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Radek Šťastný CZECH

I had the best vacation of my life with Dipendra as my guide. Visiting the Himalayas was one of my long-awaited dreams. But what Dipendra offered exceeded all my expectations. Not only did he take us through the mountains, he showed us that Nepal is not just the Himalayas. For me, a far greater and more memorable experience than the Himalayan trek was to see ordinary life in the countryside, to experience life in a rural school. I am sure that without Dipendra’s services I would never have had such profound experiences.

Visiting Nepal during winter

Nepal has a wide variety of natural beauty, ranging from its mighty mountains on the north side to its greenery and plains on the south. In addition to the pristine natural beauty, the country also offers an array of adventure excursions and a stunning religious icon.

Nepal is attracting many tourists for different reasons within its borders. Some are drawn by the mountains and want to climb or trek in the Himalayas, while others are fascinated by the country’s culture and famous city life, yet others are searching for some kind of spiritual experience.

It is very hard to predict the winter weather in Nepal. During the winter months, temperatures can vary and even drop to -°C. However, the beautiful sunshine and scenic views more than compensate for these chilly conditions. Even so, it can be quite chilly during the night in Nepal. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t let this stop you from visiting the country. You should have no issues as long as you have access to plenty of thermal baths.

Winter Temperature in Nepal

The average temperature in the capital city hovers around 11 °C, with minimum temperatures averaging -1 °C and highest temperatures sometimes reaching over 23 °C. If you visit higher altitudes during the winter, you can expect significant temperature drops at the same rate. For instance, temperatures in Jumla can fall below freezing between November and February.

During the winter season in Nepal, there is likely to be a significant temperature difference depending on your location. Be sure you research thoroughly before your winter trip to Nepal to determine what temperatures to expect from each location.

Nepal is a unique place that should be visited once in a lifetime. No matter your reason for coming to Nepal, we recommend that if you come in the winter season, the following places will make you realize that you are in for an unforgettable adventure. During the winter months in Nepal, there are a number of breathtaking places to visit, and narrowing it down to just one or two will be difficult.

Nepal winter travel guide: places to see

Kalinchowk Dolakha

In addition to its impressive views of Nepal’s mountain ranges, Kalinchowk offers the chance to frolic in the snow and dine on traditional Nepalese cuisine in one of the town’s many restaurants. Kalinchowk has located roughly 132 km from Kathmandu. Kuri Village is the closest point to Kalinchowk. Tourists must cycle for one hour to get to the end of the village. Buses to Charikot from Kathmandu are easily accessible. You need private vehicles, including jeeps, to reach Kuri Village from Charikot.

During the trip, trails in the forest and traces of snow add to the fun. On top of that, you get to visit the holy temple of Kalinchowk  Bhagawati at the top of Kalinchowk hill. After visiting the temple, it is believed what you wish for will come true. In addition to trekking, hiking, camping, and skiing there, Kalinchowk is the ideal place to observe the sunset from the summit of the hill.

Mustang and Muktinath

As one of the oldest Hindu temples near the doorsteps of Tibet, Muktinath Temple offers worshippers a serene place to practice their faith, even though it is a remote village. The Temple is a beautiful winter destination featuring breathtaking mountain range views. In the past, Mustang belonged to Tibet. Today, it is a part of Nepal. The Upper Mustang is a bustling place where you can experience many events and unique lifestyles. A special permit is required to enter the Upper Mustang, but you might want to stick to Lower Mustang during winter because of the extreme weather conditions.

If you want to travel from Kathmandu to Mustang, via Pokhara would be the best way. However, you can fly or drive to Pokhara and then fly to Mustang. Flights, buses, and cars are all available from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can reach Jomsom via Pokhara by flight or jeep. In addition, many trekkers also hike from Pokhara to Jomsom without difficulty. You won’t need more than 20 minutes by air to get to Jomsom. A mustang adventure during the winter includes hiking, fossil hunting, Jeep rides through the mountains, and visiting orchards.

Tilicho Lake

A holy expedition, Tilicho Lake is located at the height of 4 949 meters. Located at 11,200 in terms of feet above sea level, Tilicho Lake is Nepal’s highest lake As we ascend to a higher altitude, you cannot miss the breathtaking view of Lake Tilicho. Tilicho Lake can be reached via multiple trekking routes; however, it remains one of the best trekking options in the Annapurna region.

It offers scenic views of much of the east side of the world-renowned Annapurna circuit, which is known for its world-class natural beauty, cultural traditions, spectacular waterfalls, healthy streams of water, and diverse flora and fauna. When we think of the best place to visit during winter, Tilicho must be included as one of the best places. You can find people of different ethnicities living in harmony there. There are several winter activities to enjoy while in Tilicho, including Trekking, Hiking, and Patronymic views of beautiful lakes.

Chisapani

Most trekking destinations require at least one week’s preparation before you can head out. It’s not the weather or the time of year that keeps you from discovering new places. A day trip to Chisapani, which is not far from Kathmandu valley, could be the perfect option for you if you are planning a day trip from Kathmandu. Similar to the Annapurna treks, the Chisapani trek can be considered a condensed version.

Chisapani is located at the height of 2165 meters above sea level. From Sundarijal, you can ascend to the small village of Mulkharka in the morning and begin your trek. You can view a spectacular light show on the Himalayan façade at night after you walk through a dappled forest. It is also possible to reach the spot via private transportation. Chisapani is a great place to go in the winter to hike, trek, camp, or enjoy a picnic or BBQ.

Langtang National Park

In the Langtang District, where Langtang National Park is located, you can hike over impressive passes, admire ancient monasteries, and see dramatic mountain scenery with blossoming rhododendron forests during winter and spring. The snow makes the place even more picturesque and eye-catching during winter. As a result of its proximity to Kathmandu, this region is less developed and less crowded than other trekking areas in Nepal.

Established in 1976 AD, Langtang National Park consists of over 1,500 square kilometers. The entire route to Langtang National Park is lined with villages with guesthouses and lodging that you can stay at during your trek. It is convenient to travel to without having to take a flight from Kathmandu, as it is easily accessible by van or any public vehicle in about seven to eight hours. Clear days will also allow you to see the peak of Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters). You can visit the Internet for more information regarding several days itinerary if you wish to visit or even find the Itinerary for Langtang National Park here on Pokhara Info.

Visiting Nepal as a Foreigner

Nepal is a beautiful country with welcoming people in which deities coexist with mortals,, and monasteries, magnificent temples, and historical monuments can be found everywhere you turn.  The Himalayan nation of Nepal has some of the best of everything for travelers, including breathtaking views from its highest mountains, an infectious culture, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, myriad adventures, and awe-inspiring wildlife.

There are more than eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world here, along with the Terai plains of Jhapa, so you can be forgiven for keeping your camera close to your hand. If you’d like to appreciate the Himalayas fully, we recommend traveling to Dhulikhel, one of Nepal’s most popular destinations, to view these giant mountains. Pokhara, another popular destination, puts Nepal’s natural beauty into perspective. Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa Lakes, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range, make it the jewel of the Himalayas.

The adventure tourism industry in Nepal is one of Nepal’s biggest attractions. It is a favorite spot for those who enjoy nature and adrenaline.  Among the many activities available in this gorgeous landlocked nation, treks, mountaineering, and game viewing are long-time favorites, but tourists can now do more adventurous activities such as rafting, biking, fishing, hot air ballooning, and even bungee jumping.

These reasons may convince you that you need to visit Nepal at least once in your lifetime:

To experience the diversity of culture:

More than 60 ethnic groups and 124 languages are spoken in Nepal, each with a unique language, religion, festivals, and art. The Newar tribe is an example of how diverse Kathmandu Valley is. Newari and Nepal Bhasa are the native languages of Nepal, and they celebrate festivals such as Swati throughout the year. Visiting Nepal is a good way to experience the country’s diverse cultures and history.

To discover the incredible heritage sites:

Nepal has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a wonderful country full of natural and cultural treasures. Kathmandu Valley alone includes seven of the ten UNESCO cultural world heritage sites.  The country also has three other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park, and Lumbini, which is where Buddha was born. In addition, the Kathmandu valley, Nepal’s spiritual heart, has numerous ancient medieval temples, Buddhist monasteries, and stupas. A visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, can be enlightening and delightful.

To Befriend the Hospitable Nepalese People:

Nepalese people are very friendly and welcoming to visitors, considering guests as gods. They will do anything they can to make you feel comfortable and never fail to offer tea and assistance when you need it. Many people who have been to Nepal before will tell you how friendly the Nepali people can be. Similarly, It’s not surprising that it’s a saying that if you come for the mountains, you’ll return back for the people.

Trekkers & adventurers find this place ideal:

The topography of Nepal may look small on the map, just slightly larger than Arkansas, but it includes the world’s highest mountain (Mt. Everest), the deepest gorge (Kali Gandaki Gorge), and a number of other fascinating features. Therefore, it is not surprising that this tiny country in Asia can be a haven for adventure lovers.  It is a great spot for hikers and explorers to explore. Nepal is a great destination for those who enjoy adventure and trekking. Thousands of people visit Nepal each year in search of adventure.  Despite being a Himalayan country, Nepal offers a wide variety of hiking and adventure opportunities.

In addition to trekking, there are many other adrenaline-pumping sports you can try while you’re in Nepal, including mountain biking, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, snow skiing, bungee jumping, sky diving, hot air ballooning, and paragliding.

Enjoying Nepali Delicacies:

Because of Nepal’s geographical and cultural diversity, its cuisine has also become very diverse. Though heavily influenced by neighboring countries such as India and China, Nepali cuisine still possesses its own unique characteristics. You simply can’t leave Nepal without trying some of its delicacies. Dal Bhat is a dish served with rice and curried vegetables. It is the national dish of Nepal, which you will find served at almost every restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Momo, or Nepalese dumplings, are a popular snack available on every corner and should be tried more than once. They are typically served with a tomato-based sauce and can be filled with a multitude of vegetables and meats. Chatamari, dheedo, aloo tama, etc., are other well-known Nepali foods.

Amazing wildlife awaits you:

As the Amazon of Asia, Nepal is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. A trip to the lowlands of Nepal gives you a chance to see wild animals in their natural habitats. There are 544 species of birds in Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s most popular national park, including royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, crocodiles, leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, deer, and monkeys.

Bardia National Park, another pristine park, offers excellent wildlife-watching opportunities along with Chitwan. Wild animals are common in the highlands, mountain ranges, and the mountains of the upper hilly regions, such as snow leopards, red pandas, blue sheep, and yaks.

Enjoy the Peaceful Environment:

Nepal is far from prosperous, but it is a perfect place for those seeking a sense of peace and serenity. The country provides a charming, laidback atmosphere that provides all the comforts of a prosperous country. The tranquillity of the countryside can be mesmerizing, but even a leisurely stroll around Thamel in Kathmandu is soothing.  Furthermore, Pokhara, a lake city in Nepal, is also a great place to unwind, where you can enjoy the pristine air, gaze at the serene lake, or marvel at the stunning snow-capped mountains.

Visiting the Stunning Lakes and the high mountains:

Countless lakes can be found in Nepal. Nepal is blessed with a diversity of nature that ranges from the highest lake in the world (Tilicho, 4,950 meters above sea level) to the deepest lake at the highest elevation (Shey Phoksundo, 145 meters deep at 3,600 meters above sea level). Not to mention they are as gorgeous and stunning as they can get. Including boating and paddling, these lakes in Nepal offer a wide range of water sports that tourists can enjoy. There are about 200 lakes in Nepal, many of which are glacier-fed lakes higher than 4,000 meters above sea level.

In addition, Nepal is a mountaineering enthusiast’s dream. Nepal has over a hundred mountains in limited geography and is known as the “Land of Mountains.” Even though the country is landlocked and has a small geographical area, eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the world are located here. And with that comes the thrill and adrenaline rush of mountaineering and trekking.

Great experience for an affordable price:

Nepal is rated as one of the best value destinations by Lonely Planet, offering affordable hotels and restaurants. Most restaurants are reasonable in price, and the country has a lot of good food options.  Thus it is a great opportunity for budget traveling.

Furthermore, When you are ready to start your Nepal trekking adventure, it is time to begin thinking about what to pack. If you are ready to book but aren’t sure when is the best time to trek or what to stay in, Pokhara Info has got you covered. You can figure out these queries through our site. We can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites. Hope you have a good time in Nepal and thank you for visiting!

Visiting the Must-See Cultural City of Bhaktapur

If life feels dull and boring, and you’re sick of your nine to five-jobs, maybe it might be time for you to take a break. Traveling to different countries can provide a fresh perspective on life and allow an individual to learn about different cultures and people. Furthermore, an amazing hub for such a vacation could be the beautiful country of Nepal.

However, if you already know about Nepal, and are planning a trip to the gorgeous landlocked nation, let me suggest a great way to spend your time there. Perhaps you’re planning to visit Nepal so you can see the Himalayas. The mighty snow-capped Himalayas are certainly a reason to visit Nepal, but you’ll find there’s a lot more to this fascinating country.

Nepal is a place of ancient cities, spirituality that is palpable, and one of the world’s most kind-hearted people. Many people can’t get enough of Nepal. The Kathmandu Valley is one of the most stunning regions in the country, as it’s filled with amazing towns, temples, and culture. One of my favorite spots is Bhaktapur, a small town less than an hour from Kathmandu.

About Bhaktapur

The city is the most well-preserved of the three medieval Newari cities of the valley. The other two are Kathmandu and Patan. Despite the 2015 earthquake, Bhaktapur remains largely intact. Cars are not frequent in the historical city center, making a walk along its stone cobbled streets a pleasure indeed. The town is like a living museum, with temples on every corner, shops selling crafts and arts everywhere you look, and people with equally interesting people with countless amusing stories to tell.

On your trip to Nepal, you really must visit this place if you are interested in Nepali culture and heritage. In order to let you know a bit more about Bhaktapur, let me catch you up on the importance and history of this lovely city.

Heritage

UNESCO has listed Bhaktapur as a World Heritage Site, and as you walk through the city, you’ll see dozens of examples of traditional Newari architecture that made the city deserve the listing. Throughout the city are breathtaking buildings boasting intricate patterns and red brick façades.

The Nyatapola Temple in Bhaktapur is undeniably one of the most impressive architectural structures in the city. The temple’s five-tiered roof invites you to climb up steps and peer over beautiful views of Taumadhi Square and surrounding hills.

A must-see in Bhaktapur is Durbar Square, still as stunning as ever despite the earthquake damage. Many of the main temples have been repaired and restored as a result of the quake. However, you can still visit sites such as the Golden Gate of Bhaktapur, a wonderfully detailed entranceway that leads to the courtyard of the palace. Bhaktapur’s historical center, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is a museum of medieval art and architecture filled with sculptures, woodcarvings, and colossal pagodas dedicated to different gods and goddesses.

Originally built by King Jitamitra Malla in 1696, the Bhaktapur Durbar that can be seen today was reconstructed by King Bhupatindra Malla around the end of the 17th or beginning of the 18th century.

Additionally, you can stroll around the beautiful Siddha Pokhari Pond, enjoying the local snacks or ice cream. Whatever you decide to do, it’s sure that you’ll have a multitude of options to enjoy your time.

Local Cuisine

A differentiating factor between Nepali food and other South-East Asian cuisines is its distinct cultural influences from different ethnic groups, and Newari cuisine is, without a doubt, its richest and tastiest cuisine.

Bhaktapur is the perfect place to try some of Nepal’s most traditional and tasty food. Here, the Newari culture is celebrated, as is the cuisine, and you’ll find a variety of homely meals that are somewhat hard to find elsewhere in the country.

In Bhaktapur, steer clear of rooftop restaurants selling continental food, and seek out the local food in small alleyways. The real deals are hidden away from the tourist traps.

As one example, Samay Baji is an authentic Newari dish made up of several small bites that have been passed down through generations. The local yogurt, the Juju Dhau, also known as King Curd, is a must-try in Bhaktapur. Served in clay pots in small shops around the city, this thick and creamy yogurt is made from buffalo milk and has a smooth, creamy texture. Many shops and stalls sell Juju Dhau in Bhaktapur since it is a local product. As mentioned earlier, you can stroll around the town squares or Siddha Pokhari enjoying a clay pot full of Juju Dhau.

Chhyang, also known as Thon, is an alcoholic beverage in Nepal. It is also known as ‘white rice beer’. It is much stronger than Aida, which is a Nepali wine. Chhyang is usually ordered with spicy snacks in Nepal and is popular in Bhaktapur.

Bhaktapur is also famous for its ‘Bara’, a Newari pancake made from black lentils and spices. On top of that, you can add eggs, spinach, minced meat (usually chicken or buff), and more. Bara is often served with chana dhal.

A Newari delicacy called yomari is very popular in Bhaktapur. It consists of steamed rice dough filled with brown sugar, ghee, and sesame seeds (chaku). You can also get it with condensed milk. The Newari celebrate a festival called ‘Yomari Punhi’ that marks the end of the rice harvest in December by eating this delicacy.

Art and Culture

The city has various unique arts and crafts that complement the beautiful city. Take a stroll down Potters’ Square to get a glimpse of the creation of pottery made using local clay. There are heaps of pots and bowls, yogurt cups, and souvenirs to be seen, all crafted, fired, and painted around this square, and the locals will be more than glad to have you observe and learn about their art.

Late afternoon is my favorite time to come here – when the sun dips below the horizon, and the potters begin to collect their creations after baking all day. Aside from the National Art Gallery, Bhaktapur also hosts a collection of traditional artifacts and paintings from Nepal’s past.

Traditions

If you wake up in Bhaktapur early enough, you can see why it’s called the ‘City of Devotion’. Women wearing red dresses and men wearing topis carry offerings to the small temples dotted around the city.

One of my favorite places to observe local religious devotion is Bhairavnath Temple. It is a magnificent Hindu temple built in red bricks with an ornate golden door. Similar scenes can be seen throughout the city, including around the temple’s entrance, where locals buy marigolds from market stalls and leave them there. Taking in these sights is a great way to start the day.

Though there is a lot to see in Bhaktapur, I prefer exploring and soaking in the unique atmosphere. While Kathmandu feels overcrowded and chaotic, Bhaktapur is much quieter and more relaxed. Take your time and discover the city.

Finally, Bhaktapur is the perfect place to unwind after a long trek or to gain a sense of the local culture before heading into the Himalayas. Spend a couple of days to enjoy the timeless energy of the place and get to know the people.