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Waling, the heart of Syangja
Waling Municipality, the heart of Syangja, is a small valley surrounded by hills. It is a small town in the western hills of Nepal, in the Aadhikhola valley in Syangja district, Gandaki Zone of Nepal. Waling bazaar is at the height of 800 meters from sea level while the municipality’s height varies from 731 to 1596 meters. Waling isn’t a place often visited by tourists/travelers but I decided to visit nonetheless. This place is immensely rich in tradition and culture. People of the Brahman and Chhetri ethnic group are major residents here. Most lands are cultivable and agriculture is the main occupation of most of the people. I stayed here for 4 days mingling with the…
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On traveling
There’s something amazing about reaching new places and seeing things for the first time. When you see a stunning sunset, when you see the clouds beneath your feet, or when you’re amazed by the magic of cosmos, overwhelmed by the volume of vastness around you, you get this thrill of being; and at the same time, you feel pity for your own insignificance. If you’re lucky enough, you have this epiphany: if there’s anything to do before you die, it is to SEE! And to KNOW. And to EXPERIENCE. More landscapes and sunsets, rains and moonrises. More cultures. More perspectives. It is all there in this barrel to drink from. Going…
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Khopra Ridge Trek
Text: Dovan Rai Photographs: Sean P. Grady and Dovan Rai October 2016: Three of my friends were visiting Nepal for the first time and one of the interesting things they wanted to do in Nepal was trek in the mountains. Considering the tight schedule and their unfamiliarity in the terrain and my own, I picked the famous Poon Hill trek. But my friends wanted to go further and higher. So, we modified our original Poon hill trek itinerary and extended further north to Khopra hill. Khopra trek was not a well-known trekking route and I had my concerns. But I am very glad that we chose this lesser-known route. Within…
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An Evening by the Lake
We Humans have striking accomplishments in our names. Be it diving deep into the ocean or climbing the highest mountains in the world, landing on the moon, and many more, we have done it all with astounding precision. Its our tendency to always try to do things that are never done before. Despite all these achievements, sometimes, this heart of ours still feels void. And that is when the heart needs a “Soulscape”. A soulscape is not a literal escape from the standard vocation, but rather an inquiry into self, “Who Am I ?” Far from the uproar of the city, into a place where we can rediscover ourselves spiritually. It could be climbing a …
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A quick escape into wilderness; Bethanchowk, Narayanthan Hike
Introduction: Bethanchwok, located on the southern hills of Kavrepalanchwok, is believed to be the highest peak of the Mahabharat Range. Located at an altitude of 3000m from the sea level, it boasts different views of the hills and Himalayan ranges. Some places of Makwanpur and Janakpur can also be seen from Bethanchowk. Hilltops in Nepal are one of the best place for sightseeing in Nepal many offering views of Tibetan peaks on the North and Indian plains in the south. Bethanhowk is one of them. Actually, this whole mountain is called Bethanchowk Narayanthan, named after the small temple, Narayanthan, enshrined at the hilltop. Narayanthan is crowded with devotees during the…
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Manaslu Circuit Trek, Video (Itinerary)
This April, we trekked to the tough trail of the Manaslu Circuit, crossing one of the longest and the toughest Passes of Nepal, Larkye La. The journey was tough but totally worth it. Tsujan walked despite fevers while one of our travel companion had to return halfway through the trek due to injuries. But the journey continued, and we’re glad we did. We made some wonderful friends on the way, witnessed the culture and were lucky to see avalanche in the Frozen Lake. The people are amazing and the area is comparatively less crowded. Wildlife is abundant, and the locals very friendly. Highly recommended trek to anybody who’s looking for…
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Journey to Poon Hill, Nepal
Travel is my passion; I love adventure and the mountains. On this winter vacation, I chose the Poon Hill Trek. The Himalayas fill Nepal, and Poon Hill Trek is among the most popular trails in Nepal. At 3,210 meters, Poon Hill is the highest point of the trek, which offers excellent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. It was a dream come true for me to finally view these mountains at such a close distance. This trip is an excellent option if you are looking to start trekking around Nepal, and if you are short on time, as it can be easily completed in four or five days. Since this…
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In the lap of nature; Godawari
Eyes that my lens seek for the beauty. The beauty it wants to observe from outer world. I can connect my eyes with the beauty of nature by seeking and travelling to the place that my heart whispers. Godawari ,a fine place to be. The greatness of the nature is widely present there. I took my equipment and headed off to Godawari. Godawari has always been a good choice for many people. A short distance from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. I caught a bus from Ratnapark. After a cup of tea and some light breakfast at Lagenkhel, I headed to Godawari. After an hours ride from Lagankhel, I reached my destination. As the weather…
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Karnali Diaries
It was the month of October. I was walking alongside the bank of Karnali river with Deepak Sharma, a guy from Nawalparasi and my travel companion, whose first name happened to be same as mine. Apart from the two of us, we were accompanied by porters (who were in turn followed by asses/mules with heavy loads packed in their backs.) We were travelling from Manma of Kalikot to Nanikot V.D.C. Nanikot falls on the Northern part of Kalikot and is a three day’s walk from Manma. Despite the long walking distance and heavy backpack, I was feeling glad. The lifestyle of the local people of Karnali, the clean and fresh…
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राजधानीदेखि रारासम्म
काठमाण्डौ विश्वविद्यालयको (Computer Science) तेस्रोवर्ष को स्नातक तहको सेमेस्टर बिदामा हामी २५ जनाको टोलिले यसपाली नेपालको मध्यपश्चिममा अवस्थित राराताल को भ्रमण गर्ने निधो गर्यौ। बसन्त ऋतुको आगमनले होला वातावरणले पनि निकै साथ दिएको महसुस हामीले गरेका थियौ। करीब हप्तादिन भ्रमणको घुम्ने योजनार तालिका तय गरेपछि हामी बैशाख ५ मा राजधानीबाट,मुगुको (हुटु) मा पर्ने राराताल को लागि अगाडी बढ्छौ। कसरी र कहाँ बाट जान सकिन्छ त रारा ताल ? सामान्य जसो राराको लागि नेपालगंज बाट ताल्चा (मुगु) को हवाईयात्रा नै प्रचलित एवं सजिलो मार्ग हो । ताल्चा बाट ३-४ घण्टा को पैदलयात्रापछि तालमा पुगिन्छ। तर हामी स्थल मार्गबाट जाने भएकाले, रिजर्भ गाडी लिएर गएका थियौँ । पछिल्लो समय हवाईमार्ग भन्दा बढी बस,बाईक,निजि सवारीबाट…
