Nepal – About Outdoors

Pullahari Monastery of Kathmandu

June 7, 2018 Caravan Outdoors1 Comment

Pullhari Monastery is one of the tourist destinations in Kathmandu. Located atop the hill, just outside Boudha, Pullahari is easily accessible through private vehicle and taxi. It remains open throughout the year, and both locals and tourists can visit the place.

Overview

Pullahari is a Buddhist monastery located in Kapan region of Kathmandu. The popular Kapan monastery lies near to Pullahari. It is the main seat of His Eminence the fourth Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche, Lodro Chokyi Nyima.

In 1986, the Venerable Dabzang Rinpoche offered land to the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche and requested him to build a three-year retreat centre for monks of the Karma Kagyu lineage, thus, Pullahari came into existence.

History

Accepting the offer, the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche began the construction of the monastery in 1987. He named the place “Pullahari,” after Naropa’s monastery in Bihar, India where Lotsawa Marpa lived and practiced for many years. It was also there that Naropa learned about Marpa’s student, Milarepa, and prophesied the future of the Lineage.

The building was completed in February 1992 and was blessed by the third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche. On April 26, 1992, the Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche dissolved his mind in parinirvana. However, he had left behind his instructions and wishes to his devoted monks and disciples along with the wealth of his legacy.

The Third Jamgon Kongtrul Rinpoche also requested the Venerable Khenpo Tsultrim Gyamtso Rinpoche to guide the 3-year Mahamudra retreat centre and the programs at the Rigpe Dorje Institute which he wanted to be established in Pullahari.

PRAYER OF PULLAHARI
In Pullahari, with its good clean earth,
Its water so sparkling clean and its clean fresh air;
Here in the solitude of this secluded place,
With its spacious scenery and relaxing view;
To listen and reflect on the Teachings here
In Pullahari, what a Lucky Star!

Nature Preservation

The administration of the monastery keep an acute eye on the preservation of the local environment. Noplastic bags are allowed inside the premises. Only bio-degradable stuffs are used and local forest is well monitored and maintained.

Their major preservation agendas are;

To serve as fencing where it is appropriate.
To prevent soil erosion and landslides.
For food – vegetables, fruits, teas and herbs.
For shade and beautification of the environment.

Pullahari Gumba

Tibetan Buddhist Architecture

Pullahari Gumba

Tibetan Buddhist Architecture

Buddhist Prayer flags

Children playing football

Student

Students

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Chandragiri Day Hiking

March 14, 2018 Caravan OutdoorsLeave a comment

Chandragiri is a historical and a popular tourist destination located on the outskirts of Kathmandu city. Due to ease of access and natural riches, it makes a great day hike for the tourists and locals alike.

Overview

Chandragiri is a small hill located 7 km southwest of Kathmandu city. Measuring 2,551 meters above sea-level, it makes a great day hike. You can choose to the hike when you are at Kathmandu. It generally takes 7-8 hours at most to complete the entire trip. The temple of Bhaleshwor Mahadev atop the hill is a major tourist attraction.

The temple is accessible through cable car or hiking. A day hiking is enough to reach the top and come back down. Himalayas such as Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Ranges, Gaurishankar and Everest are visible from the top. . The hill is filled with various kinds of flora and fauna. It becomes a delight for the hikers to witness natural riches at such close distance from Kathmandu.

History

The historians suggest that King Prithvi Narayan of the Shah dynasty worshiped at the temple before attacking and conquering the entire Kathmandu valley. It is here, he take a glance at Kathmandu and was mesmerized by its beauty. He then took oath to conquer the valley, which then was popularly known as “Nepal.”

The mausoleum of Kalu Pandey, the trusted General of King Prithvi N. Shah lies near the Chandragiri hills.

Chandragiri

Bhaleshwor Mahadev

Chandragiri Hills

Cable Car

Bhaleshwor Mahadev

Annapurna III

February 27, 2018 Caravan OutdoorsLeave a comment

Annapurna III is a peak from Annapurna massif which measures over 7,000 meters. It was first climbed in 1961 by the Indian expedition through the Northeast face. It’s Southeast face has never been climbed.

Overview

Annapurna III is the 42nd highest mountain that is not the subsidiary of another peak. It measures 7,555 meters (24,787 ft). The prominence of the summit is 703 meters. Along with Annapurna I, II,IV and V, it forms the greater Annapurna massif.

Annapurna I remains the popular peak for climb among the all.

Annapurna III

Annapurna massif

Hansjoerg Auer, Alex Bluemel and David Lama

Annapurna III

Annapurna

Summit

The Northeast face of the peak was first summited by an Indian expedition led by Cap. Mohan Singh Kohli in 1961. It comprised of Cap. Mohan Singh, Sonam Gyatso and Sonam Girmi.

The Southeast fae has never been climbed before. The summit was attempted by a team, however, the entire team perished before they could make it to the top.

The latter summit was attempted by David Lama and the team in 2016 and 2017. However, they failed to successfully scale the peak.

Ghandruk; The Gem of Annapurna Region

February 19, 2018 Caravan Outdoors1 Comment

Ghandruk is an ethnic village located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. A village predominantly inhabited by the Gurung and Magar tribes of Nepal, is also an important tourist destination of the country.

Overview

Ghandruk is the second largest village in the entire ACAP region, however, not more than 8,000 people reside in the village today. Due to its close proximity to the road and ease of access, the village is well equipped with many modern amenities, well-built houses and staircases.

Most of the houses are built out of stone, stone slabs and mud; well-resistant materials for the cold weather. Few houses in the region are found to be made out of concrete, cement and bricks too.

It connect the major roadways to many other important villages leading up to Annapurna Base Camp. Generally, people start trekking from Nayapul through Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Phedi, MBC and the Base Camp and back.

Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Gangapurna and Himchuli peaks can be seen up-close from the village.

You can only get to Ghandruk on foot. Buses and jeeps move between Pokhara and Kimche, 1-2hrs walk from Ghandruk.

Lifestyle

Ghandruk is preserved as the ethnic Gurung village. It lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, hence, the entire preservation of culture and geography is monitored by the ACAP community and local leaders.

Most people still use firewood for heat and cooking purposes. Mules are the common form of beast-of-burden in the area. Well placed stone slabs are found throughout the narrow alleys of the village. Most inhabitants are the adherents of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Lhosar along with other national festivals are celebrated with much awe. People prefer to keep the village clean and use plastic less. Most of the items are re-used or are sent for the recycling. Operating hotels, lodges, tending sheep and livestock is the major form of trade in the area.

Ghandruk

Machhapuchhre

Annapurna

Ghandruk

Machhapuchhre

Ghandruk

Annapurna

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Makalu Barun National Park

December 17, 2017 Caravan Outdoors1 Comment

Makalu Barun National Park is one of the Himalayan nature reserves of Nepal. It was established as the eastern extension of the Sagarmatha National Park but was later instated as the separate protected nature reserve.

Overview

Makalu Barun National Park was established in 1992. It is the only National park in the world with the elevation gain of 8,000 meters. One of the highest peaks in the world. Mt. Makalu, is located inside the park, along with other great mountain ranges, such as; Chamalang, Baruntse and Mera Peak.

Spanning across 1500 km², the park touches both Solukhumbu (Khumbu) and Sankhuwasabha districts. In the north, the park shares the international border with Tibet. The park also comprises into the Sacred Himalayan Landscape.

History

During 1980s, personnel of The Mountain Institute (TMI) conducted surveys in the Barun Valley for studying the biological diversity of the region. The results of the survey led to the creation of an entirely new protected area. A respective proposal was formulated in 1985.

In 1988, the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area Project (MBNPCA) was started in the joint of Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and TMI. It was gazetted in 1991.

The conservation area was to be regulated in joint effort of the locales and the respective department. In 1991, the conservation area converted into a buffer zone.

Trekking

The Makalu Base Camp makes a wonderful trek for the outdoor lovers. More than 20,000 tourists visit the Makalu trail every year. The entire trek may last 16-17 days, and you must fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar to do the trekking.

The trail lies inside Makalu-Barun National Park, hence offering a rare glimpse of the Eastern Nepal’s rich biodiversity.

Red Panda at Makalu National Park

Makalu Barun National Park

Thulo Pokhari

Makalu Base Camp

Thulo Pokhari

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The Tale of Machhapuchhre

November 29, 2017November 29, 2017 Caravan OutdoorsLeave a comment

Machhapuchhre or the Fishtail is also known as the virgin peak because no human has ever conquered its summit. There are many stories and folklore in Nepal dedicated to the mountain, however, very few of them clarify why the peak has never been climbed.

Overview

Machhapuchhre standing at 6,993 meters is one of the small peaks of Nepal. It is popularly known for its majestic and unadulterated beauty, and the unique geography of its summit which gave its name ‘Fishtail’.

The peak lies just opposite the Annapurna massif and is closely connected to the Hindu God Shiva. It is believed among the Hindus that Shiva lives atop the mountain hence the peak is forbidden from climbing.

The trekkers doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek must pass through the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. The peak from the base camp is up close. It is also seen from Pokhara, a tourist city located 23 km away from the mountain. The peak dominates almost every photo taken at the Pokhara due to its promising visibility.

History

It is generally believed that the peak hasn’t yet been climbed because it holds an important religious position among the Gurung inhabitants of the region.

One popular story goes as such;

In fact, it was a member of that expedition, one Wilfrid Noyce, who came the closest anybody ever has to the summit on a 1957 expedition. The king of Nepal had asked Noyce to respect Hindu religious customs and not set foot on the summit. He and his climbing companion, A.D.M. Cox, turned back 150 feet short of the summit. This expedition produced the only climbing record of this mountain, a very rare book called Climbing the Fish’s Tail.

However, the reason for not being able to scale the peak is more personal than religious. Col. Jim Roberts, a British Gurkha officer who led both the reconnaissance (1956) and expedition (1957) teams to the mountain, had to retreat just 45 meters short of the summit due to heavy snowfall.

Dr. Harka Gurung points out,

Col. Roberts happened to be Military Attache at the British Embassy in Kathmandu and it is not difficult to imagine that his sentimental advice to the Foreign Ministry (that handled expeditions) regarding Machhapuchhre’s sanctity influenced the fate of the mountain. ref

Dr. Harka, along with other stakeholders of tourism industry, believe that the mountain should be opened for the climbing, whilst more employment can be generated.

In his memoirs, Col. Roberts mentions,

So Machhapuchhre became for me the ideal mountain, a personal possession yet out of this world, unattainable but mine by illogic right, brooding over a country and a people which will shape the rest of my life.

Machhapuchhre seen from ABC

Machhapuchhre summit

Machapuchare Fishtail rising above forest

On the way to Choomrong, Machapuchare rises above the forested ridge.

Double-fluted peak of Machepuchare with the steep rock and snow flanks.

Machhapuchhre

Pokhara with Machhapuchhre in the background

Langtang National Park

September 13, 2017 Caravan Outdoors1 Comment

Langtang National Park is located inside Langtang region of western Nepal. The fourth national park of Nepal is also the first Himalayan national park, and the expanse of the park reaches 3 different districts. It is also home to one of the rarest animals in the world; Red Panda.

Overview

Langtang National Park was established in 1976 as the first Himalayan national park in Nepal. It covers an area of 1,710 km²and covers 3 different districts, namely; Nuwakot, Rasuwa and Sindhupalchok.

The area extends from 32 km north of Kathmandu to the Nepal-China border. The inhabitants of the region are culturally Tibetan and are mainly the adherent of Buddhism.

While the main reason for the park is to preserve the natural environment, an equally important goal is to allow local people to follow traditional land use practices that are compatible with resource protection.

Tamang tribe of people are the major inhabitants of the region, followed by Sherpas. The former were the followers of Bon religion, which later got assimilated into Buddhist teachings.

Wildlife & Vegetation

Around 25% of the park area is forested. The northern part is mostly covered by mountains. The region is home to wild dog, red panda, pika, muntjac, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow, rhesus monkey and common langur.

The most available vegetation at lower Langtang regions are Oaks, Chirpine, Maple, Fir, Blue pine, Hemlock spruce and various species of rhododendron.

Langtang Lirung

Langtang Lirung is the highest mountain located inside the park. Par of the Langtang Himalayan range, it is measured at 7,234 meters. It’s included in the short peaks of Nepal and is opened for climbing.

It was first climed in 1978 by Seishi Wada and Pemba Tsering, from a Japanese-Sherpa expedition, via the East Ridge route.

Trekking

Langtang makes up for one of the most sought for trekkings in Nepal. A comparatively shorter trek than Everest and Annapurna, the highest you may reach during the trek is 4,983 m at Tsergo Ri.

The trek may last anything from 11 to 15 days, and it may take you to Gosainkunda lake, Tsergo Ri and Kyanjin Gompa.

The region was heavily devastated during the major earthquake of 2015, however, the locals have rebuilt the region, and today it’s is fully operational. Langtang Trek is suitable for all kinds of hikers. You must be accompanied by a guide to enter the region; a strict policy maintained by the government of Nepal in light of unforeseen accidents in the region.

From mid-October to mid-December and from mid-February until mid-April the weather is usually clear but cold at higher elevations. From mid-April to mid-June, it is warm but often cloudy with thunder showers, spring flowers are at their best.

Ganesh Himal as seen from Cholangpati, Langtang

Yala Peak, Langtang National Park

Tamang children

Langtang region

Lake Gosainkunda, a holy lake

Gosainkunda lake

Kyanjin Gompa

Yala Peak

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Phoksundo -The Deepest Lake of Nepal

September 5, 2017 Caravan Outdoors1 Comment

Phoksundo is a fresh water lake located in the Dolpo region of Nepal. It is popularly known as the deepest lake in the country, and makes up for one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal. Reaching the lake isn’t easy either. You need to trek for days and up to 3,612 meters to reach the site.

Overview

Phoksundo or Shey Phoksundo is an alpine fresh water oligotrophic lake located in the Dolpo region of mid-western Nepal. It lies to the north of Dhaulagiri mountain bordering Tibet and inside Shey Phoksundo National Park.

With the depth of 145 meters, Phoksundo is known to be the deepest lake in Nepal. The lake and surrounding was designated a Ramsar site back in 2007. At the lake’ southern end, the village of Ringmo lies on the 30,000-40,000 year old landslide dam that formed the lake. Past the dam, the waters of the lake plunge over a 167 meter tall waterfall, called Phoksundo Waterfall.

The lake is rich in biodiversity and also supports various wildlife in the region. Snow leopard, musk deer, Blue sheep, Tibetan wolf and frequently traversing Yak caravans and cattle.

Visitors are prohibited from stepping inside the lake, as it is considered a holy site by the local inhabitants.

Dolpo region

Upper Dolpo is a high-altitude region located at western Nepal. A rain-shadow area, Upper Dolpo receives least rainfall; therefore, most of the terrain resembles a desert like landscape and can be trekked throughout the year. It lays close to Tibet in the North, therefore, the inhabitants, local culture, dialect and architecture, resembles its northern counterpart.

The Dolpo people have practiced trading salt through caravans for ages. Eric Valli, a renowned French filmmaker made a movie based on the life of the people of Dolpo, named “Caravan.” It was nominated for Oscars in 1997.

Phoksundo National Park

Shey Phoksundo National Park, established in 1984, is the largest and only trans-Himalaya National Park in Nepal. Covering the entire Dolpa and Mugu districts, the park is home to some of the most exotic and least seen wildlife.

The national park is home to 6 different species of reptiles and 29 butterflies. Snow Leopard, Grey wolf, Musk deer, Blue sheep. Goral, Great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan Tahr, leopard, Jackal,Himalayan black bear and yellow-throated marten dominate the wildlife. Rhododendron, Caragana shrubs, Salix, Juniper, White Himalayan birch and the occasional Silver fir are the most found flora inside the park.

Phoksundo lake seen from the camp site

Phoksundo camp site

Phoksundo panorama

Holy site at phoksundo

Yaks soaking in Phoksundo lake

Yak Caravan

Himalayan Tahr

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The Red Panda

August 30, 2017 Caravan OutdoorsLeave a comment

The Red Panda is the most elusive of the wild animals found in the world. A predominant inhabitant of the Himalayas, Red Panda has been listed as the most endangered species due to major loss of its habitat and human encroachment. It is one of the most protected wild species in Nepal, India & China.

Overview

COMMON NAME: Red Panda
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Ailurus fulgens
TYPE: Mammals
DIET: Omnivore
AVERAGE LIFE SPAN IN THE WILD: 8 years
SIZE: Head and body, 20 to 26 in; tail, 12 to 20 in
WEIGHT: 12 to 20 lbs

The Red Panda or Red-bear cat is a mammal of Ailuridae family found mostly in the Eastern Himalayas. Almost 38% of the total population is found inside Nepal. It has reddish-brown fur, a long, shaggy tail, and a waddling gait due to its shorter front legs; it is slightly larger than a domestic cat.

It lives in the trees, feeds mainly on bamboo. Due to its omnivore nature, it seldom feeds on bird eggs, birds, and insects. It is a solitary animal, hence, its sightings is one of the rarest among the entire wildlife.

It has been listed under the Endangered species by IUCN, due to its dwindling population. Human encroachment has been the major cause for its habitat loss.

Habitat & Breeding

They reside in the rainy and high-altitude forests, similar to Giant Pandas, in the mountains of Nepal and northern Myanmar (Burma), as well as in central China.

They spend most of their lives in trees and even sleep aloft. When foraging, they are most active at night as well as in the gloaming hours of dusk and dawn.

Red pandas are known to have a sweet tooth for bamboo, however, they feed on fruits, acorns, roots and eggs as well.

They are obscure animals except when mating. Females generally give births in the spring and summer, typically one to four cubs at a time. Young red pandas remain in their nests for about 90 days, and are solely nurtured by mother pandas.

Facts

Only about 10,000 Red Pandas are estimated to be living in the wild.
China has the largest known population of Red Pandas. About 42% of the entire population is found inside the protected regions of China.
Even though they were placed in the Racoon and Bear family before, the extensive research has proved they are unique species and have since been placed in the Ailuridae family.
Red Panda is the only surviving member of the Ailuridae family.
There are over 86 protected areas inside China, India, Myanmar and Nepal dedicated to the conservation of the Red Panda.
There are only two recognized species of Red Panda, namely; Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani.
Red pandas have a long gestation period (roughly 135 days) for an animal that weighs only 11 pounds at maturity.

Closeup

Red Panda in captivity

Red Panda at Makalu National Park

Foraging

Red Panda tending its cub

Red Panda Facts

Bamboo forests of Schezuan province, China

Insight on Everest Trekking

August 13, 2017 Caravan OutdoorsLeave a comment

Mount Everest is the highest peak on earth. It attracts more than 50,000 people in a year to trek through the treacherous trail to reach its base camp. But, there’s more to the trekking than just seeing the Everest. The Sherpa inhabitants of the region, their native culture, rich biodiversity and the sight of humongous mountains are few treats of the trekking.

Everest Region

With the commercialization of Mount Everest, the trekking began in late 80s. Since then, millions of tourists have visited the Khumbu (Everest) region; few of them comprising of climbers. Today, the Everest Base Camp along attracts more than 50,000 tourists in a year.

Over 5,000 people have summited the Everest. With availability of better logistics and assistance, more climbers tend to join the expedition every year bringing the total summits over 300 per year.

Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse — Mount Everest

Khumbu is mostly accessible through a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Those who wish to map it on foot can arrive through Jiri village. It may well take over 9-10 days to trekking to reach the base camp. However, there aren’t any lodges available in the base camp, hence, you must stay at Gorakshep or Lobuche before approaching it.

Kala Patthar at 5,643 meters is located just above the base camp. It’s a small hill or the monument where the trekkers can spend time enjoying the up-close glimpse of the Mount Everest. (Note: Everest isn’t visible from the base camp. The towering Lhotse peak blocks the entire view)

Namche Bazaar, Gokyo lakes and Tengboche are another major attractions in the region. Namche and Tengboche are accessible through the usual trail, however, you must take an entirely different route to reach the Gokyo lakes. Gokyo is a discreet village located at the western section of Khumbu.

Trekking

The trek is generally strenuous and may require walking over 5 hours a day. It begins at Lukla. The trail aslowly ascends towards Namche Bazaar through Phakding. Namche is the most populated Sherpa town and is known for its luxury lodges, markets and ethnic lifestyle. Hiking around the place or staying a day more is recommended.

The trek ascends further towards Tengboche. Tengboche boasts the highest monastery on Earth. The monastery is over 100 years old and the popular Mani Rimdu festival is held every year to commemorate its legacy. Few other Sherpa villages, you’ll come across are Dingboche, Lobuche and Gorakshep before heading towards the Everest Base Camp.

You can hike to the base camp from Lobuche in few hours and come back to Gorakshep to stay overnight. The next day, you an make an early hike to Kala Patthar and start descending the usual way afterwards.

Anyone from the age 8 to 59 can do this trek, with sound health and proper assistance. Acclimatization is essential to get used to the local environment and altitude.

Facts

The Everest was attempted by British mountaineer George Mallory before it was successfully summited by the 9th British expedition
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa became the first humans to touch the summit of the peak, in 1953.
Over 5,000 people have summited the Everest since 1953.
Reinhold Messner became the first person to summit the Everest without the use of bottled oxygen
The term Sherpa actually signifies the native tribe of Khumbu region. Today, Sherpa is used as a misnomer for porters, guides and such.
Over 250 people attempt the summit in a single day every year during the climbing season of May.
The disaster of 1996’s at Everest cost 15 lives. The incident was later adapted into the best-seller, Into Thin Air.
The popular trekking seasons are Spring and Autumn. They last from March to June and September to November simultaneously.