KATHMANDU, Sept 28: Be it to take Instagram-worthy picture perfect for instant double taps or to revive the significance of living, traveling can be the ultimate way to enjoy holidays. For many Nepalis, Dashain is a perfect time to travel. Keeping Visit Nepal 2020 in mind, traveling inside Nepal should be a priority. Besides frequently-visited places like Pokhara, Chitwan National park, and Lumbini, finding unique and not so frequently-visited places can be a daunting task.
But there are plenty of such not-so-explored beautiful places that deserve your bucket list for this Dashain vacation.
Kajin Sara, Manang
Kajin Sara is the first place you should visit this Dashain. Estimated to be 1,500-meter long and 600-metre wide, it is a newly discovered lake in Singarkharka, Chame Rural Municipality of Manang district. A lake formed by the melting snows of the Himalayas, Kajin Sara guarantees its visitors breathtaking views. Recently discovered by a team of mountaineers and located at an altitude of 4919 meters, it is one of the highest lakes in the world.
No limitation to beauty
Kushma-Gyandi Bridge, Parbat
For anyone willing to have a different travel experience, Kushma can be an interesting place. It is also the headquarters of Parbat district. The famous Kushma-Gyandi Bridge is Nepal's highest and the longest suspension bridge. It is also the world's second tallest bungee jumping bridge: 344 meter-long and 117-meter tall that lies above a deep beautiful gorge and connects Kushma to
Gyndichaur village.
Visiting the longest bridge definitely sounds like a great trip for this vacation, doesn't it?
Barun Valley
Barun Valley lies on the lap of Mt Makalu (8,485 meters) in Sankhuwasabha district. Sitting in the lap of the fifth highest mountain in the world and decorated with diverse climate and topography, the valley also has some of the most unique and rare mountain ecosystems. It is recognized as one of the least developed valleys and has scarce human settlements. Makalu Barun National Park stretches above the valley, adding up some extra charm to the place's surplus beauty.
Tyangboche Monastery
Situated along a popular trekking route to the Everest region, Tyangboche serves as the leading Buddhist center in the Khumbu region. The monastery hosts a beautiful Buddhist festival called Mani Rimdu in October that comprises religious gathering along with religious dancing, singing and more. The monastery is just above Imja Khola, and it was engulfed in a massive fire in the late 1980s and was rebuilt. A gem in the Himalayas, this monastery fascinates visitors with majestic views of Everest, Lhotse (8,516 meters) and Ama Dablam (6,812 meters).
Siddha Gufa
Nepal's largest cave is in Tanahun distrcit, near Bandipur. One can hike down to the cave from Bandipur or hike up for 30/45 minutes from Bimal Bazaar. The cave is an interesting combination of cultural significance, natural beauty and adventure. The cave has hundreds of bats and visitors are supposed to use ropes and ladders to get through the chambers inside. You can actually drink fresh water inside the cave, and it tastes amazing!
Gokyo Lakes
A combination of some six exquisite lakes that lie at around 4,600 meters to 5,000 meters within the Sagarmatha National Park is the 'Gokyo Lakes'. The six lakes lie around Gokyo village: Gokyo Cho, popularly known as Dudh Pokhari, Thonak Cho, Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngojumba Cho and Longpanga Cho. Some of these beautiful turquoise lakes are categorized as the world's highest freshwater lakes. Gokyo lakes is along the Everest Base Camp route and presents a stunning view of Ngozumpa Glacier, the largest glacier in Nepal, along with jaw-dropping views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu (8,188 meters).
Helambu
Helambu lies in the highlands of Sindhupalchowk district. The word Helambu comes from Hyolmo that signifies a group of people that have been living in this place for generations. Famous for its aesthetic Buddhist villages and pilgrimage sites, it is also a popular trekking route that leads to Langtang. A warm welcome from the locals adds up to the breathtaking views of the Rolwaling range, Langtang Himal and Ganesh Himal. Don't miss Helambu this Dashain!
Khorpa Danda
It is a recently opened trekking route in the Annapurna region. This trek can be a lifetime experience as the route gives glimpses of various Himalayan ethnicities. The trek starts from Nayapul via Ghandruk after six hours of drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by one hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. The entire trek promises a breathtaking view of Annapurna, Himchuli and Dhaulagiri mountains. The route also contains beautiful natural and rare vegetation, and dense Rhododendron forests. Khorpa Danda is a perfect trip for those fascinated by the Himalayas.
Paanch Pokhari
Comprising five different lakes which lie at an altitude of 4,100 meters, Paanch Pokhari is one of the famous Hindu pilgrimage sites in the country. It is also a prominent feature of Langtang National Park that stretches to three districts—Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk and Nuwakot. This non-tourist trek route presents views of beautiful Himalayan peaks and ranges like Gauri Shanker, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang, Rolwaling, Tibetan Himalayan range and Jugal Himalayan range. This route also has Panch Pokhari Temple.
This beautiful destination allows people to better understand rural culture and lifestyle.
Shey Gompa, Dolpo
Traveling to Dolpo takes you to hidden valleys, beautiful lakes and ancient Tibetan shrines. Shey Gompa is a small monastery often referred to as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo, a Tibetan Region in the upper part of Dolpa district. The larger part of Dolpo lies within the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Divided into upper and lower regions, Upper Dolpo offers views of beautiful snow-capped mountains and lakes while the lower Dolpo region mostly has villages distinctly reflecting the lifestyle of people living in the rural Himalayan region.
