Recuperate

A gust of wind blows through my face                               
While I peak outside the square frame
Mesmerized by what I see
I remain awestruck by the scenic beauty

Nature at its peak
The white Himalayas and green woods
Welcoming me with a smile
While the flowing river guide me into the mountains

High on the ridge
Panoramic view gets larger than life
Giving me the chills
While the valley lies underneath I stand

Frantic as a spectator
I wish the time would freeze
And I would be immortal
Just by being a part of Kalinchowk forever

Best Dal Bhat Stations in Hetauda

Hetauda is a district headquarter of Makwanpur District. The city is well know for its cleanliness and is considered as one of the clean city of Nepal. It has been the transit point to enter Kathmandu Valley. The city came to existence after construction of first Highway of Nepal - Tribhuwan Highway - that connected Kathamndu valley with Terai and India. Therefore, Hetauda has been a transit place for travellers since the begining.

Ocean Rest House

As good and hyginic food has been the first priority of travellers, hence, few eateries in Hetauda have been selling hyginic Dal-Bhat (Traditional Nepali Food) for more than a decade in Hetauda. These are located in the northern part of the city called Bhimphedi Buspark. Below are the most famous Dal - Bhat stations in the city.

1. Ocean Rest House: Ocean Rest house is the most famous place to have Dal-Bhat in Hetauda. It is located few meters east of Bhimphedi Buspark. It offers Dal Bhat in three categories Veg, Chicken and Mutton. It addition to this it also offers additional options like dahi (curd), omelet, mushroom, and fish. Prices are also reasonable and cheaper than other restaurants and hotels. It costs only NPR. 150 for veg set and NPR. 230 for Chicken and Fish set and NPR. 250 for Mutton. All set includes mix vegetable, leafy vegetable, two types of chutney, crispy potato, dal, papad, salad and rice with ghee topping.

Lokapriya Bhojanalaya

2. Lokapriya Bhojanalaya: It is also located in Bhimphedi Buspark and it is easily visible as it is on the side of the main road. It also offers Dal-Bhat set in three major options i.e. Veg, Chicken and Mutton. It also has additional options with omelet, and dahi. One special feature of this place is that it has separate sections for veg and non-veg customers. You will also find posters of Sai Baba (Hindu Guru) in the restaurant. According to the owner, it has separate veg and non-veg because it also receives customers who are Sai Baba followers and prefer to eat separately. Price range in Lokapriya is same as Ocean, therefore, it is reasonable. A set will include Rice, Dal, Mixed vegetable, Leafy vegetable, two pickel, salad and papad. You can ask the waiter to add ghee in your rice.

Annapurna Bhojanalaya

3. Annapurna Bhojanalaya: Annapurna Bhojanalya is located exactly opposite to Lokapriya Bhojanalaya. It also offers dal bhat in three options like Ocean and Lokapriya. Similary price is also same as other two restaurants. The food set also includes same items.

Chhath - Festival of Sun

Chhath is an ancient Hindu Vedic festival, celebrated in Mithila region of Nepal, and India. This festival is dedicated to Sun and his wife Usha in order to thank them for blessing life on earth and also to request for granting wishes of devotees. In Nepal is it celebrated by people living in teria region. It lasts for four days and during this period, the worshiper observe purity and slees on the floor on a single blanket or on a separate bed. This is the only holy festival which has no involvement of any pandit (priests). Devotees offer prayers to the rising sun early morning and then the setting sun in the evening to celebrate its glory as the cycle of birth to death.

Nahay Kay/Arwa Arwain – First Day : The devotees take a dip in nearby river – preferable in holy rivers like Koshi, Bagmati, Karnali, Narayani. They also take the holy water to their home to purify the house and prepare offerings. Houses and surroundings are kept clean and ladies observing the Barta (Fast) take only one meal cooked by themselves.

Lohanda and Kharna (Argasan) – Second Day: On this day also ladies observing Barta (Fast) continue fasting for the whole day, which ends in the evening after the sunset. After worshipping the setting sun and rising moon in the evening, they take Kheer, Chappatis, fruits and sweets which is also offered to Sun and Moon. Such food is also distributed among other family members. After having the Prashad, ladies observing fast go for 36 hour Barta without even drinking water till the fourth day morning.

Sandhya Arghya - Third Day: Family members accompanies the ladies (fasting) to the nearest riverbank, pond or a lake to make offerings to the setting sun. The offerings are prepared during the day. The riverbanks will be full of devotees and their family members. Devotees even sing folk songs on the evening of the Chhath.

Usha Arghya – Fourth Day:  On the final day, devotees and their family members go to the nearest riverbank with offerings (Kher, Fruits, Chapaatis, Thekuwas etc.) in order to make offerings to the rising sun. The ladies observing fast break their fast after worshipping the rising sun and making offerings. People take holy bath in the riverbanks to make themselves pure. Devotees return home eat Prasad. The Prasad includes, Kheer, Chhpatis, Theuwas other food items. The Prasad is cooked with no onion, garlic and salt to maintain purity of the offering.

Detailed Itinerary for Trip to Kalinchowk

5 Best places to visit in Ilam

Ilam is well known for its natural scenery and landscapes, tea production and diverse agricultural production. It is one of the popular destination for domestic visitors. Following are the five best places in Ilam

Pathivara Temple

Right after entering Ilam district, Pathivara devi temple could be the first stop for visitors. Pathivara devi temple is believed to be the younger sister of Pathivara Devei in Taplejung district. The temple is located in Hanspokhari on the southeast of Kolbung VDC. There is a noticeable Gate on the right of the Mechi highway where Pathivara temple is painted. Passing through the gate, visitors have to climb for few minuites uphill to reach the temple.

Kanyam

Few kilometers ahead of Pathivara Temple, Kanyam is locoated. Kanyam is rated as most visited tourist destination which accommodates largest tea estates in the District. Most of the visitors stop to enjoy beauty of tea garden. Additional to the tea gardens, visitors can also enjoy horse riding and fresh cup of tea of choice in local restaurants. Kanyam is also famous among locals as it is a great place for picnic and family outing.

Fikkal

The next stopover after Kanyam is Fikkal Bazar. Fikkal bazar is the business center in the area and is second big market place in the district. It is famous for local agricultural produce like ghee, vegetables, ginger, cardamom, and Dalle(Chilly). You can also buy delicious Churpi and Bombaisan(local sweet). There are number of local eateries where you can enjoy delicious vegetable momo with spicy chutney complemented with a soup. Apart from this, Fikkal also offers locally branded tea. You can find tea for sale in almost all the shops in the market.

Ilam Bazar

Ilam Bazar accompany variety of lodges and hotels which ranges from low to medium scale. Most of the visitors spend overnight in Ilam bazar. Early morning, visitors can visit the Ilam view tour located in North East of the bazar. Visitors can enjoy clean and dust free market place. Ilam bazar also offer lot of agricultural goods for foreigner and the most famous are tea, churpi, and bombaisan.

Maipokhari

Maipokhari is an hour drive from Ilam Bazar. Visitors can either hire a 40-50 years old Landrover from the Jeep station and drive to Maiphokhari. Maipokhari is a pristine lake amidst the natural forest surrounded by the thick forest of fir, juniper, brich and pine. It also accommodated various spicies of flora and funa like orchids, rhodendron, herbs and rare animals like musk deer, leopard, porcupine etc.

Besides these places, Sandakpur, Antu Danda, Siddhi Thimka, Chhintapu and Gajur Mukhi are other attraction of the District. However, above mentioned destinations are the most famous among the visitors as it is easily accessible and reachable.  

Festival of Lights - Tihar

Tihar is the second biggest festival of Nepal and is also known as Deepawali and Yamapancha or Swanti (in Newari). It is a five day long Hindu festival celebrated across Nepal and India. It is called festival of diyo as it is lit inside and outside the house to make it illuminate at night to welcome Goddess of Wealth - Laxmi. People in Nepal beleive that illuminating the door steps and stair ways would attract Goddess Laxmi to enter the home and bless with wealth, prosperity and health.

The first day of Yama pancha is Kaag (Crow) Tihar. On this day crows and ravens are worshiped by offering freshly cooked food and sweets. As cawing of crows symbolizes sadness and grief among Hindus, therefore, people offer crows and ravens food to make it happy so that grief and death is averted from their homes.

The second day is a special day for dogs and is called Kukur (Dog) Tihar. Local Newars of Kathmandu called it Khicha (Dog) puja. People offer tika, tie mala and offer delicious food to dogs. The festival also symbolizes the cherished relationship between dogs and humans. According to holy scripts, Gods like Bhairava, and Yamaraj had dogs as their vahan (vehicle).

Third day is the most important day of Tihar. In the evening Goddess Laxmi is worshiped for all benefits blessed to the family by illuminating the house with diyos, candles and electronic lights. Early morning people also decorate their windows and main entrance with marigold flowers. Laxmi puja is also called Gai Tihar and people worship cow by offering tika, mala and food. In the evening, girls and boys play deusi and bhailo. Boys take lead for deusi and bhailo is sung by girls. The deusi and bhailo group visit individual house and sing deusi and bhailo songs wishing and praying wellbeing of the house and its residents. It is also considered as a way of entertainment in the communities. As a reward to deusi and bhailo groups, house owners and members offer them fresh sel roti, fruits, grains, and money.

On the fourth day of tihar, people celebrate differently. Most people observe it as Goru Tihar and worship oxen. While Newar  community celebrate this day as Mha Puja (worship of self). This day is also marked as the begining of the Nepal Sambat Calendar year. This is also celebrated by Newars.

The fifth and last day is called Bhai Tika or Kija Puja. It is the day for brothers and sisters. On this day sisters apply tika to the foreheads of their brothers to ensure long life and than them for protection they provide. Brothers sit on the floor while sister perform their puja. Sister offer delicious food and fruits and in return brothers give money, and gifts.

5 Awesome Places to Experience Mountains in Nepal

5. Nagarkot

It is a perfect place to experience the kingdom of Himalayas with no physical activity. Nagarkot offers best view of the eight Mountains on its North and beautiful scenic view of Kathmandu valley on its west. Similarly on its east and south, one can experience unlimited range of green hills. Nagarkot is also a residence of wide varieties of flora and fauna. But do not expect to see wild animals. If you do it would simply be a mere luck. For lodging and fooding, there are variety of appealing hotels and lodges in every price range in a stretch of 2-3 kms. Within few km there's Nagarkot view tower, which is best known for viewing sun rise over the Himalayas.
  

4. Dhulikhel

It is also one of the quick escape place from hustle of Kathmandu Valley. Dhulikhel is one of the more popular places from which to observe the high Himalaya. From the edge of the ridge, a stunning panorama of peaks unfolds, from Langtang Lirung in the east, through Dorje Lakpa to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar and nearby Melungtse (7181m) and as far as Numbur (5945m) in the east. On the south of the town, there is a view tower which can be reach in 20-25 mins. The stairway on the way to view tower is a best place to click some picture with green tree on both sides. Likewise a Buddhist monastery with large statue of Lord Buddha is also a stopover for travelers. 

3. Khumbu

Khumbu is located in northeast of Nepal. It is a favourite place for many trekkers determining to trek to the summit of Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha). The journey begins from kathmandu with a flight to Lukla then followed by hike to Everest base camp on a well managed trail. Khumbu is a home to the world famous Sherpas and their village Namche Bazar. It lies in a protected area of Sagarmatha National Park. Similarly, the famous buddhist monastry - Tengboche Monastry - is located in the Khumbu Area. For accommodation and food, one need to worry, as there are variety of comfortable hotels and eateries on the trekking route. 

2. Kalinchowk

Kalinchowk was little known and rarely visited place few year back. But in recent times, it has become one of the most visited place by domestic tourists because of the development of basic infrastrucutre. From this place one can get a wonderful panoramic view of Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Panga, Langtang, Dorjee Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Amabamori, Gaurishankar and Namburi Himal. Besides these snowcapped mountains, Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple is also a prominent attraction to domestic visitors specially Hindus and Buddhists. There are more than 20 small and medium scale lodges operating in the area that serve good food.

1. Pokhara

Pokhara is also know as a city of lakes. It is the most popular resort destination for travelers from around the world. The Fishtail mountain and Annapurna mountain range are the biggest attraction of the city. It is also know for adventure sports like bungy jump, zip flyer, mountain biking, paragliding as well as sky diving. On the shores of largest lake - Phewa Lake - is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The lake also features an island with a temple of goddess Barahi Bhagawati. Simialry other two famous lakes - Beganas and Rupa - are quite and peaceful. Visitors can enjoy boating and also do meditation on the shores. Sargankot is the highest among the hills in the vicinity and is the most famous place for close up view of Fishtail and Annapurna mountains.

Kalinchowk - Travel Blog

Kalinchowk - Travel Blog is a travel information station. It initially started with a Facebook page named Kalinchowk back in 2010. The page was named after Kalinchowk Bhagwati where our founder member made his first trip with some of his friends. Since, then he has been managing the page. The initial idea of the page was to provide travel information to Kalinchowk visitors as it was new travel destination. Now, there are ample of travel agencies offering packages to visit Kalinchowk, hence, it was decided to refurbish the Facebook page and turn it into a travel information center. 

Now, with its new brand name "Kalinchowk - Travel blog" we will share travel information of various travel destinations in Nepal as well as abroad. We will try to share the best possible information related to places and suggest hotels, food to eat, eateries, and transportation. The blog will also share some do's and don'ts for our readers, followers and fans, so that it would help during travel. We hope you will enjoy reading our blog. 

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Kalinchowk – An Introduction

Kalinchowk is a popular tourist destination located in Dolakha District at an elevation of 3790m. It is named after a Hindu Goddess Temple – Kalinchowk Bhagawati (Kali) Temple. Few year back it was little known and rarely visited destination area. But with the recent development of basic infrastructure, it has become one of the most visited place especially by domestic tourists. There is no specific time or season recommended for visiting Kalinchowk but the trend shows that the traffic shoots during Nepal’s national festival season – Dasain and Tihar. Similarly, another peak season is December to February. It is the time when Kalinchowk receives winter rain and is covered with white sheet of snow. 

From this place one can get a wonderful panoramic view of Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Panga, Langtang, Dorjee Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Amabamori, Gaurishankar and Namburi Himal. Besides these snowcapped mountains, Kalinchowk Bhagawati Temple is also a prominent attraction to domestic visitors specially Hindus and Buddhists. 

Two natural springs also originates from this area which are called Sundhara and Tama, which are the main source of two major rivers of the regions called Sunkoshi and Tama Koshi. Similarly, the National Flower of Nepal Rhododendron and the National Bird Pheasant (Danfe) can also be found in the area.