A Thai  family started their excursion on the arrival day. During the trip, they visited prime highlighting sites at Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Pokhara.

The tour began with exploration around Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The Durbar square at Bhaktapur is full of historical monuments. 55-windowed palace, lion gate, golden gate, Chyaslin Mandap, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla and Dattatreya Square are examples of medieval arty creations. The drive to Nagarkot followed the sightseeing tour at Bhaktapur.

Early morning startling sunrise view with glittering mountains from Nagarkot provided the Thais with boundless joys. In their next destination Pokhara, a session of  boating on Phewa Lake welcomed them . The early morning excursion to Sarangkot; a hilltop overlooking Pokhara is popular for eye-catching Himalayan views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges including very unique Fishtail during the sunrise and sunsets. The excursion to mysterious, Davis Fall, Seti Gorge and Mahendra Cave exposed the different side of Nepal to our visitors.

They took the flight back to Kathmandu. At Kathmandu, they visited the glorious Kathmandu Durbar Square, Hindu holiest pilgrimage in Nepal, Pashupatinath and the sacred Buddisht shrine at Boudhanath.

Witnessing few of the glorious attraction sites for tourism in Nepal, on 19th Thai visitors made the exodus with the most memorable days of retreat in Nepal.

As per the data collected by Bhaktapur Municipality Tourism Information Centre, a total of 225,000 foreign tourists visited the famed UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur from April, 2011 to April, 2012. One of the three medieval kingdoms in the valley and an ancient cultural heritage site, Bhaktapur received a total 88,948 tourists from SAARC countries and 126,741 from other countries, earning the municipality a total revenue of Rs. 159.31 million from entry fees.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Take a cultural tour and explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur

Tourists visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square will get to browse the intenet for free. This faclity comes courtesy Bhaktapur Municipality as part of a drive to welcome tourists to Bhaktapur during NTY 2011. The municipal corporation has also deployed employees to offer information to any tourist seeking information about Bhaktapur’s rich cultural heritage.

If you are wondering where to spend your Winter vacation, we suggest you pack your bags and head towards Kathmandu. Yes, this winter take a break with or without your loved ones and discover the wonders of Kathmandu – a city with an urban facade and a rich cultural heritage.

River Bagmati,  flowing through the city of Kathmandu

Narayanhiti Palace Museum – Former Palace of the dethroned King Gyanendra Shah

Stroll through ancient bazaars and medieval palace squares and explore  UNESCO World Heritage sites, take a short hike through wooded hills and Newari villages surrounding the valley’s rim and enjoy the splendid Himalayan panorama – Kathmandu has a lot to offer and we assure you, you will never  experience a moment’s boredom in this city.

Boudhanath Stupa – UNESCO World heritage Site

Kathmandu is made up of three ancient cities – Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur. Behind every old monument, shrine or street you visit, you will discover an interesting story.

Emerald waters of  Rani Pokhari ( Queen’s Pond) – a jewel in the middle of  the city

Palace of 55 Windows built during the Malla period  – Living testimony of the skill and artistry of Nepalese artisans

Many of these stories define Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage. Amidst the maze of ancient palaces and bazaars, there also exists an urban milieu. The capital is home to some world class hotels, casinos, pubs and restaurants. There are art galleries, chic boutiques and shopping malls with shops selling branded items at prices cheaper than what you get back home. Surrounding the valley are small hills and villages that are ideal for day hikes and excursion, perfect getaways from the hustle and bustle of city.

A farmstead on the outskirts of Kathmandu

Pottery Square, Bhaktapur

A blend of old and new, Kathmandu has much to offer – be it culture or fun outdoor activities. So pack your bags and head for this Himalayan capital.  Choose a suitable program by clicking here.

(Photos courtesy : Fishtail Air, Sabeen Shrestha, Rozanne Greene)

Fishtail Air conducts pilgrimage tours to major Hindu pilgrimage sites. The pictures below were taken on 21st June, 2010, during a charter flight to Damodar Kunda (4890m), one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site in Upper Mustang.
Damodar Kunda (lake) is situated in the rain shadow area of the Himalayas north of Annapurna range. It lies high in the Himalayas in Upper Mustang area, at an elevation of 4890 meters.

Pilgrims at Damodar Kunda

A big festival is held here during the full moon night in Autumn. Many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims make a pilgrimage to this place every year. The Tibetan plateau and Damodar Himal to the north and the Annapurna Himalayan massive to the south can be viewed from the vicinity of the holy lake.
In the ‘Barah Puran’, Lord Krishna mentions that whoever visits Damodar Kunda and takes a dip in the lake will be freed from all sins. Another story mentions the miraculous healing of the two sons of Kuber, who are advised by Lord Krishna to bathe in the holy waters of Damodar Kunda to release themselves from all sufferings caused by sins committed in their previous birth.

Asia’s Tallest Shiva Idol- Sanga, Bhaktapur

En route, the clients enjoyed an aerial view of Asia’s tallest Lord Shiva statue. The 143-feet idol of Lord Shiva, lies in the outskirts of Kathmandu in Sanga, Bhaktapur. The idol, made up of cement and concrete, took more than a decade to complete. They offered floral tribute to the idol by showering flower petals from aboard the chopper.