sorts of fun and entertaining holiday activities are available for kids; cycling along countryside, nature walk, canoeing, elephant safari in Royal Chitwan National Park, cultural tour, boating on Phewa Lake in Pokhara, rafting along gentle rapids of rivers, trekking, educational tour and many more. Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini are the most popular destinations. In the recent time Annapurna region has also topped the family preference list.
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the wonderful choice to introduce youngsters and adults to the ancient history of Nepal, the urban lifestyle and cultural heritages. From hotels, guest houses to bed and breakfast, one can have the best child-friendly accommodations in Kathmandu very much suited for family. Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu can be very insightful for both parents and children; visits to Basantapur museum, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath stupa, Swayambhunath stupa, Patan and Bhaktapur provide a closer glimpse of Nepal’s unique arts, craftsmanship, culture, tradition and custom. Children will especially find the sights of mischievous monkeys very amusing and interesting in Pashupatinath temple and Swayambhunath stupa.
Nagarkot is another spectacular site which is just 35 km away from Kathmandu and is most popular for its sunset and sunrise views and beautiful resorts making it an absolute delight for family. Equally enchanting is Dhulikhel situated at a distance of 30 km from Kathmandu.  While embarking on cultural exploration and nature tour around this place, family get to interact with local people and this can be very educational for both children and parents as they learn new culture and different perspectives.
Pokhara, 210 km away from Kathmandu, confines family to wider selections of activities and excursions that are not strenuous, physically easy and are very insightful with a right balance between adventure and comfort. Some of the most popular activities that can be enjoyed by children in Pokhara are:

1. Boating on Phewa lake/ Rupa lake/Begnas lake
2. Cycling down the Lakeside area
3. Educational tour to museums and local villages
4. Sightseeing tour around temples and cultural heritages
5. Bird watching
6. Mountain flight
7. Nature walk
8. Exploration of cave Mahendra Gupha

So welcoming is the atmosphere of Pokhara that both parents and children will feel instantly at home amidst the ambience of surrounding Himalayan panorama. When it comes to trekking, the best, easy and safe way to begin a trek from Pokhara is foremost driving to Phedi and thereon following the route to Dhampus[1700m], Landruk[1550m], Ghandruk[1940m], Ghorapani[2775m], Birethanti[1050m] and Naya Pool[1340 m] on foot. En route, trekkers will encounter friendly, helpful and innocent people of Gurung village. Moreover, this trek also gives a chance to view Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak and other Himalayan giants from the popular vantage point of Poon Hill at an altitude of 3193 meters.
A visit to Royal Chitwan National Park is a very worthwhile excursion, either directly from Kathmandu or as an extension to a trekking or rafting trip. Chitwan is situated in the tropical Terai region, close to the borders with India, and provides a total contrast to the environment of snow-capped Himalaya. Being the home to several rare species, in particular, one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, deer, bison, Royal Bengal tiger and abundant flora, the park exudes a special charm and excitement in children to explore more. Visit to elephant breeding center is another childrens’ most sought after trip. So is a canoe along Narayani River that accommodates Gharial crocodile and Gangetic river dolphin.  A day long jungle safari on an elephant concludes superbly with a cultural programme performed by local villages, followed by a hearty dinner. This can give family a fun and interactive insight into life in Chitwan.
Further 303 km from Kathmandu is Lumbini, the birth place of Lord Buddha. This place is the most sacred place for Buddhists for it is regarded as the place from where Buddhism originated. A tour around the monasteries and temples of Lumbini stimulates both child and adults alike. This fun adventure evokes a sense of exploration and discovery.

Family can experience the exotism of Himalayas on a child-friendly low altitude trek in the Annapurna foothills. In the most relaxed manner family get to tread along the easy trails that wend past alpine meadows, lush forests of oak and rhododendrons, river valley, stone staircases, rice paddies and pristine hamlets. Ample opportunity is there to interact with local people at the camp sites and learn more about local culture and custom.

Holidaying in Nepal is a rare blend of safety, comfort, relaxation, adventure, discovery, excitement, challenge, interest and fun for both children and parents. Whether it is rafting along the gentle rapids of Trisuli River or engaging in a multiple activity that involves trekking, jungle safari, nature walk, cultural tour etc, Nepal gives family a rare travel experience and a chance to gain a deeper understanding of people, culture and true essence of Nepal.

The Garden of Dreams is situated within the premises of Kaiser Mahal (a palace, now the Ministry of Education) which was built in 1895 by the then Prime Minister Bir SJB Rana. The palace was later inherited by his son Chandra SJB Rana who later created the garden and presented to his son Kaiser SJB Rana as his wedding gift. Being a man of great essence, Kaiser Shumsher extensive landscape program for the garden included eastern lawn, wooded and cultivated areas, and a duck pond to name a few. It is learnt that he was an impassioned traveler especially to European Countries and the Garden of Dreams was an inspiration he received from the gardens in Europe.

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Within the Garden wall Kaiser Shumsher created an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture, and European – inspired features such as verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns, and birdhouses. He erected six impressive freestanding pavilions, each dedicated to one of the six seasons of Nepal namely- Basanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Barkha (monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn) and Shishir (winter).

Click to enlarge

       However, after the death of Kaiser shumsher in 1965, his family bequeathed some portion of the Kaiser Mahal including his dream garden and Kaiser library to the government after which the garden remained in dilapidated from for several decades. Once the dream garden of Kaiser now covered with overgrown weeds. So, its structural disfigurement caught the sight of some of the national and international environmentalists, and heritage conservations during the visit Nepal Year 1998, when Nepal celebrated the year as the tourism year.

Originally, the garden was spread within the domain of 19 ropanies, which has now cringed to 10 ropanies only. Likewise, the three of the pavilions in the western part of the garden has been encroached by urban expansion, with the remains of some structural fragments but the central and eastern sections of the garden has remained intact.

These sections include the focal fountain pool, a myriad of original details, and fragments of the original planting scheme.

To create awareness about the heritage preservation within the metropolis, the plan to preserve the dream garden continued until 2001, when a million –dollar Garden of Dreams Project was born and was funded by Austrian Government in cooperation with the Ministry of Education & Sports and executed by Eco Himal.

After almost 6 years of restoration procedure, the garden is all set to cater to the public; however, there are some impending services and facilities, which will be continued until September 2007. “Even if the garden has lost half of its original size to the development of Thamel, three of its neo-classical pavilions as well as its central lotus pond and most of the other architectural and sculptural elements have survived their complete restoration now securing the legacy of Kaiser Shumsher’s creation for future generation.”

To maintain the standard, the renovated garden aims to become self- sustaining though entrance fees, café, bar along with other cultural programs, corporate events, private functions, etc. To uphold the architectural beauty of the garden, it has been decided that the garden will be a non-commercial garden i.e. free from advertisements, posters and banners.

NTB, as a member of the Garden considers that the garden will be an icon for cultivating interest in the people towards greenery and will help promote tourism activities in the valley.

A number of elements have been added by utilizing latent resources of its existing layout like an amphitheater has been created for open-air cultural programs and two of the historical pavilions have been converted to serve as a garden café and lounge bar. The ‘Ratounda’, another pavilion garden’s lost portion has been reconstructed as a new focal point and a range of new water bodies, fountains, pergolas, lush green garden, and varieties of flora complements on the elegance of the garden.

The Garden of Dreams- an oasis of peace and tranquility amid the hustling city of Kathmandu is open for public. The entrance fee for Nepalese and tourist is NPR 80 and NPR160 respectively and there is also a provision of different types of memberships and group visitors.

This article has been extracted from magazine, “Nepal Traveller, July-August 2007.”

A visit of Kathmandu valley by helicopter gives a new dimension and perspective of this ancient kingdom. Download this article available in PDF Document to read it.

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Please visit our special page to learn more about sightseeing in Nepal by helicopter (includes Annapurna, Everest and many more locations…)

This article has been extracted from the magazine, “Nepal Travel Trade Reporter, VOL.X ISSUE NO. 14 MARCH 5-11 2007″

PARO – Most doted travel destination in Bhutan
Popularly known as “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, Bhutan lies between China on the North and Northwest and India on the South, Southwest and East.With the advent of 21st century, Bhutan became more open to promoting its tourism potentials and in the process introduced several attractive travel options. As a result of which Bhutan began receiving numbers of tourists every year. With this grew the popularity of Paro Valley. For travellers wishing to unveil the religious uniqueness, historical richness, intrinsic culture and pristine custom of Western Bhutan, Paro has become a favourite travel destination.
Paro Valley lies amidst the majestic panorama of Mount Chomolhari overlooking the captivating view of deep gorges, Paro Chu River and lush vegetation of rice fields, apple and peach orchards and willow trees. Paro is 65 km away from Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan and it normally takes a two-hour drive from Thimpu to reach Paro. Many festivals and discourses can be witnesses at the temples and monasteries of history laden Paro. Its cultural heritages, religious significance and landscape never cease to fascinate travellers. Paro has an airport, several hotels, restaurants, internet cafes and handicraft centers to cater well to tourists’ requirements. While travelling to Paro, one should not miss visiting the following places:
Drugyal Dzong
History has it that in 1647 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel erected this fortress as the commemoration of his victory over the Tibetan invaders. This dzong safeguarded Bhutan from invasions for centuries. Tragically, Drugyal dzong caught fire in 1951 and consequently its structures were badly ruined. So overpowering was its historical significance that even in today’s time it still remains a historical monument for locals and tourists. On a favorable whether, this dzong offers a visual treat of Mt. Jomolhari view from a perfect vantage point.

Taktsang Monastery
Nestled against the granite cliff, Takstang monastery stands 900 meter high above the Paro Valley. This monastery gained its popular nickname, “Tiger’s den”, from a local mythological tale which says that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava arrived at this place riding on the back of a tigress to mediate. A temple was built at the place where Guru Padmasambhava meditated and later his devotees built a monastery which was named Takstang Monastry. In 1998, the monastry was engulfed by fire and this ruined many paintings and religious objects. Government of Bhutan renovated this sacred monastery. Local people visit this place for religious discourses.

Click on the thumbnail to enlarge the picture

Rinpung Dzong
Bhutanese refer to this fortress as “the fortress on a heap of jewels”. Rinpung dzong was constructed in 1646 and is a sheer portrayal of great Bhutanese architecture. This fortress has Paro monastic school and Civil Administration Office. In spring, one can witness Paro festival at this site which takes place once in every year.

Ta Dzong
This fortress was constructed in 1651 as a watch tower and its architecture exhibits the influences of European architecture. After 1967, Ta dzong was used as the national museum of arts, relics, religious thanka paintings and several historical objects. A visit to this fortress takes one to the memory lane of ancient Bhutan.

Farm House
The most fascinating and immersing way of experiencing the real lifestyle of Bhutan is by visiting the farm house. Local people have their houses normally built with three storeys painted colorfully which depicts pristine Bhutanese arts; ground floor is used for sheltering cattles and other domestic animals, first floor is for the family and the attic is for storing hay and other household assets.

Kyichu Lhakhang
This 7th century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo is regarded very sacred by locals. A visit to this temple gives a chance to learn, understand and internalize the religious perspectives of Bhutanese.

The best way to travel around Paro is by using the service of a local professional guide. From March to May, weather in Paro stays at its best behavior. There are several options to exploring Paro, either on foot, mountain bike or a vehicle. Whichever way one chooses, it would definitely be soul-searching and lifetime experience and an intimate encounter with real Bhutan.