travel
Reconnecting with nature
Do you yearn for clear skies, deep blue sea, dense forest and the feel of fresh air? If your ideal vacation is more than just relaxing in the hotel café and partying in a crowded bar, then we have what just you need. To help us compile some incredible holiday destinations for nature enthusiasts, we at The Week spoke to Baikuntha Prasad Adhikari from Asian Heritage Tours and Travels in Nagpokhari, Kathmandu. Read on to find out about the adventures that are waiting for you in our South Asian neighborhood.
Lake Kelimutu-Indonesia
Kelimutu area is also surrounded by forests that have a unique range of floras. There are redwoods, edelweiss and casuarinas besides the regular pines. For those who like trekking, there is also a trekking route through the forest.
Getting there
From Kathmandu you must fly to Kuala Lumpur and then to Jakarta. The most convenient way to get to these mountains from Jakarta is to take a flight to a city named Ende. The national park will only be 66 kilometers away from there.
Mai Khao Beach-Thailand
The leatherback turtles found in this beach are the largest breeding turtles and can be easily distinguished from regular sea turtles. The best time to go to this place is during January when the turtles are hatching their eggs. There are very few man made attractions in this place which makes this destination even more beautiful.
Getting there
Kathmandu has a direct flight to Bangkok. From there, you must take a flight to Phuket international airport to reach this beautifully secluded beach.
Gobi desert-China
Snow leopard, black-tailed gazelle, Gobi viper, jerboa, Gobi bear and Bactrian camel are some of the iconic species found in this desert. Gobi is also known as a cold desert with frost and occasional snow on its dunes. You can also explore Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park, experience camel ride with local nomads, and view the largest sand dunes in Magnolia. “The dunes make a particular sound during windy days. So they are also known as the singing dunes,” says Adhikari.
Getting there
The best way to get to get to Gobi desert in China is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Beijing. From Beijing, you can take a flight to Bayannur from where you can rent a taxi to Gobi Desert.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park-Philippines
The river also has an incredible ecosystem that have adapted to their unique niche underground. “The underground cave has giant spiders, crabs, fish, and snake. You will also be able to spot giant bats and swallows,” adds Adhikari.
Getting there
The easiest way to get there is to take a connecting flight from Kathmandu to Manila via Bangkok. From Manila you must take a flight to Puerto Princesa city.
Cardamom Mountains-Cambodia
Malaysian sun bear, pleated gibbons and Siamese crocodiles are some varieties of mammals found here. This place is isolated due to its remoteness and difficult terrain. Hence, these forests have their core virtually undisturbed. “With huge variety of habitats, high elevation marshes and backwater rivers, you will surely fall in love with the natural beauty this place has to offer,” says Adhikari.
Getting there
You must take a connecting flight from Kathmandu to Bangkok and then to Phnom Penh. From Phnom Penh, there are buses that will take you to Cardamom Mountains.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands-India
Getting there
You first need to take a flight or a bus to New Delhi in India from Kathmandu. From New Delhi, you can fly to Port Blair via Chennai International Airport.
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