Nepal has long held a fascination for outsiders wishing to visit. Throughout the years the country has acted as an important trading post between India and China.
The former Kingdom has also seen its fair share of turmoil over the last few years, but now, more than ever before, Nepal has really opened up to tourism.
These days, most visitors to the country come to spend time in the highest mountain range on earth – The Himalayas.
Some of the world’s best trekking is easily accessible from a variety of locations in Nepal, whether in the Everest region, the Langtang region, or the Annapurnas, and no matter what your level of expertise is, you are sure to find open trails, incredible hospitality, unique cultures, and quite frankly, some of the best mountain views on earth. The best times to go trekking in Nepal are Sep–Dec and Feb–May. During the summer months, the monsoon can spoil visibility, trails get wet and leeches come out in force.
The winter months from mid-December to mid-February can be a beautiful time to trek, but heavy snows and avalanches can prevent access to some higher regions. Nepal Uncovered offer fully guided group trekking tours in Nepal to all areas of the country and can also arrange private tours for groups or individuals.
Although trekking is the number one activity in Nepal, there are still plenty of other options open to people visiting the country. Being one of the highest countries in the world and stuck amongst incredible mountains, makes rafting in Nepal a full-on adrenalin rush.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you can find anything from easy, Class I-II introductory trips to difficult and technical Class IV-V rapids. The most popular rivers are the Sun Khosi, Trisuli, Bhote Khosi and the Seti. During the monsoon in July and August, the flows can be very dangerous and some river levels are ten times greater than say in February or March. If you come on a rafting trip with Nepal Uncovered, you can expect highly qualified instructors, impeccable safety, good food and great company.
Away from the mountains and closer to the border with India, Nepal becomes more tropical in climate as the magnificent Himalayas make way for the Terai plains - home to some of Asia’s most impressive wildlife parks. By far the most popular of these is Chitwan National Park (about 6 hrs drive from Kathmandu).
Bardia National park in the west of the country is more remote but while fast increasing in popularity, it still only sees around a fifth of the visitors that Chitwan does. In both parks, fully inclusive stays are available at lodges situated both inside and on the edges of the park. From these lodges it is possible to do elephant trekking, canoeing, jungle walks (at night and during the day), jeep safaris, bird watching tours and other safari activities.
Some of the wildlife active in the parks includes Gharial and Mugger crocodiles, sloth bears, leopards, langur monkeys, the endangered Asian rhinos and a vast array of birdlife, not forgetting the majestic Bengal tiger. Nepal Uncovered offers a fascinating Nepal wildlife safari tour that takes in both Chitwan and Bardia National parks as well as time in Kathmandu.
Most people arrive into Nepal through Kathmandu, and the capital city is a fantastic starting point for any trip to Nepal. Nestled in the Kathmandu Valley at 1,200 metres, this ancient city has been welcoming traders and visitors for centuries. Back in the 1960’s there was only one hotel in the city, but these days there are hundreds, from basic backpacker level right up to 4 and 5-star options.
The city itself is home to many unique Hindu and Buddhist temples as well as former palaces and it’s only a short journey to Nagarkot, where you can watch a spectacular sunrise over the Himalayas. The major tourist district of Thamel is packed full of interesting shops selling everything from Buddhist Thangas and leather goods, to Newari and Nepali arts and crafts. While Nepalese food is often considered bland, the sheer number of good quality restaurants serving local and western food means that you will never be short of culinary options.
There are plenty of tour operators offering cultural tours to Nepal, including the UK-based specialist Nepal Uncovered.
Historically speaking, Nepal has had a chequered past and even now, uncertainties over the political future of the country persists. The Maoists won the last election held in May 2008 and since then, we have seen the country turn from a Kingdom, into a Republic. The impact felt by tourists has been minimal - in fact, Nepal continues to welcome more and more visitors.
But there is no doubt that the country is in transition. Former Royal Palaces are being turned into museums and libraries, and former adversaries are attempting to create a new parliament together. While Nepal is certainly on the cusp of a major change, responsible tourism is on the rise and it remains a fascinating and rewarding place to visit.
Take a trip to Nepal – the world’s biggest little country!
Article Source: adventuresportsholidays.com
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