The Rodeo is a great event to give Nepali kayakers who would not normally get the chance to compete at an international standard and show the world what they can really do. This year the world was certainly watching as we saw competitors from America, Canada, South Africa, Japan and even Russia!

The event combines a Slalom, Freestyle and a Down River Race. The Slalom comprised of 15 gates on the ‘Surprise Rapid’, 3 or 4 of which were upstream, making the kayakers cross the main flow of the river, really testing their skills. Next was the freestyle which gave people the chance to show off their play-boating skills. Many opted for smaller play-boats, but as competitors were only allowed one boat for the whole event it was a difficult choice to make. Points were awarded for loops, cartwheels and other stunts. After two or three heats, it whittled down the competitors to the main players and Santa Maila Gurung, coming third was the only kayaker left in a creek boat, Santosh Gurung and Anup Gurung who took second and first both using play-boats. On the final day was the down river race. This was made harder this year as the course was extended to 17km, a lot of which was flat water. The ‘Le Mans’ start sorted the men out from the boys and many different tactics were used, some even ditched the idea of a sorting out their spray deck as they thought they would lose too much time. After a few kilometers gaps were appearing and the leaders pulled away from the pack. Once the team hit the Upset rapid, the largest rapid on the Trisuli, creek boats did much better than the smaller boats and many of the kayakers flipped. It was a close end, with Sean Bozkewycz coming in first. Although most the excitement was for the third position which saw two competitors sprint bare foot across the rocks, dragging their boats behind them to be first to cross the line. Photo finish!

The Rodeo isn’t just about kayaking. It’s a great way to spend a weekend and the parties in the evening sort out who the real kayakers are. This year we had a Hungarian DJ providing us with great tunes to dance the night away Nepali style!

Maila in Rodeo Hole

On the final day, awards and prizes were given out to the winners of each event and an overall Champion. Kayak equipment was given to the locals and internationals won tour and adventure packages such as Bungee Jumps and Safari trips. Santa Maila Gurung of GRG’s Adventure Kayaking (http://www.grgadventurekayaking.com) retained his title of Whitewater Champion for his third year taking home a brand new Jackson Riot to add to his collection. Many of the kayakers made beating Maila their goal this year and came to the river weeks in advance to practice their skills. Unfortunately for them he wiped the board, being the only competitor to come top three in all events and taking the overall win. He was closely followed by brothers Nim Bahadur Magar and Santosh Magar who also got to take home some fine equipment donated by Peak UK.

This year saw another big push for the Nepali Women’s team. Guided by Inka Trollas the girl’s team have got bigger and better. Susmita, who this year has had the opportunity to compete internationally, took the first place for the girls winning her second kayak in two years. Her younger sister, Goma, also did well this year and we hope for more and more girls to get involved in the coming years.

Another great Rodeo, enjoyed by hundreds of people from around the globe. Keep an eye out for next years event. We’re hoping to make it an even better event next year. Perhaps this could be the start to get Nepali kayakers on the road to the Olympics or more international competitions.

For more pictures of the event visit: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=174187&id=71356729497&page=2#/album.php?aid=172381&id=71356729497&ref=mf

The Nepal Association of Rafting Agents (NARA) is organizing the whitewater running festival namely, 9th Mountain Dew Himalayan Whitewater Rafting Challenge 2009 with an aim of promoting general tourism along with promoting rivers of Nepal as the world’s premier river running tourism destinations.

The three day event is taking place in the Trishuli River from November 27 to 29 and the event will feature kayak slalom, kayak freestyle and kayak down river race respectively for three days, according to the organizer.

This event will take place on Trishuli River next to the villages of Charaundi and Fishling of Dhading and Chitwan district. The organizer aims to create opportunity of employment to the local villagers as construction workers, security guards, porters, helpers, transport specialist during the event in order to facilitate local economic development. Trishuli River which is about 85 km west of Kathmandu is popular as best destination for short white water river rafting in Nepal.

The organizer informed in a press conference that over 500 internal and international professional and non-professional participants including a delegate from the International Canoe Federation will take part in the event. The winners of the events will be awarded with cash and certificates, NARA informed.

NARA general secretary Ganga Prasad Nepal said that Nepal’s Karnali and Sunkoshi rivers had been included in the world’s top 10 rivers for adventure rafting. Besides these rivers, Nepal boasts fantastic white water rafting destination rivers like Bhotekoshi, Kali Gandaki, Sunkoshi, Tamur, Karnali, Bheri, Seti, etc.

“Rafting is one of the popular products in adventure tourism worldwide, and organizing such programs will help boost Nepal’s rafting industry as a commercial enterprise at both domestic and international levels,” he added. “Similarly, the aim of continuing such activities is to produce more Nepali rafting athletes who will participate in Rafting and Kayaking, usually known as an international rafting sport,” he added.

Mr. Nepal remembering the harsh days of rafting industry during the Maoist insurgency period said that rafting industry was pushed towards insecurity and numerous of rafting agencies were closed during that but now with contentment in his voice he added, “Adventure tourism has started to revive in recent days, and it is in dire need of promotion.

Minister Hisila Yami does bungee jumping

“It was thrilling and exciting experience for me, but I was not scared as I jumped in the forest many times during the decade of armed conflict,” said Yami, after participating in the jumping event on Tuesday, ultimately, a spectacular natural bungee site near Tatopani border area along the highway Kodari.
She was accompanied by more than a dozen, in particular the first Nepali woman sky-diver Maya Gurung and Everest summiteers Pujan Acharya, Asha Singh and Ngawang Phuti Sherpa.
The Last Resort was established in 1998 in Nepal, which is also the third highest bungee site in the world with a record 8 seconds of free fall in the swing and 4 seconds of free fall in the regular jump. The site also has great opportunities for whitewater canyoning .
Yami, wife of Finance Minister and senior Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai, said she has been involved in the sport since her years at the University Of Delhi School Of Architecture in 1980, where she was awarded as the best athlete.

Shiva in the Padmasana posture

Yoga = Unity Oneness. Derived from the Sanskrit word yog which means to join. The science of life, the integration of mind and body, the union of the spirit to the divine, via tools left behind from rishis, ascetics and yogis of ages past.

The Eight Fold Path of Yoga (not to be confused with Buddha’s Eight Fold Path), from sage Patanjali s yoga sutra delves deeply into the morality of living and plunges into the human psyche. It consists of: Yama (self restraints), Niyama (self observances) Asana, Pranayama (breath techniques), Pratyahara (withdrawl of the senses), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (identification with pure consciousness).

To many, the mention of yoga conjures up images of postures (Asanas) to develop flexibility, general body health and of course awareness. This is just the beginning. While yoga’s central theme remains the highest goal of the spiritual path; yogic practices can give direct and tangible benefits to everyone regardless of their spiritual aims.

There is an inter-relationship between yoga and meditation. Part of Lord Buddha s contribution to humanity was to focus on meditation to develop Samadhi (while focusing on a platform of ethics and morality). You can choose whether to focus wholly on yoga, or more specifically on meditation, or saturate yourself in both of these.

For millennia, the Himalayas have played a key role in mankind s journey to self realisation. Its total isolation from the rest of the world, its serene solitude has been an ideal environment for looking within. Nepal has inherited this unique past which is evident in its every day life and culture when it comes to diving deep into your consciousness or floating in total awareness. It still does have individuals and institutions capable of guiding you to this noble path; to the cosmic universe which has an infinite beauty of its own.

There are many classes from which to choose. Kathmandu also offers many practitioners/Ayurvedic healers who hold yoga as a primary source for the treatment of illness. Please see Ayurveda Section.

There are many branches of yoga, such as : raja, hatha, jnana, karma, bhakti, mantra, kundalini and laya. Make sure you are not selecting a particular branch at random. Here are a few tips for choosing the right path.
1.The teacher’s personal conduct, as one who lives yoga ,
2.On which area of yoga do you wish to focus,
3.Ability to communicate with your teacher,
4.Opportunities for personalised instruction (if required),
5.Intensive/live in courses if desired.
6.Value for money.

Kathmandu in particular is where most yoga happens. Throughout the city and in particular Thamel (the tourist area), there are restaurants many with bulletin boards, listing all the activities taking place in the city. This is where you will find information on yoga. There are a few yoga studios, including one near Naxal, where you could enrol in an already existing course, or where you could enquire about private tuition and classes.

Yoga Centres

Patanjali Yoga Centre (Tel 4278437; Fax: 4229459), east of the National Museum in Chhauni, has a highly respected director in Yogacharya Sushil Bhattacahrya, and offers classes and residential courses in pure astanga yoga, a balance of the eight traditional yoga systems. Daily early-morning and afternoon meditation/hatha yoga sessions are open to all. Residential study in hatha yoga, yoga philosophy, diet and health costs about ten dollars per day. Month-long yaga/trekking programmes and yoga teacher-training courses are also offered.

The Yoga Studio (Tel: 4417900; Fax: 4220143) teaches hatha yoga in the Iyengar method, a gradual path espoused by BKS Iyengar, a key figure in bringing yoga to the West. The resident instructors teach a regular schedule of classes year-round, as well as one and two-week intensive courses in season. The studio is located in Tangal, about a ten-minute bike ride east of Thamel: follow the road north of the Palace eastwards until it becomes dirt, and it’s between the Ganesh shrine and a small pokhari (pond).

Ananda Yoga Centre, a retreat facility in a lovely setting in the valley 8km west of Kathmandu, caters for both beginners and advanced students of yoga. The teacher is Shri Vikashananda, who brings an eclectic approach to hatha yoga, pranayama, meditation, yogic cleansing, diet and naturopathy. You can set your own itinerary. For information contact Travellers Service (Tel & Fax: 4225184) on the corner of Jamal and Kantipath.

The only real yoga centre in Thamel, Holistic Yoga Ashrama (PO Box 4783; Tel: 4419334), just south of the Kathmandu Guest House, offers daily morning and afternoon yoga/meditation sessions. Simple accommodation is available here and at another branch near Pashupatinath.

(pic source: wikipedia)

Vipassana is an art of living which frees the individual from all the negativities of mind, such as anger, greed and ignorance. It is a practice which develops positive, creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society.

Meditation Centres

Mahayana Buddhist Himalayan Yogic Institute (PO Box 817, Kathmandu; Tel 4413094), located in Baluwater, conducts regular evening meditations and weekly dharma teachings (donation), hosts a revolving schedule of day-long workshops and courses in Tibetan Buddhist meditation and related Tibetan arts, and has a library and meditation room. HYI is affiliated with Kopan Monastery, north of Boudha, where it offers seven-to ten-day meditation courses during the autumn and spring.

Nepal Vipassana Centre (PO Box 133, Kathmandu; Tel: 4225490) runs ten-day courses on vipassana. These aren’t for the frivolous: daily meditation begins at 4.30 am, and silence is kept for the full ten days. To register or pick up a pamphlet on the course, visit the centre’s Kathmandu office (Sun-Fri 10 am-5.30 pm) in the courtyard of Jyoti Bhawan, behind Nabil Bank on Kantipath. All courses are funded by donations.

Kathmandu Buddhist Centre (PO Box 5336, Kathmandu) holds introductory talks in Western Buddhism a few times a week during the tourist seasons-check at the Nepalese Kitchen or on notice boards for the location. It also conducts one-day courses in Buddhism and two-day meditation workshops at its premises next door to Hotel Ganesh Himal, about 200m south and then west of Chhetrapati Chowk, overnight retreats at Nagarkot, and five-day residential courses in a restored bahal in Patan.

If you’re of the Rajneesh persuasion, you’ll be pleased to learn that Kathmandu supports a thriving Osho industry which includes a travel agency, a bimonthly magazine and three meditation centres. The Asheesh Osho Meditation Centre (Tel: 4271385) in Tahachal and a second site in Lazimpat conduct one-hour dynamic meditation sessions every morning; these are open to all and the fee is a donation. The third venue, Osho Tapoban Forest Retreat Centre (PO Box 278, Kathmandu, Tel: 4271385), located in a beautiful setting north of Nagarjun Ban, hosts occasional retreats as well as daily meditations and discourses. If you can’t get through to the centres themselves, contact Osho World Travel on Tridevi Marg (Tel: 4223758).

(pic source: flickr)

Jhankris

Wrapped in innumerable myths and legends, Nepal is a land of magic and mystery. The confrontation between its millions of gods and goddesses on the one hand and the most powerful demons on the other, at various points gives a meaningful perspective to this magic and mystery. The former represents positive spirits, and the latter negative ones. Somewhere between the two stands the faith-healer, almost like a catalyst, who, with his invocation and possession of positive spirits (white magic) manages to drive away the negative spirits (black magic) inflicted on his clients.

The cult of faith-healing in Nepal dates back to pre-historic times, with the The Jhankris are shamans, who, with the garlands of tiny bells around their necks tremble and chant at the beat of the drum which they play during the invocation and possession of spirits, and sometimes their elaborate performance runs for the whole night.

Often their ritual also involves sacrifice of either a rooster or a black goat depending upon the nature of the complication. The others are incredibly simple people, a broomstick, some grains of husked rice, a pinch of ash, incense sticks and a couple of spoonfuls of water, charged with tantric spirits is all they need to come out with a miracle.

India witnessed its great tantric period between the 7th and 13th centuries. The visit of Padmansambhaba, the great In- dian spiritual master, to Tibet during the 8th century, his tantric encounters with his Tibetan counterparts in the process of introducing his own brand of Buddhism in Tibet, and the subsequent visit of Atisha, the Indian Buddhist scholar during the 13th century bears ample evidence.

Then came the Mugal invasion in India which was responsible for the re-emergence of the tantric cult both in Nepal and Tibet. While in Nepal, it fell into the hands of Gubhajus who came from the highest priestly class of the Newar community, in Tibet it was the Lamas from the monasteries who had access to this cult. This is how over the centuries, tantrism has succeeded in becoming an integral part of faith healing both in Nepal and Tibet.

Tantrism does have its intricate features, where it means many things to many people. For the common people vajra and dorje in Tantrism signify a mere curative ritual, however for the spiritual grand masters it has also been a path to liberation and enlightenment.

Based on historical evidence Ayurveda has been practised in Nepal since the beginning of time. The Himalaya stand for purity, clarity and harmony, which is the goal and aspiration of every living creature. Nepal is one of the richest countries with diverse flora ranging from tropical to alpine within a small geographical area. Much of the flora is used for medicinal purposes. Nepal has a great tradition of Ayurveda, and it is considered to be part of the cultural and scientific heritage of the country.

Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means the science of life or a natural way of living . Ayurveda, is thought of as a life science, and includes yoga, meditation and the natural and spiritual sciences. It looks at every person as a unique individual, and seeks to understand and to correct the imbalances and restore the innate intelligence and harmony of the person.

The objectives of Ayurveda are the development of awareness which leads to a state of desirelessness; the promotion of health and the achievement of longevity; the prevention of disease; and the curing of disease. The Ayurveda practitioner first of all asks a series of questions to identify the person s type, after which it is possible to diagnose the problem, and suggest a series of activities and practices together with ayurvedic medicines. Neither stands alone, each patient is treated in both

In order to understand Ayurveda in more depth, it is possible to visit Nepal to be treated by an Ayurveda practitioner, or to meet with practitioners to understand the philosophy on a more intellectual level. Excursions can be organised to visit practitioners, to meet rural people collecting the herbs, and to meet traditional healers such as Shamans and Jhankris.

You could learn about the cultivation and harvesting of the herbs, and the treatment and final production of the herbal medicines. In Nepal there are libraries with manuscripts of herbal remedies and historical facts about Ayurveda, as well as a herbal specimen museum.

Boating & Fishing 

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.

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.

General Information

The best way to experience Nepal’s unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, vegetation types and wildlife.

Trekking in the mountains of Nepal is more a cultural experience than a wilderness expedition. You will be passing through picturesque villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. You will see Chhetri farmers working in their fields and Tamang herders grazing their animals on the steep slopes. You will meet Gurkha soldiers home on leave and come across Sherpa yak drivers transporting goods over the high mountain passes. And always in the background, the icy pinnacles of the Himalaya loom over the scenery.

Preparations

You don’t need to be a mountaineer with rippling muscles to enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of adventure and are not afraid of walking, you qualify. There are excellent trekking agencies who offer Full-Service (Camping) Treks and will take care of all the details like government permits, air/bus tickets, guides, cooks, porters, food, tents, and equipment. All you have to do on the trail is concentrate on putting one foot before the other. On many popular trekking trails, you can also go on what is known as Tea-House Treks – eating and staying in the many lodges on the way.

A day on the trail usually consists of four to five hours of walking broken by a lunch stop. You trek to enjoy the scenery on the trail, not to get to a destination in a hurry. The main precaution to be taken while trekking is not to go up too high too fast. The body should be given plenty of time to acclimatize. See Altitude Mountain Sickness below for more information.

Full Service (camping) Treks

Breaking out of the norm, traveling with a group, traveling to remote or restricted areas, enjoying camp-side banter and serene surroundings are just a few of the reasons to opt for a Full-Service Camping Trek. You will have more control over where you go, how long you stay and even food choices if an agency puts you on one of these expeditions. A buckert of hot washing-water will await at your tent door each morning before you head off for a hot cup of chia and a trip to the toilet-tent.

Tea – House Treks Tea-House trekking is an easy way to go. These are treks along the most popular treking routes and seldom will you be away from a bottle of Coca-Cola or cozy lodge. You can almost do it without an agent, but you will want a recommended porter even if you do not have need for a guide. Any agency can refer one. Stays at Tea-Houses are even cheaper than staying in a Kathmandu based guest house.

You will find Nepali-ized western food and solar powered hot-water showers in many places. Although broken-English is a norm along these trails, you’ll definitely enhance you experience by merging with the culture by carrying a Nepali Phrase book.

Off the Record: Consider bringing a recommended cook along to break up the monotony of set Tea-House menus. This could also guarantee a healthy journey for your stomach as they’ll be able to provide hygiene control in Tea-House kitchens.

Equipment & What to Bring

Your trekking agency will provide equipment like sleeping bags, foam mattresses and tents. All you need to bring is your personal gear. We’ve seen porters make in through mountain passes in flip-flop sandals while carrying loads for two travelers. Nevertheless, we want you to enjoy your journey so use the lists (and your porters’ muscles) below as guides.

Minimal Requirements

• Lightweight walking boots. “Walk them in” prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
• A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers are useful higher up in the mountains in the morning and at night.
• 1-2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
• 2-4 cotton T-shirts.
• 1 lightweight long sleeved-shirt is particularly suitable for avoiding sun burn.
• A sunhat and ensure it has wide brim to cover the face and neck.
• 2 pairs of thin and 2 pairs of thick woolen socks.
• Underwear: normal quantity
• Swimming suit
• Water Bottle
• Sunglasses and strap
• Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be bought in Kathmandu and some village in the mountains.
• Small headlamp and/or flashlight/torch with spare batteries
• Personal medical supplies – don’t forget band-aids and twizzers
• Army-knife and sewing kit
• Sun-screen, sunblock, sun-tan lotion, zinc-oxide… get the picture? This is essential in the Winter when skys are clearest.

Winter Requirements

• Warm jacket. Fiberfill or down should be adequate. This is especially necessary during winter from December to February.
• Sleeping bag to -15 C or sleep sheet (if renting or agency supplied)
• Woolen shirts and thick sweaters. During winter months, December through February, These items are essential. Thick sweaters can be purchased in Kathmandu.
• Windproof/Waterproof trousers. Necessity on all treks going above 3,000 meters.
• Thermal underwear. These are excellent to sleep in at night. In the winter months thermal underwear are quite invaluable.
• A woolen hat to wear in the morning and at night. During winter it is an essential item.
• A pair of gloves. Leather with lining and woolen are best.
• Snow Glasses and strap
• Snow gaiters can be essential

Some nice add-ons

• Camera & Film
• A pair of slip-on shoes or sandals. To wear in the camp, in bathroom and toilet tent or when the boots are wet.
• A rain-proof jacket with hood or a poncho. Get the one that is guaranteed waterproof.
• A sweat-suit. Useful for wearing in camp and in the tent.
• Duffel bag or kit bag to carry gear while trekking.
• Daypack. This is a small backpack to carry personal requirement for the day e.g., to toilet items, camera, film, towel, soap, a book etc.
  Spare boot laces.
• 2-4 large plastic bags to separate clean clothes from dirty ones. 6-10 smaller plastic bags to dispose garbage.
• Wallet and/or money belt with compartment for coins.
• Spare flashlight bulbs, candles and lighter to burn toilet paper.
• An umbrella is quite useful as a walking stick, a sunshade and for rain.
• Reading materials, game items, music, note book, rubber band, pen and pencil envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), A small pillow or headrest (optional) Thermarest (optional) – an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photographs.
• Duct-tape, superglue and small mirror can be handy
• Travel locks and chain to secure luggage and lodge door
• Hot-water bottle – unless your mate’s comin’ along

Unnecessary Items – reminder…

• Cell-phone, Pager, Lap-top computer, PDA, etc
• Radio, TV, magazines, newspapers, etc

Please Note: North Face and Pategonia type companies own the market in the USA, but many of the above mentioned items can be purchased/rented in Kathmandu and Pokhara. These high-tech companies and there products can make for a dreamy trekking experience when you learn what all thoughs pockets and fancy fabrics are really designed for.

Beware: Virtually all the brand name items in Nepal are Korean knock-offs. Shoes and sox are the essential items to bring from outside the country, if your in the Bigfoot category.

Flights to Remote Areas

Flights by plane and helicopter into and out of the remote areas and airports are prone to cancellations and delays due to inclement weather. It is advisable to allow some layover days while planning a flight out of airports other than Kathmandu and Pokhara. When these flights are considered in the itinerary, it is also recommended to carry extra money to buy food and accommodations in case of delays. Agencies will not be responsible for these additional expenses or costs incurred from lost connections, so plan accordingly.

Medical Matters and Advice

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered a risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a thorough medical check-ups and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities, and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive First Aid kit consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking.

Various trekking guide books and the pamphlet published by the Himalayan Rescue Association give you detailed information on a complete list of medical supplies. These guide books are easily available in the bookshops of Kathmandu. In case of serious illness or injury, prompt evacuation to Kathmandu is the best remedy.

Modern dentistry is unknown in the hills of Nepal, so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and at high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked.

Physical fitness

All trekking demands a level of fitness that will enable one to put in a good day’s walking, up hill and down. Most treks should not be taken to gain more than 500 meters in one day above 3,000 meters. There should be plenty of time during the day to cover this distance, so the physical exertion though quite strenuous at times, is not sustained. The best preparation for trekking is cycling, swimming, jogging, squash, tennis and long walks involving up and down hills. Good physical conditioning will certainly help maximize your enjoyment of your treks.

Altitude Sickness

Altitude Sickness, often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), is a particularly important medical consideration while trekking in Nepal. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3,000 meters. Anyone may be effected by AMS reguardless of strength or physical fitness. The initial symptoms of AMS are as following:

• Nausea/Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia/Sleeplessness
• Persistent headache
• Dizziness, light heaviness, confusion, disorientation, drunken gait
• Weakness, fatigue, lassitude, heavy legs
• Slight swelling of hands and face
• Breathlessness and breathing irregularity
• Reduced urine output

These symptoms are to be taken very seriously. In case of appearance of any of the above symptoms any further ascent should be reconsidered. More serious problems can occur which can even cause death sometimes within a few hours. The main cure for the Altitude Sickness is to descend to a lower elevations immediately. Acclimatization by ascending to no more than 300 to 500 meters per day above 3,000 meters and the proper amount of rest are the best methods for prevention of AMS.

Literature and pamphlet published by Himalayan Rescue Association (see Rescue Service below) consists of detailed information on AMS. The Central Immigration Office and all trekking agencies in Kathmandu distribute this pamphlet free of cost. Since these documents also give information on the list of suggested medical supplies for trekkers, it is a compulsory item for every trekkers’ medical kit.

Rescue Service

Himalayan Rescue Association

HRA is a voluntary Nepalese organization registered with His Majesty’s Government to run a mountain rescue service in the mountain tourist areas. The Association’s major role is the prevention and treatment of mountain sickness. The association’s medical research work is undertaken by a team of foreign doctors at present.

The Kathmandu office and Information Center of the HRA is located in Thamel. The HRA Information Center has expert and up to date information on all aspects of altitude sickness. All those intending to trek above 3,000m (10,000ft) are advised to visit the Information Center. Two Trekker’s Aid Posts are listed.

Everest Area

At Pheriche on the main trail to Everest Base Camp, one day north of Thyanboche. This Aid Post is well equipped and staffed by two Western doctors during the main trekking season. Trekkers intending to go to Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp are advised to contact the Pheriche Aid Post.

Manang Area

At Manang village in Manang. The Aid Post is well noticeable and has a sign posted. Regular talks on dangers of altitude sickness are given here every alternate day during trekking season. The Aid Post is staffed by a Western doctor. Trekkers intending to cross Thorong La Pass and visiting the surrounding areas are advised to contact the HRA aid post either at Chindi or at Manang.

Medical Rescue and Transport Communication Facilities

1. Everest and Kanchenjunga Treks

A small hospital and airstrip at Jiri, Phaplu and Khunde (Syangboche). Similarly a medical facility operated by HRA is situated at Pheriche. There are also radio station at Chainpur, Khandhari, Taplejung, Phidim, Bhojpur, Terhathum, Dhankuta, Dharan, Illam, Chandra-gadhi, Jiri, Namche Bazaar, Thayangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche and Salleri,

2. Helambu, Gosaikunda, and Langtang Treks

Modern medical facilities are not available in the Helambu area. For Gosaikunda and Langtang, there is a government hospital at Trishuli Bazaar and a dispensary at Dhunche. There is also radio and telephone link to Kathmandu at Trishuli Bazaar. An airstrip is located near Kyangjin in Langtang Valley. The other two radio stations are on the Bhote Koshi at Rasuwa Gadhi on the Tibetan Border and in Dhunche.

3. Around Pokhara, Lamjung, Jompsom, Muktinath and Nanang

Pokhara has an all weather airport, telecommunication network and a modern hospital. District hospitals are located in Baglung, Bensishar, and Jomosom. There is a Trekker’s Aid post run by the Himalayan Rescue Association in Manang. Additionally a small government dispensary at Hongde and Chame, the headquarter of Manang district, also serve both foreigners & locals. Airstrips are located at Jomosom, Hongde and Balewa of Baglung. There are radio stations at Chame, Kusma, Baglung, Beni and Jomosom.

There are also radio stations at Gorkha and Besisahar. A government hospital is located in Gorkha. The united Mission to Nepal runs a hospital at Ampipal of Gorkha.

4. Jumla and Rara

Airstrips are located in Dhorpatan, Jumla and Simikot. There is a government hospital and a radio station Jumla. A dispensary is run at Gumgadi.

Trekking Arrangements

There are different approaches to trekking in Nepal and the choice depends on time, budget, experience and personal preference.

Agencies provide essential logistical arrangement including porters, guide, cook, food tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, transport to and from trekking starting points, flight arrangement, permits, staff insurance and so on. These agents also provide a choice of itineraries and necessary information on trekking health care etc.

The cost of an all inclusive trek ranges from about US$ 25.00 to US$ 150.00 per person per day depending upon the quality of service, number of days and number of persons in the package. This style of trekking is relatively expensive compared to that of backpacking but a few extra dollars guarantees comfort and security, eliminates time consuming ordeal of organization and ensures a trouble free holiday. There are limited areas where a backpacking type of trek can be undertaken by an individual.

A companion/guide is helpful in the remote wilderness and is enjoyable to talk to on the trail. It is strongly advised to be overly cautious of free-lance guides or the services of any agency not recognized by government.

Money Matter

It is generally not possible to change foreign currency/travelers checks except in bigger cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Namche Bazaar, Jompsom, Salleri, and Okhaldunga. Consequently, when your in the mountains, cash is king. Change money in the city before your trek starts. Make sure to ask for small denominations (ones, twos, fives, twenties, fifties and hundreds – a 500 or 1,000 note will be useless).

Careful: Torn banknotes seem to be a superstitious item. Village people, and even people from the village that have moved into the city, refuse them. Use them for tips or donations to holy-pilgrims.

Mountaineering Adventure For Non-Climbers

For the more adventurous traveler, there are many minor peaks open for Alpine climbing under the Nepal Mountaineering Association. The climbing of these peaks is controlled under the rules and regulations formulated by this Association.

Most of these peaks require snow and ice climbing experience. Trekking Agents provide qualified and trained climbing guides to take non-climbers for convenience, safety and expected successes. By Himalayan standards, these are considered minor peaks, but in fact some of them provide relatively challenging snow and ice climbing of high standard, and more so in Winter.

The royalty for these peaks ranges from US $150 to US $300 depending on the particular peak for up to a 9 member climbing team.

See VisitNepal.com’s Trekking: Areas: Trekking Peaks for a list of those currently open. For complete details about Peak Trekking, Mountaineering and Expeditions, visit our sponsor Adventure Thirdpole Treks and Expeditions.

Tips and Suggestions

During your trekking sojourn in the hills and the mountains of Nepal you should be aware and remember that you are traveling back in time and into the wilderness not usually frequented by many foreigners and away from normal policing. Although the people of the hills of Nepal are exceptionally hospitable, honest and friendly by any standards, the possibilities of some trekkers encountering bad elements who take advantage of foreigners cannot be eliminated. It would be wise to exercise the following basic rules as regards. Security and safety during your trekking:

• Trekking organized through recognized Trekking Agent ensures comfort and convenience, safety and security and greatly affords the unique experience. This approach to trekking not only prevents you from any unforeseen hazards and accidents but also provide educational information and rewarding experiences on the mountains, people and in rural Nepal.
• All foreign nationals are required by law to pay their hotel, travel, and trekking agents bill in foreign currency. Exchange your money through authorized banks/money changers only. Insist on a receipt when exchanging your money and retain all exchange receipts with you.
• Littering mars the purity of environment. Avoid the use of non-biodegradable items as mush as possible. Your attempts to burn oddments and carry out the unburnable ones will be a great help in the efforts to conserve the environment.
• Avoid dispute with local people, most particularly when you are alone. Avoid drunkards and lunatics.
• Do not encourage beggars by giving them money or other articles.
• Be most economical with all fuel. Avoid hot showers which use firewood and discourage campfires. Avoid lodges using firewood and insist on use of kerosene for cooking to Trekking Agents.
• We strongly recommend that you take out a personal travel insurance to cover against illness, accidents, loss and theft of items and materials, travel alterations and deviations, rescues and evacuations.
• It is recommended not to travel alone in the remote areas while traveling in Nepal particularly in the case of females. If you do not have a fellow trekker as companion, you should not engage a guide/porter except through a third party who has responsibility for the person engaged.
• All the information mentioned here is subject to change, so do not forget to do your own homework.

Information centers

• Department of Tourism, Tripureswor (near the national stadium), Kathmandu
• Nepal Tourism Board – NTB is a national organization established in 1998 and promote and market Nepal as an attractive tourist destination. NTB’s office is located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, Ph: 4256909 or 4256229.
• Kathmandu Environmental Education Project Trekker’s Information Center, P.O.Box 495, Tridevi Marg , Kathmandu
• Nepal Association of Travels Agents – NATA, Lal Durbar, Yak & Yeti Plaza, Kathmandu, Ph: 4228787.
• Trekking Agents Association of Nepal - TAAN, Ganeshthan, Maligaun, Kathmandu, Ph: 4440920 or 4440921.
• Kathmandu Environmental Education Project – KEEP provides trekkers with information about responsible trekking and also has a travelers’ information center in Thamel. Through slide shows, lectures, videos, and other activities staff and volunteers provide trekkers with information about promoting positive environmental and cultural interactions when trekking.KEEP is located at the Potala Tourist Home, off Tridevi Marg, and is open from 10 am to 5 PM daily expect Saturdays and major holidays Ph: 4410303

People travel to Nepal for various reasons and one of the reasons for their travel especially for the South Asian people has been to play in the Casinos of Nepal and try their lady luck smiling upon them.

There are four Casinos in Kathmandu located in the premises of the city’s top hotels which offers 24 hours of non stop fun and games like baccarat, blackjack, flush, poker, pontoon, roulette, and other card games and slot machines. All the games are played in chips and they can be bought with US dollars or Indian rupees. You’ll get free food and sometimes a disco if you put some money on the tables. Nepali’s are officially forbidden from entering in Casinos.

To keep yourself amused from dawn to dusk, you can get yourself engaged in different things from a short trek, sight seeing, mountain flight, movies to dining in a nice and cozy restaurant that offers cultural programs and witness the diverse and fascinating ethnic and cultural traditions of Nepal. Enjoy your visit to Nepal all the more by visiting in the following entertainment places in Kathmandu:

Casino Nepal – Soaltee Compound, Tahachal, Ph. 4270244
Casino Anna – Hotel de L’Annapurna, Durbar Marg, Ph. 4228650
Casino Everest – Hotel Everest, New Baneshwor, Ph. 4488100,
Casino Royale – Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg, Ph. 4225550

Culture Shows – Almost every restaurant and hotel that caters to the non-backpacking, up-scale market hotels, hosts a nightly culture show complete with local dances, music, songs and costumes. Usually starts at around 7.00 PM and costs about Rs 200 per person.

The Himalchuli Cultural Groups is a Classical and Folk Dance group, which performs nightly, at 7.00 PM – 8.30 PM, at The Festival Restaurant and Bar in Lazimpat, (behind the Peace Zone English School) Ph. 4415280. The restaurant serves excellent Nepali and Newari cuisine.

In Pokhara many restaurants have a cultural dance show on every night. Sign boards outside the restaurants advertise what’s happening.

Local Bands, The Bar Scene and Dancing - Look for local bands in the cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara that may even get away with staying open past the 10pm curfew. Discos are becoming popular and dancing sometimes breaks out at local bars. Because of cultural attitudes toward men and women contact, local people general dance with the same sex. A general rule: if you see local women dressed in jeans, they’ve been cultured abroad or family ties extend outside the country.

There are several bars scattered around Thamel in Kathmandu, all close to each other. Each one has its own style so have a look in each one to choose which appeals to you.

Tom & Jerry Pub – upstairs, opposite to Pilgrims Book Store, has been open for along time, it’s noisy and has pool tables. Close by on the same side of the road is the New Orleans Cafe - a popular place to eat good food and often has live bands. In the same area is the Jump Club - a popular bar with DJ and a small dance floor. Further north is the Tunnel Club - a popular top-floor place with very loud music and open late hours. Almost opposite is Sam’s Bar - a small place with good music that opens after 5 PM.

A well known bar is the Rum Doodle Restaurant & Bar - it’s a favorite meeting place for mountaineering expeditions, and you can eat here free for life, but only if you conquer Everest first! The Pub Maya , which is associated with Maya Cocktail Bar - has remained a favorite for along time. Close to Thamel Chowok is the Underground Bar, which always has its music up pretty high. Further along on Tridevi Marg, Studio 54 is currently popular.

Right near Yin Yang Restaurant is Paddy Foley’s Irish Bar - a very popular place, especially on St. Patrick’s day!

Kathmandu has a couple of discos, popular with the more wealthy Nepalis. The Moon Sun Disco - at the Heritage Plaza in Kamaladi, Club X Zone near Durbar Marg. Both are open late every night but are probably not ideal for visiting tourists. If you want to dance bars in Thamel are a lot better.
Caution: with over 50 ethnic groups, drunken brawls are not uncommon whenever people are warmed up enough to cut-a-rug.

Movies - The only theaters in the country play popular Hindi movies from Bollywood, mostly without English subtitles. But catching a Hindi movie is worth it since understanding the language is not essential to enjoy these comedy-musical spectaculars. Recently, a few local venues have popped up serving English language movies that are about 6 months behind their market release.

A number of restaurants in Thamel offer pirated videos or laser discs on TV’s, almost as soon as they are released at the cinemas in the west. These places usually require you to eat at the restaurant and the movie is included. You’ll see the movies written up on chalk boards on the pavements.

Update: The Inter -Cultural Film Society - Starting in March 2000, this non-profit organization promises to “bring diverse feature films from different cultures around the globe … for promotion of inter-cultural understanding”. Call Prem Basnet or Susi Groeli at: 4481659 or 5537551 for detail information.

There are films shown at the Russian Cultural center in Kamal Pokhari. They are foreign language films with English subtitles.