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The Festival of Colours popularly known as Holi is an ancient Hindu Festival, celebrated mostly in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/how-safe-is-nepal-for-visitors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>, India, and some parts of Asia and Europe. The festival has its origin in the Indian subcontinent and signifies the entry of spring season after the winters.The article below talks in brief about the origin of Holi, its significance in Hinduism and Nepali culture.<h2>What is Holi?</h2><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/holi-festival-its-importance-and-history" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holi</a> in English generally means the festival of colours, the festival of love, or the festival of spring. The first evening is called Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi, and the day after that is known as Rangwali Holi, Phagwah, Dhulandi, or Dhuleti.The festival is celebrated for over 24 hours, starting from the evening of Purnima or Full Moon, that falls in the Hindu month of Phalguna, according to the Vikram Samvat Calendar.As per the English calendar, Holi falls during the mid of March of every year.<h3>Holi according to Hindu Mythology</h3>There are several reasons why people celebrate Holi in Nepal and India.<h4>Holika Dahan</h4>The most fabled reason behind the celebration of Holi is Holika Dhan or the Burning of Holika. According to chapter 7 of Bhagavata Purana, King Hiranyakashipu was blessed with special powers which rendered him invulnerable to death.The King of Asuras (demons) was blessed by Lord Brahma and&nbsp;gave him powers&nbsp;by which he couldn't be killed by a human or an animal, neither during the day or nighttime and neither indoors nor outside outdoors. Further, Hiranyakashipu couldn't be killed in land, water, or air and weapons were all ineffective towards him.Owing to this gift, the emperor grew arrogant and ordered everyone to worship him like God. However, his word was defied by his own son, Prahlada, who was big devotee Lord Vishnu.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-holika-dahan.jpg">The King tried to punish his son using several harsh methods, which were all ineffective towards Prahlada. Then one day, Holika, the sister of Hiranya and Prahlada's aunt suggested that the boy sits in her lap inside a burning pyre.Holika possessed a special cloak that protected her from fire, but as the fire roared the cover flew off, and Holika was burned to ashes, while no harm came to Prahlada.It was then at dusk, Lord Vishnu appeared before King Hiranya, as the Narasimha,&nbsp;half-man and&nbsp;half-lion. Narasimha placed him on his laps at the doorsteps of the palace and killed him with his claws.The Holika Dahan&nbsp;and Holi represent the win of good over bad.<h4>Story of Lord Krishna</h4>In some parts of India like Braj, the festival is celebrated as Rang Panchami and signifies the love of Lord Krishna and his devotee Radha.As an infant, Krishna drank the poisonous milk from demoness Putana's breasts, which later gave him a dark complexion. The lord&nbsp;was unsure whether Rdaha, the fair-complexioned maiden liked him or not.Mother Yasodha, tired of Krishna's regular questions about his skin and Radha, forces him to ask the question directly and to paint his face&nbsp;any colour she wanted him to be.Since that day, Radha and Krishna became a couple, and the playful colouring of their faces is remembered as Holi.<h4>Legend of Kama and Rati</h4>The significance is also linked to <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/maha-shivaratri-in-nepal-celebration-significance-pashupatinath-temple-and-cannabis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lord Shiva</a> according to some Hindu traditions. Shiva was buried in his meditation, away from the worldly woes and had given up his godly duties.Goddess Parvati was concerned about Shiva and sought the help of the Kamadeva, the Hindu god of love. Kamadeva approaches&nbsp;the God of Destruction and shoots a cupid arrow at him.The attack breaks Shiva's meditation, which then opens his third eye and burns the God of Love, to ashes. Upon hearing this Parvati and Rati, Kamadeva's wife, both get upset.Rati then meditates for forty days and begs Shiva for his forgiveness. Impressed by her devotion, Shiva forgives Kamadeva and restores him to his godly form.Hence the 40th day of Vasanta Panchami is celebrated as Holi, especially in South India.<h2>Significance of Holi</h2>As per the Hindu literature, Holi signifies the victory&nbsp;of good over evil, especially the win of Lord Vishnu over Hiranyakashipu.This day marks the end of the winter season and the arrival of the spring season. The use of water and holi colours or powders signifies the bright and colourful nature of spring. It is looked upon as the blossoming of love, playing, laughing, forgetting, forgiving, and repairing broken relationships.<h2>Who celebrate Holi?</h2>The festival of colours is famous, mainly in the South-Asian countries where the dominating religion is Hinduism. It is celebrated in most parts of Nepal and India.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-29T160234.099.webp"> Colour of Festival Holi is observed by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Newar Buddhists, and also by people from non-Hindu backgrounds. Owing to the rising popularity of Holi, this festival is celebrated by almost everyone and is marked by throwing colours and water at each other.Nepal once organised the first-ever Tomatina festival, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventsinnepal.com/event/la-tomatina-squeeze-throw-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Tomatina Squeeze and Throw Party</a>, in 2014, during the occasion of Holi.For further information regarding <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/dashain-festivals-vijaya-dashami" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepali festivals</a> and booking, please visit, <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hopnepal.com</a>.

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The article describes the origins of Holi or the festival of colours. The article deepens into the significance of Holi and the reasons why it is celebrated in Nepal and India. It also talks about how the festival is celebrated by people of different religions.

Holi in Nepali Culture Origin and Significance

The colorful origins of Holi and its deep significance in Nepali culture. Learn how this vibrant festival celebrates unity and joy.

Origin of Holi and Its Significance In Nepali Culture

Kumari,&nbsp;or&nbsp;Kumari Devi,&nbsp;or the&nbsp;Living Goddess of Nepal, is the practice of worshipping young prepubescent girls in Hindu and Buddhist religious practices as embodiments of the sacred feminine spirit or&nbsp;Devi.&nbsp;The Sanskrit term Kumari is derived from&nbsp;Kaumarya, meaning "young". Although there are many Kumaris in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>, with some towns getting many, Kathmandu's Royal Kumari is the most popular. She resides in the Kumari Ghar, a palace near Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur.&nbsp;<h2>Who is a Kumari?</h2>In Nepal, a Kumari is a prepubescent girl chosen from the Nepalese Newari Buddhist community's Shakya caste. Some of the Hindus in the world adore and worship the Kumari.A Kumari is usually chosen for one day and worshipped appropriately at specific festivals such as Navaratri or Durga Puja.&nbsp;It is a prevalent phenomenon in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu City</a>. The embodiment of Taleju is thought to be a Kumari.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T123350.831.webp">Radiant Living Goddess KumariCredit:footprintadventure.comWhen her first menstruation ends, the Goddess is thought to be emptying her womb. Severe disease or a significant blood loss&nbsp;arising from injuries often triggers deity impairment.The worshipping of a young girl as the Goddess reflects the admiration of spiritual awareness that is distributed across the world.&nbsp;Since it is believed that the ultimate deity formed this entire universe&nbsp;out of her vagina, she appears in both animate and inanimate artifacts, respectively.Although adoration of an object represents the worship and appreciation of the supreme by inanimate objects, worship of a human person in conscious beings constitutes paying respect and acknowledgement of the same supreme.The deity is stated to have proclaimed in the&nbsp;Shakta&nbsp;text&nbsp;Devi Mahatmyam, or&nbsp;Chandi, that she lives among all the woman living creatures of this world. The entire Kumari practice is based on that verse.Yet when worshipping a goddess, owing to their natural modesty and chastity, only a young girl is preferred over a mature lady.Throughout Nepal, Kumaris are worshipped only for one day; such titles are given only for the length of the ceremony, sometimes several hours.&nbsp;One can not usually be a Kumari past the age of 16 because of menarche. A Kumari puja's fundamental goal is to understand&nbsp;the inherent divinity within a human being, often female.&nbsp;A modern Hindu aspirant recognizes humanity's inherent consciousness.<h2>History of The Living Goddess in Nepal</h2>Although Nepal's worship of a living Kumari is relatively new, dating only from the 17th century, the Kumari-Puja practice, or virgin worship, has been around for far longer.&nbsp;There is proof of the more than 2,300 years of virgin worship taking place in Nepal. Perhaps it took place in the 6th century in Nepal.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T122929.238.webp">Divine Kumari GraceCredit: altitutehimalayan.comThere is documented documentation detailing the Kumari's collection, ornamentation and worship dating back to the 13th century C.E.<h3>Legend behind the Kumari worship</h3>There are many legends that say how the Kumari's current tradition started. Nevertheless, much of the inscriptions refer to the story of King Jayaprakash Malla, the last Nepalese ruler of the Malla dynasty (12th–17th C.E.).A king and his wife, the Goddess Taleju, entered his chambers late one night, while he played&nbsp;tripasa&nbsp;(a game of dice) according to the most famous myth.&nbsp;Each night the Goddess came to play the game with the provision that the King refrains from informing others about their gatherings.One night, he was accompanied into his room by the King's wife to figure out whom the King visited every day. The King's wife saw Taleju and insulted the Goddess.&nbsp;She told the King that if he wanted to see her again or have her defend his land, he would have to look for her among the&nbsp;Ratnawali Newari&nbsp;(Shakya) people. The Goddess said that he would be incarnated among them as a little child.King Jayaprakash Malla left the palace in pursuit of the young girl who was abducted by the ghost of Taleju, in the hope of making amends with his patroness.Similarly, Taleju 's absence has yet another tale. Some claim that&nbsp;King Trailokya Malla&nbsp;was visited by the Goddess every evening in human form.&nbsp;Like in many ancient tales, the King and the Goddess were playing tripasa (dice) while debating the country's situation. King Trailokya Malla, however, made sexual advances towards the Goddess Taleju one evening.&nbsp;The Goddess in anger stopped entering the palace as a result.&nbsp;The King worshipped with sorrow and begged for her release.&nbsp;Eventually, the Goddess decided to come from the Shakya family inside the body of the virgin child.Also today, it is believed a mother dreaming of a red serpent&nbsp;is an omen of her daughter's promotion to Royal Kumari's role.&nbsp;And every year at the Indra Jatra festival the Nepalese King receives the blessing of the Royal Kumari. As of 2008 A.D., this practice has shifted. With the nation being&nbsp;the world's youngest republic.A version of this and other legends calls&nbsp;King Gunkam Dev,&nbsp;King&nbsp;Jayaprakash Malla's 12th-century predecessor, as the main character rather than Jayaprakash Malla.A third version of the story claims a young girl was expelled from the city during King Jayaprakash Malla's reign because it was thought the Goddess Durga had abducted her.As the queen heard about the plight of the young daughter, she grew furious. She insisted on the King taking the child and appointing her as Durga's living embodiment.<h2>Selection of Kumari</h2>Once the former Kumaru leaves the Kumari Ghar, there is a flurry of action in seeking her successor. Some also contrasted the search procedure with that used in neighbouring Tibet to identify&nbsp;Tulkus&nbsp;reincarnations, such as the&nbsp;Dalai Lama&nbsp;or the&nbsp;Panchen Lama.Five senior Buddhist Bhajracharya monks, the&nbsp;Panch Buddha, the&nbsp;Bada Guruju&nbsp;or Chief Royal Priest,&nbsp;Achajau, the Taleju priest, and the royal astrologer are in charge of the selection process.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T123809.754.webp">Sacred Living Goddess KumariCredit:Nepaltraveller.comBoth the King and other religious figures who might be knowledgeable of suitable applicants are told that a search is ongoing.The qualifying girls belong to the silver and goldsmiths from the Newar Shakya community. She should be in good condition, never spilt blood or been affected by any sickness, be without blemish and not have lost any teeth yet.Girls who fulfil these specific qualifying criteria are tested for the battis lakshanas or thirty-two goddess perfections.Many of those are mentioned poetically as such:<ul><li>body like that of a banyan tree</li><li>thighs like those of a deer</li><li>neck like that of a conch shell</li><li>chest like that of a lion</li><li>voice clear and soft like that of a duck</li><li>eyelashes like those of a cow</li></ul>Beyond that, her hair and eyes should be quite dark, and she should have dainty hands and feet, tiny, well-recessed sexual organs, and a series of twenty teeth.The girl is often watched for signals of serenity and fearlessness, and her horoscope is also checked to ensure it is similar to that of the King's.&nbsp;There must be no disputes because she will affirm the authority of her divinity to the King every year. Her background is often looked at to ensure her modesty and loyalty to the monarch.If the priests have picked an applicant, she will undergo still more stringent testing to ensure that she still holds the attributes required to be Durga's living vessel.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T125644.047.webp">Kumari's Divine Presence ShinesCredit:Archanic.comHer main challenge arrives during the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/dashain-festivals-vijaya-dashami" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dashain</a> Hindu Festival. One hundred eight buffalos and goats are sacrificed to Goddess&nbsp;Kali&nbsp;on the&nbsp;Kalratri, or "dark moon."&nbsp;The young applicant is brought to the Taleju temple and released into the courtyard, where candlelight illuminates the dead heads of the animals and masked people move about.If the nominee embodies Taleju's attributes, throughout the experience, she displays no hesitation. If she fails, they send back&nbsp;another nominee to do the same thing.The living Goddess, as a final examination, has to spend a night alone in space amid the heads of ritually killed goats and buffaloes, without fear.The courageous leader has proved to have the serenity and&nbsp;the fearlessness that characterizes the deity who is to rule her.The final test, after completing all the other previous trials, is that she will be able to pick out the previous Kumari's possessions from an array of items set out before her.&nbsp;If she can do this, there is no rest of the question that she is the one she has selected. When the Kumari is picked, she must be&nbsp;cleaned so she can be a flawless Taleju vessel.&nbsp;The priests send her to perform a sequence of hidden tantric practices to purify her body and soul from previous encounters.After these procedures are over, Taleju joins her, and she is unveiled as the current Kumari. She's dressed and made up as a Kumari and then leaves the Taleju temple and marches across the square&nbsp;to the Kumari Ghar on a white rug, which will be her house for the remainder of her divinity.<h2>Life of The Living Goddess</h2>When the Kumari performs the rituals of tantric purification and crosses the Kumari Ghar from the temple on a white cloth to claim her throne, her life takes on a whole new form. She can leave the Kumari Ghar only on ceremonial occasions.Her relatives would only see her, and only in a formal capacity. Her playmates are to be selected from her caste from a small pool of Newari students, usually her caretakers' babies.She would still be clad in red and gold, holding her hair in a topknot and having the&nbsp;Agni chakshu, or "fire mark," drawn on her forehead as a sign of her extraordinary perceptional abilities.The modern life of the Royal Kumari is drastically different from the one she was used to throughout her brief childhood.&nbsp;Although her life is now free from financial burdens, she has ritual roles to perform.Despite not being directed, she is supposed to act as befits a goddess. During the selection cycle, she has displayed the right characteristics, and her continuing serenity is of utmost importance; it is assumed that an ill-tempered deity holds evil tidings for those who ask her.The trip of the Kumari through <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/patan-durbar-square-lalitpur-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Durbar Square</a> is the last moment her feet reach the earth before the deity departs from her body.&nbsp;From now on, as she travels beyond her home, she would be borne in her golden palanquin or transported.Her feet, like all of her, are now sacred. Petitioners may contact them in the hopes of receiving relief from problems and diseases.&nbsp;Each year as he arrives to get her blessing, the King himself must kiss them. She would never wear shoes; if she's hiding her&nbsp;feet at all, they'll be lined with red stocks.The Kumari's influence is considered to be so powerful that it is assumed only sight of her would carry prosperity. People's masses are gathering under the Kumari window in her palace's Kumari Chowk or courtyard, hoping she'll walk through the latticed windows on the third floor and gaze down at them.While her sporadic appearances last just a few seconds, when they do arise, the environment in the courtyard is filled with dedication and awe. In her rooms, the luckier, or better related, petitioners&nbsp;visit the Kumari, where she sits on a golden lion throne.&nbsp;Most of those who attend her are those who suffer from blood or menstrual diseases because it is claimed that the Kumari has particular control over these illnesses. Bureaucrats and other government leaders visit her too.&nbsp;Petitioners typically bear presents and offers of food to the Kumari, who accept them in silence. On delivery, as a gesture of dedication, she gives them her feet to hold or kiss.The Kumari is closely monitored at these meetings, and her acts&nbsp;are viewed as forecasting the lives of the petitioners, as follows:<ul><li>rubbing eyes or weeping means imminent death</li><li>laughing out loud or crying implies severe illness or death</li><li>clapping of hands suggests reasons to fear the monarch</li><li>trembling means imprisonment</li><li>picking at the food offered means economic losses</li></ul>When the Kumari stays quiet and impassive in the crowd, she leaves her devotees exultant. It is the indication that their dreams were conferred.A lot of men listen to the needs of the Kumari.&nbsp;Such persons are recognized as the Kumarimi, and their work is pretty rough. They have to cater to every need and wish of the Kumari while offering her guidance in her ceremonial duties.While they can't specifically ask her to do so, they have to steer her through life.&nbsp;They are responsible for washing her, making her up and taking charge of her hair, as well as training her for her guests and official occasions.Traditionally, the Kumari did not seek any tuition because she was generally viewed because of omniscient. Nevertheless, technology made her require education as she re-enters mortal life.Today Kumaris can go to public schools and have&nbsp;life within the classroom that is no different from most pupils.&nbsp;Although many kumaris, including <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/bhaktapur-durbar-square-bhaktapur-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bhaktapur</a>'s Kumari, attend classes, some, including <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-seven-places-to-visit-near-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu'</a>s principal Kumari, obtain their education from private tutors.Similarly, she has to learn to value her small playmates. Because all desires must be given to her, she must learn to yield to her anything she might desire and submit to her desires on what games or events to perform.<h2>The Living Goddess in Pop Culture references</h2><ul><li>The Kumari was introduced in the CBS drama show Mrs Secretary's 25 October 2015 episode (season 2, episode 4), called "Waiting for Taleju."</li><li>The female main character was a Kumari in Nepal, in the Korean webtoon show&nbsp;For the Sake of Sita.</li></ul><h2>Former Kumaris of Kathmandu, Nepal</h2>Rashmila Shakya- from 1984-1991Amita Shakya- from 1991-2001Preeti Shakya- from 2001-2008Matina Shakya- from 2008-2017Trishna Shakya- from 2017-till date

Kumari, or Kumari Devi, or the Living Goddess of Nepal, is the practice of worshipping young prepubescent girls in Hindu and Buddhist religious practices as embodiments of the sacred feminine spirit or Devi.

Kumari Nepal's Living Goddess

Unveil the mystique of Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal. Discover the ancient traditions and divine presence of this revered cultural symbol.

Kumari - The Living Goddess of Nepal

We have listed the list of endangered animals of Nepal in this article, this article describes rare animals of Nepal.

Nepal's Endangered Animals: A Critical List

Learn about Nepal's endangered wildlife! Explore the list of vulnerable animals, their conservation status, and the importance of protecting their habitats.

List Of Endangered Animals Of Nepal

The red panda or&nbsp;Ailurus fulgens&nbsp;is one of the rarest and endangered species of animals residing in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>'s Himalayan region. It's been estimated over the years that only 10,000 of these unusual species survive on earth and most of them are found in Nepal.The red panda is coated in reddish-brown fur and has a rugged tail that gives it a house cat appearance. While it is popularly known as the red panda, other terms including the&nbsp;lesser panda, the&nbsp;red cat-bear and the&nbsp;red bear-cat&nbsp;are also often used.<h2>What is Red Panda called in Nepali?</h2>The term panda comes from the Nepalese term&nbsp;poonya, which translates into the eater of bamboos. The red panda in Nepali is referred to as&nbsp;habre&nbsp;and occasionally as&nbsp;bhalu biralo&nbsp;(bear-cat) in most areas of Nepal.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-21T140958.522.webp">Red Panda: Nature's Curious ObserverIn Nepal and Sikkim, the Sherpas call it a&nbsp;wah donka&nbsp;and&nbsp;ye niglva ponva. However, in the eastern part of Nepal, it is named&nbsp;kaala&nbsp;(dark) by the ethnic community of&nbsp;Limbu&nbsp;people, and it is called&nbsp;hoptongar&nbsp;by villagers of&nbsp;Tibetan&nbsp;origin.&nbsp;Many people claim that the name poonya may have arisen from the Nepalese term panja, which means claw.The red panda's formal name is&nbsp;Ailurus fulgens, and in English, it's named things like a&nbsp;greater panda, lesser panda, and occasionally&nbsp;regular panda.<h2>Which National Park in Nepal is the prime habitat for Red Pandas?</h2>Langtang National Park is among Nepal's significant red panda's habitats. Including the buffer region, the wildlife reserve is situated at an altitude of 6,450 m from sea level and occupies an overall area of 1,710 km sq.Established in 1976, the wildlife conservation area in Nepal's first-ever Himalayan national park and the most secure area.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-21T141331.049.webp"> Red Panda: Cozy Slumber Scene.The park extends through three main districts of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/how-safe-is-nepal-for-visitors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>;&nbsp;Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Rasuwa, and covers 26 villages.During a survey conducted in 2019, a team of officials recorded five red pandas in the same field and were considered the first of its type.&nbsp;The authorities state the prime habitats of these <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/list-of-endangered-animals-of-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">vulnerable species</a> are&nbsp;Guypche, Dhokachet Kharka, Cholangpati, and Polangpati.<h2>National Parks in Nepal with Red Pandas&nbsp;</h2>Besides Lantang National Park, other areas&nbsp;where red pandas are found in Nepal are:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/annapurna-conservation-area" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Annapurna Conservation Area</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/kanchenjunga-conservation-area" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga Conservation Area</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/makalu-barun-national-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Makalu Barun National Park</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/rara-national-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rara National Park</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/sagarmatha-national-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sagarmatha National Park</a></li><li><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/manaslu-conservation-area" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manaslu Conservation Area</a></li><li>Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve</li></ul>It is estimated that these sites have 25 per cent of the overall red&nbsp;panda's population, although the remaining percentage has been observed outside of such protected areas.<h2>Which part of Nepal is famous for Red Pandas?</h2>These rare species mostly dwell in the Himalayan forests of western Nepal and the mountain/hill slopes of southwest China.<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/10-best-places-to-visit-in-ilam-nepal-during-2020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ilam</a>, in the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-rated-attractions-places-to-visit-in-eastern-region-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eastern Nepal </a>zone, is now home to 15 red pandas.&nbsp;Because of the growing proliferation of these threatened animals,&nbsp;Ilam now boasts of many visitors visiting their annual <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/homestays" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">homestays</a>. Pandas were also spotted in the district of Lamjung.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-21T142023.757.webp"> Red Panda Feasting inNature Studies say that there are presently 237 to 1,061 red pandas in Nepal and the population is dwindling due to low birth levels, contamination with pests, high infant mortality rates, bamboo flowering, and habitat insulation.&nbsp;There are also other significant factors causing a decrease in the red panda's population. They are as follows:&nbsp;<ul><li>Fragmented ecosystems&nbsp;</li><li>Loss of Habitat owing to deforestation&nbsp;</li><li>Uncontrolled cattle grazing&nbsp;</li><li>Destruction of red panda's natural habitat</li><li>Mismanagement of inbound and outbound tourism</li><li>Hunting and poaching</li></ul>The Nepalese government has enacted a bill to shield such species from extinction, according to which a prisoner accused with selling a red panda should be held in jail for ten long years with a penalty with NRS 500,000.<h2>Red Pandas in Nepal</h2>According to The Himalayan Times, about 22,400 sq km of area in Nepal is home to the red pandas. According to the report, the Hindukush Himalayan area is believed to be 56.25 per cent of the mammal's possible habitat.Typically, the red panda enjoys staying at an altitude of 2,500&nbsp;– 4,000 but is known to have dropped to 1,500 m. Zoologists claim it avoids living in regions with hills facing south and enjoys cooler temperatures.It is believed that trekkers and mountain climbers have observed the red panda residing in more than thirty-six districts of Nepal. In contrast, 24 places have been reported as the natural refuge for those threatened species of animals.<h2>What does a Red Panda look like?</h2>As an endangered group of animals, relatively few people have seen red pandas in their natural environment although most of them seen them in captivity in zoos.&nbsp;The red panda has a long frame like that of a cat and is coated in reddish-brown hair accompanied by a thick bushy tail. They seem to resemble a racoon, but every other red panda has distinct patterns like a zebra.The body of fully grown ranges between 50 and 64 cm and the tail stretches in length from 28 to 59 cm.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-21T150314.742.webp">Curious Red Panda Observing SurroundingsMale pandas will weigh up to 6.2 kg while female pandas can weigh up to 6 kg. Typically these animals feed on bamboo and have sharp claws which are useful to grab roots, fruits, and leaves of the tree.&nbsp;Red pandas spend much of their time tucked in trees concealed under their bushy tails with their hands.&nbsp;It's their thick reddish-brown fur that shelters them from the cold and harsh weather of Nepal's Himalayan zone.A red panda lives typically for more than eight to ten years, although some Zoologists claim that they can live up to fifteen years.<h2>Few known facts about Red Panda</h2><ul><li>A red panda behaves like a house cat except with a long bushy tail and a thick-brown hair.&nbsp;</li><li>Red pandas reside at high altitudes above 2,200 m in general.&nbsp;</li><li>There are just 10,000 individuals of red pandas remaining in the World according to the IUCN Red List.</li><li>A fully grown one weighs about 6.2 kg and is around 50 cm tall.&nbsp;</li><li>A red panda lives for usually 8 to 10 years, though others survive for up to 15 years.&nbsp;</li><li>Over the last 50 years, China has recorded a 40 per cent reduction in the red panda population.</li><li>Nepal has marked the presence of 237 to 1,061 red pandas in its several national parks.&nbsp;</li><li>The eastern district of Nepal, Ilam has over 15 red pandas till date.&nbsp;</li><li>Bamboo is the primary diet of a red panda, but it often feeds on bats, fish, and small mammals.</li><li>Red Pandas are becoming gradually endangered owing to habitat destruction and smuggling.</li></ul>For more<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> information</a> on the endangered species of animals found in Nepal, please visit <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hopnepal.com</a>.

The red panda or Ailurus fulgens is one of the rarest and endangered species of animals residing in Nepal's Himalayan region. It's been estimated over the years that only 10,000 of these unusual species survive on earth and most of them are found in Nepal.

Red Panda in Nepal: A Rare Wildlife Encounter

Discover the elusive Red Panda in Nepal's wilderness. Unveil the charm of this rare wildlife encounter and its conservation efforts.&nbsp;

Red Panda In Nepal

Gai Jatra&nbsp;is a festival observed by the people of Newar community of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>, often in the Kathmandu Valley. This <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/festival-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Newari festival</a> is celebrated in the month of Bhadra (August – September).The date of Gai Jatra is fixed by the lunar Nepa and falls on the first day of the Gunla month's dark four-night. Today in this article, we talk about Gai Jatra and its celebration in places like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Kirtipur, and <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/changu-narayan-temple-bhaktapur-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bhaktapur</a>.<h2>Why is Gai Jatra celebrated in Nepal?</h2>The origin of Gai Jatra dates back to the time of the rulers of Malla dynasty. The Malla Queen is reported to have been in mourning for a long time after her son's untimely death.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-05T085252.887.webp">Gaijatra: Tradition in Colorful MotionCredit: Kathmandu post.comTo comfort her, the king invited any family who lost a loved one to come out in a procession and reassure the queen that her pain was not alone.&nbsp;That is the primary reason there is a lot of fun and laughing passing down the streets during the procession.In English, the term "Gai" means cow while "Jatra" means a rally or a procession. Throughout the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/religion-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hindu tradition</a>, the cow is considered as the goddess of riches.&nbsp;Gai Jatra is a celebration of music, chanting, rejoicing and smiling.&nbsp;Throughout the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu Valley</a>, the cow festival is conducted to mourn the demise of loved ones.As part of the festival celebration, family members usually send their younger ones dressed up like cows for the street parade. The festival typically occurs in July or August.Gai Jatra is a time to honour those missing and to relieve the grief.&nbsp;The real motive for celebrating this festival is exchanging of grief and having the consolation of realizing that their loved ones are free.<h2>Gai Jatra celebration inside Kathmandu Valley</h2>This Nepalese festival is mainly celebrated in places like <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-incredible-reasons-to-visit-kathmandu-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a>, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, and Patan.<h3>Kathmandu</h3>Kathmandu is considered as the principal source of this festival. It was from this city that the Malla king started this festival.&nbsp;Since the first performance given to the queen was a hit, providing the queen with this festival was a regular event.The celebration of Gai Jatra has been passed down from generation to generation as time goes by, and as the kings and queens moved away.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-05T090151.235.webp">Kathmandu Gaijatra: Joyful Cultural RevelryCredit: Kathmandupost.comPeople celebrate it with a lot of joy and other services in central <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-seven-places-to-visit-near-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a> compared with those on Patan. To show the dedication to their loved ones, the procession goes through the city to various parts of the suburbs and metropolitan areas inside.&nbsp;The people involved in the jatra get tiny packages of fruits, cookies, oats and other food products to help them enjoy the festival and their loved ones on their tour around the area.<h3>Bhaktapur</h3>Bhaktapur is considered to have the most fun and entertaining Gai Jatra because the city has its peculiarities as opposed to Lalitpur and Kathmandu in how the festival is celebrated. The Gai Jatra festival lasts eight days in Bhaktapur.A chariot (known as&nbsp;Taha-Macha) made of bamboo wrapped in cloth, with a picture of the dead individual hanging in the middle, is navigated by the family along with localities along a predefined path.&nbsp;A large procession of chariots further accompanies the main chariot.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-05T090710.143.webp">Gaijatra: Laughter Amidst TraditionCredit:myrepublic.nagriknetwork.comThe Taha-Macha symbolizes deceased men, and their belongings and images are painted on the chariot. The chariot has a wooden frame that is usually covered in a cotton cloth for women with&nbsp;Hakupatasi&nbsp;(a typical black sari style female fabric), and men with plain sari style fabric.&nbsp;The Taha-Machas are carried out from various Bhaktapur toles. Still, peculiarly, Lakolachhen's Taha-Machas are led by one big one that has the bamboo frame but is filled with straws.This is called&nbsp;Bhailya Dya&nbsp;(Bhairab) preceded by&nbsp;Ajima&nbsp;(Bhadrakali) rendered at&nbsp;Khala&nbsp;(Ajima Dyo: Chhen). Many famous musicians ride in the lead of a chariot followed a traditional dance called Ghintang Ghisi.&nbsp;Men are often seen dressed up as women in the Hakupatasi dress.&nbsp;People put on funny wear for the jatra, and face paintings and wearing masks are typical.&nbsp;The younger ones dress up as gods and participate in the march.The Ghintag Ghisi dance is celebrated for nearly a week, starting from Gai Jatra to&nbsp;Krishna Janmashtami&nbsp;day. The dance takes place in a long line, with two people hitting each other's dancing sticks in a series.Numerous cultural events are held, and several local villagers also join in the jatra.&nbsp;<h3>Patan, Lalitpur</h3>For this festival, Patan in Lalitpur also has a similar kind of follow-up to that of Kathmandu but has less participation of citizens than at Kathmandu.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-05T091216.320.webp">Lalitpur Matayas: Festive Cultural SpiritCredit:Altutudehimalayan.comResidents of Lalitpur have another Gai Jatra-like festival called&nbsp;Matayaa&nbsp;which is accompanied by Hindu with much more commitment and citizens participation.For this Matayaa, people's presence may be in thousands while Gai Jatra's procession is less exciting for people in Lalitpur.<h3>Kirtipur during Gai Jatra</h3>Gai Jatra is commonly celebrated in Kirtipur, in particular in the ancient historic towns of Kirtipur;&nbsp;Kipu dey, Panga, Naga, Bhajanga, and&nbsp;Yarwocha(Itagol) and others.&nbsp;The citizens celebrating in Kirtipur have multiple reasons to celebrate this festival and have a unique way to celebrate it.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-05T093102.442.webp">Kirtipur Gaijatra: Joyful Cultural CelebrationCredit:myrepublic.nagriknetwork.comIt is believed among the citizens of Kirtipur that in this day, the gates of heaven for the deceased are raised. Gaijatra's procession will allow their beloved to enter the gates of heaven if they march around the town for them.We walk across the city of Kirtipur, not dressing up like cows but dressed up in various types of gods and goddesses.&nbsp;This festival is observed by citizens not only for their deceased ancestors but also for peace and unity between family members and the community itself.During this month the town's farmers complete their work in the fields and head home to mark the conclusion of the tedious and challenging fieldwork.&nbsp;We assemble leaders of the family and offer a feast celebrating their achievements. This tradition is repeated in the Kirtipur festival.&nbsp;Men dress up as ladies and transgender people and ride around town. They travel from house to house calling up the house owners and telling them to come down and eat with them at the feast. This helps create unity between neighbours and leaders of the community.&nbsp;Kirtipur performs a lot of dances with numerous imitating artists that offer people a lot of awe and joy. Kirtipur is filled with many views and legends regarding Gaijatra than every other valley town and has a more vibrant festival celebration.

Gai Jatra is a festival observed by the people of Newar community of Nepal often in the Kathmandu Valley. This Newari festival is celebrated in the month of Bhadra.

Gai Jatra Celebration: Joyful Traditions in Nepal

Experience the exuberant Gai Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, and Lalitpur. Join the celebration of life, joy, and remembrance.&nbsp;

Celebration of Gai Jatra in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Kirtipur, and Lalitpur

Nepal is home to ten cultural and natural heritage sites which have been granted the status of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Out of the ten World Heritage Sites, seven of these are located within the Kathmandu Valley.UNESCO classified the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-incredible-reasons-to-visit-kathmandu-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Kathmandu Valley</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lumbini&nbsp;under the cultural heritage sites while&nbsp;Sagarmatha National Park&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chitwan National Park&nbsp;fall under natural heritage sites. Today we discuss theses World Heritage Sites in brief.<h2>Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites within Nepal</h2>Despite being a small country with only 147,516 km⊃2; in area, Nepal is still home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are:<ul><li>Pashupatinath Temple</li><li>Boudanath Stupa</li><li>Swayambunath Stupa or Monkey Temple</li><li>Kathmandu Durbar Square</li><li>Patan Durbar Square</li><li>Bhaktapur Durbar Square</li><li>Changu Narayan Temple</li><li>Lumbini</li><li>Chitwan National Park</li><li>Sagarmatha National Park</li></ul><h2>1. Pashupatinath Temple (Kathmandu)</h2>One of the significant cultural and religious sites of Nepal that comes under UNESCO's list of world heritage sites is the temple of Pashupatinath.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T135923.358.webp">Caption: Pashupatinath: Sacred Hindu TempleFollowers of Hinduism worship this temple all over the world. While only Hindus can join the main temple, you can openly view the temple premise surroundings.&nbsp;Watching the special ceremonies and practices here is an&nbsp;unforgettable activity which can have a profound influence on you.&nbsp;Every year this location draws a massive number of pilgrims, especially during festivals like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/maha-shivaratri-in-nepal-celebration-significance-pashupatinath-temple-and-cannabis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Shivaratri</a>&nbsp;and Teej. Throughout this 518 hectare field, there are over 518 temples along with monuments.<h2>2.Boudanath Stupa (Kathmandu)</h2>Boudhanath Stupa&nbsp;is another popular place on Nepal's heritage list. This temple has tremendous importance for practitioners of Buddhism. We may see many people from all over the world, visiting Boudhanath and paying homage to them.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T135243.951.webp">Caption: Boudhanath: Tranquil Stupa, Sacred SpaceIn the fifth century, the&nbsp;Licchavi King Shivadev&nbsp;founded this Stupa. This Stupa is one of the world's highest Buddhist Stupa. The surrounding region is inhabited mainly by Buddhist citizens.&nbsp;The stupa premises has more than forty local monasteries. Every day the residents, both visitors and pilgrims, come to this place.<h2>3.Swayambhunath Stupa&nbsp;or Monkey Temple (Kathmandu)</h2>The foundation of the&nbsp;Swayambhunath Stupa&nbsp;dates back to 1500 years ago. The Stupa is one of Nepal's oldest religious sites.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T151444.499.webp">Caption:Swayambhunath: Iconic Stupa, Spiritual OasisSwayambhunath's framework reflects the elements that are fire, earth, water, and wind. Historians claim this Stupa was formed from a dry lake as the present valley came into existence.Both Hindu and Buddhist followers worship this Stupa that lies atop a hill in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-seven-places-to-visit-near-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Kathmandu</a>&nbsp;valley.&nbsp;This Stupa is the perfect combination of Hindu temple designs and Buddhist stupas. There are precisely three hundred sixty-five stairs that lead up to the Stupa at Swayambhunath.The Stupa provides an impressive perspective overlooking the whole Valley of Kathmandu. This platform will give you a rare view of all of Nepal's heritage sites.<h2>4.Kathmandu Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square (Kathmandu)</h2>Kathmandu Durbar Square&nbsp;or locally known as&nbsp;Basantapur Durbar Square&nbsp;is&nbsp;a famous architectural and cultural attraction in Nepal.&nbsp; <img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T153015.892.webp">Caption: Kathmandu Durbar Square: Historic MajestySeveral decades earlier the&nbsp;Malla&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shah&nbsp;dynasty monarchs stayed in the palaces. The palace is full of numerous courtyards and temples. You could see the beautiful windows and outstanding woodwork.&nbsp;There are the Mahendra Museum and the King Tribhuwan Museum available to tour.&nbsp;This UNESCO World Heritage the site has architectural importance.You can also find the house in which Kumari stays at the&nbsp;Kumari Chowk.&nbsp;Kumari is Nepal's living goddess and is believed to be the manifestation of the goddess&nbsp;Talegu. With this visit to this world heritage site, you get the chance to know about Nepal's past and community.<h2>4.Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur)</h2>Unlike the Durbar Square of Kathmandu,&nbsp;Patan Durbar Square&nbsp;has ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards as it was host to ancient kings and queens in the past.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T135530.319.webp">Caption: Patan Durbar Square: Timeless HeritageAs a renowned tourism destination,&nbsp;Patan&nbsp;exists only eight kilometres south-east of<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/find-a-hotel-to-stay-in-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;Kathmandu</a>. This has the inflow of visitors, both internally and externally.The palace and temple system gives you a more in-depth look into Newari craftsmanship. The temples in the square are dedicated to gods of both Buddhism and Hinduism. Historians claim that&nbsp;Emperor Ashoka&nbsp;built some parts of the square in the third century B.C.Other areas you shouldn't skip on your travel to Nepal's heritage list include Shrine of&nbsp;Hari Shankar&nbsp;and a shrine of Mahabouddha. There's also the temple of Krishna, the temple of&nbsp;Mahabouddha, the temple of&nbsp;Kumbeshwor, the temple of&nbsp;Bhimsen, the temple of&nbsp;Rato Macchendranath, the temple of&nbsp;Bishwanath&nbsp;and more.Regional stores and restaurants in the area sell souvenirs to carry home with you. While in Patan you can also enjoy the delicacies of the Newari. This UNESCO world heritage site&nbsp;in Nepal is cherished by people.<h2>6.Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Bhaktapur)</h2><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/hotels/destination/bhaktapur" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Bhaktapur</a>&nbsp;is Nepal's oldest city, and one of the famous former palaces is the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Located on the eastern side this palace is twelve kilometres away from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/hotels/destination/kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Kathmandu</a>.&nbsp;The durbar square highlights Nepal's exceptional craftsmanship and architectural beauty. In Bhaktapur, the four squares are&nbsp;Durbar Square,&nbsp;Taumadhi&nbsp;Square,&nbsp;Pottery Square, and&nbsp;Dattatreya Square.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T152026.842.webp">Caption: Bhaktapur: Ancient City, Timeless CharmBhaktapur is one of Nepal's prominent patrimonial locations.&nbsp;The golden gate, the gate of lions, a statue of King Bhupatindra, gallery of sculpture, the fifty-five windowed palace of Malla and temple of Nyatapola are the crucial elements to be observed and appreciated.The is also one of Nepal's most famous UNESCO world heritage sites.<h2>7.Changu Narayan Temple (Bhaktapur)</h2>Changu Narayan is another location on Nepal's list of world heritage sites. It sits on&nbsp;Changu / Dolagiri&nbsp;Hilltop.&nbsp;The thick green forest encircles the area surrounding the shrine.&nbsp;There is also a village nearby called&nbsp;Changu.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-changu-narayan-temple.jpg">The Changu Narayan temple located on the eastern side of Kathmandu is fourteen kilometres. The temple has inscriptions and&nbsp;foundations unique to the location.&nbsp;There are numerous monuments, dating back to 464 A.D.&nbsp;Should you want to find out more about its past, you should head to the nearest temple museum. You'll get to learn the grand theories around Changu Narayan with this tour, and the people there.For the nation and its residents Changunarayan the temple has significant religious and historical importance.Throughout the temple are statues of ten Lord Vishnu incarnations;&nbsp;namely&nbsp;Nar-Singha Vishnu,&nbsp;Vishnu Vikranta, Vishwaroop, Vishnu&nbsp;riding&nbsp;Garuda&nbsp;and others. There are&nbsp;Chinnamasta Devi&nbsp;shrine,&nbsp;Kileswar Shiva&nbsp;temple, and other deities.&nbsp;You will savour the mesmerizing look over the lush foliage of the&nbsp;Manohara Valley.<h2>8.Lumbini</h2>Known as the birthplace of Siddartha Gautam (Lord Buddha),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/historical-things-to-see-in-lumbini" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Lumbini</a>&nbsp;is on Nepal's list of world heritage places. It is only 300 kilometres south of the capital's west,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Kathmandu.</a>&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T154535.218.webp">Caption: Lumbini: Birthplace of BuddhaLumbini exists in Nepal's Terai area and is a popular pilgrimage site for people in and outside Nepal. For all the UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal, a majority of the people visit this location.&nbsp;In Lumbini, you can see the&nbsp;Maya Devi&nbsp;shrine,&nbsp;Ashoka Pillar, World Peace Pagoda, Sacred Garden, Palace of Tilaurakot, and other monasteries.There are also numerous monasteries within the premises. You should immerse yourself in the feeling of walking through this holy location.&nbsp;There is a place for you to know more about Buddhism. A conservation centre houses, and preserves birds of different organisms. Food and accommodation services are no concern, and there is so much to see and to discover.<h2>9.Chitwan National Park (Chitwan)</h2>Another location on Nepal's list of world heritage sites is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/chitwan-national-park-heart-of-the-jungle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Chitwan National Park</a>. It is on the subtropical zone along the Inner Terai, on the south-central side.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T153507.445.webp">Caption:Chitwan: Wildlife Wonderland, Natural BeautyThe wildlife reserve has an area of 952.63 sq km and is host to numerous plants and animals. Within this region, you can see&nbsp;Sal Trees, dense grasslands and Terai-Duar Savanna.The forest is home to more than 700 animal species, 600 bird species and about 68 mammal species. You'll have to visit this place for someone who enjoys mother nature and discovering her creations.The Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhinoceros can be seen there. The park includes antelopes, naked hyenas, oriental darters,&nbsp;painted eagles, gharials, golden jackals and other species.<h2>10.Sagarmatha National Park</h2>Nepal established the famous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/sagarmatha-national-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">Sagarmatha National Park</a>&nbsp;in the year 1976. This National Park is the first to feature on Nepal's list of world heritage sites.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-07T154334.374.webp">Caption: Sagarmatha: Nature's Majestic SanctuaryNational park Sagarmatha occupies an area of 1148 square kilometres. This place falls into Nepal's list of the world heritage sites is home to numerous plants and animals.&nbsp;Here lies the mighty Mt. Everest, which has an elevation of 8,848 m.This national park has some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/list-of-endangered-animals-of-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">endangered species</a>&nbsp;such as&nbsp;red panda, snow leopard, black bear&nbsp;from the Himalayas,&nbsp;Himalayan monkeys, musk deer&nbsp;and more.&nbsp;There are also about 118 species of birds, including the&nbsp;Himalayan Munal, yellow-billed chough, red-billed chough, blood pheasant&nbsp;etc.You should schedule a walk along the path to explore this region's beauty. People go on an outing to Mount Everest and travel around this place via&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-everest-base-camp-trekking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">EBC</a>.For more information on cultural heritages of<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;Nepal</a>, do visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 122, 183); background-color: transparent;">hopnepal.com</a>.

Nepal is home to ten cultural and natural heritage sites which have been granted the status of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Out of the ten World Heritage Sites, seven of these are located within the Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal's UNESCO Heritage: The Top 10 Must-Visit Sites

Explore the rich heritage of Nepal with our guide to its ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dive into the history, culture, and natural beauty these landmark destinations offer.

Nepal's Ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Kushe Aunsi or Gokarna Aunsi, roughly translated as cow-eared (Gokarna) and no moon night (Aunsi), is a <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/festival-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">festival in Nepal </a>celebrated in late August or early September where the Hindu community worships the cow-eared embodiment of Lord Shiva and their lord.It is also known as Kushe Aausi and&nbsp;Bubako mukh herne din&nbsp;(Nepali for "looking at father's face"). The Nepali celebration is entirely different from the&nbsp;Father's Day&nbsp;Western celebration.<h2>Celebration of Kushe Aunsi or Gokarna Aunsi</h2>Kushe Aunsi is a particular day set aside for one's father's worship.&nbsp;During this auspicious day, all sons and daughters head home&nbsp;to catch up with their fathers and spend quality time.&nbsp;All the fathers are offered homemade delicacies, sweets, meats and other gifts. Married girls with goodies are seen on the streets on their way to their maternal home to visit, no matter how crazy their schedule is.Most people go to Gokarneswor Mahadev's Shiva temple, in Gokarna, a suburb of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a>, and bathe and make offerings on New Moon Day (Amavasya). People whose father died often practice&nbsp;Shraddha&nbsp;(annual death rituals).<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T113802.367.webp">Nepali Harvest FestivalCredit:Bhaktapur.comDuring this festival sons conduct a specific ceremony apart from giving gifts; they touch their father's foot with their foreheads and look at their father's eyes, while daughters have to feel his hand before they look.&nbsp;<h3>Gokarneshwar&nbsp;</h3>Gokarneshwar&nbsp;is a municipality in<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-incredible-reasons-to-visit-kathmandu-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Kathmandu District</a>, Nepal's Bagmati Pradesh, created on 2 December&nbsp;2014 by merging the&nbsp;Sundarijal, Nayapati, Baluwa, Jorpati,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Gokarna&nbsp;former village development committees.&nbsp;The municipality's office is that of the old village planning committee at Jorpati. The Gokarna Mahadev temple, founded in 1582, stands in&nbsp;the village on the banks of the Bagmati River.<h2>Gokarna Mahadev Temple</h2>Legend has it that when the gods came down and were looking for<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/maha-shivaratri-in-nepal-celebration-significance-pashupatinath-temple-and-cannabis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;Lord Shiva</a>, he was roaming the Gokarna forests in the disguise of a deer.&nbsp;They recognised him and had him "captured" by the horns.&nbsp;The horn split into three parts in the end, and the location where Brahma buried those fragments is where the temple is housed.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T114812.990.webp">Gokarna's Auspicious Harvest FestivalCredit:Bhaktapur.comThe inscriptions found at Gokarneshwor Temple, which was built by a&nbsp;Gopiran Bharo&nbsp;in its current form in 1582 AD, describe&nbsp;the spot's origins well before the Lichhavi period and inform us that the place was of great importance even before them.<h3>Sculptures and statues inside Gokarneshwar Mahadev Temple</h3>The sculptures include an A to Z of Hindu deities, from&nbsp;Aditya&nbsp;(the god of the sun),&nbsp;Brahma&nbsp;and&nbsp;Chandra&nbsp;(the god of the moon) to&nbsp;Indra&nbsp;(the god of battle and nature from the elephant) and&nbsp;Ganga&nbsp;(with four weapons and a bowl on her head from which the Ganges pour).Vishnu is depicted as&nbsp;Narsingha, performing a specially detailed job of disembowelling the demon&nbsp;Hiranyakashipu. At the same time,&nbsp;Shiva makes&nbsp;many appearances, including&nbsp;Kamadeva, the god of devotion, complete with one suitably upright portion of the celestial body.The goddess Gauri Shankar is important since it includes both Shiva and Parvati components. The goddess stands alone in a wonderful image in the northwest corner of the property, wearing a robe and riding on a snow lion.The Brahma character seems to have just three heads in the southwest corner (he would have four) before you look around the back and find the secret eye.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T121206.184.webp">Sacred Gokarna VibesCredit:Landnepal.comMost of the deities have one foot (spiritual vehicle) on their vahana. Shiva's Nandi animal ride appears as a giant brass statue laid over a stone base, in front of&nbsp;the main temple and Shiva is worshipped in the form of a large lingam inside the main chamber.&nbsp;The temple struts&nbsp;contain some exquisite woodcarving. The Vishnu Paduka, a small pavilion enclosing a metal plate with&nbsp;a footprint of Vishnu, is behind the temple, just above the water.&nbsp;Just in front is an illustration of Narayan reclining on&nbsp;a snakes pillow, much like the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/budhanilkantha-temple-budhanilkantha-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Budhanilkantha</a> and Balaju images.

Kushe Aunsi or Gokarna Aunsi, roughly translated as cow-eared (Gokarna) and no moon night (Aunsi), is a festival in Nepal celebrated in late August or early September where the Hindu community worships the cow-eared embodiment of Lord Shiva and their lord.

Kushe Aunsi Celebrating Father's Day in Nepal

Celebrate Kushe Aunsi, also known as Gokarna Aunsi, Nepali Father's Day. Discover the traditions and significance of this heartwarming occasion.

Kushe Aunsi or Gokarna Aunsi

Owing to the geographical distribution of hills and terrains, Nepal is considered as one of the best countries for hikers looking for long walks and adventure in the wilderness. Its is the most sought form of tourism activity in Nepal for travellers who enter for a short vacation.Besides determination and sheer strength, there are many essential tips and tricks that hikers and trekkers must keep in mind before going out. The article below summarises hiking tips while travelling through Nepal&nbsp;and its benefits.<h2>What is Hiking?</h2>Commonly used in Canada and the United States, hiking is a term which means vigorous, long walks in the countryside. The word is also often used in the United Kingdom along with hillwalking, rambling, and fell walking.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-29T160902.529.webp"> Hiking Nature's Path ExploredIt's a common experience of walks throughs hills and valley&nbsp;shared by people different from different nations in different tongues. In Australia, the word for hiking is bushwalking, adopted in 1927 by the Sydney Bush Walkers club. Similarly, in New Zealand, the word for a hike is trampling.In countries like Nepal, India, Pakistan, and East Africa, people use the term <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/trekking-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">trekking</a> to describe multi-day hiking in the hilly mountainous regions. However, a walk that can be completed in a day is referred to as a day&nbsp;hike.&nbsp;A long-distance trail walking, from one end to another, is referred to as thru-hiking.It sometimes involves bushwhacking, which means a hiker must push forward through the vegetation, dense forest, and bushes that are along the way. In extreme cases, travellers must carry a machete or long knife to make a pathway.<h2>Tips and Tricks for Hiking&nbsp;in Nepal</h2>Below are enlisted ten tips to keep in mind while hiking through difficult places while in Nepal:<h3>10. Easy Boots</h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-29T165802.592.webp">A journey of a thousand miles is determined by comfortable shoes The first step is to have comfortable and right shoes for hiking. Never try new shoes for hiking and make&nbsp;sure you completed a few long strides before taking them for a walk.Choose flexible, light shoes over heavy, stiff hiking boots. Reduce&nbsp;the weight of the shoe by going for a cross-trainer that provides ankle support or a trail-running shoe.<h3>9. Remain Hydrated</h3><h3> </h3><h3> </h3><h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-29T170233.399.webp"></h3>Being Hydrated is a must while Hiking Drinking water is an essential step to hiking. Hydration is an ongoing metabolism, and the body continuously craves for water as it gets weary from long walks and exercises.There is no exact amount of how much water you should be carrying, and people don't bottle much because of their bigger&nbsp;backpacks. For&nbsp;such situations take a water purification tablet or a water purifier which allows you to drink water from streams and rivers along the trail.<h3>8. Have the Right Gears</h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-30T105721.970.webp">Essentials Gear while Hiking Before a hike always remember to have all the essentials required for the walk. Have an organised backpack that allows you quick access to all the necessities along the road.This includes carrying a first-aid kit, map, compass, headlamps, and&nbsp;extra batteries. Also, have a whistle or a signal mirror in case of mishaps in the wilderness. Carry insect repellents and sunscreens as well.<h3>7. Hiking Socks</h3><h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-30T110405.123.webp"></h3>An extra pair of socks is a must while hiking Previously there weren't many options for hikers and were usually out wearing regular tube socks. However, now there's a sock for every occasion, so pack yourself a pair or two of fresh hiking socks.In case of regular socks,&nbsp;wear nylon sock liners which protect your from feet from irritation. Please stay away from cotton socks and pants as it retains moisture.<h3>6. Cloth Layering</h3>Every season is the best time for hiking in Nepal, but the weather is notoriously changeable. Temperatures can drop and rise depending on the month you are visiting so pack accordingly.Carry warm clothes but wear them in layers so you can regulate your body temperature according to the weather. Cloth layering or Onion Layering gives control over the heat of your body while walking.<h3>5. Eat Well</h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-30T113747.853.webp"> Hiking in Nepal usually involves walking long weary trails for 5km-10km&nbsp;a day for which energy is essential. Having energy for a long day walk is very important, so carry enough edibles in your backpack, usually Snickers or energy bars.Start the day with a large <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-food-guide-for-everest-base-camp-trek" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">breakfast of fruits</a> and porridge, and keep away from fried and junk food. Other essential foods while making long trips are nuts, trail mix, and dried fruits.<h3>4. Avoid Leaving Traces</h3>While on the trail, a vital tip to remember is to leave <a href="https://www.rd.com/advice/travel/21-essential-hiking-tips/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">no trail behind</a>. It includes leaving no litter, carving on trees or damaging natural structures along the journey.Remain on the centre of the trail and walk through the mud if required. Keep off the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/why-is-nepal-known-as-the-amazon-of-asia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">woods</a> during the muddy spring season as it can cause erosion or minor landslides.<h3>3. Have your Hiking Poles</h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-30T112757.932.webp">Hiking poles are essential for hikersDon't be a macho while travelling through the hiking trails of Nepal as the path can be very unpredictable along the way.Always carry a pair of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/recommended-packing-list-for-trekking-climbing-safari-and-rafting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hiking poles</a> that'll assist you in walking and also carry&nbsp;your weight. Using poles or trekking sticks also helps reduce the pain in the knees and joints, caused by the walk.<h3>2. Always Check the Weather</h3> <img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-30T120432.274.webp">Hiking: Weather's Changing Charms<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/best-places-to-visit-in-nepal-during-winter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Weather in Nepal</a> is varied and may constantly change throughout day and night. Before travelling to any place always take a quick check at the day's climatic condition.This helps you to pack accordingly and gives you options for carrying your clothes, which sometimes involves bringing a raincoat along, in case of drizzle along the path.<h3>1. Inform Family and Friends</h3>Last but not least,&nbsp;never forget to inform your close ones of the short trip you'll be talking. Provide them with specifics of the hike and&nbsp;the time you'll be gone for.Always prepare yourself for the worst, so letting your family and friends know about the hiking will give them an idea about where to look for you in case of an accident or trouble.For further information and&nbsp;bookings, visit <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hopnepal.com</a>.

Known for hills and valleys, Nepal is known for the hiking activities it offers to hikers, trekkers, and adventurers, and travellers. But having a strong will is not just enough, knowing the necessary tips is also required while walking through the wilderness.

Hike Nepal: 10 Essential Tips for Adventurers

Embark on a memorable hiking adventure in Nepal! Discover 10 essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through its breathtaking trails.

10 Essential Hiking Tips to Keep in Mind while Travelling In Nepal

Rishi Panchami is the fifth day, the next day after the day of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Lunar calendar month of Bhadrapad. It is a typical Sapta Rishi worship. The seven sages –&nbsp;Kashyapa, Atri,&nbsp;Bharadwaja, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Gautama Maharishi,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vashishtha&nbsp;is better known as Saptarishis are worshipped on this day.&nbsp;The festival occurs on the fifth day of&nbsp;Shukla Panchami, the month of&nbsp;Bhadrapada&nbsp;(August-September). The term "Rishi" refers to the sages while "Panchami" means the fifth day. Rishi Panchami is observed in some regions of Kerala, India as&nbsp;Vishwakarma Puja.<h2>History behind Rishi Panchami</h2>The festival is dedicated to the Saptarishis — namely Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadwaja, Vishvamitra, Gautama Maharishi, Jamadagni, and Vashishtha — who were created by&nbsp;Lord Brahma&nbsp;to teach the community.&nbsp;They passed enlightenment on to humanity so that it would pursue the road of truth, grasp the fundamental values of goodness and become enlightened.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-rishi-panchami-sapta-rishis.jpg">It is assumed that if a person follows quickly and conducts rituals on this day, he or she is forgiven of all the sins of the current or past existence.&nbsp;The festival is observed primarily by women, who practice a fast&nbsp;and conduct puja to pay homage to the seven great sages.<h3>Legend of Rishi Panchami</h3>As the story goes, there was a king called&nbsp;Sitasale&nbsp;who begged Brahma to tell him about a pace that could liberate one from all past life sins.&nbsp;Brahma told him a tale about Brahmana named&nbsp;Uttak. While in the state of 'Vidarbha' the Brahmin called Uttak used to live with his wife with whom he shared a son and a daughter.&nbsp;Uttak married his daughter in a prosperous and reputed&nbsp;Brahmin family. But as time passed on, the girl's husband dies a premature death; and she becomes his widow, and on this basis, she returns to the house of her parents.&nbsp;The widow's body was infested with worms/parasites over her entire body amid a beautiful day. The sorrow saddened them after finding her tainted body and brought her father to&nbsp;Uttak Rishi&nbsp;to figure out what had happened to their baby.Tuktas Rishi&nbsp;conveyed the whole story; how she once again reincarnated into a Brahmin (purvajanam). He asked them all&nbsp;about his previous experience.&nbsp;Rishi has transmitted the explanation of&nbsp;the girl's earlier birth to her mother. The rishi then explained the girl's earlier birth to her mother.The rishi further added that the girl had handled the utensils in her household even after during the&nbsp;rajasla- mahavari&nbsp;(menstruation period). Therefore she got the worms covering her entire body because of this unwittingly done sin.<h2>Rituals on Rishi Panchami</h2>A ritual bath is taken in holy rivers, ponds or other masses of water at Rishi Panchami. On this day are worshipped,&nbsp;Lord Ganesh,&nbsp;Navagraha(nine planetary gods),&nbsp;Saptarshis&nbsp;(seven Sages) and&nbsp;Arundathi, the mother of the Gods. The women worship the Gods by offering the 'Prasad,' and washing the feet of their husbands.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-rishi-panchami-2.jpg">The citizens show reverence, appreciation and remembrance in this&nbsp;vrata&nbsp;(fasting) for the great deeds of those ancient Rishis. The latter dedicated their lives to the welfare of humanity. Women are to observe the fast.Women practice this fast and request salvation for the mistakes made during their time of menstruation. Some&nbsp;Dadheech Brahmins&nbsp;and even the&nbsp;Agrawal&nbsp;and&nbsp;Maheshwari&nbsp;groups of&nbsp;Rajasthan also celebrates Rishi Panchami as&nbsp;Raksha Bandhan&nbsp;or "Rakhi festival." Sisters attach "Rakhi" or "Sacred Cord" and brothers and sisters pray for each other's well-being and pledge to preserve every other.

Rishi Panchami is the fifth day, the next day after the day of Ganesh Chaturthi in the Lunar calendar month of Bhadrapad. It is a typical Sapta Rishi worship.

Rishi Panchami Worship of Sapta Rishis

Discover the sacred tradition of Rishi Panchami, the worship of Sapta Rishis. Unfold the significance and rituals behind this auspicious Hindu festival.

Rishi Panchami- Worship of Sapta Rishis

Nepal can be taken as an example, unlike any other nation, as both&nbsp;Hindu and Buddhist share the same temples for respective practices of adoration and conduct. Like Hinduism, Buddhism is amongst the most followed religion in the country.Buddhism is an essential religion in Nepal, as it is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia. Today in this article, we go through the aspects of Buddhism in Nepal and all the important Buddhist sites spread across the country.<h2>Buddhism as a Religion</h2>With more than 520 million followers, and above 7 per cent of the&nbsp;global population, known as Buddhists, Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion.&nbsp;Buddhism comprises several rituals, values, and philosophical practices that&nbsp;are primarily based on Buddha's original teachings and the subsequently translated ideologies.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-10T134010.900.webp">Buddhism: Path to Inner PeaceSometime between the time of the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, it emerged in&nbsp;ancient India as a Sramana tradition and spread across most of Asia.&nbsp;In general, scholars consider two main current branches of Buddhism: Theravada&nbsp;(Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great Vehicle").Most Buddhist traditions share the goal of resolving suffering and the period of death and rebirth, either through achieving Nirvana or by the journey of Buddhahood.&nbsp;In their understanding of the road to salvation, the relative importance and canonicity attributed to the numerous Buddhist scriptures, and their teachings and practices, Buddhist schools differ.Seeking shelter in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, observance of spiritual precepts, Buddhist monasticism, Buddhist meditation, and cultivation of the Paramitas (perfections or virtues) are commonly known rituals.<h2>Buddhism in Nepal</h2>Buddhism has begun to spread in Nepal by&nbsp;Indian and Tibetan missionaries since the reign of Ashoka.&nbsp;The Kiratas were amongst the first people in Nepal, followed&nbsp;by the Licchavis and Newars, who accepted Gautama Buddha's teachings.In Shakya State,&nbsp;Buddha was born in Lumbini.&nbsp;It is considered that Lumbini lies in&nbsp;the present-day Rupandehi district of Nepal's Lumbini province.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-10T134814.141.webp"> Enlightened Presence: Buddha's SerenityIn Nepal, Buddhism&nbsp;is the second-biggest faith.&nbsp;According to the 2001 census, Buddhism, comprising primarily of Tibeto-Burman-speaking ethnicities,&nbsp;the Newar was practised by 10.74 per cent of Nepal's population.However, Buddhists make up just 9 per cent of the population of the nation in the 2011 census.&nbsp;It was not possible to allocate with certainty the year in which Prince Siddhartha, Buddha's birth name, was born, typically about 563 BCE.Hinduism has absorbed Buddhist ideals in the hill and mountain regions of Nepal to such a degree that they have exchanged deities and temples in many instances.&nbsp;For starters, for both Hindus and Buddhists, the Muktinath&nbsp;Temple is sacred and a typical house of worship.<h2>History of Buddhism in Nepal</h2>As the history of Nepal has seen several shifts in the rule of various groups, Buddhism in Nepal can be split into several phases.&nbsp;During Lord Buddha's lifetime, Buddhism came to Nepal.<h3>The Shakya Clan of Nepal&nbsp;</h3>Prince Siddhartha was born into the royal&nbsp;family of the Kapilvastu clan of Shakya, Nepal.&nbsp;The son of King Suddhodhana and&nbsp;Queen Maha Maya was Prince Siddhartha.&nbsp;Gautama Buddha returned to Kapilvastu after achieving Nirvana in Bodh Gaya, India,&nbsp;and claimed that he would transform his whole family and clan into Buddhism.It was later assumed that the Shakya clan would arrive in Kathmandu and spread Buddhism in Nepal's capital city.&nbsp;The Shakya Clans may be viewed as Nepal's first Buddhist clans.The Pre-Licchavi Era is one of the essential Buddhist occurrences in Nepal.&nbsp;Deity Manjushri (one of Buddhism's significant bodhisattva) cut the gorge in Kathmandu during King Jitedasti 's period, according to Swayambhu Purana.In the 2nd century CE, the Great Mauryan Emperor Ashoka also arrived in Lumbini and established a pillar in Lumbini and sent missionaries to spread the Dharma in Nepal.&nbsp;Ashoka the Great, according to Buddhist tradition, also visited Patan and constructed four stupas.During the Licchavi Period, several ancient Buddhist sites were found in the Kathmandu Valley such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, four Ashoka's Pillar in Patan, and numerous other Buddhist stone caityas.The cart festival to honour and worship Avalokiteshvara, or also known as Matseyendranath, began during the 7th century, caitya worshipping tradition.&nbsp;Thousands of the general population also worship and celebrate this famous festival, and it is one of the most popular festivals in the Kathmandu valley.Bhrikuti, the Green Tara of Tibetan Buddhism, was thought to be the daughter of the first Anshuvarma King of Licchavi.&nbsp;Bhrikuti 's marriage to Tibetan King Songsten Gampo is known as one of Tibetan Buddhism's most prominent cases.In Tibet, Bhrikuti is thought to have initiated Buddhism.&nbsp;In the history of Buddhism in Nepal, the Malla Period is known as the golden era.&nbsp;The Paubha confronted the Tibetan Buddhist Thangka,&nbsp;introduced by Newar in the Kathmandu valley during this time.During the reign of the Shah and Rana dynasties, Buddhism suffered heavily for around 500 years.&nbsp;During this phase, many Buddhist monks were expelled.<h2>Must-Visit Buddhist Sites in Nepal</h2>Best known as the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Nepal is full of religious sites that are crucial for the followers of Buddhism. We have prepared a list of a few of them. They are:<ul><li>Kapilvastu, Lumbini</li><li>Boudhanath Stupa</li><li>Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)</li><li>Hiranya Varna MahaVihar (Kwa Baha)</li></ul><h3>Kapilvastu, Lumbini</h3>In the history of Gautama Buddha and&nbsp;Buddhism, Kapilvastu and Lumbini bear considerable significance.&nbsp;Lumbini is regarded as the world's four most famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-10T134453.610.webp">Lumbini: Birthplace of EnlightenmentKapilvastu is best known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Rahula, one of the ten great disciples, became Lord Buddha's disciple in Kapilvastu.<h3>Boudhanath Stupa</h3>One of the important centres&nbsp;for Tibetans is Boudhanath Stupa.&nbsp;The Boudhanath Stupa is Nepal's largest stupa and is thought to have been built during the Mughal invasion.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-10T135102.721.webp">Bouddhanath: Stupa's Tranquil VigilThe giant stupa is located at about 11 km (6.8 mi) from the centre of Kathmandu and lies on the northeastern outskirts of the capital city.<h3>Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)</h3>Swayambhunath Stupa's very presence shows the story of the root of Nepal's Buddhism.&nbsp;One of Buddhism's most significant pilgrimages is the Swayambhunath Stupa.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-10T135300.932.webp">Swayambhunath: Eyes of WisdomThis beautiful stupa lies on top of a hill on the western side of Kathmandu and is better known as the Monkey Temple among foreigners.<h3>Hiranya Varna MahaVihar (Kwa Baha)</h3>In the ancient city of Lalitpur, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is one of the most fascinating, beautiful,&nbsp;and most adorned Buddhist temples in Nepal and is popularly known among tourists as The Golden Temple.

Nepal can be taken as an example, unlike any other nation, as both Hindu and Buddhist share the same temples for respective practices of adoration and conduct. Like Hinduism, Buddhism is amongst the most followed religion in the country.

Nepal's Buddhism Exploring Top Must-Visit Buddhist Sites

Journey through the essence of Buddhism in Nepal with our guide to the top must-visit sites. Experience the peace, history, and spiritual richness of these incredible locations.

Buddhism in Nepal: Must Visit Buddhist Sites in Nepal

Owing to the recent outbreak of&nbsp;Corona Virus&nbsp;in&nbsp;Wuhan, China, the supposed&nbsp;Nepal India China Expo (NICE)&nbsp;has been suspended until further notice. The notice was published by&nbsp;PATA Nepal Chapter&nbsp;on&nbsp;the 28th of January 2020&nbsp;apologizing to all the buyers, sellers, sponsors, partners, speakers, guests, and delegates of NICE supporting&nbsp;Visit Nepal 2020.Following the inauguration of&nbsp;VNY 2020&nbsp;on the 1st of January 2020 and the&nbsp;Mt. Everest Fashion Runway&nbsp;on the 26th of January 2020 in&nbsp;Kala Patthar&nbsp;(5,644.5 m), Nepal India China Expo was the next big tourism event about to be held in Nepal.<h2>What is Nepal India China Expo (NICE)?</h2><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-11-21T155109.891.webp">Executing plan for the Nepal-India China ExpoCredit:myrepublica.nagriknetwork.comIt was announced on&nbsp;the 11th of September 2019&nbsp;that&nbsp;the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Nepal Chapter&nbsp;would be hosting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pata.org/pata-nepal-chapter-to-organize-nepal-india-china-expo-nice-frm-21st-to-24th-february-2020/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal India China Expo (NICE).</a>&nbsp;The historical event and decision were taken in association with&nbsp;Nepal Tourism Board&nbsp;and Visit Nepal 2020.NICE is the first-ever tri-nation tourism concept forwarded by PATA Nepal Chapter, which brings tourism and hospitality of three neighbouring countries; Nepal, India, and China. The real goal behind the expo is bringing together stakeholders, travel agencies, and tourism business organizations from both the private and public sectors.The event of this sort has not been organized before, and Nepal&nbsp;in between China and India can help bridge the tourism potential of the countries.As per a report of 2018, about 150 million Chinese vacationers travelled the world, but only 0.1% of them visited Nepal. Further studies showed that out of 28.85 million Indian holidaymakers, only 0.75% entered Nepal.This research clearly shows that Nepal has not been able to target the globetrotter market of these two great economic nations.<h2>How is Nepal India China Expo (NICE) helpful to Visit Nepal 2020?</h2>PATA Nepal and Nepal Tourism believe that the forthcoming tourism event can be beneficial for raising the economy of Nepal, which saw a significant downfall after the 7.3 Mw earthquakes on&nbsp;the 12th of May 2015.The earthquake triggered a series of landslides and avalanches on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-everest-base-camp-trekking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mount Everest</a>&nbsp;(8,848 m) and&nbsp;Lantang Valley. The critically acclaimed&nbsp;UNESCO World Heritage Sites&nbsp;located in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu Valley</a>&nbsp;like&nbsp;Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudanath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and the&nbsp;Changu Narayan Temple&nbsp;are destroyed to some extent.Another historical site&nbsp;Bhimsen Tower, popularly known as&nbsp;Dharahara&nbsp;(61.88 m tall nine-storied tower) was brought to the ground.As per PATA Nepal, NICE will play a vital role in fortifying the travel and tourism industry between the three South-Asian countries. This&nbsp;MICE&nbsp;tourism will play an essential role in fulfilling the target set by the Nepal Tourism Board to bring in 3 million travellers, backpackers, visitors, vacationers, sightseers, and explorers inside the country.Furthermore, if Visit Nepal 2020 goes as planned, then Nepalese can expect an increase in the following of tourists and globetrotters by 5 million by the year 2030.For Nepal India China Expo, the land where&nbsp;Lord Buddha&nbsp;was born is expecting about 1000+ foreign delegates from around the world, 200+ regional buyers, 100+ exhibitors, 15+ high-profile public speakers. There will be hundreds of delegates and guests, including media personnel, trade visitors, and government officials to mark the nationwide celebration of Visit Nepal Year 2020.Government authorities have joined hands with major stakeholders and tourism-related organizations of Nepal. The tourism board seeks full co-operation from the people, airline companies, hotels, homestays, media, and the overall travel-trade faculty of Nepal.<h2>When is NICE being held?</h2>Nepal India China Expo was supposed to start from the 21st of February&nbsp;2020&nbsp;till&nbsp;the 25th of February 2020. However, owing to the recent outbreak of Corona Virus in China, the event has been postponed until further notice.PATA released a statement on the 28th of January 2020 signed by the chairman&nbsp;Bibhuti Chand Thakur&nbsp;apologizing for the inconvenience and has asked to remain in touch for further updates regarding NICE.

After the outbreak of Coronavirus in Wuhan, China, Nepal postponed the hosting of Nepal India China Expo (NICE), set to be held between 21 February 2020 and 25th February 2020. Chairman for PATA Nepal, Bibhuti Chand Thakur released a statement apologizing.

Nepal India China Expo (NICE) Postponed Due to Corona

Nepal India China Expo (NICE) was postponed due to the Corona outbreak. Learn about the new dates and implications in this blog post.

Nepal India China Expo (NICE) Postponed Because of Corona Outbreak

Teej is the collective term for a variety of Hindu festivals observed by women of Nepal and India. Haryali Teej and Hartalika Teej, which greet the monsoon season with singing, dancing, and prayer ceremonies, are predominantly enjoyed by girls and women.Teej's monsoon celebrations are primarily focused on Parvati and her marriage to Shiva. Teej is typically celebrated by women fasting. Hartalika Teej is a Nepalese festival observed throughout the country, as well as most of North India.Women historically hold Teej celebrations to commemorate the monsoon season during the Hindu months of Shravan and Bhadrapada. During Teej, women frequently pray to Parvati and Shiva.<h2>Why the Name Teej?</h2>Teej denotes the third day following the new moon (amavasya) and the third day following the whole moon night of each lunar month. Kajari Teej and Hartalika Teej, according to Kumar (1988), are in Bhadrapada.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-teej.jpeg">Teej refers to the monsoon festivities that are celebrated throughout India's western and northern states, as well as Nepal. The celebrations combine social activity, rituals, and customs to celebrate nature's abundance, the coming of clouds and rain, vegetation, and birds.Women's holidays include Haryali Teej, dancing, singing, getting together with friends and exchanging stories, henna-coloured hands and feet, wearing red, green, or orange clothing, eating celebratory meals, and swinging beneath trees.<h2>Hartalika Teej</h2>Hartalika combines the Hindi terms harit and aalika, which respectively imply "abduction" and "female companion." Parvati, according to the tale of Hartalika Teej, took the form of Shailaputri.Parvati worshipped and fashioned a shiva lingam out of her hair on the third day of the bright half of Bhadrapud. Shiva was so taken aback that he agreed to marry Parvati. Parvati was eventually united with Shiva and married him with her father's approval. Since then, the day has been known as Hartalika Teej, since Parvati's female (aalika) companion had to kidnap (harit) her for the goddess to marry Shiva.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-teej-nepal.jpg">As a result, Hartalika Teej is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Indian/North Nepali lunar month of Bhadrapud. During the evening of Hartalika Teej, festival ladies feasted, prayed to Parvati and Shiva, remembered their wedding, and stayed up all night listening to prayers.The fast begins on Hartalika Teej evening and ends the next day after a full day of observance that includes ladies not even drinking water. The emphasis is on praying to Parvati, whom Shiva wished to be worshipped as Hartalika.<h2>Haritalika Teej Celebration In Nepal</h2>The festival is dedicated to Parvati and commemorates her union with Shiva. It is observed for the well-being of one's spouse and children, as well as the cleansing of one's body and mind. Teej festival is a 3-day event that includes lavish feasts as well as strict fasting.Women celebrate Teej (also romanized Tij) for her husband's long life and their long and strong connection in this life and all future lifetimes. On the third day after the new moon of the month of Bhadra, ladies from various castes of Nepalese culture, notably the Bahun, Chettri, Magars, Kiratis, and others, celebrate it (mid-August to mid-September).<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-teej-in-nepal.jpg">Teej has historic and modern characteristics as a festival of enjoying good times with siblings, and it is referred to as a "festival of sisterhood" by certain groups.Although it appears to be a celebration of sisterhood because married women have a rare opportunity to meet with sisters and friends from their birthplace, there is a vital role for brothers in celebrating the festival, as they are to call their sisters on this auspicious occasion and cook exceptional food for their sisters. All the girls enjoy time doing make-up to look their best and dancing to forget about their troubles.<h3>Traditional Values of Teej</h3>According to Hindu legend, Parvati fled away from her house with her friends to the woods because she was frightened that her father Himalaya would give his daughter Parvati in marriage to Vishnu, according to Shree Swosthani Bratakatha. She then went to the woods and prayed to Shiva, requesting that he grant her wish to marry him.He responded, "tathastu," which means he will grant her request. That was Teej's day, and Parvati finally got her spouse, as she had wished for all her life. Unmarried women commemorate this day to find the spouse of their dreams, while married women celebrate it for their husband to have a long, healthy, and prosperous life.<h3>First Day</h3>Dar Khane Din is the name given on the first day of Teej. On this day, the women gather in one location dressed to the nines and begin dancing and singing devotional songs. The great feast takes place in the midst of all of this. The dinner is held by males, which is rare for this day. Women who work hard all year don't have to do anything on that particular day.That is the day for them to fully immerse themselves in sorha singaar, dressing up and applying make-up to their hearts' content, indulging in delectable cuisine, and dancing. Because ladies are frequently asked to the feast by many brothers, they often try to dance off part of the food before eating more. The cuisine offered is expected to be lavish and plentiful.This is perhaps the one day of the year when women have complete freedom of speech. As a result, ladies have historically utilized this occasion to sing songs about their sufferings and pangs while dancing.Women nowadays take this opportunity to express their concerns about societal issues and discrimination against women, thanks to advancements in communication and awareness. The revelry usually lasts until midnight, after which the 24-hour fast begins.<h3>Second Day</h3>The second day is a fasting day. Some women refuse to eat or drink, while others consume liquids and eat fruit. Women, both married and single, follow the fast.Married women fast from food and drink in the hopes that their devotion to the gods will reward their husband and family with longevity, tranquillity, and wealth. Unmarried women follow the fast in the hopes of finding a suitable husband.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-teej-festival.jpg">They dress brightly and sing and dance their way to a local Shiva temple. The Pashupatinath Temple attracts the most visitors. Women circumambulate the Shiva lingam, which represents Shiva, at the temple, and bring flowers, sweets, and money to the worshippers.The primary puja (religious ritual) begins with flowers, fruits, and other gifts offered to Shiva and his wife Parvati, begging them to bless the husband and family.The oil lamp is an essential element of the puja and should be kept lit all night. It is thought that owning an oil lamp all night will bring the husband and family serenity and wealth.<h3>Third Day</h3>Rishi Panchami is the festival's third day. Women pay respect to seven saints or sages, give prayers to deities, and bathe in red mud located on the roots of the sacred datiwan bush, as well as its leaves, after completing the previous day's puja.Rishi Panchami is the festival's third day. Women pay respect to seven saints or sages, give prayers to deities, and bathe in red mud located on the roots of the sacred datiwan bush, as well as its leaves, after completing the previous day's puja.The Rishi Panchami is dedicated to women's purity. It's a period when women purge themselves of the "sin of contacting a male during menstruation."Two days after the Teej, the women participate in ritual baths and puja (worship) during this festival.Teej songs have become a critical commentary on gender relations from women's views in recent decades, as Nepal and the surrounding area have experienced tremendous growth and urbanization."These songs take the women's ideas and experiences of adversity from a private dialogue to a public stage," according to the press release. Teej songs provide women with a public voice, allowing them to affect change in their communities.

image-festival-of-teej-haritalika-teej.jpg

Teej is the collective term for a variety of Hindu festivals observed by women of Nepal and India. Haryali Teej and Hartalika Teej, which greet the monsoon season with singing, dancing, and prayer ceremonies, are predominantly enjoyed by girls and women. Teej's monsoon celebrations are primarily focused on Parvati and her marriage to Shiva. Teej is typically celebrated by women fasting. Hartalika Teej is a Nepalese festival observed throughout the country, as well as most of North India.

Haritalika Teej: Nepalese Women's Festival

Discover the cultural significance of Haritalika Teej, the vibrant festival celebrating women in Nepal. Learn about its rituals, traditions, and the joyous spirit it brings to the nation.

Haritalika Teej - Festival Of The Women In Nepal

Most of the travellers visiting<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Nepal </a>dream of hiking in the Himalayas, but there is another totally different scenery to discover in the south of Nepal — Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks.&nbsp;Within the forested canopies of these two protected areas, you&nbsp;can see rhinos, lions, elephants and a variety of birdlife.&nbsp;Here is a guide for preparing trips to these two jungles.<h2>Deciding Which Jungle Region To Visit</h2>Nepal has a total of ten national parks, two of which are of particular interest to tourists keen to see the jungle and wildlife — Chitwan and Bardiya.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-08T153728.558.webp">Caption: Deer's enjoying the morning sunshineChitwan is more popular as compared to Bardiya because it is closer to <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a> (and therefore more readily accessible).&nbsp;Bardiya is a very isolated location, but if you want&nbsp;to avoid the crowds, this is the location to go.For both of these parks, the perfect time to make a visit is&nbsp;from March to April, during the dry season of Nepal.&nbsp;During this time, the canopy of the jungle is less dense, making it easier to identify wildlife.&nbsp;Also, since there are fewer sources of water available to nature over this period, guides will have a better time determining where the animals will be drinking and bathing. The next best time to explore the jungle is during the months of October to November.&nbsp;After the summer monsoon season, the forest is exceptionally lush, making it difficult to find wildlife, but the weather is good (with temperatures about 70 ° F in the afternoon).<h2>Bardiya National Park</h2><a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/bardiya-national-park-largest-national-park-of-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bardiya National Park</a> is genuinely isolated on the frontier with northern India in the centre of Far West Terai.&nbsp;If you want to flee the crowds and feel like you have the wilderness of Nepal on your own, this is the spot for you.&nbsp;Not nearly as industrial as Chitwan, the park occupies 373 square miles of thick salt forest and grassland in the jade-coloured Karnali River.&nbsp;You could spend over a couple of hours inside the park without seeing another human.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-08T140021.225.webp"> Majestic Tiger Roams WildThe park is noted for its diversity of&nbsp;habitats, from dry upland hills to grassy plains pockets.&nbsp;This means you're going to&nbsp;see an abundance of animals.&nbsp;If you can, let yourself be here for at least three to four days and be sure&nbsp;to start your days early when the animals are most involved, and the temperatures are relatively comfortable.<h3>Reaching Bardiya National Park</h3>You can fly from <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-incredible-reasons-to-visit-kathmandu-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a> to Nepalganj Airport, which is&nbsp;a three-hour bus flight (or 4x4 plane) away from the park.&nbsp;Flights fly only five days a day,&nbsp;and the overland trip takes about an hour.&nbsp;The park's headquarters is in Thakudwara (also called&nbsp;Thakurdwara), which is also the place where you can find accommodation.&nbsp;A smaller office is situated at the eastern gateway to East Chisapani.<h3>Wildlife Found in Bardiya National Park</h3>Brace yourself to have a close look at the Royal Bengal tigers.&nbsp;In 2010, the<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/banke-national-park-gift-to-the-earth" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Banke National Park</a> was formed at the eastern border of Bardia.&nbsp;Together, the parks are the largest tiger protected area in Asia.&nbsp;The forest is not as thick as it is in Chitwan, and there are not as many sources of water as there are, so there is more likelihood of seeing them in Bardia.Keep an eye out for rhinos, too.&nbsp;They seem to like the western side of the park, so you may want to go with your friends.&nbsp;Asian elephants, hog deer, spotted deer, nilgai antelopes, leopards, wild boar,&nbsp;jackals and freshwater Ganges dolphins all live in the park, too.&nbsp;Bardia is also a sanctuary for a host of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/list-of-endangered-animals-of-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">endangered species</a>, including the Bengal flora, the sarus cranes, the sliver-eared messiah, and the lesser flora.<h2>Chitwan National Park</h2>Chitwan was Nepal's first national park. Established in 1973, it is a five-hour or 25-minute flight from <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-seven-places-to-visit-near-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu </a>and consists of 360 square miles of grassland, sal forest, and marshes.&nbsp; <img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-08T140755.837.webp"> Bardiya: Wildlife Sanctuary SerenityThe park is located in Nepal's Inner Terai subtropical lowlands.&nbsp;It would be best if you always were accompanied by a guide to visit <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/chitwan-national-park-heart-of-the-jungle" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chitwan National Park</a>.Most of the safari trips began early in the morning: the animals are most aggressive at dawn, and the sun is less overwhelming.&nbsp;Options for exploring include jeep safari, safari camping, and canoeing in the forest.<h3>Wildlife Found in Chitwan National Park</h3>In Chitwan, there is a strong possibility of spotting the Asian one-horned rhino, a rare incentive for poaching in the early twentieth century to see the rhino on the brink of extinction in the jungle of Nepal.&nbsp;Chitwan National Park was developed as a rhino sanctuary in 1962,&nbsp;becoming the country's first national park a decade later.&nbsp;Over 500 rhinos are residing in the park today.Chitwan also has one of the largest populations of Bengal tigers in the world, with about 122 reported roaming the conservated area.&nbsp;They can be hard to find in a&nbsp;dense forest with plenty of water for the wildlife.&nbsp;This is where a knowledgeable local guide is becoming critical.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-08T152831.223.webp"> Tiger's Gaze: Wilderness ConnectionOther species to be seen include langur, Indian bison, four kinds of the wolf, gharial crocodile (also known as fish-eating crocodile) and 150 different types of butterfly.&nbsp;If you're fortunate enough, you could see a&nbsp;leopard, a sloth bear, or a wild elephant.&nbsp;There are also over more than 500 bird species, including kingfishers,&nbsp;herons, fly-fishers, red jungle birds, woodpeckers, and egrets. The best time for<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/bird-watching-places-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> birdwatching</a> in Chitwan is in March or December: serious birdwatchers will want to schedule their visit to the protected area around this timeframe.<h3>Reaching Chitwan National Park</h3><h3><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-08T152645.965.webp"></h3>Chitwan is a 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu by road.&nbsp;You can also fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport, which lies just outside the park.&nbsp;There are around seven flights a day from <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/hotels/destination/kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a>, and the trip takes about 25 minutes.&nbsp;Chitwan has two significant entrances: Sauraha is to&nbsp;the east while the Meghauli Village lies to the west.

Most of the travellers visiting Nepal dream of hiking in the Himalayas, but there is another totally different scenery to discover in the south of Nepal — Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks.

Nepal's Jungle Gems An In-depth Look at Bardiya & Chitwan Parks

&nbsp;Nepal's jungles in Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks. Our blog post shares wildlife encounters, activities, and the raw beauty of these natural havens.

Visiting Nepal's Jungle: Bardiya and Chitwan National Parks

Krishna Janmasthami&nbsp;is better known as&nbsp;Janmasthami&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/festival-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hindu festival</a> that celebrates the birth of&nbsp;Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of&nbsp;Lord Vishnu. Janmasthami is observed on the eighth day of the&nbsp;Krishna Paksha&nbsp;in&nbsp;Shraavana&nbsp;or&nbsp;Bhadrapad&nbsp;and overlaps with the Gregorian calendar of August or September according to the Hindu lunisolar calendar.Krishna Janmasthami is a very significant festival, especially to the followers of&nbsp;Vaishnavism, a sect in Hinduism. A portion of the Janmashtami festivities is dance-drama enactments of Krishna's life as per the writings of&nbsp;Bhagavata Purana&nbsp;(such as&nbsp;Rasa Lila&nbsp;or&nbsp;Krishna Lila). This is followed by a devotional chanting through midnight when Krishna was born, fasting a night vigil (Ratri Jagaran), and a festival the next day.<h2>Importance of Krishna Janmasthami</h2>Krishna is the son of&nbsp;Devaki, and&nbsp;Vasudeva Anakadundubhi&nbsp;and Hindus celebrate his birthday as Janmashtami, particularly those of the tradition of&nbsp;Gaudiya Vaishnavism&nbsp;as he is considered the Supreme Personality of Godhead.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T105020.903.webp">Divine Krishna BlessingsCredit:Nepaltraveller.comJanmashtami is observed as it is assumed that Krishna was born according to the Hindu custom that is in&nbsp;Mathura&nbsp;at midnight on the eighth day of the month of&nbsp;Bhadrapada&nbsp;(overlaps in the Gregorian calendar of August and September 3).Krishna was born during an era of chaos. It was a time when injustice was rife, and rights were withheld, darkness was everywhere, and his uncle King Kansa threatened his life.Immediately after Krishna's birth in Mathura, his father, Vasudeva Anakadundubhi, takes Krishna&nbsp;across the&nbsp;Yamuna&nbsp;to his new foster parents in&nbsp;Gokul, named&nbsp;Nanda&nbsp;and&nbsp;Yashoda.&nbsp;On Janmashtami, this tradition is celebrated by people who keep fast, sing devotional songs of love for Krishna and hold a vigil through the night.After the birth of Krishna in the midnight hour, baby Krishna&nbsp;statues are washed and dressed and then set in a cradle.&nbsp;The devotees then break their fast, exchanging sweets and food.&nbsp;Women draw tiny footsteps outside the doors and kitchen of their house, heading into their family, a sign of Krishna's journey into their home.<h2>Celebration of Krishna Janmasthami</h2>The Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing, praying, cooking and exchanging special meals, night watching, and visiting the temples of Krishna or Vishnu.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T104411.268.webp">Joyful Krishna Janmashtami CelebrationCredit:Kathmandupost.comSignificant temples of Krishna are conducting&nbsp;recitation of "Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita".Many societies hold Rasa Lila&nbsp;or Krishna Lila dance-drama activities.Numerous teams of amateur artists perform on it, encouraged by their local audiences and these plays of drama-dance begin a few days before each Janmashtami.<h2>Krishna Janmasthami in Different Countries</h2>The celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna is different in different parts of the world. It is a significant festival in the South-Asian countries where the primary religion is Hinduism.<h3>Nepal</h3>Around eighty per cent of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>'s&nbsp;population identify as Hindus and celebrate Krishna Janmashtami.&nbsp;Through fasting, they follow Janmashtami until midnight.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-10T110709.575.webp">Sacred Krishna FestivitiesCredit:Nepaltravellers.comThe devotees are reciting the Bhagavad Gita and performing holy songs called kirtans and bhajans.&nbsp;Krishna's temples are wrapped in decoration.&nbsp;Shops, banners, and houses have Krishna motifs in them.<h3>India</h3>Janmasthami is popular in India as&nbsp;Gokulasthami&nbsp;and is celebrated in major cities like&nbsp;Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Dwarka, and Mathura. The festival is followed by&nbsp;Dahi Handi, a tradition where a pot of yoghurt is hanged from a pole, and people form a human pyramid to break these hanging yoghurt pots.In the Indian states of Odisha&nbsp;and West Bengal, the festival is observed as&nbsp;Sri Krishna Jayanti&nbsp;or&nbsp;Sri Jayanti.<h3>Pakistan</h3>Janmashtami is celebrated in the&nbsp;Shri Swaminarayan Mandir&nbsp;in&nbsp;Karachi&nbsp;by the&nbsp;Pakistani Hindus&nbsp;with the singing of bhajans and the presentation of sermons on Krishna.<h3>Bangladesh</h3>Janmashtami is a national holiday in Bangladesh. On Janmashtami, a procession begins at&nbsp;Dhakeshwari&nbsp;Temple&nbsp;in Dhaka, the&nbsp;Bangladesh National Shrine, and then continues along&nbsp;Old Dhaka&nbsp;avenues.&nbsp;The tradition dates from 1902 but was halted in 1948.&nbsp;In 1989 the procession resumed.<h3>Fiji</h3>At least one-quarter of Fiji's population follows Hinduism and this holiday has been observed in Fiji since the first indentured Indian labourers arrived there.&nbsp;In Fiji, Janmashtami is named "Krishna Ashtami."Most Hindus in Fiji have ancestors who come from Uttar Pradesh,&nbsp;Bihar and Tamil Nadu, rendering this a festival of specific significance to them.&nbsp;The Janmashtami festivities of Fiji are unique in that they continue for eight days, extending to the eighth day, the day of the birth of Krishna.During these eight days, Hindus assemble with their 'mandalis' at homes and temples, or evening and night&nbsp;devotional parties, and recite the Bhagavat Purana, sing devotional songs for Krishna and give Prasadam to others.<h3>Other Countries</h3>Governor Janet Napolitano&nbsp;became the first American official to salute a post on Janmashtami in Arizona, United States while recognizing ISKCON.In the countries like&nbsp;Guyana, Trinidad&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tobago, Jamaica&nbsp;and the former British colony Fiji, as well&nbsp;as the former Dutch colony of&nbsp;Suriname, the festival is still commonly observed by Hindus in the&nbsp;Caribbean.Many Hindus in these countries come from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal and Orissa descendants of indentured immigrants.ISKCON temples worldwide commemorate Krishna Janmashtami and ISKCON&nbsp;founder&nbsp;Swami Prabhupada's birthday (September 1, 1896).

Krishna Janmasthami is better known as Janmasthami a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Birth of Lord Krishna: Krishna Janmasthami

Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami, the divine birth of Lord Krishna. Explore the significance, rituals, and joyous festivities of this auspicious occasion.&nbsp;

Krishna Janmasthami- Birth of Lord Krishna

The art of inking one's body is quite popular in Nepal. Like&nbsp;the previous nine tattoo conventions, several renown tattoo artists are flying into the country for the <a href="https://www.nepaltattooconvention.com/index.php?link=media" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10th&nbsp;International Nepal Tattoo Convention</a>.2020's 10th&nbsp;International Nepal Tattoo Convention is an event managed by <a href="http://www.mohanstattooinn.com/np/index.php" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mohan's Tattoo Inn</a> and promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board.&nbsp;<h2>What is the 10th International Nepal Tattoo Convention?</h2>As of 2019, Nepal has hosted 9 international tattoo conventions, which featured tattoo artists from all over the world. The events have been witnessed by several tattoo lovers and body art enthusiasts.Nepal Tattoo Pvt. Ltd is the proud organiser&nbsp;of the upcoming event and is amongst the first in the Asian sub-continent to organize such gatherings for people interested in tattoos, body piercings, and body mod artists.Focusing on the nationwide celebrated tourism year of Nepal, Visit Nepal 2020, Nepal Tourism Board has collaborated with Mohan Tattoo Inn to host the 10th International Tattoo Convention.&nbsp;The official media partner&nbsp;for the event is The Himalayan Times while Subisu is the internet partners. The directors for the convention are Mohan Gurung and Bijay Shrestha.<h3>When is it being held?</h3>The event will be held on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th of April 2020 at the Heritage Garden Convention Hall in Sanepa, <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/introduction-to-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a>.&nbsp;<h2>Mohan's Tattoo Inn</h2><h2><img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-30T125621.165.webp"></h2><h4>Tattoo Artistry Capturing Skin Stories</h4>The tattoo shop was first established in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/best-lakes-to-visit-in-pokhara" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lake Side, Pokhara</a> in the November of 2000. The shop was the first of its kind and specialized in body ink and piercings. Mohan Gurung later made a move to the capital city and set up his establishment in Thamel, <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-seven-places-to-visit-near-kathmandu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a> in June 2005.Mohan Gurung's art has been featured in news journals like Times, The Himalayan, Bme Zine, Koseli, City Post and many others.<h3>Artists to look for at&nbsp;the 10th International Nepal Tattoo Convention</h3>As per recent updates, several renown tattoo artists will be arriving for the event set to be held in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/how-safe-is-nepal-for-visitors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>. Some of them are enlisted below:<ul><li>Austin RA Inks, Inc.</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/aascharya666/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AASCHARYA&nbsp;</a>Gagan Tattoo Inn</li><li>Kamal Dulal&nbsp;Inks Inc.</li><li>VISHAL&nbsp;Bold-Craft Tattoo &amp; Piercings&nbsp;</li><li>Neelix Bihani&nbsp;RAZONE TATTOO&nbsp;</li><li>SAGAR RANA&nbsp;Eden Tattoo</li><li>RALF&nbsp;INK-Society 26 - Austria</li><li>Inky Joe - Norwich&nbsp;</li><li>Neena Jay Tattoo&nbsp;-Germany</li></ul>Individuals interested in getting a tattoo may contact the official page of the convention or follow their Facebook page, Nepal Tattoo Convention.

The 10th International Nepal Tattoo Convention will be held on 3rd, 4th, and 5th April 2020 in Heritage Graden Convention Hall in Sanepa, Nepal. The event is organised by Mohan Gurung of Mohan's Tattoo Inn and promoted by Nepal Tourism Board.

10th Int'l Nepal Tattoo Convention: Unleash Artistry

Join the artistic celebration at the 10th Int'l Nepal Tattoo Convention, supported by Nepal Tourism Board. Explore incredible tattoo art and culture.

10th International Nepal Tattoo Convention, Promoted by Nepal Tourism Board

Destination

Ilam&nbsp;is one of the hill districts lying in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/how-safe-is-nepal-for-visitors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>'s eastern development zone. The hill station is best known for its tea gardens, and it is one of Nepal's most populated regions. The unique nature and biodiversity of the place draw a great many tourists.Ilam is one of the popular attractions enjoyed by holidaymakers who fly to the eastern part of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/why-is-nepal-known-as-the-amazon-of-asia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>. It lies between the Himalayan ranges and offers a large variety of places in the summer season which attracts many visitors. We've enlisted Ilam's ten must-visit places.<h2>Location of Ilam in Nepal&nbsp;</h2>Ilam falls in Province No. 1 on the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-rated-attractions-places-to-visit-in-eastern-region-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">eastern side</a> of Nepal. It is one of Nepal's popular hill stations and occupies an area of 1,703 sq km.&nbsp;Ilam's altitude varies from 3,636 m to 140 m and is internationally bordered by&nbsp;Darjeeling, India&nbsp;in the east, and in the west by&nbsp;Dhankuta&nbsp;and&nbsp;Morang. To the south of Ilam lies&nbsp;Jhapa, and in the north lies&nbsp;Panchthar.<h3>Where does Ilam get its name?</h3>The place's name is derived from the&nbsp;Kiranti&nbsp;language where&nbsp;Il&nbsp;stands for&nbsp;twisted&nbsp;while&nbsp;Lam&nbsp;stands for the&nbsp;lane.&nbsp;Ilam is usually a winding highway that can be encountered when driving to this spot. It's also sometimes called&nbsp;Charkhol, indicating the four-river junction;&nbsp;Jogmai, Mai, Puwamai,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Deaumai.<h3>What is Ilam best known for?&nbsp;</h3>Ilam is famous for its export-quality <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/things-to-do-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tea-gardens</a> and milk.&nbsp;Ilam's most outstanding tea is shipped into many European countries. In addition to the beverage, the place is also regarded as the leading producer of&nbsp;cardamom, ginger, potato,&nbsp;and&nbsp;broom.Ilam's climate is&nbsp;tropical, subtropical,&nbsp;and&nbsp;temperate,&nbsp;attracting several holidaymakers to this area.&nbsp;Rare birds and animals such as&nbsp;red panda, black bear, tahr&nbsp;and trees such as&nbsp;rhododendron, Chimal, chaap, and sal&nbsp;are present at the hill station.Ilam is also renowned for its cultural richness and is host to ethnic groups such as&nbsp;Limbu, Rai, Tamang, Magar,&nbsp;Lepcha, Sunuwar, Kulung, Sampang,&nbsp;Gurung, Newari, Sherpa, Bantawa, Chamling,&nbsp;and&nbsp;Yakkha.<h2>What are Ilam's 10 best areas to travel?&nbsp;</h2>As mentioned above, we have described the ten most visited places in Ilam today, in this post.<h3>1.Antu Danda&nbsp;</h3>Antu Danda&nbsp;is one of those locations you can't forget when in Ilam. The place boasts of stunning views of the Himalayan<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/best-places-to-witness-sunrise-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> sunrise </a>and sunset.&nbsp;Danda&nbsp;in Nepali means&nbsp;hill&nbsp;and the place are situated at 2,328 m above sea level from where you can see the flatlands of Terai, terraced farmlands, dense pine forests and tea gardens below.You can see India's hill stations like&nbsp;Kurseong, Darjeeling&nbsp;and&nbsp;Mirik&nbsp;from Antu on a clear day as well.&nbsp;You will enter Antu Danda after a drive of an hour from&nbsp;Pashupatinagar&nbsp;though it takes about three hours from the main&nbsp;Ilam Bazaar.&nbsp;Once you've come to Antu, you can stay at the famous local homes or a home-stay.<h3>2.Mai Pokhari</h3>Another significant Ilam attraction is&nbsp;Mai-Pokhari&nbsp;(pond) which has nine corners. The magnificent lake is covered by a&nbsp;dense forest of&nbsp;juniper, oak,&nbsp;and&nbsp;birch fir.&nbsp;The place boasts of flowers such as rhododendrons and orchids, and if you're fortunate enough you'll get to witness some unusual animal species such as&nbsp;red panda, musk deer (Kasturi), porcupine, leopard, jackal&nbsp;and much more.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-11-30T111254.589.webp">Mai Pokhari: Tranquil Alpine BeautyCredit:yetritrailadventure.comEven Mai-Pokhari has a religious meaning and is called a holy pond devoted to&nbsp;Goddess Bhagwati.&nbsp;A fair is conducted annually between October and November in which Hindus and religious groups from Nepal, India, and&nbsp;Bhutan&nbsp;participate.&nbsp;Mai Pokhari is 18 km away from Ilam Bazaar and can be reached in a private taxi within 30 minutes drive.<h3>3.Sandakpur (Sandakphu)&nbsp;</h3>Sandakpur&nbsp;is situated in the Nepal-India frontier at an elevation of 3,665 m. In India, it branches out in&nbsp;West Bengal's Darjeeling region.&nbsp;Tourists can take a private cab from Ilam to&nbsp;Maimajhuwa Khorsanitar. From there we will eventually arrive at Sandakphu after a 5-hour trek.When in Sandakpur we can appreciate the magnificent views of the highest mountains in the world such as&nbsp;Mt. Everest&nbsp;(8,848 m),&nbsp;Mt. Kangchenjunga&nbsp;(8,586 m),&nbsp;Mt. Makalu&nbsp;(8,485 m),&nbsp;Mt. Lhotse&nbsp;(8,516 m), and&nbsp;Mt. Kumbakarna&nbsp;(7,710 m).&nbsp;The location is well known for <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/bird-watching-places-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">bird watching</a>, and the region is home to the Nepal national's bird&nbsp;Danfe&nbsp;(Himalayan monal) from Nepal.&nbsp;Sandakpur also harbours endangered species such as musk deer and red panda.<h3>4. Kanyam and Fikkal (Phikkal Bazaar)&nbsp;</h3>Ilam is renowned for its tea gardens, and shrubs have&nbsp;been planted in&nbsp;Kanyam&nbsp;and&nbsp;Fikkal&nbsp;over 140 years ago.&nbsp;Kanyam is accessible to both inbound and outbound visitors coming to take pictures, sightseeing, and picnics.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-21T152407.840.webp"> Beautiful Kanyam city Fikkal is one of Ilam's commercial hubs and the centre for arriving visitors from Darjeeling, India.&nbsp;On Thursdays, there is a weekly haat held where local farmers and vendors come to sell their products.<h3>5. Pathibhara Devi&nbsp;</h3>Lying in the eastern region of Nepal, this temple of&nbsp;Goddess Pathibhara&nbsp;is the most visited holy spot.&nbsp;It is considered a sister temple to&nbsp;Taplejung's original&nbsp;Pathibhara Devi, and those who can't afford to visit the original temple at 3,794 m can visit this one just above&nbsp;Sunmai.The religious site is situated in&nbsp;Hanspokhari&nbsp;and is just above the highway to&nbsp;Ilam-Mechi.<h3>6.Mai Beni</h3>Mai Beni&nbsp;sits in Ilam's foothills and is the intersection of two sacred rivers&nbsp;Mai Khola&nbsp;and&nbsp;Jogmai Khola.&nbsp;It is roughly around 3 km from the main town and is famed for<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/maha-shivaratri-in-nepal-celebration-significance-pashupatinath-temple-and-cannabis" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Lord Shiva</a>'s shrine.&nbsp;Hundreds of worshippers visit Mai Beni in January to take a dip in the holy waters during&nbsp;Manghe Sankranti.<h3>7.Siddhi Thumka&nbsp;</h3>Standing at 1,693 m above sea level,&nbsp;Siddhi Thumka&nbsp;is located about 18 km from Ilam's&nbsp;Ajambare Danda.&nbsp;The spot is renowned for sunrise and sunset, as well as stunning views of the Everest and Kangchenjunga mountains and ranges such as&nbsp;Mahabharat&nbsp;range and&nbsp;Churia&nbsp;range.In addition to these, some other famous Siddhi Thumka destinations are the&nbsp;Khnadrung Cave, Singhadevisthan, Fulbari, Namthala, Pankhelung falls, Ratopani,&nbsp;&nbsp;and&nbsp;Falgunanda Manghim Temple.&nbsp;On the southeastern side of Siddhi Thumpka, rice paddy fields and orange cultivation are a significant draw for agricultural tourism.<h3>8.Gajur Mukhi (Gajurmukhi Devisthan)&nbsp;</h3>Gajur Mukhi&nbsp;is a prominent religious Hindu place located in eastern Nepal. The location is on the shores of the Deumai River, at an altitude of 500 m.&nbsp;It is believed that pilgrims who visit this holy place will be rewarded with a boy, while a voice will be given to the voiceless.Gajur Mukhi Devisthan sits roughly around 40 km from Ilam Bazaar.&nbsp;On the day of&nbsp;Kartik Purnima&nbsp;(November), there is massive Mela (fair) held annually.<h3>9.Choyatar and Hangetham Forests&nbsp;</h3>Hangetham&nbsp;is the location to be for forest protection campaigners and wildlife lovers alike. Constructed on Ilam's north-eastern edge, Hangetham sits at 2,170 m high in the&nbsp;Jamuna&nbsp;VDC. The area is renowned for its changing weather patterns, thick fog, lush trees, and Ilam's spectacular vistas.The forest of Hangetham and&nbsp;Choyatar&nbsp;is well known for housing wildlife such as the red panda, leopard, thar, charibag, black bear, thakthake and rajpankhi.&nbsp;The forest is a natural habitat to birds such as munal, hawk, kandevaccur and many more. The woods are filled with&nbsp;rhododendron, chap,&nbsp;sunakhari, bante, katush, chiraito&nbsp;and other plants.You may also join a Buddhist temple nearby,&nbsp;Naya Bazaar&nbsp;and Thumke, when in Hangetham.&nbsp;<h3>10.Todke Falls (Todke Jharna)</h3>It is Nepal's second-longest waterfall, with an 85 m height. Todke Falls sits about 40 m west from Mai Khola or Mai Beni at an elevation of 1,600 m.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/image-todke-falls.jpg">The place is a massive draw for visitors who come here to take photos of the magnificent waterfall that appears as if it falls out of the heavens.Another waterfall in the region is the&nbsp;Dhappar&nbsp;Todke which is situated in the&nbsp;Mai Majhuwa Dhappar&nbsp;district.There are also other tourism spots in Ilam alongside these areas.&nbsp;Few honorary notices are as follows:&nbsp;<ul><li>Narayansthan&nbsp;</li><li>Bhimsensthan&nbsp;</li><li>Sati Devi Mandir</li><li>Singha Bahini</li></ul>Visit <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hopnepal.com</a> for more information on <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>.

Uncover the charm of Ilam, Nepal! Explore our list of the 10 best places to visit, from lush tea gardens to stunning mountain vistas. A journey of beauty awaits!

Exploring Ilam, Nepal: Discover the Top 10 Must-Visit Places - Hop Nepal

Explore the 10 best places to visit in Ilam, Nepal. Immerse in stunning landscapes, tea gardens, and cultural delights.

10 Best Places to visit in Ilam, Nepal

Pathibhara Devi Temple&nbsp;also known as&nbsp;Mukkumlung&nbsp;by the local&nbsp;Limbu&nbsp;people, is one of <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/how-safe-is-nepal-for-visitors" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>'s most significant Hindu temple, situated on&nbsp;Taplejung Hill. Pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and India flock to the temple on special days, as a pilgrimage is assumed to guarantee the fulfilment of the desires of the pilgrims.The temple is situated 19.4 North East at an elevation of 3,794 m (12,448 ft) from the municipality of&nbsp;Phungling. The former monarch&nbsp;King Birendra&nbsp;and his family were also devotees to this Hindu shrine. Besides <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/religion-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hindus</a>, the Pathibhara Temple is also a holy place for people of the Limbu ethnic group.<h2>History behind Pathibhara Temple</h2>Local shepherds are thought to have lost hundreds of their sheep&nbsp;while they were grazing at the same spot where today's Pathibhara Devi temple sits.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-20T131427.946.webp"> Pathibhara Sacred Heights Spiritual Serenity.The distraught shepherds had a vision in which the Goddess Pathibhara commanded them&nbsp;to conduct a ritualistic sheep sacrifice and create a temple in her honour.The abandoned herd unexpectedly recovered,&nbsp;as the sacrifice was offered.&nbsp;It is believed that the practice of offering&nbsp;sacrifices inside the temple began after the accident.The hill goddess Pathibhara after whom the location is called is assumed by the devotees to be a fearsome goddess who can easily be satisfied with easy and selfless actions of love, devotion, and sacrificial sacrifices while being unmerciful and dangerous to one who has evil intentions.<h2>How to reach Pathibhara Devi Temple?</h2>Pathibhara Devi Temple lies in the Yangwarak Village Development Committee. The journey to Pathibhara begins from Suketar, which is a 20-minute drive from Phungling Bazaar, and then from Suketar to Kafle Pati, a 1–2-hour drive away.&nbsp;Pathibhara Devi temple lies at a distance of around 3–4 hours' hike from Kafle Pati. Suketar Airport (2,840 m [9,320 ft]) at Suketar is the only&nbsp;STOL airport in Taplejung district with daily flights linking <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-incredible-reasons-to-visit-kathmandu-valley" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathmandu</a> and Biratnagar.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-04T121947.947.webp">Pathivara Temple: Spiritual Heights CapturedCredit:Nepalish.comThe trail to Pathibhara passes through Deurali, Ramitedanda, Chhatedhunga, Bhalugaunda, and Phedi before eventually arriving at the shrine.&nbsp;Residents provide food and accommodation facilities along the road. Basic lodging is also available for tourists close to the temple premises.<h2>Pathibhara Devi Pilgrimage Trek</h2>It is one of the most traditional treks in the north-eastern end of Nepal. The trek lies in the area of Taplejung.&nbsp;Taplejung is one of the best regions in<a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/top-rated-attractions-places-to-visit-in-eastern-region-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> eastern Nepal</a> with a beautiful setting, the Himalayan plateau of over 7,000 m and a large vegetation area.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-04T122312.464.webp">Pathivara Trek: Sacred Mountain JourneyCredit:Namchey.comUnlike the Hindus, Buddhist pilgrims also approach paradise&nbsp;for <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/festival-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">festivals</a> in the wake of exceptional incidents.&nbsp;The trek to Pathibhara Devi coupled with the region's characteristic&nbsp;and social experiences allows the experience an especially enlivening awareness.<h3>General Itinerary</h3><ul><li>Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu (1,400 m) to Bhadrapur (91 m)</li><li>Day 02: Flight from Bhadrapur (91 m) to Taplejung Airport, Suketar (2,840 m)&nbsp;</li><li>Day 03: Hike from Suketar to Deurali&nbsp;</li><li>Day 04: Walk from Deurali to Phedi&nbsp;</li><li>Day 05: Reach Pathibhara Devi Temple, pay your respect to the Goddess and head back to Phedi</li><li>Day 06: Hike from Phedi to Suketar</li><li>Day 07: Fly back to Bhadrapur</li></ul>We can also reach Pathibhara temple by taking a bus or a private taxi from Birtamod, Jhapa.<h3>When is the best time to visit Pathibhara Devi Temple?</h3>The ideal time to visit the temple is during pre-monsoon&nbsp;months (March to June), and post-monsoon months (September to November).&nbsp;<h2>Major Attractions of Pathibhara Devi Temple</h2>Besides, the Patibhara Devi Temple, pilgrims can visit monasteries located in Olangchung Gola and Lungchung as well. Each year, the waterfall at Sawa and the Timbung pond is worth a visit during autumn and spring.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-12-04T121750.299.webp">Pathivara: Divine Mountain MajestyCredit:Nepalish.comAround the trial, the forest habitat provides an abundance of animals, insects, trees, and butterflies. In this trek, the entire&nbsp;Kanchenjunga range, including Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) can also be seen.The Pathibhara region lying in the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/kanchenjunga-conservation-area" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kanchenjunga Conservation Area</a> is also known to be home to the <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/list-of-endangered-animals-of-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">endangered</a> and rare <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/blog/red-panda-in-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">red pandas</a>.<h2>Limbu Cultural Trek</h2>The Limbu Cultural Trek in the area is seen as similarly enthralling for visitors other than pilgrims.&nbsp;A week-long trek goes through Taplejung's <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal/people-of-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ethnic communities</a>, such&nbsp;as; Phurunga (or Phurumbu), Limkhim, Khewang, Tellok, PhawaKhola and Mamankhe.For more information on temples and <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>, please visit <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hopnepal.com</a>.

Pathibhara Devi Temple also known as Mukkumlung by the local Limbu people, is one of Nepal's most significant Hindu temple, situated on Taplejung Hill. Pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and India flock to the temple on special days, as a pilgrimage.

Pathibhara Devi Temple: Taplejung's Divine Sanctuary

Discover the divine aura of Pathibhara Devi Temple in Taplejung, Nepal. Uncover the spiritual significance and natural beauty of this revered site.

Pathibhara Devi Temple- Taplejung, Nepal

Travel Tips

Are you planning to visit Nepal in winter and wondering where to visit in Nepal during winter? Here, Hop Nepal presents you the list of best places to visit in Nepal during the winter season.

Best Places To Visit In Nepal During Winter

Nepal's winter magic! Explore the best destinations during the colder months, from snowy peaks to charming winter festivals.

Rani Mahal is a palace of Rana situated on the&nbsp;banks of the Kali Gandaki River in <a href="https://www.hopnepal.com/about-nepal" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nepal</a>'s district of Palpa.&nbsp;General Khadga Samsher Rana JBR&nbsp;built this palace in 1893.Also known as Nepal's Taj Mahal, Rani Mahal was constructed as the token&nbsp;of love for General Khadga Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana's beloved late wife. Here in this article, we have listed a few things that are necessary to get to Rani Mahal.<h2>How to get to Rani Mahal?</h2>The palace was built between Syangja and Palpa, on the&nbsp;banks of the Kali Gandaki River, in the 19th century.&nbsp;Located at a distance of 13 km from Tansen, the palace looks&nbsp;beautiful sitting at a secluded and peaceful location on a large rock.<h3>Getting to Rani Mahal by Bus</h3>Arriving from Tansen to the&nbsp;Rani Mahal, Palpa is reasonably straightforward.&nbsp;A local bus goes there at 2:00 pm for $1 per person, but you must walk for around 25 minutes.&nbsp;Town hotels&nbsp;have a private jeep.&nbsp;It is not easy, and it is jam-packed with locals&nbsp;from nearby villages, but it was the fastest way to get there.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-gif-maker%20-%202023-08-11T153524.824.webp">Rani Mahal: Riverside Royalty ResidesAt&nbsp;Amar Narayan Temple, you will find&nbsp;the jeeps for 140 rupees ($1.40).&nbsp;They leave about 2:30 pm regularly, but it's best to&nbsp;get there about 2:00 to grab a seat as they fill up early.&nbsp;The same jeep will drive you&nbsp;back at 8:30 am the next morning.&nbsp;The journey is about&nbsp;an hour and a half.On footYou can also reach the Ranighat Palace by hiking along&nbsp;the same path that the jeep follows.&nbsp;The journey is about 2 hours downhill from&nbsp;Tansen and 4 hours uphill on the way out.&nbsp;If you plan to go on foot, hiking&nbsp;here could be worth it and taking the jeep back.<h2>History of Rani Mahal (Ranighat Palace)</h2>General Khadga Samsher Rana was forced to lower his royal titles in&nbsp;1887 and was sent to Palpa-Gauda as Head of Nepal's Western Governor.&nbsp;Khadga Shumsher 's beloved youngest wife Tej Kumari Devi died at Palpa-Gauda in 1892, and within one year Khadga built a palace and named Rani Mahal after his wife.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-optiwebp%20%2823%29.webp">Rani Mahal: Echoes of RoyaltyCredit:fulltimeexplorer.comThe tern Rani Mahal translates into the Queen's Palace in English. The General also called the surrounding forest Rani Ban (Rani forest) and got the Ghats Rani Ghat. In 1902,&nbsp;Khadga Samsher Rana and his family fled to India, leaving Rani Mahal after which the Mahal fell into disrepair.<h2>Architecture of Rani Mahal</h2>Away from the hustle and bustle of the Tansen Bazaar, sitting on the bank of the river with the most&nbsp;glamorous light, a neo-classical art and architecture is the eye-catching palace where every aspect projected the ounce of affection.The woods, the wetlands, the stairwell cases and the banks of&nbsp;the river all reflect Khadga Shumsher 's love for his late wife.&nbsp;Rani Mahal looks beautiful and is regarded as a jewel of Palpa and a perfect example of love.It took the Palace five years to complete&nbsp;as each piece of the building had been studied.&nbsp;In the palace, there are a dozen rooms, lovely pools,&nbsp;a mosque, a splendid garden surrounding the area, guest rooms, a kitchen etc.<h2>Rani Mahal Today</h2>As Khadga Samsher left the palace and fled to India,&nbsp;without any proper owner or caretaker Rani Mahal was left behind.&nbsp;The state of the palace was a concern of Nepal's government and locals alike.&nbsp;<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/ezgif.com-optiwebp%20%2824%29.webp">Rani Mahal: Riverside Royal BeautyCredit:acethehimalyan.comBy the end of the 20th&nbsp;century, Rani Mahal had been practically ruined.&nbsp;Very few tourists had visited the palace,&nbsp;mostly by those most interested in Nepal's history.Currently, Nepal's government has begun a program of renovation and&nbsp;rehabilitation to restore and expand the palace to its original condition.&nbsp;This will not only protect the national heritage resources, but it will also&nbsp;expand the tourist possibilities in the region and result in different projects.

Rani Mahal is a palace of Rana situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River in Nepal's district of Palpa. General Khadga Samsher Rana JBR built this palace in 1893.

Rani Mahal Palpa's Royal Gem

Explore the majestic Rani Mahal (Ranighat Palace) in Palpa, Nepal. Uncover the history and architectural marvel of this royal gem.

Rani Mahal (Ranighat Palace) - Palpa, Nepal

Syangja District is one of Nepal's seventy-seven districts and is located in Gandaki Province. The district, which has its headquarters in Syangja bazaar (a small town), covers an area of 1,164 km2 (449 sq mi) and has a population of 289,148 people.It is located in a hilly area with elevations ranging from around 300 meters along the banks of the Kaligandaki River to several thousand meters above sea level. It is situated at 28°4'60 North latitude and 83°52'0 East longitude.Waling, Putalibazar, Bhirkot, Chapakot, and Galyang are the district's five municipalities, while Bajhakot, Biruwa, Arjun Chaupari, Harinas, Fedikhola, and Kaligandaki are the district's six village councils.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/MEcNu1705404502-ezgif.com-optiwebp%20%281%29.webp">Syangja: Hills and Rivers HarmonyCredit:nepaltraveller.comSyangja secured millions of dollars in foreign funding under the auspices of the UNDP's South Asia Poverty Alleviation Program (SAPAP) in 1994 and has since become a model for national growth.Syangja's model has been so promising that the Nepalese government has teamed up with SAPAP to expand the project to other districts and transform it into a national development model. At least 200 VDCs(Village Development Councils) in 45 Nepalese districts have started or are working on it.This neighbourhood is home to people of various ethnicities. Brahmin, Gurung, Chetri, and Magar are the main ethnic groups.The Kali Gandaki A Hydropower Dam, situated on the Kali Gandaki River in Krishnagandaki Gaunpalika, is the country's largest hydropower plant. The plant's optimum capacity is 144 MW.<h2>People and Places of Syangja District</h2>This district is home to residents of many different ethnicities. Brahmins, Kshetris, Gurungs, Magars, and others make up the primary classes. The representation of Brahmin and Chhetri (Kshetriya) in government employment and the Indian army is well-known. Gurungs and Magars are well-known for their service in the British Army Gurkhas and the Indian Military."When you go to Syangja and strike a house with a stone at random, the house must belong to Section-Officer," says a familiar saying.<h3>Places of Syangja</h3>Syanga district headquarters are located in Syangja bazaar. Satahun Chandi, Chhangchhangdi, Manakamana, Alamdevi, Bhirkot Durbar, Gahraukalika, Nuwakot Durbar, and Ridi Ruru Kshetra on the banks of the Kaligandaki river are some historical sites in this district.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/laoqu1705404882-ezgif.com-optiwebp.webp">Syangja: Nature's Tranquil BeautyCredit:mapcarta.comThe Swasthani Vrata-Katha, which is known to be a part of the Skanda Purana, mentions Chhangchhangdi (Chaya-kshetra) as the last organ of the dead Satidevi collapsed when Lord Shiva was bearing her.Putalibazar municipality is on the eastern side, while Waling municipality is on the western side of Syangja, and the newly created Chapakot municipality is on the east-south side. Waling is a long valley that runs parallel to the Aandhikhola river. According to tradition, the Aandhikhola river is said to have arisen from Shravan's tears in the Ramayana.Ramkosh is Syangja's most extensive valley. Hiking opportunities include Chandithaan, a Devi shrine, and Hunikot, a viewpoint overlooking Putalibazar.<h2>How can you reach Syangja District?</h2>After the completion of the Siddhartha Highway, Syangja was linked to Pokhara and Bhairahawa, two of Western Nepal's most important towns. The highway joins the district from Kubhinde in the north and exits from Ramdi in the Palpa district in the south.<h2>Climatic Zones of Syangja</h2>Syangja is divided into two major climatic zones. They are:<ul><li>Upper Tropical</li><li>Subtropical</li></ul><h2>Effect of 2015's Earthquake on Syangja</h2>On April 25, 2015, the district was struck by an earthquake. At least one home was completely demolished.<h2>Hydroelectricity Production of Syangja</h2>With a capacity of 144 MW, the Kaligandaki A Hydroelectric Power Station is Nepal's largest hydroelectric plant. Aadhikhola hydroelectric and other smaller hydroelectric projects have been started in this district, in addition to the Kaligandaki A.<img src="https://booking-manager-api-hop-nepal.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/file-manager/page/A72iU1705405192-ezgif.com-optiwebp.webp">Kali Gandaki: River's Serpentine JourneyCredit:localguidesconnect.comSyangja is amongst the few districts in Nepal that does not experience load-shedding or planned power outages. The rest of the country experiences hours of load-shedding every day.<h2>Places to Visit in Syangja District</h2><h3>Bhalu Pahad</h3>It's a small hill station that the Siddartha Highway connects. It is a famous spot for picnic-goers and sightsing.Being at a lower elevation surrounded by a river, it provides a unique sight for the tourists.<h3>Chandikalika Temple</h3>Devotees crowd this temple during the Dashain festival. Besides being a place of worship, it offers spectacular panoramic views of Mt Annapurna and of the surrounding landscapes made by the Aadhikhola. The temple is better known as the gateway to Sirubari.<h3>Sirubari</h3>This village is known as the foremost cultural village of Nepal. Sirubari is known for its homestays and houses of the local residents transformed into teahouses and lodges which specialize in regional cuisines.Sirubari consists of houses and pathways that are paved with stones, which provide an insight into the ancient Gurung culture.<h3>Sworek Hill</h3>Sworek Hill provides an excellent landscape for adrenaline-filled activities like mountain biking and paragliding. It is a beautiful place for visitors willing to take spectacular photos of the Aadhikhola basin.

Syangja District is one of Nepal's seventy-seven districts and is located in Gandaki Province. The district, which has its headquarters in Syangja bazaar (a small town), covers an area of 1,164 km2 (449 sq mi) and has a population of 289,148 people. It is located in a hilly area with elevations ranging from around 300 meters along the banks of the Kaligandaki River to several thousand meters above sea level. It is situated at 28°4'60 North latitude and 83°52'0 East longitude.

Syangja District: Exploring Gandaki's Gem

Syangja District in Gandaki Province. Delve into its natural wonders, cultural delights, and hidden treasures in this blog post.

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