Nepal is gradually being reconstructed since the devastating earthquakes last April. Most of the popular tourist areas have managed to escape the brunt of the earthquake and are safe to visit.
The city of lakes
One location which is ready to be explored is Pokhara, located in the Pokhara Valley, about 200km west of Kathmandu. Once a major stop on the trade routes between India and China, it is now a major holiday spot for adventure seekers.
Pokhara is Nepal’s second largest city and is known to trekkers globally for its access to the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas. With three lakes and a river running through it, the region is also a water sports destination, from paddling around a lake to white-water rafting.
Tourism is a major industry in the city and region, so although it has felt the effect of urbanisation, it is still offers spectacular natural beauty. In addition to the greenery, centuries of trade and habitation has also left a cultural mark, with medieval Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as a museum dedicated to the Gurkhas.
Explore this region on Wonders of Southern Nepal by bicycle and Mountain Bike Kathmandu to Pokhara.
The heart of the jungle
Another good location is Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park, which was established in 1973 and protects 932 sq km of sal forest, water marshes and rippling grassland and is home to the endangered one-horned Indian rhino, Bengal tigers, leopards, and rare Gangetic dolphins. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
Once a hunting haven for the rich and entitled, Nepal’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation is on a mission to replenish the endangered populations with anti-poaching patrols and turtle and vulture breeding centres.
Visit Chitwan on our Wonders of Southern Nepal by bicycle tour
Is it really safe to go?
There are conflicting reports in the news as to the status of various places in Nepal but we are in constant contact with our ground staff and can confirm our tours are ready to go. If you have any questions feel free to contact info@spiceroads.com
Each person who visits Nepal this coming season will be directly contributing to rebuilding the country. SpiceRoads is also chipping in by donating US$250 for each booking to the relief organisation WeHelpNepal
For additional reading:
The Annapurna Conservation Area Project endeavours to protect the biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the region. http://www.ntnc.org.np/project/annapurna-conservation-area-project
The Gukha Memorial Museum celebrates and honours these soldiers’ immense contribution to the British army. http://gurkhamuseum.org.np/
The Chitwan National Park office tends to the the efforts at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. http://www.chitwannationalpark.gov.np/
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New Nepal Cycle Tour – Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and Pokhara