Trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara

Posted Jul 9th, 2013 under Trip Report,

Danish travelers, Mr. Bronddom Rasmus and Ms. Caroline Fossum were on a short visit to Nepal from July 2, 2013 to July 6, 2013. Despite of pouring rainfall the Danish Visitors through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel feasted their eyes with the affluent Hindu and Buddhist culture in the sacred shrines of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath as well as enjoyed the extraordinary craftsmanship of medieval Nepal in the backstreets of glorious Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The next exotic destination they visited was Pokhara. Pokhara, the city housing the profusely opulent natural magnificence welcomed them with the peaceful boating in dazzling Fewa Lake. The half day sightseeing tour of Pokhara was followed by a short ride to Sarangkot on the day after. Sarangkot, a hilltop overlooking Pokhara offers, the exceedingly mesmerizing panorama of the widespread Himalayas including famous Annapurna and uniquely standing Fishtail.

As the tour concluded, the Danish visitors expressed their utter satisfaction with the trip arranged for them. They also thanked our Tour Officer Mr. Sabin Rayamajhi for being extremely supportive and responsible throughout the tour.

Interview with Guinness World Record Holder, Mr. Emilio Scotto

Posted Jul 2nd, 2013 under Interviews,

Argentine national, Emilio Scotto is a sheer adventurer, enthusiastic photojournalist and a noteworthy travel writer. He has been holding the Guinness World Records since 2009 for his achievement of 10 years Motorcycle ride-which is the longest journey in a motorbike taking him to 279 nations covering 735000 kilometers. His ride around the world was his beautiful Black Princess- 1980 Honda Gold Wing GL1100 . Scotto was in Nepal in the beginning of the Monsoon of 2013 with other fifteen associate riders. Explore Himalaya was overwhelmed to have an opportunity to be a part of Mr. Scotto and his team’s Nepal Tour. These Argentine travelers took a short rest from riding  and traveled on a private vehicle to the three most delightful cities of Nepal- Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. After the completion of the trip Explore Himalaya had a small interview with Mr. Emilio Scotto. Mr. Scotto married in India. To live his dream of a traveler he and his wife sacrificed with not having a child. Actually, we are humbled to have an opportunity to host a person like Mr. Emilio Scotto who has acquired such heights. Personally, I pride on myself for having interviewed this traveling icon.

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An interview view with the well known traveler- Emilio Scotto

Here we have Mr. Scotto’s comments on the behalf of his entire team regarding the tour to Nepal.

EH: How was your trip to Nepal?

When I was kid, the names of Nepalese cities were in my dreams. So, I came to Nepal in 1990, and now I am here again after 23 years, I won’t be surprise to see enormous changes in Nepal. Whatsoever, Nepal is as beautiful as it was then in 1990. Actually, last time in 1990 I came on a bike. I returned to Nepal again because I am in love with Nepal. All my friends traveling with me liked Nepal. They loved Pokhara and they wished to stay a few more days there. They also wished for a day more at Chitwan.

EH: So, far in the cultural aspect, Kathmandu valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Which one do you appreciate the most?

See it’s pretty hard to pick one from the choices, as all of them are equally amazing. However, we visited Boudhanth before we traveled to Pokhara and Chitwan and once we have returned back to Kathmandu, my fellow members wanted to spend some more time at Boudhanath. They were amazed to see such an serene place which is so sacred and tranquil.

EH: How was your experience in Pokhara?

Pokhara is very nice place. Boating in Fewa Lake was exceedingly pleasurable, Davis Fall (pause for a while), it is just out of the world. The caves were not that interesting as my team had expected. The hotels were very nice and services provided by the hotels were great. My team wished to stay a few more days in Pokhara, so they could explore more in this enchanting city. We were lucky enough to see the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges including the unique Fishtail  on the last day at Pokhara and  even that, just for a while. The view was awesome.

EH: Did you enjoy the wildlife experience in Chitwan National Park?

Chitwan National Park is a beautiful place for the wildlife adventure. Everyone in my team loved the place. It is probably the best destination for the Wildlife Safari in entire Asia. We had great fun during the Safari. As we began the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan it was raining. Upon arriving at Chitwan the rain stopped. So, we began our Safari. As the Safari was on the verge to an end, we experienced the heaviest rainfall riding on the back of an elephant for the last ten minutes. It was probably the best experience for all of us at Chitwan National Park. We loved photographing in the rain. However, the next time I would go for a two person ride on an elephant instead of four as we Argentines are little bigger in size (laughs). It was total fun at Chitwan and we expected to spend more time there.

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Emilio Scotto with the Explore Himalaya family

EH: Since the day you arrived to Nepal the heavy rainfall has created an adverse scene in properly exploring Nepal, Were you affected by the rain?

Yes. Though we didn’t have problems in exploring the cities but we also had  planned for the Helicopter ride to the Himalayas and I must admit rain did spoil it. As we didn’t want to risk the significant amounts chargeable for the helicopter ride and get nothing. Or, else everything was perfect.

EH: How would you describe Nepal in one word?

I am sorry, but I may not be the right guy to describe Nepal in a word. Nepal is synonymous to so many beautiful sides of nature and culture.

EH: Can we be hopeful that some day we will entertain more visitors to Nepal from Argentina who are especially recommended by you?

Yes, next year I am planning for the two groups. First in April, adding the Himalayas view tour to this tour we had this year. Next one, I am planning a Motorbike Tour in Nepal during the month of June.

EH: How were the services of our staffs during the entire tour?

All of them were very good. You know Argentines are not easy to handle (laughs). However, every guide was patience, informative and desperate in explaining. Guide in Chitwan was very good; similarly the guide in Pokhara was equally great. The guide in Kathmandu spoke Spanish so it was easy for me and all others to know better about Kathmandu. Even the bus driver was extremely good and had good explaining quality.

EH: Finally, is there anything you do not like during the tour?

Yes, overcrowded traffics in Kathmandu (laughs).

EH: Okay, Mr. Scotto it was nice talking to you and we wish for the exciting safe Motorbike journey in China.

Thank you so much.

 

 

 

 

The best Cultural, natural and wildlife encounters in Nepal

Posted Jun 4th, 2013 under Photo Essay, Travel Guide, Wildlife & Bird Watching,

 

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Display of artistic Aakhi Jhyal (Windows as eyes) at Kathmandu Durbar Square  

This tour leading to Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Lumbini is the ideal family holiday. The tour is especially designed with the perspective to impeccably allow the visitors to travel around the cultural and natural diversities of Nepal. The tour covers six leading cities of Nepal as well as the road adventure in the mountainous highways. The tour is an absolute pleasure trip exploring the urban and sub-urban Hilly and Terai regions of Nepal. The tour  takes you the places in Nepal where the visitors can explore the cultural best of this amusingly diverse nation. Kathmandu valley consists three cities (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan).

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Bright sunny day at ancient courtyard- Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The artistic stone, wooden and metallic galleries of primeval Nepal in the culturally and spiritually significant monuments and the shrines of Kathmandu Valley prides on the festive culture of Newaris, seven UNESCO Heritage sites and thousands of other less known Heritage sites scattered all around the valley.

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Backstreet of ancient temples- Patan Durbar Square

The glamorous beauties in nature with the awe-inspiring Himalayan views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges including the most unique mountain Fishtail is the glory of mesmerizingly striking city Pokhara. Pokhara is the city where every appealing beauty in the nature dwells. Crystal clear Lakes, mysterious caves, mythological falls, deep gorges and hilltops overlooking the city with the great Himalayan views are the major attraction of Pokhara. Chitwan is the city where wildlife safari is an extra-ordinary fun.

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An amazing beauty on the Planet Earth- Pokhara

Dense vegetation and the expectations of encountering the several endangered species suddenly out from the bush is thrilling adventure at Chitwan. Also, the unique cultural dance of Tharu tribal amidst the bonfire is yet again a worthwhile cultural come across at Chitwan. Lumbini, the holiest site of entire Terai is an UNESCO Heritage Site which is a birth place of Great Lord Buddha who inspired the global philosophy of peace. The most important of four magnets for Buddhist pilgrimage, Lumbini is full of meditating monasteries throughout the entire sacred surroundings.

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Somebody is here- Animals in wild facing camera at Chitwan National Park

The en-route activities on the snaky highway includes rafting and canoeing. On the highway from Kathmandu to Chitwan a fast flowing Himalayan River, Trishuli is popular for white water rafting. Visitors have an opportunity to cover the part of distance from Kathmandu to Chitwan via Trishuli experiencing the stimulating white water raft. The rafting is just 3 hours long yet full of River adventures. Trishuli also allows an opportunity of canoeing.

As well as at Pokhara the visitors are privileged with the popular Paragliding session from the most popular hill-top of Pokhara, Sarrangkot. Or, the visitors are also offered with the luxurious heli ride to the most exotic Himalayan destinations which includes the mighty Everest and the popular Annapurna.

LumbiniGautam Budhha was born in Nepal- Preserved area at Buddha’s birthplace- Lumbini

Holiday destinations around Nepal.

Posted Mar 13th, 2013 under Trip Report,

 

Ms. Ulla Mein Sparre and Ms. Anna Lodberg Sparre from Denmark arrived to Kathmandu on 13 February 2012.The visitors through our exclusive country partner Kipling Travel had planned 10 days long vacation in Nepal with Explore Himalaya. Their flawlessly designed pleasure holiday covered Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and Nagarkot.

The encounter with the culturally affluent sites of Kathmandu kicked off their trip. Boisterous streets of Kathmandu blended with ancient and medieval cultural and historical architectures of the region make Kathmandu one of the delightful cities of the world.  Penetrating the bustling streets of the city, Sparres settled for couple of nights at Nagarkot. Nagarkot is a hill top very easily accessible from Kathmandu. The picturesque view of the Himalayas glittering like gold during sunsets and sunrises is a moment worthwhile captivating at Nagarkot. The short hikes to its vicinity into the dense woods along the graveled trial are an outstanding experience.

Winding through the black pitched serpent- Prithivi Highway to Pokhara was another highlight of Sparre’s trip. Upon reaching Pokhara, they were transferred to exotic Base camp Resort. Next day was full of fun as they witnessed the most beautiful valley on the earth. Pokhara is a small valley with jam-packed beauties in the nature. Verdant lakes, mystical gorges, rushing falls, narrow- opening caves and most importantly the charming views of Himalayas including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Mt. Fishtail have always made Pokhara a very special destination to numerous visitors.

Finally, the tour was now on the finishing stage, but one more luring destination popular for wildlife lovers was still on the list. Chitwan National Park is one of the most amazing parks for wildlife lovers and adventurers. A safari through the bushes of the dense woods on a back of a giant Asian elephant is unique experience. More than that, the expectation of wild animals from these bushes is always thrilling. The encounter with the culture of Tharu tribal completes the Chitwan trip. Our Danish visitors had the greatest time before they made their final departure back home on 22 February, 2012.

 

Selected few must visit places in Nepal.

Posted Jan 23rd, 2013 under Trip Report,

 

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.

Happy Explorers

We had a very good experience. Everything was well planned. Our guide Namgyal Sherpa was very experienced and helpful!

- Bo Belvedere Christensen, Denmark Read Testimonials | Submit Your Testimonial

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