Friday, August 14, 2009

Sky Diving Over Everest


SKY diving


The first Everest Skydiving 2008, where Forty-two daring adventure seekers, including two Nepalese, enjoyed skydiving over the world's highest peak in the Everest Region from October 3-11. A total of 33 divers from 14 countries took part and the participants hailed it as one of the biggest tourism and adventure event since the first ascent of the Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hilary in 1953.

The skydivers boarded a Pilatus Porter from Tenzing-Hillary airstrip in Lukla and launched themselves from above the height of Mt. Everest and descended down to Syangboche through parachutes following a free fall of a few minutes. Nima Tamang and Maya Gurung became the first Nepalese to enjoy skydiving. Maya Gurung is facilitated as the first Nepali woman to climb and skydive from Mt Everest and called her a brave woman.

World Champion Skydiver from New Zealand Wendy Smith, who also took part in the diving, lauded the scenic beauty that the skydiving from the Everest provided.
Smith, an independent aerial photographer who has already skydived 17,700 times said, "The technology and safety measures were praiseworthy, but the visual beauty was extraordinary, as it was the most exciting experience of my life and I look forward to come back."

IDOLS OF NEPAL

JANAKI ( Goddess SITA)
Mithila Art


Lord BUDDHA ( LIGHT OF ASIA)

TSHO ROLPA NEPAL



The glacier lake lies under a group of mountains that include Gauri Shankar (7.134 m) and many other beautiful 6.000m such as Numbur and Chobutse. The tranquil valley looks up at holy Gauri Shankar and Tso Rolpa. The Rolwaling Khola area, which is the heart of Rolwaling Himal, has much fewer trekkers And therefore maintains the same tranquillity as before. This trekking course also leads continuously to Tashi Lapsa pass.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Tiger Save them


Tiger
Overview
Common Name: Tiger; Tigre(Fr); Tigre(Sp)

Scientific Name: Panthera tigris spp

Population: Only around 4,000 tigers remain in the wild

Background


© WWF-Canon / Vladimir FILONOV
The tiger, largest of all cats, is one of the most charismatic and evocative species on Earth; it is also one of the most threatened. Less than 4,000 remain in the wild, most in isolated pockets spread across increasingly fragmented forests stretching from India to south-eastern China and from the Russian Far East to Sumatra, Indonesia.

Poisoned, trapped, snared, shot, captured...
Across its range, this magnificent animal is being persecuted. Today, tigers are poisoned, shot, trapped and snared, and the majority of these animals are sought to meet the demands of a continuing illegal wildlife trade - which includes traditional Chinese medicine.

Hunters, traders, and poor local residents whose main means of subsistence comes from the forest, are wiping out the tiger and the natural prey upon which it depends. While poaching for trade continues to menace the tiger's survival, perhaps the greatest long-term threats are the loss of habitat and the depletion of the tiger's natural prey. Large commercial plantations have replaced a lot of tiger habitat in several tropical range countries.

Three tiger subspecies are already extinct, and a fourth is on its way

Tiger Study

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WWF in 2005 collaborated with other organizations on the most comprehensive scientific study of tiger habitats ever done. The study finds that tigers reside in 40 percent less habitat than they were thought to a decade ago and now occupy only seven percent of their historic range.

The study also finds that conservation efforts have resulted in some populations remaining stable and even increasing, but concludes that long-term success is only achieved where there is broad landscape-level conservation and buy-in from stakeholders.

Learn more.
In the past century, the world has lost three of the nine tiger subspecies. The Bali, Caspian, and Javan tigers have all become extinct ... and many scientists believe the South China tiger is “functionally extinct”.

Priority areas offer the best hope for tiger conservation
WWF's tiger conservation strategy and action plan - Conserving Tigers in the Wild: A WWF Framework Strategy for Action 2002-2010 - identifies seven focal tiger landscapes where the chances of long-term tiger conservation are best, and four additional areas where conservation opportunities are good.

In each of the focal landscapes, WWF aims to establish and manage effective tiger conservation areas, reduce the poaching of tigers and their prey, eliminate the trade in tiger parts and products, create incentives that will encourage local communities and others to support tiger conservation, and build capacity for tiger conservation.

Physical Description


© WWF-Canon / Martin HARVEY
The tiger is the largest of the Asian big cats and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from the evergreen and monsoon forests of the Indo-Malayan realm to the mixed coniferous-deciduous woodlands of the Russian Far East and the mangrove swamps of the Sundarbans, shared by India and Bangladesh.

The characteristic stripe patterns differ from one individual to another and from one side of the cat's body to the other. In fact, there are no tigers with identical markings. Males exhibit a characteristic ruff (lengthened hairs around the neck), which is especially marked in the Sumatran tiger.

Tigers are typically solitary hunters and prey mainly on deer and wild pig. Where this prey is in abundance, such as in Chitwan National Park in Nepal, territories range from 10 to 20km² for females and 30 to 70km² for males. In Russia, where the density of prey is much lower, territories vary in size from 200 to 400km² for females and 800 to 1,000km² for males.

Tigers have dens in caves, tree hollows and dense vegetation. They are mostly nocturnal but in the northern part of its range, the Siberian subspecies may also be active during the day at winter-time. Using their sight and hearing rather than smell, the tiger stalks its prey and once it has reached close proximity, attacks from the side or rear and kills by a bite to the neck or the back of the head.

Unless they die, tigers are never replaced on their range. Although individuals do not patrol their territories, the range is visited over a period of days or weeks and it is marked with urine and feces.



Size
Body length is 140-280 cm and tail length is 60 to 95 cm.

Colour
The upper part of the animal ranges from reddish orange to ochre, and the under parts are whitish. The body has a series of black striations of black to dark grey colour.
Habitat
Biogeographic realm
Indo-Malayan, Palearctic

Range States
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia (Sumatra), Lao PDR, Myanmar, Malaysia, Nepal, North Korea (few left), Russia (Far East), Thailand, Vietnam

Why is this species important?
Conservation Results

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Four of WWF's priority regions are important for tiger conservation: Amur-Heilong, Borneo and Sumatra, Eastern Himalayas and Mekong.

Learn more.
The tiger is a powerful symbol of reverence among the variety of cultures that live across its range. They command respect, awe or fear from their human neighbours. Even in places where tigers have become extinct or never existed in the wild, they live in myth and legend.

As top predators, they keep populations of wild ungulates in check, thereby maintaining the balance between prey herbivores and the vegetation upon which they feed. A whole myriad of other life-forms are essential to support a healthy tiger population.

Interesting Facts
•A tiger has been reported to cover up to 10 meters in a horizontal leap.
•It is reported that at 11 months, juveniles are already capable of killing prey

Friday, August 7, 2009

Rafting in Nepal : Destination Rivers








BHOTE KOSHI( Grade 5)



The steepest river in Nepal - 3 days
Emerging from Tibet and further branching from Sun Kosi, Bhote Kosi River remains a favourite for its fast-paced adventure and thrills of river rafting. Bhote Kosi river trip is an ideal trip for those looking for short whitewater voyage. On drifting along the call of the wild white waters, the rafting gets steeper arousing class IV- V rapids and later mellows into continuous streams creating class III rapid. Unparalleled in its scenic beauty, Bhote Kosi offers numerous photographic moments and opportunities to visit unexplored archaeological sites and abandoned areas. After thorough safety and paddle briefings, Bhote Kosi whitewater rafting trip begins. Best time for rafting along this river is from October to December and From February to April.






KALI GANDAKI RIVER (4 days)



Kali Gandaki is a sacred river named after Kali, a Hindu goddess. Starting from Mustang glacier, this beckoning river flows down to Muktinath between Dhaulagiri & Annapurna Mountains. It has Nepal’s most challenging river runs making it the largest untapped whitewater potential in the world. There are many cremation sites and burial mounds on its river bank.

Kali Gandaki Expedition is a sheer delightful invitation to all rafters from novice to the most intrepid of adventurers. This rafting trip begins from put-in site at Nayapul and concludes at Ramdighat with a drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu or a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The river trip takes us to steep canyon overhung with verdant foliage and punctuated by small waterfalls and sidestreams in counterpoint to rapids providing class III to IV+ runs. As we descend through verdant rainforests, we witness unique wildlife, amazing ethno-cultural heritages, fascinating village settlements and picturesque landscape. In a nutshell, this river trip not only quenches our thirst for adventure but also bonds us with nature and equally makes us culture-sensitive.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 4 Days
Grade: Class III - IV+
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel & Camping


SUN KOSI RIVER (10 days)

One of the top ten best rivers in the world-10 days
Sun Kosi River is an ideal destination for pursuing a classic white water rafting trip in Nepal. Also popularly known as “Golden River", Sun Kosi is the longest river cascading 270 km through Mahabharat Lekh Mountains to the Himalaya. Journeying through this torrential river on an inflatable rubber boat with life-jackets on, we have nature accompany us all along the river trip bestowing ample opportunity to witness exotic wildlife in its natural habitat. Besides this sheer awe-inspiring whitewater rafting against roaring rapids from put-in point below the Village of Lamosangu to the put-out point at Chatara, we can have cultural encounters as we approach pristine hamlets on terraced hillsides. En route, we may sightsee exotic animals like Languor monkeys, spotted deer, otter anteater etc and many unique bird species. Several Hindu temples come on the way which very well worth a visit. We conclude the trip with a flight from Biratnagar to Kathmandu.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 10 Days
Grade: Class III - IV+
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Biratnagar


TRISHULI RIVER RAFTING
1, 2 or 3 days trip on II+ to IV class River


Trishuli River originates from Gandaki river system and mixes with other rivers like Bheri River, Marsyangdi River and Seti River as it flows ahead. It is widely acknowledged for its most culturally stimulating and exciting river trips in the world. Rafting along the challenging rapids of Trisuli River like Twin Rock, Ladies Delight and Scout Upset can be extremely mind-blowing experience. During this meticulously organized river trip, you journey through the most scenic and secluded miles featuring incredibly blue water, breath-taking alpine scenery and amazing rapids cutting through some of the most varied geology. You also get to enjoy luxurious camps and wonderful off-river activities. Monsoon river rafting is the major attraction of Trisuli River.

LIFESTYLE OF NEPALESE





Culture is embedded in the high peaks of Nepal, tradition flows with its rivers, art traverses through its valleys and religion lies in the heart of its people. Nepal, in short, is a country where art, culture and religion are a part of life of the inhabitants. People celebrate every moment with aroma, adding novelty to the traditions without affecting their essence.

Art of Nepal
The art and architecture of Nepal is deeply influenced by the religion. Unique craftsmanship can be found in temples, architecture, shrines, fountains and the design of religious objects. Art and religion is so deeply interlocked that it is impossible to separate the one from the other. All art forms express both Hindu and Buddhist iconography.


Buddhism in Nepal
Buddhism, the fourth largest religion all over the world, has strong roots in Nepal. Buddhism in Nepal dates from the birth of Siddhartha Gautama himself, therefore Buddhist influences are evident on the culture of Nepal. Nepal is the meeting point for Indian and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Culture of Nepal
The culture of Nepal is a assemblage of music, architecture, religion and literature. This mountain kingdom is multi-ethic and multi-lingual. The land is rich with unique cultural groups like Tharu,Yadav, Ahir, Newars and others.
Food of Nepal
Nepalese are great foodies and their food varieties are hot, spicy and nutritious. Newari and Thakali cuisines are the original taste of Nepal. Otherwise, Nepalese style of cooking has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan cooking. Dal Bhat tarkari is the staple food of Nepal. Meat curries and monos are the hot favorites among the tourists.
Music of Nepal
The rhythm, beats, bounce of Nepali traditional folk and classical music is spiritual enough to sooth you and entertaining enough to cheer you. Music is associated with every event in Nepal, then be it birth, marriage, festivals or national events.

People of Nepal

The people of Indo-Aryan community are the original inhabitants of Nepal. No wonder their descendents form the majority even now. Other major groups in Nepal are Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangpas and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively.


Religion of Nepal
Religion in Nepal is not only a system of social coherence based on certain rituals and beliefs, rather it is the binding force that ties the mountain kingdom together. Though Nepal is famous, as the world's only Hindu Kingdom, equal respect is given to other religions as well. Buddhism is the second largest religion followed in Nepal, others being Tantrism, Islam and Christianity.

RHODODENDRON: THE NATIONAL FLOWER OF NEPAL



Thursday, August 6, 2009

Travel Guide Everest

What is the Best way to see Mt.Everest when I don't have enough time in Nepal?


The best way to see Mt. Everest. For those people who are unable to make a trekking trip to the mountains due to lack of time or physical fitness, can experience breath-taking as well as the closer panorama of the Himalayan Ranges with the Mountain Flights. Mountain flights are offered by different Domestice Airlines in Kathmandu Valley operating their small but safest aircrafts. This one hour flight takes you the the Eastern Himalayan Ranges of Nepal, some of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest The flight is an altogether different feeling as one comes face to face with the worlds tallest and most enigmatic of Mountains.

Best Season for Everest Mountain Flight :
Though Mountain Flight is enjoyed by thousands all the year round, through our experience, we would strongly recommend the time period from February to April and October & November as prime time to enjoy the mountain flights. May we invite you to join us to see, feel and discover marvelous legendary Himalayas. It would be our pleasure to present you the certificate of honor for the trip which we are sure gonna beyond the imagination.
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Spectacular - Mountain Flight On Planes and Helicopter
How about discovering Himalayas through Planes or Helicopter? We have gained name for arranging helicopter and plane Everest mountain flights. Any time of the day when you feel like going closer to Himalayas... remember us! Thank you ...... The "must-see" landmark of Nepal is Mt. Everest-the highest mountain in the world. If you believe that seeing Everest involves a strenuous high altitude trek, then think again! with Buddha Air's spectacular "Everest Experience Flights", coming face to face with this majestic peak is as easy as taking just another flight-at the same fare as any other domestic airlines, with a guaranteed window seat. The Most Spectacular Mountain Flight Yeti Airlines The SAAB 340B aircraft is manufactured by SAAB Saam Aircraft AB in Linkoping Sweden. The aircraft passenger Cabin and Cargo Compartments are pressurized and designed to Carry 33 to 36 Passengers, their baggage and Cargo up to 25,000 ft pressure altitude on short to medium haul routes. The aircraft is fabricated in three major sections utilizing conventional metal Construction and composite materials. It is low wing monoplane; powered by two wing mounted turbo propeller engines each driving four blades. The aircraft is provided with retractable tricycle landing gear. It is Transport Category aircraft used for various configuration such as passenger containerized freight etc. What Can I see after sitting on the Plane for Everest Mountin Flight ?? Travelers take off from Kathmandu in the early morning for an hour's worth of spectacular mountain scenery. As the aircraft lifts up and heads towards the east, passengers don't have to wait too long to find out what's in store for them. There they are-the mountains, as they always have been.

First to their far left visitors see Gosaikund (The top Hindu's holy lake), also called Shisha Pangma, standing at the majestic height of 8,013 m. Immediately to the right of Gosaithan, there appears Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m). with snow. To the right of Dorje Lakpa you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. As the plane moves along, the mountains come closer and closer. Next on the vision is Choba- Bhamare, the smallest one of the lot at 5,933 m but singularly stubborn as it has never been climbed. Then appears the mountain that is not only prominent in sight but also in spirituality- Gauri Shanker. Lord Shiva and his consort Gauri are said to protect this mountain, at the proud height of 7,134 m. and the summit had a history of unsuccessful attempts till 1979. Gauri Shanker is sharp and very conspicuous during the mountain flight. As the plane moves towards the land of the rising sun, the eastern Himalayan, a succession of glorious mountains follow. Melungtse, a plateau-like mountain, stretches up to 7,023 m. Chugimago at 6,297 m is still a virgin, waiting to be climbed. At 6,956 m, Number of mountain resembles a breast, the maternal source in the sky providing pure milk to the Sherpas of the Solukhumbu. Next is Karyolung, an intensely white mountain that at 6,511 m gleams with the rising sun. Cho-Oyu is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Reaching a height of 8,201 m, it appears stunningly beautiful from the aircraft. Next on the menu is Gyachungkang, at a majestic height of 7,952 m, considered an extremely difficult climb. To the right of Gyachungkang is Pumori (7,161 m). As passengers get closer to Everest, there's Nuptse. And there's another mountain called Everest (8,848m) known as Sagarmatha (Everest) by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. The mountain flight takes an hour altogether.

Golden Himalayas

Wednesday, August 5, 2009