THINGS TO DO

>>Mountaineering
Nepal first came into world focus when Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand conquered Mt. Everest in 1953. Ever since, there have been countless expeditions heading off to the Himalayas. With eight of world’s highest peaks within Nepal’s boundaries, there is tremendous interest in the Nepal Himalaya. Most of the peaks over 8000m high were conquered during the Golden Decade of Climbing in the 1950s. Climbing by then had become a national affair with various nations vying with each other to be the first to climb. Today it is all about breaking records. There are some 326 peaks in Nepal open for mountaineering today.
Climbing permits for peaks in the Nepal Himalayas are issued for all seasons by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The requisite official documents must be furnished when seeking permission to climb. Around 121 peaks do not require liaison officers for expedition while the rest must be accompanied by one.
Climbing gear and equipments can be bought or rented in Kathmandu or the whole expedition can be handled by mountaineering and trekking agencies. All logistics are taken care of by these agencies including gear, food, transportation, guide and porter services. They also arrange for insurance coverage. Always choose an agency that has a good track record.
>>Trekking
Trekking is by far Nepal’s biggest attraction. Pioneered by Col. Jimmy Roberts in the early 1960s, most tourists embark on some trek or the other and many do multiple treks before heading back home. Some arrive each year to do a different trek each time. A trek is also the best means of seeing the country and to understand its people. Walking through emerald rice fields; through rhododendron forests; crossing streams, camping out on a hilltop in the wilderness with towering mountains in the background, make trekking an unforgettable experience.
One can also do pony treks in some remote places, which is equally enthralling for visitors. Pony treks are offered mostly in western region of Pokhara, Dolpo and Lo Manthang (Mustang).
The two most popular treks are the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Around Annapurna also known as the Annapurna Circuit as it goes right around the Annapurna range. There are many different treks offered in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Other popular regions are the Langtang valley, Helambu, Makalu, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga and the Arun Valley. Another popular destination in the Everest region is the Gokyo valley.
Nepal is world renowned trekking country around the world. it has some exotic world calss trekking routes.
Everest Regions
• Everest Expedition Route
• Instant Everest
• The Khumbu Traverse
Annapurna Region
• Annapurna Panorama
• Jomsom Trek
• Annapurna Sanctuary
• Around Annapurna
• The Royal Trek
• Trek to the Kingdom of Mustang
Central Nepal
• Langtang and Gosainkund Trek
• Jugal Himal
• Around Manaslu
Eastern Nepal
• East of Everest
• Kanchenjunga South Base Camp
• Makalu Base Camp
Restricted Nepal ( Tourist are restricted to visit these places without prior approval from authorities.)
• Trek to the Kingdom of Mustang
• Around Manaslu
• Humla to Mt Kailas
>>Rafting
For adventure seekers, rafting is the perfect way for an extended adventure on the river to get your adrenaline pumping to a new high. Nepal has some of the best rivers for rafting. Rafting trips for some is the highlight of their stay in Nepal. The waters in Nepal offer something for everybody: Grade 5-5+ rivers with raging white water rapids for the adventurous, to Grade 2-3 rivers with a few rapids for novices. Rafters also have a choice ranging from two to three day trips to trips of two or three weeks. Paddling is a fun way to enjoy the trip as well as bonding with fellow rafters.
A typical day in the river begins early morning when rafters arrive at the put-in point. The river guide begins with instructions on safety and emergencies before everyone is given life vests and helmets. This is a must for safety on the river at all times. Lunch on some white sandy beach around mid-day is fun. The best time for rafting is from October through mid-December and March to early May. In winter the water is cold and during the monsoons months from June through September, the white water sections are dangerous, but gentler stretches are easy to raft on.
Nepal is a river runner's paradise - no other country has such a choice of multi-day trips, away from roads, in such magnificent mountain surroundings, with warm rivers, a semi tropical climate, impressive geography, exotic cultures, wildlife and friendly welcoming people!
But it's not just the rivers - as anyone who has been there will tell you, Nepal is a magnificent holiday in its own right - a fairy tale land of temples, mountains, dramatic festivals, exotic culture, colourful people, medieval villages, superb craft shopping, great food and sights - the bonus is some of the World's best rivers!
Rafting in Nepal is usually a 'wilderness' experience in that most rivers don't have highways alongside them - but it's a soft, tamed, wilderness with white beaches for camping, clean blue rivers, friendly locals and few 'nasties' - someone described it as 'blissful escapism'!
Incredibly inexpensive, Nepal is a peaceful democratic country where rafters and kayakers get a warm welcome as one of the best forms of ecotourism.
White water rafting means cruising down a rushing river in an inflatable rubber raft or white water kayak over crashing waves and swirling rapids for the excitement of a lifetime. Nepal has earned a reputation as one of the best destinations in the world for white water rafting. Nepal's thundering waters, coming from the glaciers of the mighty Himalaya, provide unmatched thrills for rafting and immersing oneself in the landscape. A rafting trip is bound to be the highlight of your stay in the country.
Rivers are graded on a scale of one to six, with one being a swimming pool and six a one-way ticket to your maker. Four is considered to be quite challenging without being exceedingly dangerous to the novice rafter. Five requires some previous river experience.
>>Fetes & Festivals
Everything festive in Nepal traditionally begins with something religious and moves with spontaneous spirit into a pleasant family feast. This is because, for Nepali's, relegion has always influenced and has been the core of Nepali culture.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal are religious. However, they can be generally divided into four sections keeping in mind the main aspects of the festival emphasized:
Religious: These festivals are specially designed to honor a certain god or goddess. For instance, Bada Dashain, the festival of Devi Durga, the universal mother goddess also known as Kali.
Historical: The historical festivals are celebrated to keep alive memories of events of importance. Gaijatra, was introduced by Jaya Prakash Malla.
Agricultural: Since Nepal is an agricultural country there are different festivals like Laxmi Puja which mark the different seasons of harvesting, planting etc.
Seasonal: The different seasonal festivals are celebrated in order to mark the beginning of special seasons. Holi or Fagu is the festival inspired by spring, the season of colours.
Legendary: These festivals are based on legends than on any reliable historical record. Ghantakarna is a festival, which is also based on a legend. It is celebrated as a great relief from the death of a most dreaded legendary monster-Ghantakarna
One of the interesting ways to understand the beauty and richness of Nepali culture is through its festivals. During festivals in Nepal, cultural dances, songs and performances are practiced. These cultural treasures make the festivals interesting and entertaining. People find more joy participating in performances and watching others perform and so, no festivals are idle gatherings. Instead, they are lively and purposeful.
>>Shopping and Souvenirs
“Shop till you drop” should be your motto as Kathmandu is a shoppers’ paradise. The remarkable choices of handicrafts made in Nepal are immensely popular throughout the world. The brilliant workmanship and artistic creations are unique. Much of the handicrafts also carry religious significance and in fact many are meant for religious purposes. Nepal ranks high when it comes to making statues and statuettes of copper, bronze, silver or gold. Exquisite wood carvings are in great demand and entire beds made of carved wood are exported to the west fetching mind boggling prices. Extremely popular and exported regularly are the wood carved windows. Recently products made of rice paper have been quite popular and amazingly a large number of funny hats are exported. Other souvenir pieces are the famous Gurkha knife or Khukuri, prayer wheels, stone carvings, singing bowls, papier–maché masks, thangkas and pauvas, pashmina, carpets, jewelry, etc.
Note :
All handicraft items above 100 years are termed ‘antique’ and taking them out of the country is illegal and a serious offense. But the rest of the handicraft items particularly made of stone, metal and wood or paintings or any handicraft resembling historical artifacts need a clearance certificate from the Department of Archaeology in Kathmandu (near the Supreme Court ) before being exported. Please take the purchase receipt for clearance of the same.
Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores
Nepal is a shopping destination for many tourists and regular travelers. Shopping Malls and Departmental stores have mushroomed and today dominate the Kathmandu skyline. Shopping Malls and Departmental Stores are gaining popularity in other cities as well, like in Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Pokhara and Nepalgunj. Anything from the latest cell phones, ipods and laptops to electronic appliances, cameras, music systems, kitchenware, branded garments, jewelry, perfumes, watches, toys, fitness equipment and a multitude of household items are all available. Popular shopping areas in Kathmandu are around New Road, Putali Sadak, Kumaripati, Bhatbhateni Lazimpat, Sundhara, Tripureshwor and Jawlakhel. The most popular malls are Bhatbhateni, Blue Bird, Khastamandap, Kathamandu, Namaste, Saleways and Gemini. In Pokhara, the major shopping areas are Lakeside and Mahendrapul bazaar areas among others. Look out for seasonal discounts especially clearance sales and festival discounts which can be as much as 50 %.
>>MOUNTAIN FLIGHTS
The one hour flight takes you within camera range of some of the highest peaks in the world, and cruising this close to the awe-inspiring massifs of rock and ice, is an out-of-this earth experience. The aircraft takes off and heads eastward and almost immediately, the peaks come into view. The first peak that appears on your horizon is the majestic Gosaithan, standing 8,013m tall. To its right, appears Dorje Lhakpa (6,966m), looking like a massive figure of 8, lying prone and covered in snow. To its right is Phurbi Chyachu, which looms over the Kathmandu Valley.
Next on your vision is Choba Bhamare, rather small in this company at 5,933m, but singularly stubborn as it remains unconquered to this day. Then comes Mt. Gaurishanker (7,134m), standing out sharp and conspicuous-Hindus believe that Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati protect this mountain.
As the flight move toward the eastern Himalaya, a succession of majestic mountains follows. Melungtse, with a plateau-like top stand at 7,023m; Chugimago is at 6,297m, and still remains to be scaled. Mt. Numbur stands at 6,956m. Then, Karyolung, a gleaming-white mountain at 6,511m, and Cho-Oyu, the sixth highest in the world at 8,021 m.
The last and most exciting stretch of the journey takes you close to the 7,952m tall Gyanchungkang, which is considered an extremely tough climb. To its right is Pumori at 7,161m and Nuptse at 7,855m. Finally, there is Mt. Everest itself (8,848m), called Sagarmatha by the Nepalese and Chomolungma by the Tibetans. It is an altogether different feeling as one comes face to face with the world's tallest and most enigmatic of mountains. Mountain flights are also conducted from Pokhara.
Helicopters and Aircraft are also available for charter use, especially for group treks and expeditions. STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) airstrips are located throughout the country.
>>ENTERTAINMENT
Nightlife
It's evening, and you are just back from a sight-seeing tour or a delightful shopping binge. So what do you do? Go back to your hotel room? No, Kathmandu is not going to let you off that easily. There are more fun-filled adventures waiting for you, and we'll tell you where to find them. Relax, the night is young yet
Casinos
Over the years, Kathmandu has seen many changes; in people as well as in trends. However, one trend that has remained true over the years is that of South Asians traveling to Kathmandu to play in the Casinos of Nepal.
Gambling has always been a part of South Asian culture. When you look at ancient paintings and text, you see kings and their women playing dice. When you look at holy scriptures, you read of gods and sages gambling.
Kathmandu offers visitors an array of exciting, action-packed casinos where you can enjoy 24 hours of fun and games. There are seven casinos in Kathmandu, all located in the premises of the city's top hotels, which offer your favorite games: poker, baccarat, roulette, pontoon, blackjack, as well as other card games and slot machines. All the games are played in chips and they can be purchased with US dollars or Indian rupees.
Lists of casinos:
Casino Nepal
Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza , Tahachal, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-427 0244, 427 1011
Fax : +977-1-427 1244
Email : rdt@mos.com.np
Casino Anna
Hotel de'L Annapurna, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-422 8650
Fax : +977-1-422 5228
Email : casanna@mos.com.np
Casino Everest
Hotel Everest, New Baneswore, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Fax : +977-1-449 0288
Email : everest@_mos.com.np
Casino Royale
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Dubar Marg, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : + 977 -1-422 8481, 441 0007
Fax : +977-1-422 3933
Email : royal@mos.com.np
Casino Rad
Hotel Radisson, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-441 1818
Email : casinorad@mos.com.np
Casino Tara
Hyatt Regency, Boudha, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours
Tel : +977 -1-449 1234 Ext. 5924
Email : casinotara@mos.com.np
Casino Sangrila
Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours

Casino Malla
Malla Hotel , Lainchaur, Kathmandu
Open : 24 hours

>>SHOPPING
Shopping in Nepal is easy. With a little money and some time one can obtain the best buys this country has to offer. It will be helpful to have a Nepali for company if a huge shopping project is at hand. Common tourist shopping items include souvenirs and trinkets like gems and jewelry. However, one should be careful while buying jewelry as assessing their quality is difficult. Hand-woven cotton fabric is a popular buy among visitors. Some buy Pashmina that this region is famous for and some also buy fresh tea and spices.
About Souvenir from Nepal »
>>Bunjee Jumping
The ultimate thrill of a Bungee jump can be experienced in Nepal at perhaps the best site in the world. Nepal's first bungee jumping site is situated 160m over the wild Bhote Koshi river, and located close to the Nepal-Tibet border, a three-hour bus ride from Kathmandu.
The jump, at 160m, was designed by one of New Zealand's leading bungee consultants, and is operated by some of the most experienced jump masters in the business. It's mishap-proof. The agency takes safety "very, very seriously".
Location : Eastern Nepal Less than 3 hours from Kathmandu in the Arniko (Kathmandu to Lhasa) Highway to within 12km of the Tibet Border and the famous Friendship Bridge. The Gorge: 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhote Koshi River.
The Bridge : Swiss designed, specially for bungee jumping with a 4x safety factor. The bridge has a loading factor of 250kg per running meter. This means that the bridge will hold 250 x 166 = 41,500kg or 4.5 tones And those are Swiss measurements! * Over 6000 meters of steel wire was used to build the bridge * Longest suspension bridge in Nepal * The bridge joins two sides of a great valley. Before its construction, locals walked five hours to cross this river gorge.