Gurudwara , Photo: Janin Maj

 

Gurudwara , Photo: Janin Maj

 

Gurudwara , Photo: Janin Maj

 

Gurudwara , Photo: Janin Maj

 

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL 4

 The tourist buses are generally in good condition (depending which you book - Greenline are best), and often stop twice on the way to their destination, so you’ll never be short of food or water. However, we recommend stocking up on the delicious baked goods from Kathmandu or Pokhara before you depart.

Tourist buses can be booked through agents or accommodation providers, or at bus stations. We do recommend purchasing at least two days in advance, especially in peak periods.

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL 3

To put bus travel into perspective, we never spent less than 7hrs on a bus; to travel around 200kms (Kathmandu - Pokhara). Be prepared for a slow, long journey!

Tourist buses connect Kathmandu with Pokhara, Sauraha (Chitwan National Park) and Sonauli, as well as Pokhara with Sauraha and Sonauli. Expect a day (6-9hrs) to travel to any of these destinations.

(to be continued)

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL 2

 Nepal has a shocking road and air safety record, and accidents are very common, so always travel with up to date travel insurance (book here!).

TOURIST BUS

Tourist buses are the cheapest, and dare we say, best way to get around Nepal. The roads though, are shocking and windy, and the traffic appalling.

(to be continued)

TRANSPORT IN NEPAL | How To Get To The Best Places In Nepal

 If there’s one part of Nepal that leaves a lot to be desired, it’s getting around. It’s tough, really tough!

While not a big country, it can take hours to travel even small distances. It is possible to hire a motorcycle, charter a taxi, car or 4WD, (or catch a flight) but the roads are some of the worst we’ve encountered, and public buses are often crowded, uncomfortable and prone to break down.

(to be continued)

OVERLAND TO NEPAL

 The three most common border crossings for tourists include: 

--Sonauli/Belahiya, reachable from Delhi, Varanasi and most of North India (via Gorakhpur); 

--Raxaul/Birgunj, accessible from Bodhgaya and Kolkata via Patna; and 

--Kakarbhitta, serving Darjeeling and Kolkata via Siliguri.

As always, be aware of any scams while crossing the border, including petty theft and money exchange scams.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

TRAVELLING OVERLAND TO NEPAL

 A lot of travellers to Nepal combine their visit with a trip to India, via overland

Although we haven’t done this route, we’ve heard from many travellers that it’s relatively pain free. You can book tours/buses through travel agents in Nepal, or jump on a tour such as this one with G Adventures.

There are numerous border crossings between India in the south of Nepal, and can be navigated fairly easily, especially when organised through tour agencies.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

FLYING TO KATHMANDU

 Almost all international arrivals into Nepal are through Kathmandu’s international airport.

If travelling over peak periods, book flights months in advance as routes fill up. Only a small number of international airlines fly to Nepal, including Qatar, KLM and Malaysian.

Depending on the time of year, the cost of airfares vary. The timing of the high, low and shoulder seasons differ from airline to airline, and don’t always coincide with tourist seasons.

Note: Nepal’s airport is extremely old and inefficient, so be prepared to wait for immigration/visas, baggage, and baggage checks.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

#21 VISIT THE BIRTHPLACE OF BUDDHA, LUMBINI

 A UNESCO World Heritage site of huge global significance, Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, otherwise known as Buddha.

The modest Maya Devi Temple is the epicentre for pilgrims keen to pay their respects to Buddha’s birthplace - the temple housing the exact site Buddha was born, with an inscribed pillar found in 1896 amongst ancient monastery ruins. Beyond Buddha’s birthplace, there is the Secret Garden adjoining the temple, replete with ubiquitous prayer flags.

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

The historic village of Bandipur

 Beautifully preserved traditional houses line the main street and restaurants spill out onto the motor vehicle free streets giving it a distinctly European feel. You can also walk up to the peak which has epic views onto the surrounding valleys below.

We recommend staying in one of the beautiful, quaint main street guesthouses

* Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

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Explore The Beautiful Newari Town Of Bandipur

 This little town is slightly off the beaten track but well worth the effort to visit. Why? Because visiting is like stepping back in time in this living, breathing open museum of Newari culture.

The town was formerly a stopping point on the India-Tibet trade route, leading to glorious wealth. The subsequent construction of the Prithvi Hwy reduced the amount of visitors and ultimately its visitors. Since then, it has been partially restored to its former glory.

Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

Experience An Epic Wildlife Safari In Nepal 3

 If that’s not enough, have a true once in a lifetime safari experience staying at the 5* Meghali Serai Safari Lodge within the park.

NOTE | One thing you should avoid is the numerous elephant safari tours. As you know, Elephant riding is incredibly cruel and harmful to the animals, and just not cool in this day and age. If you’re unsure as to why riding elephants is wrong, read this post.

Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

Experience An Epic Wildlife Safari In Nepal 2

 The starting point for all Chitwan safari is Sauraha, a lovely small town on the banks of the Rapti river. There are heaps of safari options available from one of the many tour outlets in town, but we’d suggest either a jeep safari or dugout canoe trip down the Rapti.

On safari, you’ll have the chance to spot Rhino (we saw 15!), sloth bears, crocodile, including the endangered Gharial, monkeys and if you’re really lucky, the Bengal Tiger or Leopard. Unfortunately, each time we’ve visited we’ve missed seeing the reclusive Tiger, but it’s just reason to visit again, right?

Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)

Experience An Epic Wildlife Safari In Nepal

 Not many people associate safari and epic wildlife encounters with Nepal, yet the country is home to one of the most beautiful national parks in the world - Chitwan National Park (and most successful - there were zero rhino poaching deaths in 2015!).

This former royal hunting ground in Nepal’s steamy southern lowlands is home to unique and incredible landscapes, and a safari here, in search of Tigers, Elephants or one-horned Rhino is one of the best things to do in Nepal.

Dorothea Mackellar (to be continued)