Nepal

MLMT takes you on this journey to enlightenment. Pack your bags and jump into this beauty called Nepal.

The kingdom of soaring mounts and villages that get you with their charm. The humble abode of golden temples. The land of prayer flags perpetually fluttering. Nepal is one long, extended trek. Sweet converts to ice as you go deeper into the mountains. It is all the levels of happiness. Rugged, half-baked streets reaching out to jungles foggy with wildlife. Gear packed and boots put on. Nepal forces you to push beyond your capacity. It surprises you with perfection at every step.

Climb on higher to see Nepal at its absolute best. The place where you are bound to meet some beautiful, diverse smiles. From nomads looking to breathe better to locals with the widest hearts. You only indeed go within Nepal when you step into a holy monastery or stupa. These are the embodiment of peace. Huddled shops that serve the best momos. Steaming food handed out lovingly. Nepal is the place you will feel most at home. They take you and make you theirs.

MLMT takes you on this journey to enlightenment. Pack your bags and jump into this beauty.

 

When to visit?

September sheds off the cold and the monsoon and welcomes clear skies and pleasant weathers. October to December is optimal months for travel to Nepal. April, January, and February are the coldest, especially at night. But it is also a boon for those looking for lonelier trails. The later parts of spring also make for an excellent time to visit Nepal because the rhododendrons make an appearance. Nepal is the land of festivals, so there is always something or the other in the store.

 

The average cost of a person

There are very few places on earth as good as Nepal regarding independent travel. Indians reach here even easier than people from other areas. If one book with the thought process of attempting the Everest, the prices shoot up. But the rest of the adventure sports are the cheapest here. The accommodation is not too expensive either. You can get excellent lodges at reasonable prices. The wholesome street food here is quite cheap and will give you the proper essence of Nepal. The overall trip would go to about 18,000 rupees or so.

 

Visa Requirements

This process is already nullified as Indians are not required to have a Visa to get into Nepal. You do require a valid passport. Also, provide a photo identity that has been processed by the government of India. One needs to get an emergency certificate by the embassy of India in Kathmandu. You also need to give in an identity certificate by them. Patrons under the age of 15 and older than 65 years do not have to give in all of these documents. Those from the age of 15- 18 can travel between India and Nepal with the identity certificate.

 

Where to stay?

Kathmandu:

 

From the moment you set down in this city, it punches you with a riot of smells and sounds. It completely catches you unaware. Ride down the noisy, overflowing markets in a rickshaw. In just minutes the waves of confusion will wear away, and you will find yourself facing the peace and power that radiate from these golden, ancient temples. For the backpacker, Kathmandu is a series of experiences all jumbled together.

It is a bowl of steaming thukpa. The calm, soothing taste of chicken paired with vegetables. And the hit of the spice of adventure hitting you when you expect it the least. The 2015 earthquake took away a lot from them, but Kathmandu still stands strong, untouched. Stroll through Kathmandu for a week or so, but leave the comforts of this city to venture into actual Nepal.

Best Places to stay in Kathmandu

• Dwarika’s
• Hotel Tibet
• Kantipur Temple House
• Hotel Manaslu
• Shanker Hotel

 

Pokhara:

 

Pokhara is a one-stop meditation center. It has the calm energy to thaw even the tandav of Shiva. The lakeside city is a fresh breeze that slightly rustles you. Take the paddle boats and cruise the serene lake. The lake leads you onto some of the best mountains backdrops ever. Your eyes are blessed in Pokhara.

But it is not all calm and quiet. Pokhara smirks, it sure has its wild streak. The adventure sports industry blooms in Pokhara like a lotus. With its furiously flowing whitewater rivers and some of the best paragliding spots on earth, Pokhara never lets you down. It also has a fascinating museum dedicated to the Gurkha soldier. Pokhara even serves as a gateway to the Annapurna treks.

Best Places to stay in Pokhara

• Temple Tree Resort and Spa
• Nanohana Lodge
• Fish Tail Lodge
• Hotel Yeti
• Hotel Barahi

 

Bhaktapur:

 

To those looking for salvation. To those looking for a something to believe in. Here is the right place for you. Bhaktapur, or Badgaon, or Khwopa is the city of devotees. The city where one and all bow down to the power of nature. The town has three main squares with tonnes of temples. Some of the best religious architecture can be found here in Bhaktapur.

The 2015 earthquake turned out to be a significant loss of life for Bhaktapur, but their faith did not waver. Not many temples were destroyed. Artisans have their work on display in cobbled alleys. The entire society has cultivated around these. You need to pay a small fee to get into this city. The money will then be spent on temple maintenance.

Best Places to stay in Bhaktapur

• Unique guest house
• Hotel Heritage
• Heart of Bhaktapur
• Sunny Guest House and Café
• Sunshine Garden Restaurant and Resort

 

Patan:

 

The place that once was a roar has now become a small companion city of Kathmandu. The two towns are separated by a hair’s breadth, also known as the Bagmati River. But people here still remember it as Lalitpur, the city of Beauty. One must go to Durbar Sq, even though the 2015 earthquake brought a lot of it down. The best of the best in Nepal is still found here.

A lot of NGO workers and foreigners who come and visit or settle here. Hence the city blooms with hordes of restaurants and places set up to serve them. The artisans and the crafts convert the dollars into some money for the poor people of Nepal.

Best Places to stay in Patan

• Summit Hotel
• Swotha
• Yala Heritage Homes
• Ashok Stupa
• Hotel Timila

 

Bandipur:

This town will make you flush with its undeniable charm. It really is something else. The city that keeps the Newari culture alive. They have managed to retain the beauty of the town for years and years. The magic still stays. But that does not mean they did not develop. Bandipur is the town where a lot of effort has been put into merging the new with the old seamlessly.

Buildings that were in ruins have now been converted into lodges and cafes. The beautiful 18^th century feel gives it a subtle European vibe. The combination of both is a different texture altogether. This place was also an essential step in the India-Tibet trade route till it was overpowered. It has since taken over by tourism and farming.

Best Places to stay in Bandipur

• Bandipur Village Resort
• Bandipur Chhen
• Hotel Bandipur Organic Home
• Hotel Magar Village
• Kayastha Restaurant and Lodge

 

 

Top Experience

Thamel

Kathmandu gives way to the shopping arcade of Thamel. This is the place that has bowls after bowls overflowing with the best of Nepal. Pashminas, puppets, tea, spices, trekking equipment, Buddhist art and much, much more. Thamel caters to all your souvenir needs. It is effortless to get lost in here.

Everest

No Nepal related dream is actually complete without at least attempting to touch the Everest. Most people do not go all the way but do the two-week basecamp. It does not give views of the Everest that obviously but is a spectacular view of all the surrounding peaks. You can spend half an hour at the top, Kala Pattar.

Sun Kosi Paddle

Besides the mounts high and above, Nepal also holds a lot of other adventure activities. One of them is the water fun. This nine-day long rafting trip is one that tests everything you have got. It weaves in between the dense jungles and the green farms. With the water splashing on your face at sub-zero temperatures, there are very few experiences as good as this.

Homestay

Hotels tend to seem very overrated once you enter these home stays. Not only are they much cheaper they also provide the best of the experiences. Eat like they do. Feel like they do. The kind of stories you will run into as you go from home to home will baffle you. Help them out in their daily tasks for optimum satisfaction.

 

Travel Smart:

• Social Etiquette

This is a land of high traditions. So, if you are entering this place be careful to take care and follow their etiquettes. Be respectful to the elders and keep a check on the local customs to not offend anyone.

• Water safety

If you are staying here for longer than a few days, make sure you are going to take along with you a pan to heart some water or arrange something. The tap water is not fit to serve as drinking water. Avoid washing fruits with this water and do not use ice made by this as well. Try to stick to boiled water.

• Currency

Make sure you take all the Nepalese money you have with you and get it converted into your preferred currency. It will not be accepted anywhere except for Nepal. It is also not allowed to be taken out of here. There are hefty fines on that.

• Time

Do not always go by the timings that are written or told verbally to you about specific events or such that may be happening. They do not always follow the proper timeline. It will mess up your schedule up. Make sure you keep a considerable buffer zone while planning activities.

 

Countries that can be clubbed together

Tibet

Bhutan

 

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