Almost 75 percent of Nepal is covered by mountains. It would be easy to underestimate the charms because it’s so tiny compared to many other alluring destinations. But this Himalayan kingdom stands head and shoulders above them for you to lose yourself in the grandeur of its mighty peaks, verdant valleys, tranquil glacial lakes and pristine forestlands of the Terai.
Everest Saga
Commemorating the first summiting of Everest by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer Tenzing Norgay, 70 years ago, their sons, Peter Hillary and Jamling Norgay came together on 29th May in Nepal to jointly inaugurated statues of their fathers at Tenzing Hillary Airport in Nepal’s Lukla; they also released 70 commemorative coins to mark the 70th anniversary of this amazing feat of climbing the world’s highest peak. Both Peter and Jamling have steadfastly followed in the footsteps of their fathers; they remain trusted custodians of their precious legacy.
Its dangers not withstanding Everest serves as a shining reminder of one of the world’s spectacular landscapes and natural wonders. Located in the world’s youngest mountain range, the Himalaya, Nepal’s iconic peak, which is guarded by Lhotse and Nuptse mountains, remains one of the most beloved inspirations for mountaineers around the world. From its glacial heights of the Solu-Khumbu region, Everest with its attendant peaks, offers visitors stunning otherworldly vignettes of God’s hand at work, his wonders to perform on Planet Earth.
For those who yearn to partake of the pleasures of this wonderment, a lovely option is to take a flight which brings you to Everest Base Camp. Here you can sit back and enjoy the delights of armchair travel over a champagne breakfast in plain sight of the mighty peak. A helicopter fly-past of the dazzling peaks offers another high altogether.
You can also use this opportunity to marvel at the stories about climbing history in these parts from a summiteer Sherpa. Nepal’s The services of the Sherpa community have long been an essential component of climbing expeditions. Having migrated centuries ago from Tibet, they settled south of Mt. Everest in the Solu- Khumbu region, dominated by great peaks, with their glittering glaciers, icefalls, and snowfields. Over time, the Sherpa are known for have acclimatised to high altitude living conditions in these extremely cold environs.
Buddhist by faith (they belong to the Nyingmapa sect), the Sherpa also believe in many gods and demons (incorporating Bon influences) and have a deep affinity with Nature; they revere the mountains as the abode of the gods. Mt Everest itself is worshipped by them as Chomolungma, the “Mother of the World.” Thyangboche, the predominant Sherpa monastery, stands on a wooded spur above a valley, looking out to the great peak.
Annapurna Trekking Trails
Pokhra is the gateway to some of Nepal’s most celestial landscapes and natural wonders. The Annapurna circuit in Central Nepal opens up on the most breath-taking natural vistas and the promise of exceptional cultural delights. There’s no doubt that trekking is the most rewarding way to engage with Nepal’s gorgeous Himalayan landscapes in this region for up-close and personal experiences.
The world’s classic long-distance hiking trail the Annapurna Circuit, offers anything between 12- 21 days of exhilarating explorations that lead you through lush mountain settlements and stunning valleys past gorgeous Himalayan panoramas along the foothills of the legendary Annapurna Mountain range. Annapurna 1 Main is the highest mountain in the Annapurna Massif at 8091m. While many times the going may not always be easy, but the rewards are memorable, as with every step of the way the vistas change dramatically, gloriously. To get the best out of this stunning natural landscape of Nepal, be here in October and November or April and May- the traditional trekking periods.
If big time trekking is really not your things, relax at Annapurna Base Camp, which offers the most superb panoramas of the Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, Gangapurna and Machhapuchhre.
You can recharge your batteries on a serene boat ride, soaking in the mountain views from Phewa Lake, a beautiful freshwater lake in the Pokhara Valley.
Chitwan National Park
Forest treks, canoe rides and wildlife watching offer you the best way to enjoy the fabulous expanses of the Teri region at Chitwan National Park. The virginal forested tracts of this UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Site are the old stamping grounds of species such as the endangered one-horn rhino and Royal Bengal tiger. Aqua experiences by the rivers hold the promise of sightings of the Gangetic dolphins and saw-tooted crocodiles, while exotic avifauna fish for tasty morsels in the rippling waters of the Rapti River.
Nagarkot
This picturesque mountain resort serves up the most spectacular panoramas of the Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, you can rejoice in the views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, and Rolwaling. You might get really lucky and see the tip of the elusive Mount Everest. Soak in the deep serenity of this Himalayan village at leisure. Find yourself blown away by the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets from various vantage points. There are several hiking trails which offer alluring views along the way. Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail, Nagarkot Nature Trail and· Nagarkot Buddha Peace Park Hiking Trail are some popular ones.
That Nepal is one of the world’s most scenic destinations for mountain views and valley vistas has been well recorded by travelers for ages. But there’s nothing like going there and writing your own story about its fabulous landscapes and natural wonders.
