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Out door Activities |
With the thrills of outdoor activities Nepal also offers
city fun for its visitors. While visitors enjoy the rustic
by simply beholding spectacular sights and partaking in
the activities of exotic cultures, in cities like Kathmandu
and Pokhara some entertainment is on par with western
world.
Visitors have a choice from a potpourri of amusements.
They can: partake in cultural shows that include theater
and local art; wine and dine at premier hotels that provide
excellent service; enjoy music and dance at newly-opened
discotheques; try a luck at rummy or blackjack at one
of our casinos; enjoy a game of golf in our Himalyan serenity;
or just watch a movie as cozy twosome in one of our movie
theaters.
A taste of Nepali culture is still sought by tourists.
Visitors are fascinated by ethnic ambience in local restaurants
that serve authentic Nepali food. Art galleries and museums
of the Valley exhibiting cultural treasures are also among
preferred tourist choices. Health clubs and gymnasiums
are available for sports lovers. While latest Nepali and
Hindi movies run in most movie theaters, a theatre in
Kathmandu also runs good English movies. Video and DVD
stores offer wider range of choices.
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| Casinos in Nepal |
Casino Nepal
Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Tahachal, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-427 0244, 427 1011
Fax : +977-1-427 1244
Email : rdt@mos.com.np
Casino Anna
Hotel de'L Annapurna, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-422 8650
Fax : +977-1-422 5228
Email : casanna@mos.com.np
Casino Everest
Hotel Everest, New Baneswore, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Fax : +977-1-449 0288
Email : everest@_mos.com.np
Casino Royale
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Dubar Marg, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : + 977 -1-422 8481, 441 0007
Fax : +977-1-422 3933
Email : royal@mos.com.np
Casino Rad
Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-441 1818
Email : casinorad@mos.com.np
Casino Tara
Hyatt Regency, Boudha, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-449 1234 Ext. 5924
Email : casinotara@mos.com.np
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| Golf in Nepal |
One of the most expensive sports of the world, golf
was started in Nepal by the families. The history of
golf in Nepal goes back to the time when a delegation
of Rana ministers returned home with golf clubs from
a visit to Scotland. They started playing golf in what
is today's Gaucharan. The first real golf tournament
Lava Cup was started in 1920.
Gokarna Forest Golf Resort (18 holes), Kathmandu
The Gokarna Forest Golf Resort, is one of the finest
in South Asia. It is a 72-course golf area with 18 holes.
The course is set in an old forest area of the Valley.
Near the resort is Harmony Spa, for soothing golf senses.
Email : golf@lemeridien-kathmandu.com
Address : Le Meridien Kathmandu, Gokarna Forest Golf
Resort, Rajnikunj Gokarna, Thali
P.O. Box: 20498, Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone : +977 -1-445 1212, 445 0444
Fax :+977-1-445 0002
Nepal Golf Club (9 holes), Kathmandu
Established in 1829, Nepal Golf Course in Kathmandu's
Til Ganga is one of the oldest of Nepal and of Asia.
The course was conferred the title of '' in 1911.
Email : rngc@mail.com.np
Address : Nepal Golf Club, Tilganga, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Phone :+ 977-1-449 4247
Army Golf Course (9 holes - private), Kathmandu
Email : ghanagolf@yahoo.com
Address : Army Golf Club, Gujeshwori, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Phone : +977-1-449 1761
Fax :+ 977-1-448 0246
Himalayan Golf Course (9 holes), Pokhara
The Himalayan Golf Club in Pokhara situated about 6
kilometers away from the city is a recently completed
pro-championship designed 9 holes golf course which
is located in a beautiful amphitheater like setting
of a river canyon scene with a panoramic view of the
Annapurna Himalayan range.
Email : himgolf@fewanet.com.np
Address : Himalayan Golf Course, PO BOX 208, Majeri
Patan, Pokhara, Nepal.
Phone : +97 -1-61-521 882, 527 204
Fax :+977-1-61-521 882
Yeti Golf Club (9 holes, par 3, Fulbari Hotel),
Pokhara
Email : sales@fulbari.com.np
Address : Fulbari Resort & Spa, Yeti Golf Club,
P.O. Box 334, Pokhara, Nepal.
Phone : +977-61-523 451 (Pokhara), +977-1-478 1462,478
0882 (Kathmandu)
Fax : +977-61-528 482 (Pokhara),+977-1-478 0306(Kathmandu)
Nirvana Country Club (9 holes), Dharan.
Email : nirvanaresort@hotmail.com
Address : Nirvana Country Club, Health & Golf Resort,
Ghapa Camp, Dharan, Nepal.
Phone : +977-1-25-526 801, 526 802, 525 555 (Dharan),
+977-1-424 2021, 424 7071 (Kathmandu)
Chaudhary Group Golf Club, private (9 hole),
Nawalparasi.
Email : cug@chaudharygroup.com
Address : Ganga Devi Choudhary Udyog Gram, Dumkauli,
Nawalparasi, Nepal.
Phone : +977-1-78-529 508, 529 522 (Nawalparasi),+977-1-552
5039, 552 5041 (Kathmandu
Fax : +977-1- 78-545 122 (Nawalparasi),+977-1-552 3818
(Kathmandu)
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| Discotheque |
Kathmandu, which is generally a quiet city after twilight
bustles with life till the wee hours of morning in the
narrow alleys of Thamel and other selected places. Bars
and pubs, many of which feature live music stay open till
late night while discotheques function to keep boredom
at bay for the young Nepali crowd and tourists out for
the night.
Some popular nightlife hubs are Galaxy in Hotel Everest,
Rox Bar at the Hyatt Regency, Disco in Durbarmarg, Fire
Club in Thamel and Platinum in Hotel Yak and Yeti. Frequent
private parties are also organized at various places
especially during weekends and public holidays.
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| Dining |
Kathmandu offers dining varieties that range from the
exotica of five-star menus to roadside café
experience. The best part about it is that the price range
is easily affordable for most tourists. Restaurants in
Kathmandu and around the Valley have improved a great
deal in the last several years.
Indian, Chinese, continental and enough other varieties
are available to satisfy the palate of a food connoisseur.
Visitors, also enjoy authentic taste of indigenous cuisines
in the ethnic ambience of Nepali restaurants. Restaurants
and food joints in the nooks and corners of Thamel are
very popular among Western visitors. In some restaurants
of Kathmandu and Pokhara, traditional songs and dances
are performed by local artists during meals.
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| Other Adventures |
In adventurer's delight, Nepal offers a plethora of
outdoor activities, from paragliding near the mountains
to waiting for the Bengal tiger in Chitwan's wild. Adventure
tourism in Nepal dates back to the early attempts to
ascend worldâ's highest peak Mt. Everest fifty
years ago.
The 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest
was celebrated recently amidst great fanfare and extravaganza.
Renowned mountain summiteers Sir Edmund Hillary, Ms.
Junko Tabei, Mr. Reinhold Messner, Mr. Appa Sherpa,
Mr. Jamling Norgay Sherpa took part in the celebrations.
Trekking and mountain climbing are still the most popular
sport among visitors. Rafting on white water mountain
streams across the typical cross section of Nepal's
geography is equally popular. Jungle safari in the Terai
is preferred by visitors interested to see Nepal's rare
varieties of animals and birds. Nepal also offers bungy
jumping above the wild waters of River Bhote Koshi.
Canyoning to explore the rugged and out-of -reach landscapes
is another option at the site.
Aerial activities include taking off in micro-light
aircrafts or hot-air balloons for a good view of the
mountains. Mountain flights offer the closest possible
spectacle of Mt. Everest and other peaks. The close
encounter with the tallest mountains of the earth often
draws awe-stricken silence from onlookers.
» Bungy Jumping
» Paragliding
» Mountain Flights
» Mountain Biking
» Ultra Light Aircrafts
» Cable Cars
» Boating & Fishing
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| Bungy Jumping |
Just imagination of jumping down from a bridge 160 meters
above a tropical gorge with the Bhote Kosi, one of Nepal's
wildest rivers raging below is enough to make your heartbeat
run faster. And, it is the thrill of bungy jumping as
it there is no fun for real adventure lover if challenge
is not so hard and difficult. It is located within a
reach of 4 hours outside Kathmandu and just 19 km away
from the Tibet Border.
The Bungy bridge happens to be the only privately owned
bridge in Nepal. It has been specially designed for
bungy jumping with a 4x-safety factor and has a loading
factor of 41,500 kg or 4.5 tons according to Swiss measurements.
One would have to be totally insane or suicidal twisted
to jump off the remarkable 500-ft (160 m) drop into
the Bhote Kosi river gorge. As the Bungy Master nicknamed
Rock advises the jumpers to ensure that pockets are
empty and the girls have no loose jewelry coming in
the way, nervous laughter erupts from the crowd when
he strongly advises against taking intoxicants just
before the jump. Jumper’s weights
are recorded before the jump to use different cords
for different categories of weights. The Green, Red
and Black cords are used for the lightest, the heavier
and the heavyweights accordingly. It is a perfect way
of wild adventure.
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| ParaGliding |
| Paragliding
is a relatively new adventure sport in Nepal. Paragliding
in this Himalayan country can be a truly wonderful and
fulfilling experience for the adventure-seekers. You can
experience unparalleled scenic grandeur as you share airspace
with Himalayan griffin vultures, eagles, kites, while
floating over villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and
jungles, with a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayas.
Gliding is a weather dependent sport and the flying
season in Nepal commences from November through February,
the best months being November and December. By virtue
of its latitude and monsoonal climate, the tree line
in Nepal is at an incredible 3,900 m above sea level.
With conditions milder than summer alpine, these are
excellent and constant atmospherics.
The topography and climate of Nepal also make it an
ideal destination for all levels of pilots- subtropical
conditions provide plenty of thermals and combined with
the long valleys common in Nepal, they produce perfect
'cloud streets' ideal for paragliders, inviting them
to fly along this "sky highway". The local
microclimate, controlled by the numerous lakes in the
valley, is unique, which makes it even better for the
glider.
The main area for flying in Nepal is the Annapurna
region, more specifically the Pokhara valley. This lakeside
town is Nepal's second "city", nestled at
the foot of the Annapurna Himal, the views commanded
from here, of 3 of the worlds 8000m peaks, are unsurpassed.
At an altitude of 800m ASL the subtropical climate means
that, year round, it is short and T-shirt weather. The
micro-climate of the valley makes it an ideal area for
flying, with far more constant conditions than the Kathmandu
valley 150 km east.
There are several sites around Phew Tal (the lake)
but the most accessible is Sarangkot (1500m ASL). A
view point 700m above Pokhara, it is unique in that
it has a road running to the top. A short walk brings
you to the only purpose built take off in the country.
Cut out of the slope is a 45m by 45m clearing. With
regular cycles providing easy reverse launches, you
could not ask for a more picturesque site. With the
lake 2000 ft below, the mountains behind, and the unlimited
potential for XC and out and returns, this has quickly
become the main site for the area, and many pilots have
based themselves in Pokhara for the season, flying from
this mountain alone.
There are various deals for the paragliding enthusiast
as well as those checking this sport out for the first
time. There is a three-day introductory course for beginners,
as well as tandem flights (where you fly with an instructor)
for the inexperienced or less brave. At 6000 ft, you
sit back in your seat as your qualified pilot takes
you on an unforgettable journey. The take-off point
for these flights is Sarankot (1592 m), which offers
prime views of Phewa Tal and the mountains at sunrise
and sunset (provided the skies are clear); the landing
is by the lake.
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| Mountain Flight |
Mountain flight is a much easier way to see the Nepali
Himalayan peaks. Most flights are in mornings and operate
at all times except in the monsoon seasons of June and
July. Air planes fly along the Himalayan range and also
beyond for passengers to get a good view of the Himalayan
range. All the domestic airlines of Nepal offer various
forms of mountain flights.
The flight takes you within camera range of some of
the highest peaks in the world, and cruising this close
to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice is an out-of-this
world experience.
A few domestic airlines offer mountain flight from
Kathmandu to see Mt. Everest. This unique experience
gives visitors a quick glance at Nepal's untamed landscapes
and a fly-past through the world's tallest peak.
The aircraft takes off and heads eastward and almost
immediately the peaks come into view. The first peak
that appears on your horizon is the majestic Gosaithan,
also called Shisha Pangma, standing at a height of 8,013m.
To its right appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), looking
like a massive figure of eight lying prone and covered
in snow. To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms
over the Kathmandu valley.
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| Mountain Biking |
Nepal offers a challenging and pleasant scenic ride
from the tropical plains of terai, mid-hills, mountainous
terrain and its lush valleys to the arctic climate of
the high alpine region. The only way to discover these
hidden treasures and its warm ever-smiling people is
on mountain bikes. Mountain biking is a great fun and
a perfect way to discover Nepal's great diverse landscape,
of tremendous terrain, tracks and trails. Where mountain
bike takes you away from the hustle bustle of the city-town
life into serene country life, on a hidden trail rarely
visited area of local villages, its traditional rural
life style that has preserved for centuries.
It was in the mid-1980s that biking activity really
took off in Kathmandu. Enthusiasts flew with their bikes
from Hong Kong to Tibet to answer the call of the wild
steppes. The two-week journey from there over the passes
(17,000 ft) to Nepal is what sparked it all off. Even
today Kathmandu is a mecca for mountain bicyclists,
as it draws thousands of enthusiasts from all corners
of the world.
Scenic biking day tours: An introductory ride which
takes you to explore the ancient rural villages, legendary
temples and monasteries with the superb view of the
Himalayas. Biking through the rural villages at the
valley rim on the back trails with some ups and down
hill tracks, these days biking trips give you sufficient
time to immerse in its peaceful surrounding environment
and make friends with the locals. The biking trips within
Kathmandu Valley allows you to enjoy its hidden pockets
rarely frequented by westerners which gives you a chance
to see the other back side of Kathmandu. Other biking
trips include City Tour with a difference biking to
the famed popular historical and medieval places of
Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, viewpoint of Nagarkot
and Kakani, the quiet sleepy town of Sankhu and Budhanilkantha.
All these interesting places seem like out of this world
and yet so close to Kathmandu. Come and Bike with us
from our great varied day trips for you to choose and
to see the other side of Kathmandu as it was for centuries.
Kathmandu Valley Rim: A pleasant, fabulous ride takes
you to the medieval civilisation in and around the vicinity
of Bhaktapur, with ample time to visit and make friends
with the warm, local farmers and villagers enroute.
Your journey continues to the famed scenic viewpoint
at Nagarkot, highest spot of our trip offers you beautiful
view of the sun rise and sunset with the magnificent
Himalayan back drop.
Kathmandu Valley Explorer: A great scenic ride with
a visit to the best pilgrimage, and mountain view spots.
This fascinating ride takes you to rarely visited area
of the rural pockets in and off the Kathmandu Valley
rim, biking on the off trail to tarmac road and through
the rice terraces with superb views of an array of snow
peaks from Annapurna to Everest range of mountains.
Your wonderful five days ride concludes with a down
hill delight from the panoramic mountain resorts at
Nagarkot to Kathmandu.
Pokhara to Kathmandu Biking: An ultimate biking adventure
off the main motorable highway. A remarkable adventure
that puts you on the off road trail linking two major
cities in Nepal, Pokhara and Kathmandu. Your biking
trip begins from Pokhara with a short biking tour in
Kathmandu before the great journey. Pokhara is an amazing
place in the stunning backdrop of Mt. Annapurna and
Manaslu range and famous for its placid lakes. Adventure
begins from this beautiful place, less than 30 miles
of this ride is on the main highway, rest of the journey
is tracing an assortment of broad foot paths, old jeep
trails and some technical single tracks. We make your
way across remote territory that's seldom visited by
westerners. Crossing the old Gorkha, we follow the traditional
route that joins Kathmandu to other part of mid-western
Nepal. Challenging ascents as well as some incredible
descents combine to makes this special off-road biking
a Great biker's dream.
Other outlying places popular with mountain bike enthusiasts
are Nagarjuna, Nage Gompa, Tokha, Ichangu Narayan, Gomcha,
Bungamati, Kakani, Dhulikhel and Nagarkot.
Other relatively longer mountain bike trips are those
extending from: Dhulikhel to Kodari (82 km), near the
Tibetan border; Naubise to Chitwan Park along the Rajpath
through such as scenic places as the Palung Valley,
Daman, and the not-so-scenic industrial town of Hetauda
in the plains; Lakeside Pokhara up and along the ridge
to Sarangkot Point, and continuing on to Naudanda from
where you could take in the breathtaking close-up view
of the Himalayas and the Pokhara valley; Naudanda to
Pokhara through Lumle, Beni and Birethanti, or Naudanda
to Pokhara (32 km) either via Sarangkot trail described
in d) or the highway track, which starts with a twisting
6 km descent into Modi Khola valley.
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| Ultralight aircraft |
Ultralight aircraft is being operated from Pokhara.
It has a unique blend of both mountain and plateau area.
While flying over the Pokhara valley, you will not miss
the scenic beauty of both the Himalayas and the most
famous lake of Nepal, phewa Tal. The flight will be
a journey through nature. This is truly a unique experience.
Fly for Fun: (15 minutes Flight): Our shortest flight
takes you over the city of Pokhara, Fewa lake, near
Sarangkot hill, over the Buddha monastery and the south
side of the city. This short flight will give you a
panoramic view of the whole Annapurna Range with a view
of another 8000 meter peak - Dhaulagiri, in the distance.
Appeals to flyers on a budget or for those who have
a plane to catch for Kathmandu.
30 Minute flight: This flight of medium duration, takes
you slightly higher and further. You'll fly over the
Tibetan refugee camp and as far as Lamachour, on the
northern part of the valley. The view is simply superb.
Mountain Range Sky Trek (1 hour flight): A truly memorable
addition to any trip to Nepal. We take you over the
city of Pokhara, Fewa Lake, near Sarangkot hill, over
the Buddhist monastery on the south side of the city,
as well as the Tibetan refugee camp and past Lamachour
to the north. The view is simply superb.
You fly at an altitude of 9,000 feet above sea level
and you go very close to Fish Tail peak and enter the
Seti valley, itself a hidden remote valley
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| Cable Car |
You don't have to be in Switzerland to ride on cable
cars. Unlike in the West, the cable car in Nepal takes
you up to the abode of Manakamana, the Wish-Fulfilling
Goddess, on what you could call a spiritual ride. Legend
has it that Manakamana fulfills all wishes. This belief
is so ingrained in the collective conciousness of the
Nepalis that many make a trip to Manakamana every year
without fail. Stories abound of people's wishes coming
true: lost sons returning home, lovers finding romance
against all odds, people finding success in their business
ventures, students excelling in their exams, separated
husband and wife getting back together, and on and on.
Even if you have no wishes to make (assuming that you
have got it all, which means you have no need of Manakamana's
blessings) or even if you are an atheist or agnostic,
this place offers you a unique look into Nepali people's
faith in Goddess Manakamana. Also you could look at
the river valleys and the Himalayas from here. Or just
explore the hamlets downhill.
Situated atop a hill (1302 m) 12 km south of the historic
town of Gorkha and 6 km north of Mugling, the Manakama
temple overlooks terraced fields, and the Trisuli and
Marsyangdi river valleys. The hilltop also offers a
vantage point for taking in the breath-taking view of
the Manaslu-Himanchuli and Annapurna massifs to the
north.
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| Boating |
Nepal provides some fine opportunities for boating.
These range from the glacier-fed lakes up North and
down to where the laden rivers ease into the plains
of the Terai. Pokhara's Phewa Lake is the most popular
destination for travelers wanting to indulge in recreational
boating. It is the second largest lake in the kingdom
and measures roughly 1.5 by 4 km. Its eastern shore,
also known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the center of tourist
activity in Pokhara.
Begnas and Rupa Tal are located 15 km out of Pokhara
at the end of a road that turns off the Kathmandu highway.
Both these lakes offer some splendid boating opportunities.
Phewa, Begnas and Rupa Lakes were all part of the body
of water that once filled the Pokhara valley.
Renting a boat for a couple of hours and heading out
to the middle or the other side of the lake bordering
the forested hill, and taking a swim, can be the highlight
of a warm day. The water is cleaner out far from the
buffalo and washing on the edge. Boats can also be had
for the whole day, or on an hourly basis. You can either
row around yourself or hire a boatman, the former being
definitely a better option.
At Phewa, tourists have a choice of pedal-driven boats
(which are basically fashioned out of two regular rowboats
joined together by placing planks over them and providing
space in the middle where the pedals are located), rowboats
and sailboats. The latter are a recent development but
definitely worth the money when there is a good breeze
around. There is also a choice between fiber body sailboats
and wooden ones.
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| Fishing |
Sport fishing, like hunting, is little advertised and
therefore little known in Nepal. However, for the angling
enthusiast, Nepal's lakes and rivers can prove good
fishing grounds. There are approximately 118 varieties
of fresh-water fish in these Himalayan waters, ranging
from the much sought after Mahseer to the mountain stream
trout-like varieties. The best season to go sport fishing
on white waters is before and after the monsoon from
February till April and October and November. During
these times the fishes go upstream to spawn and they
consume less food. But locals catch a lot of fish during
monsoon as well for their livelihood.
Some of the popular fishing trips are done in Karnali,
Babai valley in the Bardiya National Park. Chitwan also
hosts a number of places like the confluence of Seti
and Trisuli on the Tribhuvan Highway and also in the
confluence of Kaligandaki and Trisuli river. Anglers
can try their luck in the clear waters of Pokhara's
lakes as well. While Phewa Tal offers some good sport,
there is considerable activity and is not the ideal
place for a quiet day's fishing. Begnas Tal and Rupa
Tal are a better bet. Get out there on any of several
local buses that start plying early morning or bike
your way there. You can hire a boat and go out to some
of the good spots in the lake.
Fishing is also fun in many of the mountain streams.
There are varieties of trout-like fish or even rainbow
trouts and common trouts that can provide good sport.
Recently the Fishery Department has released 4000 fingerlings
in the Modi river, near Pokhara. There are agencies
in Kathmandu that organise fishing trips to streams
around the Kathmandu valley.
Dolalghat, east of the valley on the Kodari Highway,
is easily accessible from the city - a bus ride from
the Old Bus Park in Ratna Park early morning and back
through the local buses by evening. You can encounter
Nepali holidaymakers and the locals on the lookout for
local variety of Asla and Katla, the former a kind of
trout and the latter a carp. You could bring some flies
along and try your luck. Some of the dams across Nepal's
many rivers too have a good stock of fish.
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