ASIA NEPAL DESTINATIONS


soup accompanied by steamed rice, vegetable curry, pickles and greens – rounded off an exhilarating afternoon.


 HIGHER PLANES Culture and spirituality are visible everywhere in Nepal, and its two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism – Nepal is said to be the birthplace of Buddha – are evident at every turn. In the lakeside city of Pokhara, the Jangchub Choeling Monastery is a centre of such spirituality. Lesley Reeves, senior travel consultant at Meon Valley Travel, says: “I watched the monks pray, which commenced with quiet murmurs, then chanting with drums, gongs and bells. It was hypnotic. After the ceremony, I talked to some of the Tibetan refugees who had made the incredible journey over the mountains by foot.”


The Annapurna Circuit offers the most varied scenery of all the classic Nepal treks, and is ideal for first-timers


The Tashiling Tibetan refugee camp is one of four settlements a short drive from Pokhara. As well as seeing the museum and buying handicrafts at the small market, the group joined resident Yang Chen in making traditional momo dumplings, made from a simple dough and filled with meat or vegetables. There are more cultural centres in the


country’s capital city, Kathmandu, home to the Hanuman Dhoka World Heritage


Site at Durbar Square, a complex of Hindu and Buddhist temples and shrines built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The area epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. Then there’s the hilltop settlement of Bandipur, a gorgeously preserved village where the Newari culture – both Buddhist and Hindu in faith, and with their own language, Nepal Bhasa – still thrives. Its main thoroughfare is filled with traditional buildings, some of which have been renovated into cafes and lodges. It’s an ideal place to stop off on the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes six to seven hours by road, or 30 minutes by air.


 STAR TREKS The Annapurna Circuit offers the most varied scenery of all the classic Nepal treks, and is ideal for first-timers.


SELLING NEPAL Dan Jackson, UK agency sales manager, Exodus Travels


It’s not all about Everest Gentle treks in the Annapurna


foothills, staying in comfortable lodges, combine easier walking


with magnificent views.


Peaceful Pokhara


This laid-back, lakeside town


has many quality restaurants and spa hotels. It’s very different from chaotic Kathmandu.


Warm welcome The Nepalese


are so friendly – their hospitality will remain with


you. The pace of life here is much slower than in neighbouring India.


It’s not just


for trekkers Wildlife


PICTURED: Agents


trekking in


Annapurna; Hanuman Dhoka,


Kathmandu; Exodus


community project;


Bandipur 14 February 2019travelweekly.co.uk65


enthusiasts can head to Chitwan National Park, which is home to 500 species of birds plus one-horned rhinos, monkeys and deer.


PICTURES: SHUTTERSTOCK


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