Quality Nepal vacation attractions and helicopter transportation providers: There are many reasons behind “no permission” to land at Everest base camp. The main reason is to protect the environment. Due to Global warming, the glacier where the Everest base camp lies is melting fast. The helicopter’s weight can affect it badly. Accordingly, the sound of a helicopter can move the loose glaciers. These days the question of helicopters flying in the Everest region is enormous. However, the helicopters can land at Gorakshep, Lobuche, Pheriche, and other villages. Gorakshep to Lukla helicotper flight is a very popular and affordable flight. See even more information at https://luklahelicopter.com/Flights/lukla-to-everest-base-camp-helicopter/.
Manaslu region trekking is one of the hidden gem in the central north part of Nepal. Manaslu towering at 8167m the 8th highest peak of the world is conquered by few and acclaimed as one of the most dangerous 8000er peak. The Manaslu region trekking gives you an opportunity to walk through one of the most varied landscape due to it’s wide altitude variation. The trek starts from Arughat which is at mere 500m and goes to the elevation of Larkya pass at 5143m. You experience the sub tropical climate to the high mountain climate in one trek. At the end of your trek you also traverse through the section of Annapurna circuit trek making it an ace. The journey is full of scenic locations, beautiful villages, rich Tibetan influenced culture and amazing mountain views. The Manaslu region trek can be done directly through the Larkya or visiting the isolated and sacred villages of Tsum valley. It requires a special permit to get in this region which is still far away from the modern civilization. We can see the Buddhist monasteries, Mani walls, prayer flags all along our way. The region is attracting more visitors in recent years. However, the authenticity and the unmatchable panorama is still intact which the visitors get to see still today. Manaslu region trek is certainly a great way to see diverse Nepal and soak in it’s pure form.
Get the Right Gear. There are many parts of your gear that are essential for your trek into Everest Base Camp, and I am not going to go through every piece of gear you need for the trip. Click on the link and view our packing video. I am just going to highlight some of the specific pieces that I found to be essential. First of all, your feet are one of the most important parts of the body to take care of when trekking. Never skimp on footwear when you are going to be walking multiple hours a day, for twelve days in a row; your feet need to be comfortable and dry all the time. Buy a good, sturdy, waterproof pair of trekking boots and make sure that you break them in before you leave for Nepal. Number two, buy yourself a good down jacket, remember a good down jacket needs more down. The fill of the jacket is only the quality of the down. Don’t base your purchase on the fill of the jacket. Remember that every brand and style is different and if you are questioning your down coat, make sure to ask the advice of a professional before the trip as this piece of gear can be essential during the cold nights and mornings on the mountain. Usually the tea houses are quite cold higher up the trail and I found that I wore my down jacket every night during dinner.
Everest region trekking area is protected under the Sagarmatha National Park. The northern part of the district (Khumbu) is encompassed in the Everest National Park, which was established to protect the fragile environment of the alpine region. Likewise the region is close to Makalu-Barun National Park in eastern part. This national park is remote and wild stretch of mountain peaks and deep densely forested valleys. To the west is the Rolwaling valley, a well-protected microcosm of cultures and ecology. The southern part of the district, Solu is much less frequented by tourist and be a very rewarding destination in its own right. Besides the Mount Everest there are other 8,000 meter peaks in the region. Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Makalu and in addition numerous other peaks lesser altitude but no less stunning. Add to this glacial lakes rhododendron forest, native flora and fauna, traditional villages and ancient Buddhist monasteries, all go to make this region a spectacular destination.
Buy Gear in Kathmandu – Kathmandu has more trekking shops then you can count and intense competition means you can get great prices on gear you might not be able to afford at home. I bought my wife a great down jacket for around $50 that would have cost over $300 in the US. At first glance a lot of the gear looks similar but quality varies quite a bit and it’s not necessarily related to price (Here’s what to look for). If you like we can arrange for one of the team from Himalayanwonders to accompany you while you shop and help you find what you need.
The Bodhanath Stupa, just outside of Kathmandu, is one of the largest stupas of its kind in the world, and dates to sometime around the 6th century, possibly even earlier. Like Bhaktapur, it lies on the old trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa sustained minor damage during the 2015 earthquake but is otherwise in good condition. The stupa itself is a symbol of enlightenment but at Boudhanath the symbolism is particularly clear. Each different shape represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, which are also the attributes of the five Buddhas. Brought together in the form of the stupa, their unity reflects in abstract fashion the structure of the universe itself.
Give yourself a few days after the trek before you have to fly home. Flights were delayed for 3 days near the end of our trek. Some people were stuck in Lukla for 3 days waiting with no way out. If they had to fly the next day home, they would have missed their flight. Find additional information at https://luklahelicopter.com/.
The Annapurna region offers great views of mountains like Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Manaslu (8,156m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Machhapuchhre (6,996m), Nilgiri (6,940m), Tukche peak (6,920m), Annapurna South (7,219m) and Mt Tilicho etc. Between Annapurna & Dhaulagiri Mountains runs the Valley of Kaligandaki River which is the deepest gorge on earth. Muktinath temple is a religious shrine in this area. Annapurna circuit trekking was listed as the top trekking route by various travel magazine and Medias. Annapurna Base Camp is the popular trekking route in these days and Poon Hill is the famous view point for sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas.
