Knowing Nepal - Halo Holiday

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We know how you wish to travel Nepal, to know the cultures and history. So to make your stay lively, enjoyable and enlightening, Mangalmaya Yatra has came up with a all in one Package “KNOWING NEPAL”. Intersected trips to 8 places in the interval of 2 weeks. Nepal in a summary in 2 weeks. The places we offer in this package are:

Kathmandu (2 nights)

Kathmandu is the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. The city is at 1336 m above sea level. The valley covers an area of 218 square miles. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above, which tower mighty snow – capped peaks. The Kathmandu valley hosts three districts, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur (Patan) and Kathmandu, famous for their historic, artistic and cultural aspects. These three districts were part of different empires in the period of the Mallas (1200AD), great rulers of the area. The Kathmandu valley hosts seven World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO in Nepal. The valley is famous for the scenery, beautiful countryside, ethnic clans, monasteries and thousands of temples. The city is also called the city of temples.

Bandipur (1 night)

Midway on the Prithivi Highway between the capital Kathmandu and the resort town of Pokhara lies Bandipur, a picturesque Newar town that still retains much of its centuries-old appeal.

Bandipur bazaar is situated on a ridge above the highway town of Dumre, and presents sightseers with a heady mix of history, architecture, incredible views, awesome caves and unspoiled landscapes. Located at an altitude of 1,030 m, Bandipur has been described as a natural view tower, providing a spectacular panorama of the entire Annapurna Range plus the peaks of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu and Langtang to the Marsyangdi valley which is below 500m. Apart from the stunning views of the Himalaya and the Marsyangdi Valley, a visit to the town is an opportunity to get a close look at Newar cultural life that reflects the refined civilization of the Kathmandu Valley. Bandipur is also a great place for adventure sports like paragliding, caving, rock climbing, rafting and hiking.

Pokhara (2 nights)

Pokhara is a remarkable place of Natural Beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. This enchanting city has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Gurungs and Magars, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Brahmans, Chhetries, Newars, Thakalis are another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Barahi temple, World Peace Pagoda, Seti, Gandaki, Devi’s Fall, Gupteswar Gupha (cave), Mahendra Gupha (cave), Chamero Gupha (Bats Cave), Old Bazaar, Bindbabasini Temple, Matepani Gumba (Buddhist Monastery) Bhadrakali Mandir (Temple), Regional Museum, International Mountain Museum, Gorkha Memorial Museum, Annapurna Museum, Himalayan View, Nightlife and Entertainment around Pokhara.

Lumbini (1 night)

Lumbini is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal; it is about 350 km south west of Kathmandu. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. For millions of Buddhists the world over, it evokes a kind of holy sentiment akin to the significance of Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha – the apostle of peace, and the Light of Asia – was born in 623 B.C. In historical terms, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era. The site (Lumbini Grove) was described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha’s time and still retains its legendary charm and beauty. Both the Shakyas and Kolias Clans owned the garden and its tranquil environs at the time of Lord Buddha’s birth. King Suddhodana, father of Buddha was of the Shakya Dynasty belonging to the Kshatriya or Warrior Caste.

For centuries, Buddhists the world over knew that the general area of Lumbini was where the Lord was born. In the words of those famous Chinese pilgrims of antiquity, Huian Tsang and Faeihan, ‘Lumbini -where the Lord was born – is a piece of Heaven on Earth, where one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden, embedded with stupas and monasteries!’ However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure until 1 December 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it was indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Since that day it has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Lumbini is the fourth largest tourist destination in Nepal. Nearly 20,000 tourists visit the area every year. Recently, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. It has great potential to grow as the major tourist destination in years to come.

Chitwan (2 nights)

Chitwan National Park is located in south central Nepal in the sub-tropical lowlands of the inner Terai of Chitwan, Makawanpur, Parsa and Nawalparasi districts. It lies between 27°16.56’- 27°42.14’ Latitudes and 83°50.23’-84°46.25’ Longitudes. The altitude ranges from 110m to 850m above sea level. The park is bounded by the Rapti and Narayani River in the north, Parsa Wildlife Reserve in the east, and Madi settlements and India border in the south. The physiography of the park consists of the Terai and Swales. Three major rivers Narayani, Rapti and Rue, and their floodplains, and several lakes and pools are the major water sources of the park.

Being the first protected area of Nepal, it has a long history with more than three decades in park management and rich experiences in nature conservation. Prior to its declaration as a National Park, Chitwan was a big game area for the royal families, Rana rulers and their guests. The area comprising the Tikauli forest from Rapti River to the foothills of the Mahabharat extending over an area of 175 km2 was declared as Mahendra Deer Park in 1959. The area south of the Rapti River was demarcated as a Rhino Sanctuary in 1963. It was proclaimed as Royal Chitwan National Park with an area of 932 km2 in 1973. After the peoples’ revolution in 2006, the park’s name was changed to Chitwan National Park.

Janakpur (1 night)

Janakpur (Janakpurdham) is a religious site located in eastern Terai region of Nepal. It is located in the Dhanusa district and also serve as headquarter for same. Janakpurdham can be reached via road on about 10 hours of drive from Kathmandu or one can catch the flight from Kathmandu to reach the Janakpur airport in about half hours flight. Janakpur is also the home to only operating railway in Nepal.

Sindhuli (1 night)

Sindhuligadhi is a historical fort and tourist attraction in geographically and naturally diverse, Sindhuli district of eastern Nepal. Sindhuligadhi is the famous place where the war between the then Gorkha Army and the British troop was held. The Gorkha force defeated the British troop in November, 1767. The Sindhuli war memorial day is celebrated every year in Sindhuligadhi in the memory of the victory of Nepal Army over British troop.

Sindhuligadhi is one of the major forts in Nepal with huge historic significance. Some of the weapons left by British soldiers while running away from this place can still be found in the fort. It would be a rewarding visit for those with great interest in history.

Besides this, one can also enjoy the beauty of nature, short hike to Junar (citrus) farms, and an amazing drive through winding road of Sindhuli-Bardibas highway.

Nagarkot (1 night)

Nagarkot is a village and Village Development Committee located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. At the time of the 2011 census it had a population of 4571 and had 973 houses in it. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur District. It is known for a sunrise view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest as well as other peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. The scenic beauty of the place makes it a very popular hiking route for tourists. It is located approximately 7000ft. (2000 m) above sea level and 28 km from Kathmandu International Airport.

Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley (8 Himalayan ranges of Nepal out of 13 from here). The ranges include Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, Mahalangur range (Everest range) and Numbur range with views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park.

Situated in a strategic location, Nagarkot was an ancient fort of the Kathmandu valley built to monitor the external activities of other kingdoms. Later, it became a summer retreat for the royal family before becoming popular as an international hill station.