There are various options to get to Muktinah from Kathmandu.

One may directly take flight to Pokhara and then to Jomsom or may even chose roadways. You may take a cab or may book a ticket to Pokhara on a public bus or microbus. However a trip in a deluxe bus is recommended. It takes around 5 to 6 hours depending on the road condition and the travel you choose. From Pokhara, you get different options to travel further. A bike tour is an awesome experience. So you can hire a bike in Pokhara and continue the further journey. Or, you may hire a cab (which may cost Rs. 300-Rs.400 per person) and then travel upto Beni. From Beni you get a local bus upto Tatopani. (Or, if you have time, you can catch a direct bus to Ghasa from Beni, stay overnight, and catch early bus to Jomsom next day, which I recommend).

Alternatively, you get a bus or a jeep upto Ghasa. Similarly from Ghasa you can catch a bus upto Jomsom which is around 4 hours drive. In Jomsom, there are many jeeps which circulates at regular interval and will take you to your last destination, that is Muktinath.

Pokhara (5 to 6 hours bus drive from Kathmandu): 

Pokhara information:

What is the best season to travel to Pokhara?
September to December is the great time to travel as the temperature gets cooler with temperature averaging 20°.

Is there good accommodation in Pokhara?
You can find local lodges as well as starred hotels in Pokhara.

What are the modes of transportation to reach Pokhara and in Pokhara?
From Kathmandu, one can take local/tourist bus or micro bus which departs from the station in regular interval of time. Depending on the road condition and speed of the vehicle, it may take 5-6 to reach Pokhara. Or one can take direct fight to Pokhara from Kathmandu which will take approx. 35 minutes.

What is the weather and temperature in Pokhara?
Depending upon the season you are travelling, during winter (December to February), it is colder at night (4°C) and warm during the day (22°C). During March and May, weather here is perfect with temperature ranging 25°C in average during day. During September to December, the temperature the temperature averages to 20°.

What are the major tourist attractions in Pokhara?
• Phewa Lake
• Davis Fall (Patale Channgo)
• Seti Gorge
• Mahendra Cave
• Chamero Cave (Bat Cave)
• World Peace Stupa
• International Mountain Museum, etc.

The unparallel natural beauty of Pokhara has made a popular touristic area all over the world. The serene lakeside area, the lush green forests and obviously the gorgeous panorama of the popular mountains has made it an ideal location to relax and to enjoy the nature’s best creation. The pristine environment, spectacular mountain panorama, calm lakes and the greenery all around make it a gifted city.

Due to the proximity to the mountains like Annapurna, Machhapuchhre etc, this place  is an ideal spot for relaxing after trek or for gearing up for a trek.

Pokhara is the home of adventurous sports. From trekking to rafting, jungle safari or paragliding or zip lining or ultralight flights, Pokhara offers almost all of your adventure desires. Besides the temples like Bindyabasini and Gupteswor Mahadev and many other has been the pilgrims’ site for devotees across the nation.

Pokhara to Jomsom

How much time to reach Beni from Pokhara, Ghasa from Beni and from Ghasa to Jomsom?
It will take approx. 3 hrs to reach Beni from Pokhara via local transport and from Beni, it will take approx 2 hrs to reach Ghasa. From Ghasa, it will take you approximately 4-5 hrs to reach Jomsom.

Tatopani-Road to Ghasa

Hotel/Lodge near Tatopani

Beni Info:

Is there good accommodation in Beni?
There are many lodges near the Beni bus park, but I recommend you to travel a bit further by bus to tatopani where there are good hotels than the Beni. And also in the tatopani, there is natural hot water pond where you can dip and relax your body after a long bus ride.

What is the weather condition in Beni?
The weather is bit cold in Beni Bazar, so I recommend you to carry cloths that will keep you warm in the cold weather condition.

Is there good facility hotel in Ghasa?
You can find few hotels that will provide you good facilities from lodging and fooding.

Waterfall on the way to Ghasa

Hotel/Lodge at Ghasa (Buspark alongside)

View of village from Ghasa bus stop

Jomsom (6 to 7 hours from Ghasa):

Dzongsam or New Fort, or most commonly known as Jomsom is surrounded by splendid Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagir and Nilgiri. This untouched area is situated at an altitude of 2800 m in the rural district of Mustang, extending over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. It is also the districts headquarter, so most of the government offices are located in this town. In this town, merchants from surrounding villages from Kagbeni, Marpha, and other surrounding places gather to sell/exchange their products with the local, who are primarily Thakalis. The main religion of this town is Buddhism, so the town is filled with lots and lots of prayer wheels, and stupas, and Buddhist monasteries.

From Jomsom, the rugged path takes you through the Lower Mustang, passing through the village of Kagbeni, a village which is highly influenced by Tibetan culture. The trail then chases the Kali Gandaki River, which is a quarter mile long, forming one of the deepest gorges. On the one side of this gorge, there is Annapurna mountain range and on the other side, here is a Dhaulagiri range. Between these two ranges, there are amazing views of other mountains.

Kali Gandaki River-On the way to Jomsom

Bridge to get to the Jomsom Bazar

Sign showing way to Muktinath

Narrow road to reach Jomsom Jeep stand

Jomsom Jeep stand

Kagbeni-A small village on the way to Muktinath

Muktinath area from distance

Himalayan Range

Road leading to Muktinath from Jomsom

Jeep stand at Muktinath

Ticket Counter at Muktinath

Muktinath (3 to 4 hours drive from Jomsom):

Muktinath, literally meaning the god of salvation, is a sacred place for both Hindus as well as Buddhists, located at the altitude of 3,710 meter from the sea level at the Thorang La Pass in Mustang district. It is about 20 kms northeast of Jomsom Mukti Kshetra, as called by the Hindus, is visited by thousands of visitors in a year’s time.

Entrance to Muktinath Temple

Muktinath Temple

In front of Muktinath temple there are 2 water ponds, where we can take holy dip and is believed it can wash away negative karma, the results of one’s past negative actions.

This temple is surrounded by the wall in which there are 108 waterspouts names as “Muktidhara”. The 108 waterspouts are casted in the shape of bulls’ heads from where the water from Gandaki River continuously flows. Devotees who take a holy bath in these taps are believed to be free from sins and bring salvation.

Muktidhara – 108 waterspouts

For the people of South Asian subcontinent who believe in spiritualism, ‘Mukti’ or salvation holds a great significance. And Muktinath region which is regarded as the Salvation Zone is a holy site where countless pilgrims visit for attainment of Mokshya or freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Horses used as means of transportation

Monastery near the Muktinath

Local woman selling shawls

Hope you enjoy my blog.

If you have any quires, you can follow me on @santoshmhjn.

Wall Climbed on: 26 March, 2013
Total Duration: 1-2 Hour
Per Person Cost: Harness-Rs.50, Shoes- Rs.50, Wall Climb-Rs.100 excluding Guide rate. (For Nepalese)
Adventure Type: Indoor wall, Exciting, Fun.
Difficulty Level: Easy, Medium, Hard.
Location: Balaju Climbing Wall – Balaju Industrial Area.
Scroll Down for Video.

Wall climbing is one of the increasing popular sports. It is the popular form of rock climbing. Wall climbing is mostly considered as an indoor sport, but there are some climbing institutes where it is done outdoor. It resembles rock climbing. The only difference between rock climbing and wall climbing is that the rock climbing is natural whereas wall climbing is artificial.

Climbers checking with their equipments

Different levels of wall.

Guide briefing about the equipment and instruction to climb.

Most of the walls are constructed with the thick wooden board with holes drilled for the wall climbing holds for grips and belay device. These climbing holds can be used to practice lead climbing as well as bouldering.

Bouldering: Warming up before climbing.

Bouldering: Bouldering is one of the forms of rock/wall climbing done without ropes or any safety harness. It is normally limited to very short height, done over a padded mat to break the fall or to prevent any serious injuries to the climber.

Lead Climbing: This is one of the very important forms of climbing where the climber first starts at the base and then climbs upwards with the ropes to secure the other climbers.

Belaying: Helping to climb the wall.

Climber with the help of belayer (person helping the climber).

There are different colored holds drilled in the wall. Holds with the same colors are used to denote the routes. This helps to know about how difficult or easy the route is. Depending on the difficulty level of the holds, these climbing is categorized in different grades ranging from 1 to 8c+, where 1 being easy and 8c+ being the most difficult.

Lead climber attaching the rope with the help of belayer.

Overhang wall-for the professional climbers.

Climbers after finishing the Climb.

If you want to experience the thrill of indoor wall climbing, following are the lists of equipment and the places where you can enjoy the wall climbing.

Equipment used in wall climbing:

• Special type of rope, typically of kern mantle construction.
• Carabineers; metal loops with spring-loaded openings used as connectors.
• Harness; tied around the waist which is used for connecting the rope to the climber.
• Belay devices; mechanical friction brake devices used to control a rope when belaying.
• Chalk and chalk bag to absorb sweat from palms during climbing.
• Close-fitting rubber climbing shoes, for better grip and better traction.
• Helmets, elbow and knee guards for protections.

INDOOR PLACES TO CLIMB IN KATHMANDU

• Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Climbing Wall, Maharajgunj.
  Phone: 4370 742.  Website: www.pasanglhamu.org

• Astrek Climbing, Bhagawan Bahal, Thamel.
  Phone:  4419265. Website:  www.astrekclimbingwall.com

• Bouldering Gym, Bal lukha, Patan.
  Phone:   9841226397.

• International Mountaineers’ Memorial Park, Kakani.
  Email: immp@nepalmountaineering.org

• Balaju Climbing Wall – Balaju Industrial area.

• Initiative Outdoor Bouldering Wall, Jhamshikhel. Opposite St. Mary’s School.
  Phone:  98510-14586.  Website: www.initiativeoutdoor.com

Here is a Raw Video Coverage of Wall Climbing from Balaju Climbing Wall.

Hope you enjoy my blog,
If you have any quires, you can follow me on @santoshmhrjn

I am 60 years old and my wife is 58. We are going to Muktinath , during the first week of Jun 2013. The tentative plan is – Reach Gorakhpur on the 8th Morning- Pokhra by evening.

Please let me know.

Thanks

Its Suraj from Banepa,

Recently I have heard about zip flyer since i am adventure loving person i am dying to do it since the time i had heard about it but i am blank about it.

Can anyone please give me more information about it like whom and where should i contact and how much does it cost for Nepali citizens and for foreigners.

Thanks in advance.

planning to go very soon.

reply pls.

Devotees pay homage to Lord Ganesh at various temples of Ganesh. In Kamaladi Ganesh Temple, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with immense devotion every year. The Kamaladi Ganesh Jamami Guthi, which is responsible for the welfare and development of the Temple premises, organize a bid fest where there is a bid crowd around the temple. On this day, 1800-2000Kg of Laddus (sweets) and haluwa, the favourite cousine of Lord Ganesha, is prepared , and are placed around the Lord Ganesha statue. Additional to these Lord Ganesh is offered with huge amount of other Fruits. The whole temple premises is decorated beautifully.

Like every year, on 19th September, Kamaladi Ganesh Jamami Guthi organized the festival with same fidelity. This year Lord Ganesh was offered 3500 kilograms of Laddu among which the biggest one was of 25 Kg. This year Ganesh Chaturthi was special in comparison to recent years as visitors got to visit newly Constructed Buddha Park and renovated Pond in front of Buddha Statue.

Lord Kamaladi Ganesh decorated with Silver ornaments

Decoration with Laddus (west northview)

Biggest laddu of the year (25kgs)

 Prasad for worshiper

Ganesh worshiper

Lord Shiva inside kamaladi Ganesh Temple

Lord Hanuman

Newly Renovated buddha Park

Lord Gautam Budhha inside budhha park

please tell us how mush does it cost to book or rent a sedan car for 6days in Nepal?

We are touring to some parts of Nepal, and we decided to go on driving. Is my international driving license acceptable to drive on?

Need an answer.

Thanking you.

Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forest and Soil Conservation has amended the Mountainous National Parks Regulations 2036 BS, replacing the Annex-2 with a new Annex-2, bringing about the following changes.

Note:

1. Only the persons with valid entrance permit will be allowed to enter national parks.
2. Entry fee won’t be levied to people living in settlements inside national parks.
3. No entry fee will be levied on domesticated animals if they are being taken into the national parks through designated routes.
4. Persons not carrying national parks permit with them can get permits at check posts upon paying double the entrance fee.

We have received another interesting question from Mr. Bista. And we are happy to post his question here, though we have received it long time back. Here is his question.

I am planning a traditional wedding in dec, 2012 and i am looking for a historic venue. I first approached patan museum and they said that there is an art exhibition taking place from nov to dec.

Do you guys know of any other alternatives ??

Venue I prefer has to be historic place reflecting Nepalese culture and tradition.

Do answer if you know any venues as per Mr Bista’s requirement.  He shall be happy to hear from you.  If you know any wedding planners in kathmandu, do mention here.

Feel free to share this question.

Thanking you in advance

if anybody gives me a answers i will be very appreciate them.

Missing Belgian woman found dead in Syafru

KATHMANDU: A Belgium girl who has gone missing for 16 days in Langtang area of Rasuwa district found dead on Thursday.

According to district police office, locals found body of Debbie Maveau, 23 at Deurali area of Syafru VDC this morning. “An aerial search was conducted after getting information from the locals,” Deputy Superintendent Police Achyut Prasad Pudasaini said adding that a police team has already reached the area to bring her body back to Dhunche. “The cause of her death is still unknown and investigation is underway.”

According to a record available at Dhunche check post, Debbie entered the Langtang National Park area on May 31. Debbie informed the check post that she would trek in the Gosaikund area. Debbie was supposed to return to Belgium on June 9 after concluding a 6-day hike.

(news link)

——————————————————————————————————

Dear all,

We’ve just received an alert from Roland TYTECA.  And we need to cooperate very much at this time;

to find a 23 year old lady called Debbie Maveau,  from Deerlijk in Belgium. And she is missing since few days. She started the ‘Langtang Trekking’ on 31 May to Syabrubesi. This event is normally for 6 days and she was supposed to be back in Belgium on Friday the 8th of June.

We request all the travel operators, trekking guides, and Langtang locals to find her back. If you have any information regarding Debbie Maveau please update this post.

OR,

Email : jonas_bossuyt@hotmail.com ( in Nepal now)
Email : florence_warlop@hotmail.com ( in Belgium)
URL: http://bertschelfhout.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/hulp-gevraagd-bij-opsporing-debbie-in-nepal/

Even the slightest information helps!

Debbie Maveau

Debbie Maveau

And also mention :

What to wear?
what to bring?
what is provided?

Could you list here 20 best expedition companies (Nepal based) for Everest base camp expedition in october 2012.

thanks.

My good friend who is getting married on Feb 18 2012. Is planning to visit Nepal on my suggestion. He plans to be there for 10 days with his better half.

Kindly suggest a package along with the rate for the same and will workout that accordingly.
Details :-

• Tentative Date of visit – any time after 20 Feb\
• No. Of Persons – 2
• Mode Of Visit to Nepal- Arrival – By Train, Departure – By Flight
• No. Of Days-  10 days pure in Nepal

PS: minimize the typical sight seeing espiacilly temples etc . instead include activities with honeymoon essence and adventureous sports (like bunjee jumping, paragliding, biking etc.) and do quote reasonable rates! and mention list of inclusive and exclusive things in the package.

Kindly send the package at with full itinerary at tarun.jain07@yahoo.com