Journey Through Nepal: Birthplace of Buddha – Lumbini
Known as the Light of Asia -Lord Gautama Buddha was born in Lumbini, birthplace of Buddha Nepal. Nepal not only being a rich country in terms of nature country also holds a very strong history and has spiritual and mythological values as well. Being a country that has never participated in any of the two world wars has always supported the mantra of peace and brotherhood. The birthplace of Buddha is to be the oldest country in South East Asia and it has given birth to so many legendary stories and people who visit Nepal feel like they have landed in a spiritual place.
Overview of the Birthplace of Buddha –Lumbini
Initially known as the prince to the Shakya king Suddhodhan and his queen Mayadevi, Lord Gautam Buddha was always sensitive regarding the people around him. His kindness and humbleness were the traits that he was going to be a great personality whom the world would worship. He never showed any behavior of what a king was supposed to be like. He enjoyed being treated as a normal child.
When I was a kid, I heard a story of how he saved the life of a bird. An astrologer had already said that Siddhartha Gautama would never be the way his father wanted him to be like. So he was never allowed to go out of the palace. Even his education was done inside the palace.
But one fine day, he asked to go around and see what it is like to be out of the palace. There he saw sorrow, people crying, and people dying. This made him curious as he was never exposed to all these things. This created a great impact on his mind and soul so he decided to get rid of all the royal satisfaction and search what life is and how to deal with it. His meditation and his sayings started becoming famous among the people, he was able to change the viewpoint of many people, and finally, he was worshiped as a god.
Now let’s get back to how his birth took place. On the day of Baisakh Purnima, the full moon that occurs in May, Queen Maya Devi roams around her garden, after that, she takes a bath in the pond called, Pushkarini which is now considered a sacred pond After that she takes the support of a tree and gave birth to her son, Lord Gautama Buddha. The history is really interesting and now Lumbini has become a center of attraction for the Buddhist community.
People from all over the globe come here in search of peace.
You can meditate here, you can also study Buddhism and see the monasteries that are made by different countries. The most important location here is Maya Devi temple, which is actually known to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha. There are inscriptions on the Asoka pillar which mention the birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama. This temple is very old and was built 2200 years ago. Its architectural view can make you wonder about the architecture and beauty of that time. The Lumbini Garden occupies a 2.56 square kilometer area where all kinds of people prefer to stay, meditate, and spend their time in spiritual activities.
Next time you plan a trip to Nepal, make sure you have a holiday trip to Lumbini.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – Complete Package for Family
Nepal is a small and landlocked country. Nepal is an underdeveloped country rich in natural resources situated between the two most powerful and developed nations- India and China. As Nepal is a landlocked country and you cannot dream to sleep at the beach and flaunt your summer body. Despite that Nepal is still able to position itself as the second richest country in the world in terms of water resources. But more than water resources, Nepal is famous for the wide Himalayas complete package here. Nepal has been known for its massive mountain peaks in the world. Eight mountain peaks of Nepal are listed as among the top ten highest peaks in the world. It is the identity of the Nepalese.
Out of the ten Himalayan ranges which consist of uncountable numbers of mountain peaks- highest and lowest, the Annapurna Himalayan region is one of them. Most of the people that intend to come to Nepal, usually plan to trek in this region. Along with the Everest base camp trek, the Annapurna base camp Trek is equally famous among tourists. The massive Himalayan view this region provides is irreplaceable and unexplainable. Whenever I try explaining the beauty and the view or the fee of being in this region, I always run out of enough adjectives.
Geography of Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna base camp is 40 kilometers away from this region as it is situated in the northern part of the very famous tourist site of Nepal. Located 4,000 meters above sea level, this oval-shaped plateau is surrounded by a panoramic view of the ring of mountains, most of which exceed 7,000 meters in height.
The Annapurna sanctuary has so many ecosystems living there because of the fluctuating landscape where you can encounter heights and depths. Besides, the duration of the sun rays, touching its surface is only 7 hours as the base camp is surrounded by massive mountains from all sides. The north-facing slopes of this area are dry while the south-facing is a treat to watch with a rich sub-tropical forest of bamboo and rhododendron.
Annapurna Sanctuary
Along with being such a beautiful sight, the Annapurna sanctuary is believed to be a place of gods and goddesses. People believe that there is Lord Shiva’s home at the entrance to the Machhapuchhre Himal. Further, according to a popular mythological story, Sherpa and Tamang people believe that there are lots of gold and treasures in this range and it is their responsibility to secure it. It is as mentioned above a sacred place but as it is the entrance or doorway to the famous Annapurna base camp, the number of people exploring this sanctuary has increased gradually. Alongside foreigners, local people are also now into trekking and they explore this Complete Package too.
Complete Package Itinerary of ABC Trek
The details Annapurna Base Camp Trek Itinerary are as follows:
1st Day: Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu
2nd Day: Kathmandu Drive to Pokhara (6-7 hours)
3rd Day: Pokhara Drive to Nayapul and Trek to Tikhedhunga (2,050 m), 5-6 hours
4th Day: Tikhedhunga Trek to Ghorepani (2,860 m), 6-7 hours
5th Day: Ghorepani Trek to Tadapani(2,600 m), 5-6 hours
6th Day: Tadapani Trek to Chhomrong (2,100 m), 4-5 hours.
7th Day: Chhomrong Trek to Bamboo (2,310 m), 5-6 hours.
8th Day: Bamboo Trek to Deurali (3,230 m), 5-6 hours.
9th Day: Deurali Trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m), 5-6 hours.
10th Day: Annapurna Base Camp Trek to Bamboo (2,310 m), 6-7 hours.
11th Day: Bamboo Trek to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), 4-5 hours.
12th Day: Jhinu Danda Trek to Nayapul (5-6 hours) and Drive to Pokhara (1:30 hours)
13th Day: Pokhara Drive to Kathmandu. (6-7 hours)
14th Day: Departure from Tribhuvan International Airport
Best Time for Annapurna Base Camp Trek
While reading the above paragraphs you must have wondered about the best season to get to Complete Package Annapurna base camp. I would strongly recommend you visit this base camp during the season of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon.
The pre-monsoon occurs during the month of Late February to May and while the post-monsoon occurs from late September to early December. Make sure you do not visit this place during monsoon because it receives more rainfall and it will act as a barrier to your successful trek.
Special Features of Complete Package
ABC Trek
As I already have said, whenever people plan to come to Nepal and plan for a trek, their two most common priorities are Everest base camp and Annapurna base camp. You also must be wondering about which base camp would be better for you to trek. Well, there must be some personal reasons as well but let me tell you some of the reasons why Annapurna Base Camp makes it a better place than Everest Base Camp Trek.
Why Choose ABC?
If you are a person who loves to enjoy not only the views of snow-capped mountain ranges but also loves to enjoy the landscape, forest, diversified flora, and fauna, then Annapurna base camp is for you. As you have to extend from the Annapurna Sanctuary, you won’t get the chance to know more about the lifestyle of people living near the mountains.
But the fact the sanctuary is a rich diversified place with some of the rare species in the world, such as bamboo and the rhododendron forest. So visiting this Complete Package during March and April will be more sensible as you will get to see the very beautiful rhododendrons adding color to not only the whole vista but also to your trek. You will widely get to see the national flower of Nepal, the rhododendron anywhere in the Annapurna sanctuary.
Other than that, the Complete Package of Annapurna base camp is also a place of preference for people who do not want to trek for longer days. The Everest base camp trek can take about 15 – 20 days while the Annapurna base camp trek will only last for 10 – 15 days. It might be very tiring for you as the landscape of the Annapurna base camp is quite strenuous. You will need some physical strength for the journey to Everest base camp, but no specific physical strength is required for the Annapurna expedition. Your willingness to reach the top is what drives you on this trek.
Annapurna Complete Package with Family
Annapurna base camp is suggested to a wide age group. A Kid of 7 years can also climb this mountain and an old person of the age below 80 years can also do this trek. Please do not start to think about the uric acid or cholesterol and think that I am lying. The age limitations are listed for a general case. Have you ever thought of going on a trek with all your family members..?? Not, this is the Complete Package magic of Annapurna base camp, in fact, the magic of Nepal. Our trips not only make you fall in love with natural beauty but bring your family and relations together.
For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
A Place of Pilgrimages in the Himalayas: Muktinath Temple
Being home to an 80% Hindu population, Nepal has always been known as a religious country. The country with the capital city which is already known as the city of temples holds a very old history and is rich in mythological stories and incidents. Muktinath Temple, Nepal has always been known as the oldest country in Asia. You will find spirituality in the nerves of the Nepali people.
A country rich in landscapes, and beautiful vistas, Nepal has a very beautiful and famous temple in a vast and arid valley, distinguished by eroded canyons, vividly colored stratified rock formations, and barren high-altitude deserts.
Introduction to Muktinath Temple
Situated at an altitude of 3710 meters above sea level, a popular Vishnu temple at the highest altitude in the world, Muktinath temple is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. It lies in the Muktinath valley which is at the foot of Thorang la Pass in Mustang, Nepal. This temple is close to the village called Ranipauwa but many people call it Muktinath mistakenly.
In terms of Hinduism, this temple is known as MUKTI KSHETRA, which means the place of liberation or MOKSH. It is the 108th SAKTIPEETH and is named Mahadevi. Similarly, in terms of Buddhism, it is known as the CHUMIG GYATSA, which means a hundred waters. Originally, the temple has a Vaishnava origin but it is also revered in Buddhism as the GURU PADMASAMBHAVA meditated there for a while. Buddhists believe that this is a place of dakinis, goddesses who are known as sky dancers. It is amongst the 24th tantric places.
The central shrine of this temple is considered as the eighth-most sacred shines by the Hindu Vaishnavas. This central shrine is known as Svayam Vyakta Ksetras. The main statue or Murti of his temple is made up of gold and its height is as much as a normal man’s length. In the outer courtyard, there are 108 bull faces from which water is poured. This water denotes all the sacred Pushkarini waters from all the Sri Vaishnava Divya Dishams. People tend to take a bath here even in the cold. Bathing here is believed to clear all the sins done by a person. This water is considered to be holy and sacred. People are expected to offer a Prasad to the deity (food).
Story Behind The Muktinath
As I had already said this temple is the 108th Shaktipeeth. Shaktipeeth means the primordial cosmic energy that is formed by the body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi falling on it. In Muktinath, after the death of her beloved wife Sati Devi, Lord Shiva got mad and he carried her body in his arms, and roamed around. During that incident, the temple of the forehead of lord Sati Devi is believed to have fallen in Muktinath. The Shakti or power of Muktinath is known as Gandaki Chandi and Bhairava is known as Chakrapani.
This whole story of Sati Devi and Lord Shiva is really interesting and soothing. So is the structure of this temple. Mustang has become famous amongst the indoor tourist and the outer ones are also very keen to view its beauty. It is an alluring place in which you can barely see the other parts or districts of this country. You will find green hills or snowcapped mountains and plain land Terai but this place is different from others as it is like a plateau. It is located in the Himalayan region and is on the trail of Annapurna Circuit Trek. You will have a glimpse of mountains but being honest mustang is one of my fantasy holiday destinations and yes I am biased cause the beauty of this place can’t be put into words.
Nepali Custom and Etiquette: How Do Nepal People Greet?
Cultures in Nepal and Traditions of Nepal
NEPAL, a land full of cultures in Nepal national diversity and tradition carries a history of its own. Being the oldest country in East Asia, Nepal has many historical stories to tell and to be explored. A land that is serving as a home to 126 different ethnicities, each of them representing their own culture. 80% of the total population of Nepal has been occupied by Hinduism. That is why most of the traditions here are related to Hinduism while Buddhism is in the second position. A holy and where Lord Gautama Buddha was born. A place where the message of peace and togetherness originated. The birthplace of a Hindu deity goddess Sita.
Having a vast cultural difference even in such a small country is why Nepal is known for its diversity of cultures in Nepal. There still is peace and a feeling of respect for one another’s religion. We have never held a history of fights or conflicts in the name of religion. This land is a secular state and everyone has a right to live a life of his own.
As I have already said, Nepal is a secular country but most of the population 80% of the total population of Nepal follows Hinduism. The tradition, culture, and custom is mostly represented by Hinduism. Even in Hinduism, we have been divided into subgroups, caste, and ethnic groups. Each of us has a unique set of traditions in Nepal. The Newari people have some amazing traditions which will beautifully surprise you. Amongst the various other cultures in Nepal, Newari people make their daughters to marry with a fruit which is called “Bel”. The daughter was the attire like a bride and married to the bel. Gai Jatra is also a famous festival celebrated by them. It is usually celebrated by those Newari people who had lost their loved ones in that year. They dress weirdly and try to make others laugh. This tradition was initiated by Pratap Malla who wanted to make his queen realize the number of people who died in a year. The queen was sad and depressed after the death of her beloved son and this is what Pratap Malla did to cheer her up.
Food and Tradition Of Nepal
Many traditional or cultural stuff that Hindus follow in Nepal, might fascinate you. be the traditional costume they wear the traditional food they have, or any sort of festival they celebrate, it is very unique and is a fun experience to watch. It becomes more fun when you participate in one of those. The national costume of Nepal is Dhoti Cholo for females and Daura Suruwal for men representing by cultures in Nepal. Other than the national costume, many ethnic groups have their form of traditional attire which makes them look really gorgeous and appealing. The cuisines made by those ethnic groups are also something you can try when you come to Nepal. These cuisines have their own place of origin even in Nepal and they add a different flavor to your tongue. One of them is the Newari cuisine. Chatamari, Bara, and Choila are the major cuisines you can try. One of my personal favorites is choila which is simple barbequed meat but then some spices are added to it. The Bara is made from lentils and can be mixed with some eggs as well. The typical Dal Bhat Tarkari is the source of food and energy for most of the people of Nepal. The Momos are equally famous. You can try them in different forms and flavors.
Before coming to Nepal, you must learn some of the etiquette too. If you ever get invited to a Nepal house and cultures in Nepal, make sure you leave your shoes outside. Wearing shoes in the house is believed to be manner and especially in the kitchen, you cannot use slippers. Other than this, make sure that you do not wear very revealing clothes. Though many people are forward and do not mind seeing you that way I cannot guarantee about the judgment others are going to pass at you.
ETIQUETTES IN NEPAL
One of the main problems while traveling to a different location is communication problems. Most of the people nowadays are educated and they know English very well. But when you move towards the remote places it is going to be hard for you to communicate with people. As most of the people come to Nepal with the vision to climb the Everest base camp, you should learn some basic language so that it will help you to communicate with your porters and guide.
One of the famous ways to greet someone cultures in Nepal is by saying NAMASTE. It is usually said to say hello and goodbye to people around here. To do a Namaste, you have to join your two palms, bow your head, close your eyes and it is how you do it. Traditionally, the definition of Namaste is very interesting. ‘NAMA’ means bow, ‘AS’ means I, AND ‘TE’ means you which means I bow to you. In the spiritual understanding, Namaste is done to acknowledge of soul in one by the soul in another. The yoga gurus believe that there is a divine spirit in us and doing Namaste helps us to surrender our mind to the divine in us. This helps to increase the heart flow of divine love. We all are always protecting cultures in Nepal from generation to generation
