Time: 2-3 hours

Major attractions:

1. 55 windows palace
2. Golden gate
3. Lion gate
4. Nyatapola temple
5. Batsala temple
6. Statue of Bhupatindra Malla
7. Bhairavnath temple

Entry fee

Foreign National: $ 15

SAARC National: $ 5

After leaving Kathmandu, the scenery is completely changed with green paddy fields and wide roads of Arniko Highway. Covering the distance of 9.8 km, Bhaktapur is 15-20 mins ride from the main city of Kathmandu. The city of devotees (Bhakta: devotee, pur: city) is aptly named for its well-known temples and shrines. Bhaktapur is one of the oldest cities of Nepal constituting of old city traditions and Newar heritage.

By: Anish Sigdel

Hiking was my forte and trekking was something I had always longed for. Opportunities came and went, but somehow I had missed every one of them and I was not going to miss this one. Manaslu, a name everyone was familiar with, came knocking on my door and the planning started. Five of us were finalized as the ‘Larke Pass Team’ although I had doubts regarding my health when I found out that we will be reaching an altitude of 5200 meters but I was prepared to take it on. We had found out that an average person takes around 14 days to complete the trekking route, but still planned a 10-day trip (a bit of arrogance perhaps but as we found out later, arrogance is never a good commodity). We had heard that the food and shelter privileges were at its worst as we ascended higher altitudes which meant proper food supplies and sleeping bags were a must and walking with those enormous bags on our back was going to be a challenge in itself. Come to think of it, even standing up straight for the first time required added effort.

As claimed by Lonely Planet – “A Mirror to the Himalayas”, POKHARA is the ultimate destination in Nepal that is perfect for the visit any time of the year. With diverse landscape through a sudden rise of altitude from 800-5000 meter in short distance of 25km, Pokhara offers spectacular scenery, with all possible adventure activities. Added by comfortable hotels to stay, exotic cuisines from all corner of the world, topped with a flavor of hospitable Nepalese people, Pokhara serves you an experience of a lifetime.

As a part of September trekking, this time we decided to trek along Annapurna Circuit. We planned to start it on 2^nd September, Friday. For those who would rather want fewer crowds, it is the best time. Later, such tourist areas get full and sometimes 100% occupied.

Day1: Long bus & jeep ride day.

The day was finally there, 2^nd September. We decided to meet by 5, and we promised to wake each other up. One of the best thing about my September trek friends is, they always get ready one hour earlier no matter how early we decide to leave. I took a taxi from Pepsicola and left for Sankhamul to pick Topi and Sudip. It was only on the road, I remembered that I forgot stick and my light.

Travelling has long been fascinating to most people. There is never an endpoint for the travel enthusiast, it is one of the most amazing things to experience different cultures in different parts of the world.  People all over the world have always been open to exciting, adventurous world travel that leads them to live happier, fulfilling lives.  Most importantly, traveling is a great option to invest in our desires where we get more exposure to the fascinating world we live in.

Benefits of Trekking

Trekking is believed to be one of the most satisfying outdoor activities.  Not only does it guarantees complete spiritual refreshment, but it also offers multiple health benefits.  No matter what your fitness level, walking offers a plethora of benefits both mentally and physically.  Walking also allows you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the opportunity to engage with local communities whilst also gaining the benefits of physical exercise.  The mind can relax and forget daily worries, and anxiety can be reduced by breathing deeply and enjoying your surroundings.