Fishing, Canoeing in Fewa Lake and paragliding
have been other fascinating activities that one can enjoy in
Pokhara.
Chitwan:
Chitwan has one of the most attractive national park located
at southern central Nepal. The main attraction of this place
is the Royal Chitwan National Park which is one of the
largest forest regions in Asia teeming with wild life such
as the rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of
deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin,
crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive
Royal Bengal Tiger. It is just five-hour drive from
Kathmandu.
Gorkha:
The old kingdoms of the present Shah dynasty is a beautiful
natural hill region with the Gorkha Durbar and the temples
of Gorakhnath and Kali a top hill. The famous pilgrimage
spot Manakamana lies south-east from Gorkha.
Muktinath:
The renown temple of God Muktinath is situated in the
district of Mustang and is 3749 m on a high mountain ridge.
It is about 18 kilometers north-east of Jomsom. While going
to the holy place of Muktinath the trail starts from the
picturesque valley of Pokhara. All along the trail from
Pokhara to Jomsom, the natural panorama is very impressive.
The whole area opens out in all its serenity, grandeur and
color, set admist all splendors of snow-capped peaks
of Machhapuchre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. The
landscape is arid and rocky from Jomsom with patches of
green cultivation. Muktinath is equally visited both by
Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. It is a revered pilgrimage spot
nestled in the arid Himalaya Canyons. The shrine of
Muktinath is venerated and worshipped by Tibetans as well
and they have constructed some Gompas or monasteries near
the shrines.
Manakamana:
This is also the famous pilgrimage spot of Nepal. It is very
near from Gorkha. Every Nepali is very ambitious to make a
pilgrimage trip to Manakamana. It lies south east from
Gorkha Cable Car to this sacred place is started from the
Kurin tar and it takes 8 minutes to reach.
Lumbini:
Lumbini is a small town in the southern terai plains of
Nepal where Lord Gautam Buddha was born 2500 years ago. The
ruins of the old city can still be seen. Lumbini has since
been a holy ground for Buddhist all over the world. The
restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains
of many of the ancient Stupas and Monasteries. A large stone
pillar erected by the Indian emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears
an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. Besides,
Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of
southern Nepal.
Janakpur:
Janakpur is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila and
the Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is
well known in the Hindu Kingdom. Sita the wife of the
legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Throughout the
year, many pilgrims come to pay their respects to Ram and
Sita who are the main religious attractions in Janakpur. The
city is thronged by worshippers and visitors alike
especially during the festival of Bibah Panchami. This
annual festival is celebrated on the occasion of Ram and
Sita's marriage and their wedding ceremony is enacted
throughout the week. During this period, the city is
enlivened by the wedding festivities.
Nepalgunj:
Nepalgunj is an industrial and trading center 199 km east of
Dhangadhi. The Jai Bageswari temple marks the town center.
It is the gateway to Royal Bardia National Park (95 km,
three hours by car). After the safari, you should drive to
Chisapani to view the 500-m long, single-tower bridge over
the Karnali. Nepalgunj is the hub of air routes in western
Nepal. (Temperature 5-44 degrees Celsius.) |
