Tour Guide, Kathmandu, Nepal
| 4 mins read
Covid-19 has affected everyone's life one way or other. Many industries are struggling through the changing business scenario. Among them, the tourism industry is the most hardly hit industry globally, and our favourite neighbouring country Nepal is not the exception. Many tourism employees lost their jobs, several businesses closed down forever, and many hotels remain uncertain of reopening and many more examples of the corona effect.
However, on the brighter side, Nepal is recovering quickly in an unexpected way. It has become the choice of adventure lovers. 66000 foreign tourists visited Nepal in the first eight months of 2021 for trekking and mountaineering expedition. Many more inquiries received for spring 2022 shows the bright sunny morning. This way, we might return to the 2019 level in a year, says Dr Dhananjay Regmi-CEO, Nepal Tourism Board.
Thamel, the tourist ghetto, has begun to come alive with the aroma of varieties of international cuisine, coffee shops and melody of music which goes till late at night. Colourful curio shops, including Thangka paintings, Khukuri (typical Nepali knife), Pashmina, and Himalayan Herb Tea, have started increasing sales.
Hotels see improvement in occupancy and are ready to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2022 a grand way. Among total arrivals, Indian tourists occupy large in Nepal. As we share the unique and free international border with Nepal, many Indian tourists visit Nepal via flight and surface. Almost 8 to 9 hours drive from the border takes you to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara.
Pokhara is an adventure lover's paradise as it is a gateway to world-famous Annapurna Trekking region. Tourists can indulge in many adventure activities: Paragliding, Ultra Light Flight, Bunjee Jumping, Rafting, etc. Helicopter rides to the base camp or popular viewpoints are on the rise.
Pashupatinath Temple, Dakshinkali Temple and Manokamana Temple, which are popular among Indian tourists, are seen crowded with devotees. Many Nepalese travellers are moving to popular trekking destinations like Mardi Himal in the Annapurna region, Namche Bazaar in the Everest region. Jeeps in the Muktinath Temple region are rushing to transport the pilgrimage.
Hence we are hopeful India, along with Nepal and the whole world, will recover soon in terms of tourism. Besides the spread of omicron new variant, if everything goes well, we will definitely recover soon in an unexpected way.
Christmas & New Year 2022 Hot Picks for Indian Travellers
New Year 2022 Eve Gala Dinner at Lakeside-Pokhara
Phewa Lake in Pokhara is famous for the boating and the lakeside street full of hotels, restaurants, music, dance, Spa and more. Temple Tree Resort & Spa, which is a 5 Star Deluxe Property in the Lakeside, is a home away from home. New Year 2022 Eve with Gala Dinner and live music could be the perfect celebration idea in this lake city.
Helicopter Ride to Mardi Himal High Camp
Mardi Himal High Camp, situated at an altitude of 3550 m above sea level, is a highly praised newly opened trekking route that can be reached in 3 days trek and a 15-minute helicopter ride from Pokhara. It is praised for a short duration trek to view the magnificent Mt. Annapurna and Machhapuchhere or Fishtail mountain. More adventurous may opt to hike another 2.5 hrs hike to Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4500 meters.
Manokamana Temple visit by Cable Car
Manokamana Temple lies between Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan highway (approx 140 km, 4 hrs drive from Kathmandu, 100 km drive from Pokhara, and 45 km 2 hrs drive from Chitwan), is easily accessible by 15 minutes of a cable car ride. One with plenty of time can opt to climb for approximately 3.5 hrs to reach there. It is believed that Manokamana Devi fulfils the wishes of the devotees who visit the temple for darshan.
Sarangkot Sunrise with mountain views and lavish breakfast
Sarangkot, a popular viewpoint above Pokhara city, is famous for the Sunrise view over the Himalayas, including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna and Fishtail Mountain. Below you can view Pokhara city under the clouds, and on the other side is the Seti river valley. Enjoying a lavish morning breakfast with the view is a travellers dream.
Everest Mountain Flight
One of the must-see landmarks of Nepal is, of course, the highest peak in the world – Mount Everest. An awe-stricken silence comes close to matching the experience of a mountain flight. For one hour, you'll fly over the Eastern Himalayan Ranges of Nepal, where some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mt. Everest, lie for a surreal feeling as you come face to face with the world's tallest and most enigmatic of Mountains.
Even those visitors who like the rigours of a trek won't miss the opportunity to "conquer" the mountains in one stunning swoop.