Nepal is a small country sandwiched between two larger ones. Albeit being small in area, Nepal is big in diversity. And although diversity persists, it persists in unity in the country. From diverse landscapes, the people, their indoctrinate culture, religion and customs, varying languages that are spoken, sundry of festivals that are celebrated, distinctive land forms, fascinating topography and contrasting terrains, Nepal is a country that has a lot to offer. Trekking in Nepal presents us with the beguiling opportunity of experiencing the majestic mountains up close, and basking in the brazen glory of the natural surroundings and amazing environments that possess within them a sense of absolute marvel. Hiking up in the snow covered tundra paradise is like nothing that you have ever experienced anywhere else in the world and trekking in Nepal is an utterly spectacular ordeal.
Nepal has many different destinations for trekking throughout the country. The most famous Nepal trekking journeys are in the regions of Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Mustang and Langtang among many others. Among these regions, there are various trekking and hiking journeys that can be done, all of them different and distinct in their own way and each offering wonderful experiences with regards to the myriad of people who occupy those places, their culture and traditions, the stunning landscapes, natural beauties and views of absolutely marvelous and heavenly mountain peaks. Along with winsome environments of lush and rich forests, exquisite flora and fauna and gorgeous views of alluring snow covered mountains, trekking in Nepal also lets one to be in adjacent with the superlative culture of the Nepali people. With intricately decorated temples adorned with idols and statues of various gods and goddesses, pious stupas, gumbas and Bihars, colorful entanglements of prayer flags and carvings of prayers on Mani-Stone walls, trekking in Nepal is an implicitly illuminating affair.
The Goddess Mother of the Sky, what the Sherpa people call “The Chongmolungma”, the tallest mountain in the world- Mount Everest, lies in the Khumbu Region of Nepal. Trekking to the Base Camp of Everest is an amazing experience. Everest region can be considered as one of the most popular regions of Nepal, with splendid views of Mount Everest and many of its surrounding peaks like Mount Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Tawache, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Kangtega, Mt. Cho Oyu and many more. The snow, the glaciers and the mountain peaks in the Everest region present themselves as a hyperborean paradise! Trekking in the Everest Region begins from the capital, Kathmandu, a metropolitan composed of ever moving people, literally thousands of temples and all the sense of busyness that comes with a big city. From Kathmandu, a scenic flight to Lukla is taken, where the airstrip itself is tethering on the extremes as it is the airstrip located at the highest elevation of land at the Khumbu region. Flights occur daily and the weather changes drastically; with the shining sun in Kathmandu to cloudy skies colored grey and even rain sometimes. The flight to Lukla is a wonderful little scenic adventure in itself because of the wonderful sceneries that present themselves from the plane, where the city of Kathmandu fades behind and is then replaced with long stretches of highways going through verdant forests, graces with winding serpentine rivers among jaded hills. A trail from the airport materializes by the Dudh Koshi River. Also known as the Sapta Koshi, because seven rivers join together to form this singularity, this jocose river drains from the Mount Everest massif itself; to finally join Sun Koshi in the south. Following the trail will lead you to Phakding, a small picturesque village north of Lukla. Going through the Sagarmatha National Park, a conservative acreage of land filled with brimming foliages and rare animals like the Red Panda and the Himalayan Thar, the gateway to Everest is reached- Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is popular with trekkers in the Khumbu region, especially for altitude acclimatization, and is the gateway to the high Himalayas. It was the rendezvous point of the Nepali and the Tibetan traders and merchants in ancient times, and also offers interludes at the Sherpa Culture Museum and the Namche Art Gallery. The trekking trail changes from amethyst brown, with floras the color of raw umber, blooming Rhododendron trees with flowers of red, white and pink, to emerald green alpine trees like pine, cedar and birches, till finally the periwinkle snow of the Himalayas cover the vast quintessence of the land. The Tengboche Monastery emanates further out in all its nobility and is the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal, admonishing spirituality from its being. Kala Patthar has the most spectacular view to offer of Mount Everest and its surrounding peaks and the trekking journey is adorned with the serenity of the aquamarines of the Gokyo Lakes. Along the trek, many other gumbas and stupas poise the land, and the tranquil quiddity of the surroundings is accompanied by the sound of soft prayer flags swaying in the cold crisp wind of the Himalayas.
The Annapurna Region is located in central Nepal and hold the pride of the Annapurna massif. Agile mountain peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, the Machhapuchhre Himal, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli and Lamjung Himal grace the Annapurna region with their dexterity. Trekking in the Annapurna region commences usually from the Lake-side city of Pokhara, a sparkling city considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Embedded with the lakes like Fewa Lake and Begnas Lake, Pokhara has many temples within its embrace. The many water-bodies in Pokhara are decorated with coy fir and pine trees, proving a robust emerald environment. Pokhara offers adventure activities like bungee jumping, boating, zip flyer and paragliding also, and sightseeing tour to the Gupteshwor temple, David’s falls, and International Mountaineering Museum can be the best way to explore Pokhara! Most of the trek in the Annapurna region start and end with Pokhara or at least the inclusion of this city in the journey, and because of this, Pokhara has been at the epicenter of commercialization because of the development of tourism sector within its periphery. Boat riding in Pokhara is one of the many things that can be done there and when the day is clear and the clouds have dissipated to reveal the mountains, we can see the reflection of these majesties on the crystal clear waters of the lake, like sirens summoning us into another world. The stalagmite cave of the Gupteshwor in Pokhara houses within its depths the gigantic Shiva Linga, which, legend says is somehow growing in size. Another famous tourist spot in Pokhara is The David’s fall, a huge waterfall cascading down from the heavens and flowing through the natural and unruly caves carved under the hills; and legend also says that David did fall into the murky waters below, never to be seen again. . . Pokhara indeed is a wonderful tourist spot.
The Annapurna Sanctuary Area covers most of the area of the Annapurna region. Being one of the most well preserved destinations in the world, the region is biologically very rich. As the region varies from the foothills of Annapurna to the alpine region, the region preserves recherché vegetation and animals found in this area. It is a home to flora and faunas found in flat lands and alpine vegetation of Annapurna. The cultural diversity adds to the idiosyncrasy of Annapurna. The region is a land of diverse ethnic groups like the Gurung, Magar and Thakali, living together and sharing their own unique cultures, lifestyles and hostility. At Ghorepani in the Annapurna region, awesome views of mountains like Gangapurna, Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre present themselves like the astronomical colossus that they are, their peaks enveloped in brilliant white snow. Poon Hill is a popular vantage point where the beauties of the Annapurna vistas are endeavored at once. The golden sun rising from behind the Annapurna Mountains is the most beautiful and glorious sight, and the glimmer of the sun’s rays on the pearly snow of the mountains look like molten gold cascading down the silken gossamer, it is simply indescribable!
Manaslu region is still untouched and unspoiled in terms of number of travelers who actually trek in this place. The Manaslu Conservation Area is a home to many esoteric floras and fauna unique to this region. The grandeur of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, presents the eminent view in all of its opulence. The lush environments decorate with the backdrop of snow-capped mountains; Manaslu region is rich in natural charisma, peaceful and serene in its isolation. Apart from the natural glory, Manaslu region is culturally very rich and interesting. The paths for trekking in the region are adorned with prayer flags, Mani walls, chortens and stupas, reflecting the piousness of Tibetan Buddhist culture prevalent here. Buddhist culture and tradition is ubiquitous. The people living in Manaslu are from different ethnic group, which makes the trek culturally more enhancing. Generally, Gurung, Rai, Magar and Limbu people live here in small and large settlements. The people are very traditional and are engaged in agriculture for their living. They have their own unique dialects, eccentric cultures, exotic customs, fascinating dresses, folk dance and songs.
The hidden valley of Tsum is a real gem hidden in between the mountains in Manaslu that preserves and depicts the region’s cultural ecstasy. The monasteries and Gompas are architecturally fine and religiously divine. There are various myths about these places, and the monasteries have their own interesting stories. From the caves, monasteries, places and people, everything about the valley is auspicious, and trekking through this region is sensational. trekking in Nepal is a blend of adventures in the opal-like snow of the mountains and hiking through the slated terrain which are adorned with culturally rich and unique traditions of the people, it is an amazing experience that lets one observe various religious ambiances of the place and entwine oneself in the absolutely verdant beauties of nature that Nepal possesses.
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