Thursday, May 26, 2016

Vegas First Timers

What Happens In Vegas Stays In Vegas
So, you've never been to Las Vegas. What's kept you? Never mind - let's stop talking, and start doing! The important thing here is that you're ready for the time of your life, and there's no better place to celebrate than Las Vegas.
Las Vegas, USA
First up - people watching. It may sound mundane, but with the cross-section of visitors and celebrities who come to Las Vegas, it's usually primetime entertainment. There are several terrific vantage points on the Strip, including Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas, a French bistro with the bonus of being directly across the street from the famous Bellagio fountains. Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace also has a great outdoor view of Las Vegas Boulevard, not to mention some tasty treats. Elevated viewing with outdoor dining is always popular at Planet Hollywood - both at Cabo Wabo Cantina and PBR Rock Bar.
Cruising the Strip is required for any first-timer, by car or by foot, and since we're on the Strip, now's a good time to start. As you cruise, check out the enormous digital marquees for amazing shows you'll only find in Las Vegas. There's LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage, Rock of Ages at The Rio, Tournament of Kings at Excalibur and Le Rêve - The Dream at Wynn Las Vegas. The people back home will expect you to see at least one of them. Check out legendary magic duo Penn & Teller at the Rio Hotel for a one-of-a-kind Las Vegas experience.
LAS VEGAS Welcome Board 
Be sure to get out and have a little fun exploring, too. Stroll through the open-air street party that is Carnaval Court at Harrah's, or let out a few screams riding the roller coaster at New York-New York. The new LINQ entertainment and shopping street meanders between the LINQ Hotel and Casino and Flamingo Hotel. With new restaurants, shops and performance venues, this family-friendly destination will soon be home to the High-Roller Observation Wheel.
There's so much to do in Las Vegas besides gaming, but if this is your first time in town, you almost have to play a little. Many hotels offer free lessons for novices - the Golden Nugget among them. While you're downtown, check out the assortment of restaurants and bars that make up the Fremont East District and the new Container Park, made entirely of shipping containers; and be sure to drop by the historic El Cortez and the all-new elegant Downtown Grand hotel.
Hungry yet? Las Vegas used to only be famous for buffets. Nowadays, you can also enjoy the culinary creations of any number of celebrity chefs; but as a first-timer, a buffet is in order. The Bistro Buffet at the Palms will satisfy your palate with international selections, while the Bayside Buffet at Mandalay Bay features a diverse selection of tastes, with sweeping views of a tropical water garden. Celebrated for its expansive selection of gourmet offerings, the Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace will leave everyone at the table wanting more.
Looking for adventure? Vegas've got you covered; whether you like thrills by air, land or sea. Start with the SkyJump at the Stratosphere. At 108 stories, it's the longest controlled free fall of its kind. Soon, you'll be able to experience Slotzilla - a spectacular high-flyin' attraction where you get hooked to a harness and zip line right over the crowds on Fremont Street and under the giant video canopy. Not daring enough? How about swimming with the sharks at the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay?

Las Vegas is the birthplace of many legendary excursions - from Swingers to The Hangover. Who knows? You could be the next to leave your mark on Las Vegas.

Saturday, May 21, 2016

WTTC's Tourism for Tomorrow and Freedom to Travel

Travel & Tourism is growing faster than any other sector. WTTC's sector already accounts for 9.5 per cent of global GDP and 266 million jobs.  Over the next 10 years Travel & Tourism’s global impact on GDP is set to rise by 4 per cent per annum. ‘Tourism for Tomorrow’ addresses the challenges posed by such growth. It is WTTC’s vision for tourism that responds to the demands of increasing numbers of consumers in the face of shrinking natural resources; it reflects the needs of employees and destination communities; it looks beyond competitive boundaries to strike new alliances; and it recognises the need to start tackling these challenges now. It’s a vision that understands the need to balance people, planet and profit. 
WTTC has a huge responsibility for ensuring that the growth of our sector is managed responsibly. WTTC's Tourism for Tomorrow Position paper calls on businesses in Travel & Tourism to be accountable, show leadership, invest in sustainable solutions, and work together to drive real change. WTTC members are spearheading environmental programmes such as the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative and the Human Capital Initiative.  WTTC's Members’ global reach and level of seniority means that they are in a unique position to drive these greener practices into core business models. WTTC strongly advocates to international institutions and governments that their policies and regulatory frameworks are supportive of the sustainable growth of their sector. And WTTC continue to promote the very best in sustainable tourism through their annual Tourism for Tomorrow Awards – one of the highest accolades in the sector worldwide. 

‘Freedom to Travel’ means ensuring that people have the right to cross international borders safely and efficiently for tourism purposes. It means smarter visa processes, more visa waiver agreements and trusted traveller programmes. Of course, we recognise that there is a need for countries to maintain border security. But there needs to be a better balance between sovereign security concerns and the needs of international leisure and business travellers to pass through immigration with the minimum of hassle. We have recently seen unprecedented changes and improvements in visa facilitation around the world. More and more countries are taking deliberate steps to ease visa restrictions in order to increase visitor numbers and improve competitiveness. Yet despite these positive moves there are still too many nationalities who find it too complex and too difficult to cross borders as international tourists.


Indian Culture and Lifestyle

Indian culture and life style is always a subject of curiosity for the west. India, the country of Ten thousand years culture, the land of sharp contrasts and the perfect example of unity among vivid diversity believes in simple living and high thinking. Though Hindu dominated country, peaceful co-existence of people belonging to all religions of the world here is one of the greatest aspects of the Indian culture. Constitutionally, India is a secular country and every Indian enjoys equal rights irrespective of his/her religion, caste, sex and political opinion. When you minutely analyze the Indian life style and culture we find several other unique and interesting aspects of Indian culture. They are described below.

Irrespective of caste creed and religion, marriage is a must and the most auspicious social ceremony of every Indian family. And the interesting fact is that more than 70% of the marriages are arranged one even today. It means, the parents of the boy or girl take the decision about his/her marriage. However, there are few exceptions to this too. Indian family life is an extended and inclusive one. The concept of joint family and offspring taking complete care of the parents during old age is a common aspect of Indian lifestyle.

Clothing of Indians varies from state to state according to the Local Culture. The very word pajama has its root in India. Indians still believe in simple draped clothing. For men, the common dressing in North India is Kurtta and pajama. In south India, men wear Mundu (white wraparound clothing) and angavastram (shawl). Though sari is the most common apparel for Indian women in some parts like Punjab and Haryana, salwar-kameez is more popular.

Taking foot wears off is a common practice when some enters into temple or house. While accepting something, using only the right hand is another interesting custom related to Indian culture. Greeting guests with folded hands is another unique aspect of great Indian culture as Indians treat their guests as their God.

Top 10 places to visit in India

1) Kerala Backwaters
The Kerala backwaters are made up of 900km of interconnected waterways, rivers, lakes and inlets. This network is fed by 38 rivers and is made up of 5 large lakes that are connected by various canals which are both natural as well as manmade. This chain of lagoons lying parallel with the Arabian sea is also called the Malabar coast and extends across almost half of Kerala's coastline. The Kerala backwater offers visitors a quiet, tranquil getaway with the cozy houseboats for tourists to stay in and enjoy the beauty of the backwaters and the small towns near the backwaters.
2) The Belum Caves
The Belum Caves are located in the Belum village in Kolimigundla Mandal of the Kurnool district in the state of Andhra Pradesh. These caves are the second longest and largest caves in the Indian Subcontinent and were first discovered by a British surveyor, Robert Bruce Foote, in 1884. The caves are natural underground caves from by a constant flow of underground water and have long passages, spacious chambers, fresh water galleries and siphons. The Belum Caves are best known for the amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
3) Konkan
With the Sahyadri mountain range on the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, Konkan is made up of the coastal districts of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka. Konkan is home to some of India's most beautiful and clean beaches such as the beaches of Tarkali, Alibaug, Dapoli and many more. Konkan also has a number of forts from the times of Shivaji Maharaj like Sindhudurg and Murud Janjira. 
4) Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep, part of the Indian Subcontinent, is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea and also the smallest Union Territory of India. The name 'Lakshadweep' literally means 'hundred thousand islands' in Sanskrit. The whole of Lakshadweep is made up of a total 12 coral atolls, 5 banks, 3 coral reefs, and several inlets. Blessed with an unmatched natural beauty, the exotic coral reef island of the union territory is an interesting blend of scenic beauty coupled with modern infrastructural facilities that draw several tourists to this place from across the globe. 

5) Andaman and Nicobar
The islands of Andaman and Nicobar a are a group of Indian Ocean archipelagic islands in the Bay of Bengal, between the Indian peninsula to the west and Burma to the north and east. With near-deserted beaches, incredible corals and marine life, an intriguing colonial past and the remnants of a Stone Age culture lure travellers to these mysterious islands.
6) Lake Dal
Dal Lake is a beautiful, urban lake that is located in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. This lake is also known as the 'Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir.' It is the second largest lake in the state and contributes immensely to the tourism and recreation in Jammu and Kashmir. The lake's periphery consists of three gardens- Mughal gardens, Shalimar Bagh and the Nishat Bagh. The lake is also an important source for commercial operations in fishing and water plant harvesting.
7) Majuli
Most people are not aware of Assam's hidden jewel - Majuli Island. Majuli is the world's largest river island and it's located in the Bhramaputra.Its wide blue sky, Holy River floating across the banks, and beautiful landscape is the best example of God’s creation. The river, its tributaries, the wet lands and the chaporis (the local name for its islets) along with the island of Majuli make it the largest mid river delta system in the world.

8) Jaisalmer 
Lying in the heart of the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is a town in the state of Rajasthan, named after its founder- Maharawal Jaisal Singh. Jaisalmer is sometimes called the "Golden City of India" because the yellow sand and the yellow sandstone used in every architecture of the city gives a yellowish-golden tinge to the city and its surrounding area, and is crowned by the Fort of Jaisalmer and its several ornate Jain temples.
9) The Darjeeling Tea Fields
India and tea or chai as Indians call it, go hand in hand, and its no wonder India is one of the largest tea growers in the world. Darjeeling, as well as being one of India's most popular hill stations, is surrounded by tea plantations that produce prized light coloured, floral smelling tea. 'Tea tourism' is the latest concept being popularised in India. The tourists are encouraged to stay in tea garden Bungalows with all amenities during which apart from enjoying serene atmosphere of tea garden they can also see the tea manufacturing process and the unique culture of tea garden. 

10) Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills or Nandidurg(a) is an ancient hill fortress that is tucked away from the fuss and tensions of a busy everyday life. It is renowned for its stunning panoramic landscape and greenery. The Hills are a part of the Chikkaballapur Taluk of Kolar District in Karnataka. It is 1,478 meters above sea level and about 65 Kms from Bangalore.  Surrounded by vineyards, lush greenery and coconut groves, punctuated by pools and lakes, perfect for losing yourself to nature.

India


India is a very beautiful country filled with diversity from Northern part of the nation to the south. Diversity is the best part of the country with different culture, different people, different places and much more to explore.

Tourism in India has shown a phenomenal growth in the past decade. One of the reasons is that the Ministry of tourism, India has realized the immense potential of tourism in India during vacations. India travel tourism has grown rapidly with a great influx of tourists from all across the globe who have been irresistibly attracted to the rich culture, heritage, and incredible natural beauty of India.
India tourism with its foggy hill stations, captivating beaches, historical monuments, golden deserts, serene backwaters, pilgrimage sites, rich wildlife, and colourful fairs capture the heart of every tourist.

In addition, a variety of festivals, lively markets, vibrant lifestyle, and traditional Indian hospitality, will make your experience as an india tourist truly unforgettable and fantastic.Travel through the lovely Indian states and discover closely the resplendent colors and rich cultural locales of this incredible land.

When we think of India, the words curry, masalas, temples, Bollywood etc come to mind, but India isn't only about just those things. India is a beautiful country that is truly so diverse in not only the culture but in nature as well. North to south, east to west, from snow capped mountains to dry, sandy deserts to breathtaking tropical beaches, India has it all.

Nepal People, Culture and Lifestyle

Nepal People and Culture and Lifestyle.

Nepal is as diverse in her inhabitants as her geography and climate. It will not be an exaggeration to call Nepal a melting pot of races and tribes. Tibeto-Burmans, or Mongoloids from the north, and Indo-Aryans from the south are the two major groups who have inherited many customs from both the sides; and in the course of time have evolved in myriad forms by the influences of the land, climate and available resources. Sherpas are the major inhabitants of high mountains.

The Sherpas have easy access to Tibet for trade and social intercourse and therefore Tibetan influence on their culture and civilization remains distinct. They live by raising animals, and trading .The harsh climate and geography makes life a real challenge up on the mountains. Life here is a delicate balance of hard work and social merrymaking, tempered by a culture deeply steeped in ancient religious traditions. The mid-hills, valleys and river basins are home to various Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan people, for example the Brahmins, Chettris, and Newars. The Brahmins and Chettris inhabit through out the country mainly practicing numerous form of agriculture and animal husbandry. But the Newars, who are more in business, are mainly concentrated in the Katmandu Valley and othersmall and big towns across the country. The Tamangs live in the north central hills. The Rais, Limbus, Chepangs are mainly found in the eastern hills. The Magars, Gurungs, and Thakalis inhabit the central hilly region. They grow different crops and keep animals for their livelihood; and have their own distinct social and cultural patterns.

The Tharus, Kumhals, Brahmins, Rajputs, Danwars, Majhis, Darais, Rajbansis, Statars, Dhimals and Dhangarsare the chief ethnic groups living in the southern palins of Nepal. Most of these ethnics have roots in India. They speak different north Indian dialects - Maithili, Bhojpuri etc. Most of the inhabitants live on agriculture although there are some occupational castes like Majhi ( Fisherman), Kumhal (Potter) and Danuwar (Cart Driver).

As popularly stated by King Prithivi Narayan Shah Nepal is a common garden of four castes and 36 ethnic groups where people have lived in perfect harmony and peace for centuries. This respect for multi- linguality, multi- ethnicity and religious-diversity; among the people of various ethnic, tribal, and social groups living in astonishingly varying physical and social settings; has made Nepal tremendously rich and diverse in her culture despite her poverty, illiteracy and backwardness .The culture of Nepal is a unique combination of tradition and novelty. The traditions are followed as they were and new customs are created to keep pace with the changing times. Nepali culture manifests itself in various forms: religion, festivals, foods, drinks, language, music, dance, songs, folklore, literature and philosophy. Nepal, in short, is a country where art, culture and religion are a part of life of the inhabitants. Nepal has been a feudalistic society and distinctively stratified across class lines so codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and faiths in various fields of life are the waystolivelife.

Although Nepali people practise different religions, there has never been any conflicts regarding religion. Religious respect and tolerance are very important values to Nepalese.The largest portion is Hindu accounting for about 80 % of the population, approximately 11 percent people are Buddhhists, 10 % Muslim, 4 % Kirat; and the rest are the other religion followers like Christians. Celebrations and festivities are core elemnets of Nepali culture. Nepal is a land of Festivals and rituals. Festivals in Nepal begin with religious significance and end as social events bringing families and friends together. There are more than 50 major festivals celebrated in Nepal throughout the year. Most festivals have religious hue and are related to different Hindu and Buddhist gods and goddesses. Festivals like Vijaya Dashami, Deepawali, Buddha Purnima, Lhosar have national sigificance. Howeve; there are some festivals which have historical significance and others are seasonalcelebrations.For the Nepalese, festivals are not merely the annual spectacles, but also are a living part of their rich cultural heritage. Festivals have brought unity in the evident diversity that exists in Nepal.

Lifestyle in Nepal.

Social life in the village revolves around the family, which is headed by the father. Extended families sometimes break apart as sons separate from parents and brothers from each other in search of additional land. Family property is divided equally among sons at the time of separation. Consequently, family land holdings are extremely fragmented. Villagers often pool resources and labor to implement village-level projects such as irrigation ditches or channels. Rice is the food staple in most parts of the country. Barley, millet, and potatoes are important food staples in the Himalayas. In Nepal women are generally subordinate to men and have less access to education, economic resources, and political power. Their plight, however, varies from one ethnic group to another. Among Tibeto-Nepalese community’s female status is relatively better than in Indo-Nepalese communities. Generally, women work harder and longer than men, taking care of household chores, fetching water and animal fodder, and farming. Women in upper-class families, however, have maids who do household work

Nepal: Mustang trip

History describes Mustang as an independent Kingdom, ancient commercial route between Tibet and India, Sakyapa Buddhist land where Kampa Warriors lived and tried to reorganized their power against China. Here was the land where Milarepa, one of the most important Buddhist Mystic Guru, prayed for years.
Mustang has been opened to foreign tourism in 1992. Mustang region is populated by Tibetan people, and the history of this kingdom is a legend all over the Hmalayan land.
To go there, you need to reach Pokhara by flight from Kathmandy, or by bus in a long way through the Prithvi Highway (from 6 to 8 hours, it costs no more than 12$). Then you can go to Jomsom by jeep or by flight (20 minutes) or walking for 3 days. Jomsom is the starting point to explore Lo’s Kingdom.
This is a trekking route, a classic route but it's good enough to see, learn, and live a good experience in the Lo’s Kingdom, and a good example to whom would like to go there:
1st day: bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 h)
2nd day: flight to Jomsom 2.760m. Starting to trek to Kagbeni 2.840m (around 2 h walk)
3rd day: Kagbeni-Chele 3.100m (around 5 -6 h)
4th day: Chele-Geling 3.570m (around 7-8 ore h)
5th day: Geling-Charang 3.575m (around 6-7 h)
6th day: Charang-Lo Mantang 3.840m (around 4-5 h)
7th day: Lo Mantang
8th day: Lo Mantang-Ghami (around 7 h)
9th day: Ghami-Samar 3.620m (around 6 h)
10th day: Samar-Chhusang 2.980 (around 5 h)
11th day: Chhusang-Muktinath 3.710m (around 6 h)
12th day: Muktinath-Jomsom 2.760m (around 2-3 h)
13th day: flight Jomsom-Pokhara then bus to Kathmandu
If you have good breath you can come back from Lo Mantang to Jomsom in another way, walking through Marang, the remotes villages of Tange and Tetang, then down to Muktinath. Choosing this option you can change a little bit the landscapes ;-)
If you want to visit Mustang during a traditional festival, at the end of May, according to the local calendar, there's Tiji Festival. Tiji is celebrated in Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang. During Tiji,  the monks of Lo Manthang, dressing traditional coats and wood carved masks, rapresenting gods and Devils, perform traditional Kham dances and give blessing to the people.

Nepal Jungle Safari

A huge diversity of land exposes Nepal's fascinating diversity with the highest crystal mountains, terraced middle hills and flat plains from north to south. The dense foliage of the southern lowlands offers an exciting jungle safari tour with its rich habitat and population of wildlife a massif wild family. Certain areas of the southern flatlands have been declared as National Parks and wildlife reserves, here let us inform you about some of the greatest jungle safari parks in Nepal. 

Royal Chitwan National Park 3 day/ 2night package
In southern Nepal, Chitwan is the richest wildlife reserve in Asia with an area of 932 sq,km. Easy access in 5-6 hours by bus riding or 35 minute short flight from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The home of the indigenous people, the Tharu, and the home of the unique one- horned rhino, majestic Royal Bengal Tiger, Many species of deer, and the largest number of zoological species of local and migrated birds more than 450, Crocodile family with the rare species of Marshmugger, Gharial and numerous flora & Fauna to be discovered. Elephant riding and walking through the woods makes the unique experience of a safari interesting. 

Day 01 Arrival & pick up from the bus stop/ Airport welcome drinks, Lunch, briefing of the program, village excursion, Sunset viewing, candle light dinner. 
Day 02 Wake up call/tea/ coffee elephant back safari, breakfast, Jungle walk, canoeing, Tharu stick dance and dinner 
Day 03 Wake up call / tea / coffee bird watching, breakfast, transfer to bus park/airport & departure. 

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve 3 day 2 nights
A recently promoted safari park lies in eastern Nepal. The reserve provides the best opportunity to spot hundreds of rare species of birds and fresh water Dolphins. This reserve is of course, the least explored but also can be combined to the trip to India, which enhances the journey and allows you to enjoy nature. 

Day 01 Arrival & pick up from the bus stop/ airport welcome drink, lunch, briefing of the program, excursion by Bullock cart ride, Sunset viewing, Slide show, candle light dinner. 
Day 02 Wake up call/ tea/ coffee elephant back safari, breakfast, hiking, canoeing, culture dance and dinner. 
Day 03 Wake up call / tea / coffee Jeep drive / bird watching, breakfast transfer to bus park/ airport & departure. 

National Park and Conservation fee
Eight areas of Nepal have been designated national parks. They are Langtang, Rara, Royal Chitwan, Sagarmatha (Everest), Shey Phoksondo, Khaptad, Bardia, and Makalu - Barun National Parks. Trekking in any of these national parks areas requires a park permit, which can be obtained at the National Park and Conservation counter office on payment of NRs1000.00 each. Similarly trekkers are required to pay NRs2000.00 for every trekker going into the Annapurna Region. This fee is utilized for environment conservation and maintenance of the area.

Mount Everest Trip Overview

Mt Everest climbing has proved to be a benchmark of climbing achievement. The mountain receives around 1000 summit attempts every year. Everest can be climbed both from the southern side Nepal and northern side Tibet. After the Cultural Revolution in the 1950s, China closed the Tibet borders to outsiders and Nepal began welcoming foreigners to the Everest Region. Since then the southern approach to the mountain via the Khumbu Valley became popular among the climbers. Mt. Everest was first summitted in 1953 by Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary via the South Col. Climbing Mt. Everest is certainly a lifetime opportunity. However, Everest expeditions encounter many seen and unseen obstacles including high altitude, harsh weather conditions and even sheer exhaustion. Therefore, we strive hard to conduct the best expedition program putting high importance on the safety aspects of the climb.
Despite being the highest mountains on planet Earth, the Himalayan range of mountains including Mt. Everest are relatively younger than their American and European counterparts like the Andes, the Alps, and the Rockies. The Everest has fascinated the mountaineers all over the world since the European climbers discovered the Everest when Tibet was opened to outsiders in the 1920s. During his lecture tour to the U.S. in 1923, George Mallory gave the reason behind his interest in Everest Expeditions quipping, 'Because it's there'. Unfortunately, Mallory and Irvine disappeared high on the mountain in 1924 probably due to a snow storm similar to that documented by Jon Krakauer in his book Into the Thin Air. We believe that our planning, logistics, staffing and experience coupled with your enthusiasm, patience, and perseverance would help you achieve your lifetime dream.
Trip Highlights
An ultimate achievement any mountain climber can boast of: an exciting opportunity for anyone desiring to stand on the highest point on earth
Guided expedition: Climb with our experienced Everest summiteers guides and mountaineers(71 days)
One base camp and four additional higher Camps supported by highly experienced mountaineers, guides, and crew members
Expedition includes acclimatization and cultural trek into the scenic Sherpa heartland of the Khumbu Valley
Best Season
The spring season of March to May is considered the best time for Everest expedition. Spring is also the most popular season for the expedition. The months of April and May and then again October and November are the classic climbing period. The summer months of monsoon rains and the winter months from December to February are the most unfavorable time for Everest Expedition.

Top 10 Travel Destinations in Nepal

 10. Tilicho Lake


It is one of the highest lakes in the world at an altitude of almost 5,000 meters located in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas in Manang district of Nepal. Anyone attempting to do the Annapurna Circuit route usually cross these watersheds between Manang and Kali Gandaki valleys above the 5,000 meters high Thorong La pass. Various lodges have been built between Manang and the Lake, but there aren’t any accommodation sites or even teahouses past the Tilicho Base Camp lodge. Tilicho Lake and the trek as a whole is a very revitalizing experience, yet a very demanding and an extremely adventurous terrain, not meant for everyone, only the adventure junkies so-to-say.

9. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

With terraced rice paddies, luscious rhododendron forests, and high altitude landscapes along with the Annapurna range in view most of the times, Annapurna Base Camp trek is certainly one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. It combines so many different landscapes and perhaps is the only trek which brings you closer to the base of 7,000-8,000 m high peaks in such a short duration of time. The trek is almost 7 to 11 days long, depending on the trekker’s itinerary and the length of walking days. ABC can be trekked almost any time of the year; however in the winters the base camp is sometimes closed due to the level of snow; according to experts’ springtime is certainly the most appealing time to visit ABC due to the full bloom of the rhododendron forests which gives the trek a truly majestic feel.

8. Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang Nepal
The Upper Mustang Trek can also be called a peek into the hidden world of Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be a part of the Tibetan empire, and is therefore very closely related to Tibet; not only the culture, also the landscape is very much related to Tibet. Surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colors and bizarre formations, Mustang is mostly a barren landscape where the villages with their bright colored fields are like Oasis in the deserts. Mustang lies in the shadow of the Dhaulagiri region and is a complete desolate landscape. The culture of the people living there is one of the major attractions for tourists and visitors alike.

7. Rara Lake

Rara taal is the biggest lake situated within the borders of Nepal, which lies at an altitude of 2,990 m above sea level and covers an area of 10.8 square kilometers. The lake is surrounded by Rara National Park on all sides, the park was established in 1976 to preserve the beauty of the lake and protect the unique floral and faunal importance of the rare and vulnerable species found around the lake. The trek to Rara has been a popular destination for many trekkers, with a very rough route in the western part of Nepal. The trek begins with a flight to Jumla, and a mountainous trek follows after that, where one would pass many villages untouched by all the hassle in the world and finally reaching the banks of the Rara Lake which was aesthetically described by GORP founder Bill Greer as, ‘’a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks.’’

6. Khaptad National Park

Khaptad National Park is a protected area in the Far-Western Region of Nepal which was established in 1984 on the advice of the region’s holy man Khaptad Baba. The Park stretches over four districts of Bajhang,Bajura, Accham and Doti and covers an area of 225 square km. The landscape consists of steep slopes, streams and moorland. It is considered to be one of the best scenic landscapes Nepal has to offer, with various landscapes and species of birds and animals along with different kinds of vegetation it surely is a place where almost none of the beauty has been rearranged by human hands. Certainly a place where one can experience the true essence of tranquility and peace.

5. Panch Pokhari

Panch Pokhari is Nepali for ‘five lakes’ at the base of Jungal Himal, which are considered to be holy and of religious importance. The trek to Panch Pokhari is a 12 days trek to these five holy lakes through untouched traditional villages in the presence of spectacular Himalayan landscapes. The trek offers pristine mountain views, rich culture and genuine adventure combined with unsurpassed scenic beauty and biological diversity as you make your way to a group of high altitude lakes, sacred to both Buddhist and Hindu people.

4. Gosaikunda Lake

Situated inside the Nepal’s Langtang National Park and located at an altitude of 4,380 in the Rasuwa district covering an area of 1,030 ha, Gosaikunda is an adventure travel destination that has been delineated as a religious site according to Hindu mythology. It is basically an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake surrounded by spectacular mountainous view and is a significant place of interest in the Dhunche-Helambu trekking route. This trek adjoins the Langtang valley trek in the same district and the two treks can be combined, this trek can easily be done teahouse style due to the availability of hotels and lodges all along the trekking route.

3. Chitwan National Park


This was the very first National Park established in Nepal in the year 1973 and was granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. Formerly called the Royal Chitwan National Park, it was renamed to only Chitwan National Park after the dismissal of the royal family. The park covers an area of 932 square kilometers and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the district of Chitwan. It is certainly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, with several lodges and hotels providing full accommodations inside the park along with elephant-jeep-safaris, rafting tours and guided jungle walks. The park is a sheer example of wildlife exploration and all the different kinds of birds and vegetation that provide importance to its existence.

2. Poon Hill


Poon hill is the view point in the Annapurna foothills that offer unobstructed and magnificent mountain views. The Ghorepani and Poon Hill trek is a colorful foray into the Annapurna Region which starts and ends in Pokhara. The trail goes through patchwork valleys, dense mossy forests and past icy waterfalls where one can stop to cool off and rest. On the way to Poon hill around every corner is a tantalizing glimpse of the high mountains, whole horizon of which is revealed to you as you reach the higher points of your trek. The trek to Poon hill certainly one not to miss out on if you are planning to visit Nepal anytime soon.

1.  Everest Base Camp


It is certainly acknowledged by everyone that the highest mountain peak in the world Mt. Everest lies in Nepal. As it is not feasible for anyone or everyone to attempt and climb the Everest itself, the trek to Everest base camp trek  shall suffice for the experience of conquering Everest, at least experience and feel wise. A trek that lasts 16 days offers an exhilarating flight to Lukla, then a trek through lush rhododendron forest and stone walled traditional villages, to the Sherpa Land, Namche and all the way to the village of Phortse Gaon where one can witness magical peaks of Everest and Nuptse and various other mountain ranges. The journey involves plenty of challenges and requires a high level of fitness. The camp lies at an altitude of 5,364 meters. The camp is a more of a rest point for Climbers looking to climb the Everest and they rest there for several days for acclimatization to reduce the risks of severity of altitude sickness; however it makes for an extravagant adventure tourism spot for any adventure enthusiasts.

Nepal




Nepal is a country of beautiful scenic landscapes with an abundance of both natural and cultural heritage. Although being a small landlocked country right in between two Asian giants China and India, Nepal has only been able to prosper so much economically or even infrastructure wise in all these years and still remains quite underdeveloped compared to its neighbors due to the fact that it hasn’t really gained any political stability whatsoever, even after so many years have passed since the dismissal of the Monarchs from the country in 2008. With so much culture and tradition poured into one small piece of land, most tourists that come here are attracted by the various forms of art and cultures that Nepal has to offer. Over a 100 different castes and societies live peacefully among each other within the boundaries of this small piece of heaven.  ‘’Unity in diversity,’’ is the closest one could come to while defining Nepal and its people, if they had to do it using a single phrase.
Now, that it’s been said, coming back to our topic – tourism industry in Nepal has always shown quite the potential needed to compete with or become a tourist-hub like Switzerland; with three of the highest mountains in the world and various other peaks at stray, several hundred rivers all suitable for adventure rafting, ideal safari and wildlife areas and so much more to explore should certainly make Nepal the most attractive destination for adventure tourism, shouldn’t it?  Well, the government of the country thinks otherwise and seems as if they would rather be overtly consumed with their self-empowerment-schemes than actually caring about the country’s heritage or even the future at the least.
Anyways, here we have ten of the most amazing places you could travel to while you’re in, or planning to visit Nepal. However, being a Nepali myself I have selected the places on my own discretion so, most of the other popular places to visit in Nepal, especially ones that are advertised a lot on other sites may not be enlisted below… so now… here we have ten of the most life-defining travel destinations in Nepal.

Bora Bora Island

Bora Bora Island
Jewel of the South Seas
Undoubtedly the most celebrated island in the South Pacific, Bora Bora is French Polynesia's leading lady. Her beauty is unrivaled and her fame, unwavering. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamored.
The Allure
More than just a romantic ideal, Bora Bora is a romantic reality. It comes as no surprise that the island is an internationally acclaimed honeymoon destination. Our newlyweds who decide on a Bora Bora honeymoon often feel as though they have escaped to a private oasis tailored entirely to their special moment of marital bliss—and anyone in the midst of planning a wedding can relate to just how enticing that sounds. 
The Locale
Bora Bora may feel worlds away, but this South Seas splendor is well within reach. Where is Bora Bora, exactly? The island lies just northwest of Tahiti, less than an hour away by plane from Papeete. The airport is located on a small, separate part of the island known as Motu Mete. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a warm smile and fragrant flower lei and transferred by boat to your Bora Bora resort, meaning you hardly have to wait for your first encounter with the island's famously translucent lagoon.
The inevitable love affair with this island begins right before you touch down. The view from the plane window is a moment you will not soon forget. Have your camera in hand as you begin your descent and prepare for the moment when iconic Mount Otemanu comes into view. From that point on, each experience will only continue to exceed even your highest expectations.


Accommodation
Bora Bora has become synonymous with overwater bungalows. Many of these lavish floating villas have glass floors that supply a window to the lagoon life below. This locale is unique in the fact that most Bora Bora resort hotels are built on their own tiny island, or motu, and visits elsewhere must be arranged by boat transfer. Not to worry, though, you will hardly need to leave your bungalow let alone the resort. From lounging on your own private deck and receiving room service via outrigger canoe, to indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, you will pass the time in quiet seclusion and opulent luxury.
Recreation
The wonderful thing about Bora Bora is that you can be as active or inactive as you wish to be. Should you decide to venture away from the resort, you can visit the main village of Vaitape and shop at the local boutiques or dine at one of Bora Bora's restaurants including Mai Kai Bora Bora, or the legendary Bloody Mary's. You can also explore Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu on a guided hike or Jeep Safari tour.
Since water is a way of life on the island, popular lagoon excursions include snorkeling, diving, cruising, fishing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, Jet Skiing, and of course, shark and ray feeding. You can also take your experience to new heights by parasailing, skydiving, or touring the island by helicopter.

Final Impression

Once seen, Bora Bora is never forgotten. From the day you arrive until the moment you part ways, you will be in awe of how her soaring mountain peaks, turquoise lagoon and luxuriant overwater bungalows somehow look even more spectacular than the pictures

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Bhotechaur

Bhotechaur is a fourth-order administrative division and is located in Bagmati Zone, Central Region, Nepal. The estimate terrain elevation above seal level is 1380 metres.
Latitude: 27°47'40.24"
Everest Tea Garden
Longitude: 85°30'53.4"

Bhotechaur is a village in Jaisigaun, Sindhupalchok District in the Bagmati Zone of central Nepal and one of the rising tea garden destination, nearest to Kathmandu. It is an ideal place for those who wants to experience the tea farm, similar to illam in Nepal.

Bhote Chaur Tea Garden also known as Everest Tea Garden is a large tea garden encased between a few hills. Just a 2 hour drive from Kathmandu upwards from Gokarna and past Lapsifedi, the area has become a popular location for bored Kathmanduites and you can expect a large number of people every time.
Enjoying the view of Sunrise from Bhotechaur

The tea garden itself isn’t very impressive but it is a very unique environment, especially if you have never been to a tea garden before. There will be a lot of people though so don’t think of it as a peaceful paradise!

I also recommended that you take a motorcycle since the roads nearest to the tea garden are very bad, narrow and not suitable for cars OR you can drive up to Lapsifedi and walk about 30 mins to 1 hour from there.

Nightout in Havana(Cuba)

Cuba is very beautiful island country. It is famous for several things – cigars, beautiful girls, music and longtime government of Fidel Castro, better known in his homeland as El Commandant. Many people believe that Cuba is the most beautiful island in the world.  The largest in the Caribbean, it’s also an island which owns both a complicated past and an exuberant modern-day culture and nowhere is this most potent than in the capital, Havana. Once home to pirates, poets and gamblers, the city is now known for rum, cigars and a stomping good time. Here are some of the top highlights.
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city extends mostly westward and southward from the bay, which is entered through a narrow inlet and which divides into three main harbours: Marimelena, Guanabacoa and Atarés. The sluggish Almendares River traverses the city from south to north, entering the Straits of Florida a few miles west of the bay. The city attracts over a million tourists annually and is also noted for its history, culture, architecture and monuments.

Want to have a nightout in Havana? I would recommend you to visit these night clubs :) :)

Havana is undoubtedly the Cuban par excellence city to spend the night in full swing, dance and fun. A variety of proposals ranging from imposing cultural presentations of the island or the best decorations of the premises which provide the perfect environment for not wanting to end the night, are represented in major Havana nightclubs.

Gato Tuerto

Gata Tuerto, Havana, Cuba
Gato-tuertoThis flagship center was inaugurated on 31 August 1960, and since that time has been the site of meetings of important personalities of Cuban culture and international levels. Among the most distinguished visitors of Gato Tuerto are Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Cheo Feliciano, Miguel Barnet, Pablo Armando Fernandez, Virgilio Pinera and Wilfredo Lam. Hence, the cocktails and cuisine of this site are closely linked to Cuban arts and culture, from the letters of the restaurant designed by major Cuban artists, such as the originality of their cocktails. It is a place perfectly distributed that includes a restaurant upstairs and bar downstairs concert, which you can visit the restaurant first and then dawn enjoying our traditional live music, with different bolero, son musicians and singers. The club is not very big and creates dark, mirrored walls, a bar and an intimate setting and small. The shot of the house is known internationally as “The Cat orgasm” made with whiskey, cream and cocoa.

Jazz Cafe

Jazz Cafe, Havana, Cuba
If you prefer jazz, please be reached at theJazz Cafe, this is a fantastic club with ocean views, located on the third floor of the mall Galerias Paseo. It also works as a restaurant from 12:00 and a bar from 9:00 pm until 2:00 am. Here you can listen to the best of jazz music performed by internationally renowned Cuban artists, including Lazaro Valdes with his group Son Jazz every Monday night from 11:00 pm, the guitarist Emilio Morales on Tuesday, Oscar Valdes and his group Diákara each Wednesday and Thursday, while Friday and Saturday you can listen to Cesar Lopez and Habana Ensemble, on Sunday night, a special, Roberto Fonseca and his group Temperament. The Jazz Cafe is without a doubt, the space for lovers of jazz, with performances by the best jazz groups in a simple, intimate and exquisite taste.

Havana Cafe


Havana Cafe, Havana, Cuba
Considered one of the best nightclubs in Cuba, Havana Cafe, located in the basement of the hotel Melia Cohiba, shows us Cuba in the 40 and 50 through its decoration. Photos, cars, a Harley-Davidson, an actual airplane hanging from the roof of the cabaret, all these attractions you receive upon entering the premises. A unique scenery, but also a show first, with the actions of the Havana Jazz Band Orchestra, soloists, vocal quintet and the Company “Latin Dance Ballet” that is included in the regular show, but it is also common to find the most recognized Cuban musical orchestras and most famous circus art in the island. havana-cafeThe menu includes fried pork masses, pizzas, burgers and fries, and you can find all kinds of drinks and liquors. It is the ideal place to spend a fun evening with an excellent entertainment group that interacts with customers in the place, taking all the end of the night to the dance floor.

Copa Room Cabaret

Copa Room Cabaret, Havana, Cuba
The Copa Room Cabaret is located in the lobby of the hotel Habana Riviera. The Copa, as it is known, has a decorative style of the 50’s, curtains and the combination of lights create the perfect atmosphere to assist with your partner or finding one on site.Copa Room It has a capacity of 250 people who were present varied musical and dance performances in the first moment of the night. Some of these shows are “In Cuba I bring, salsa rumba,” “On the Riviera,” or “Besame Mucho” in each case show our most genuine cultural values of Cuban getting an overflow in the performances. Other suggestions come from Cuban music’s finest orchestras, which are also presented for the first time, dragging the dance floor (one of the most modern in Havana regarding technical conditions), to all lovers of salsa and cha cha cha. After midnight, begin the different options of recorded music from different genres and for all tastes. Open Thursday through Sunday from 8:30 pm to 3:00 am, is the perfect place to enjoy the delivery of our Cuban rhythms, from the seats or on the dance floor itself.

Casa de la Musica in Havana

Casa de la Musica in Havana, 
Havana, Cuba
MusicCasa de la Musica in Havana, is the favorite place for many to release the body and dance salsa with the best artistic proposals of the country. This is an area that has solved Egrem become a music store and records of our Cuban music. Here are important groups of salsa, rap and reggueton with excellent sound in an atmosphere of entertainment and recreation. It has a spectacular living room with three bars on the ground floor and first, a smaller one with a bar. The public attending the place is dancing since arrives, because it is a dance place. For those looking for the best musical offerings, and the best dance halls, here is our suggestion. Always remember that these places are waiting with the most exclusive exponents of Cuban music, in an attempt to show our music and dance, recognized worldwide for its color, warmth, joy and rhythm.