Vishnu Narayanasamy from Singapore and seven other fellow travelers were recently on a holiday to Nepal with Explore Himalaya. The tour included the highly revered pilgrimage destination Muktinath, private day tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu valley, the wildlife safari in the UNESCO Heritage Site Chitwan National Park and the sightseeing tour of the most beautiful city in Nepal, Pokhara.

After the completion of the holiday which comprised diverse activities Mr. Vishnu said few lines of admiration regarding their holiday to Nepal.

If I have to pick the best memory out of many, that would be the visit to Muktinath and obviously the bathing in holy 108 taps in Muktinath Temple premises.

Talking about the services of Explore Himalaya I would say, it was faultless. Meeting and handling was done beyond our expectation. Hotels we stayed in were clean and comfortable. Guides throughout our holiday in Nepal were very knowledgeable and accommodative and the field staffs of the company were always available. The team assigned to serve our group went out of their way to advice on sites and made the last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances which we admire very much. We would recommend the fellow travelers to pick Explore Himalaya as their travel partner in Nepal.

  Enthralling views of Himalayan Ranges right after Thorong La Pass

“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls”:- Anais Nin

Travelling through this land is courageous. Without a doubt is certainly not for the faint hearted as it is the longest pass in the country, where we come across the deepest gorge in the whole of earth and have the world’s highest altitude lake, Tilicho Lake 4919m. Newly formed (Gangapurna) Glacier Lake is truly mesmerizing and the view of locals seeking for Yarsagumba (aphrodisiac), on the edge of ridges is nerve-racking! The sight of the biggest of vultures (Lamagaya) is exhilarating.   Overall, the Round Annapurna Trek is exulting.

The colorful Chame and gushing Marsyangdi

Lush vegetation, golden wheat shades and tranquil destination- Koto Village on RAT Trial

Starting trek from Chame (2710m), colorful hills, waterfalls and River Marshaygdi gushing deep down somewhere is soothing. As we walk towards Dhukur Pokhari(3240m) for miles, rocks, stones and shrubs are your only companions. Next we follow the deserted trial till Manang (3540m) is the same experience, then coming in contact with civilization is extraordinary. And we soar up along the longest part of the trial, till reaching Thorang Phedi (4450m), where we encounter the hundreds of yellow beaked crows having amazing hovering skills. Getting to the only lodge in High Camp (4850m) is a steep climb. Next morning starting early to cross the pass and witnessing the most pleasant view of peaks including breathtakingly enticing Pisang Peak, and the combination of rocks and snow till you reach the summit of Throng La Pass 5416m is thrilling. First thing beyond Thorung La Pass that feasts your eyes is the panoramic sight of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri Ranges.

Black scary cliffs towering to the skies- Between Besisahar and Chame

Now, the downhill to Charabu (4230m) and then to Muktinath (3800m) is pre cautious.  Reaching Muktinath is an experience of lifetime, which is one of the holiest places for Hindu devotees. Downhill trial continues till Kagbeni (2800m), a never ending walk in the most deserted area will definitely check your endurance. Looking down hill and noticing greenery at Kagbeni, after 6 or 7 hours of walking in the deserted plain is a relief. Closely connected houses, warm hospitality with a cup of coffee and chilly winds are rare combinations at Kagbeni. Staying a night at Kagbeni is highly recommended. The feel of Kagbeni will always remain. It’s time; we have to leave behind our longest friend of the journey, River Marshaygdi and offer greetings to River Kali Gandaki. Leaving early from Kagbeni will be a wise decision. Two hours of walk from Kagbeni will bring you to Jomsom (2720m) along the dusty road with jeeps and motorbikes hurtling by at high speed.  Then comes Marpha (2670m), do not forget apples, apple juices and apply brandy. You’ll get to know this when you get there!

Snow, rocks, blue sky and a plateau

The next thing you might want to plan is to get to Tatopani (1200m) where dipping into natural hot water spring awaits, a heavenly touch that anyone can get after, So much of trekking.  Ultimately, cross passing the final landmarks like Poonhill 2870m (a popular hilltop for extraordinary sunrise view) and typical Gurung hamlets including Ghandruk along the trial, lushly filled hills with flora and fauna accompanied by series of extravagant waterfalls the trek ends at Nayapool before driving to the beautiful tourist town, Pokhara. 

This Exotic trek in this region is most likely to bring about a change in travelers and seekers.

Getting closer to civilization- Cliffs against Braga

  Walk of a lifetime-towards Thorong La

Text Credits: Bishant Bista (Explore Himalaya)

Photo Credits: Karan Kunwar (Freelance Photographer)

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), led the team of Nepalese Travel delegates while participating in the Travel and Tourism Fair (TTF) held in Bangalore, India.

During India’s largest Travel Show TTF, nine Travel  Companies of Nepal accompanied NTB. The Travel Trade Fair was held from January 3 to 5. According to NTB visitors at TTF, made inquiries about Nepal´s prime touristic highlights as well as the pilgrimage destinations like Pasupatinath, Muktinath and Manakamana among others.

The statement of NTB says “Visitors also inquired about pilgrimage tour to Kailash Mansarovar via Nepal. The soft adventure holidays like trekking and rafting, leisure tour of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, and entertainment segments are also found popular among young travelers of India”, NTB statement adds.

News source: Republica

The number of Hindu pilgrims visiting Muktinath has risen sharply according to the data collected by Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Around 150 pilgrims mostly from India are visiting to Muktinath Temple daily. In the past years the average visitor figure during peak season stood at around 50. While some pilgrims fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, most of them have been seen using overland transport on the newly constructed highway.

Visit Muktinath