Nepal: a land of multiple shades #nearindia

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Photo of Nepal: a land of multiple shades #nearindia by Tanushree Jain

Not a quintessential holiday destination, Nepal promises to offer something for every kind of traveler. History buffs can marvel at the stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while the great Himalayas and dense forest of Chitwan would satiate the craving of nature lovers. Relaxation seekers can just laze around and find solace in places such as Pokhara and Nagarkot. Lastly, what better thrill than to climb the Everest Base Camp and other mighty Himalayan peaks or to explore countless famous trekking trails for the adventure junkies.

Below is a simple to follow itinerary that rolls a flavor of all the above highlighted aspects of the country

Day 1

We took an early morning flight from Delhi to Kathmandu. Upon landing, we directly headed to our hotel in Thamel, the tourist center of Kathmandu. After a quick break, we left for a half day local sightseeing that included – Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares. Both of these places are historic city centers forming part of UNESCO World Heritage Site status bestowed upon Kathmandu Valley. A visit to these sites will give you a visual glimpse of Nepalese architectural richness. In the evening, we visited a nearby Casino (this is another reason why people visit Kathmandu).

Day 1

Thronged by tourists and locals alike - one of the historic city center

Photo of Bhaktapur, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

An architecture to be proud of - another historic center

Photo of Patan Durbar Square, Patan, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

A symbol of King worshiping the Almighty

Photo of Patan Durbar Square, Patan, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Day 2

We proceeded for a full day local sightseeing. Our first stop was Pashupatinath temple, a sacred Lord Shiva temple. Then we headed to Buddhist temples of Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. After lunch, we visited Kathmandu Durbar Square, another historic city center. Finally, we visited local market in Thamel – the place has a very hippie vibe and you will find plenty of shops offering services of Himalayan expeditions.

One can also start this day by taking an aerial tour of Mount Everest, if weather permits, followed by the itinerary suggested above.

Day 2

Hard to capture the grandeur in one frame

Photo of Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Enroute Swayambhunath - colorful Buddhist statues

Photo of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

View of Kathmandu Valley from Swayambhunath temple

Photo of Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Magnificence of Swayambhunath

Photo of Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

An iota of Nepalese rich architecture

Photo of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Strolling amidst pigeons in Durbar Square

Photo of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Day 3

We left for Pokhara by road. The distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara is close to 200 km, and can take upto 6 six hours depending on the traffic situation. On reaching Pokhara, one would immediately get a mesmerizing view of Phewa Lake surrounded by panoramic view of stunning mountains. Machapuchare or fishtail mountain overlooks the beautiful town. In comparison to Kathmandu, Pokhara has a very relaxing feel. We spent our evening exploring the Lakeside road, boating in the lake and rejuvenating ourselves.

Somewhere enroute to Pokhara - when you get glimpse of snow clad Himalayas

Photo of Nepal: a land of multiple shades #nearindia by Tanushree Jain
Day 3

View from the hotel - Phewa lake surrounded by the mountains

Photo of Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Bustling streets of Pokhara

Photo of Lakeside Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Day 4

We began our morning early by visiting Sarangkot, a small village about 5 km from Pokhara, to see majestic sunrise view atop Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu ranges of the mighty Himalayas. Later after breakfast, we proceeded for local sightseeing that included Devis waterfall, Gupteswar Mahadev Cave, Seti River Gorge and Tibetan Refugee Camp. In the evening, we visitied Shanti Stupa for sunset view of entire Annapurna Range and Pokhara Town.

Day 4

First ray of sunshine over Annapurna range

Photo of Sarangkot View Tower, Sarangkot Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

A natural spectacle!

Photo of Sarangkot View Tower, Sarangkot Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Pokhara valley covered in morning mist

Photo of Sarangkot View Tower, Sarangkot Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Sun shall find its way!

Photo of Sarangkot View Tower, Sarangkot Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Trying to seize the moment (literally)

Photo of Sarangkot View Tower, Sarangkot Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Sunshine in plenty

Photo of Sarangkot View Tower, Sarangkot Road, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

A symbol of fighting spirit and resilience

Photo of Tibetan Refugee Camp, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

One of the many shades of the lake

Photo of Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Filtered sunshine

Photo of Phewa Lake, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Evening view of the valley

Photo of World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Day 5

We traveled for approx. 230 km to reach Nagarkot, a quaint hill Station situated at an elevation of 2,175 m near Kathmandu. Enroute, we visited Manakamana Devi Temple via a very steep rope way that offers magnificent view of the valley. In Nagarkot, we spent our time relaxing and saw sunset.

Day 5

Ropeway offering a visual treat

Photo of Manakamana Temple, Manakamana, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Mandatory sunset capture

Photo of Nagarkot, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Day 6

We woke up to unhindered views of entire Himalayan range. After breakfast, we checked out from Nagarkot and headed for airport. Enroute visited Changu Narayan Temple before bidding bye to this place.

Day 6

Early morning panoramic view of mighty Himalayas

Photo of Nagarkot, Nepal by Tanushree Jain

Golden sunshine

Photo of Nagarkot, Nepal by Tanushree Jain