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By Hari | August 19, 2008

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Issued On    2008-08-19 Till Date  2008-08-20
Tonight’s weather forecast for Nepal

Generally cloudy with rain to occur at many places.Heavy rain is possible at one or two places of terai region.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast for Nepal

Generally cloudy with temporary rain or thundershower likely to occur at some places.

Tonight’s weather forecast for Kathmandu
Generally cloudy with temporary rain.
Tomorrow’s weather forecast for Kathmandu
Generally cloudy with temporary rain or thundershower.
Expected Temperature
Tomorrow  Tonight


Max.


Min

28-30°C

18-20°C 

Weather records for Kathmandu
Today’s Relative Humidity at 5:45 A.M.: 96 %
Today’s Relative Humidity at 2:45 P.M.: 75 %
Rainfall statistics
Total this month to date 173.8mm
Normal this month 319.6 mm
Highest 24 hrs amount ending at 8:45 AM ever recorded in this month on 08/2000 : 96.2 mm
Tomorrow’s (Wednesday)
Sunrise at  05:37 AM
Sunset at  6:38 PM
Special Weather Bulletin

Topics: Weather | No Comments »

Shrawan Festival Nepal

By Hari | August 13, 2008

7) Shrawan (July/August)

1. Bhoto Jatra:- Astrologers fix the exact time. The culmination of the several month long procession of the Rato(red) Machhendranath chariot since it set off from Pulchowk in April, this important patan festival is designed to ensure a good monsoon for crops. The bejewelled waist coast or bhoto, supposedly belonging to the serpent king, is displayed at Jawalakhel in the presence of the royal family. Once every 12 years (the next time is 2003) the chariot is dragged painstakingly all the way to Bungmati.

2. Ghantakarna:- The Night of the Devil is traditionally the last day for rice planting, The evil demon was outwitted by a frog & children collect coins to pay for his funeral.

3. Nag Panchami:- Nagas, or the sacred serpents, are worshipped & pictures can be seen displayed above many doorways.

4. Raksha Bandhan or Janai Purnima:- Every Brahman & Chheti must renew their janai or sacred threads on this day after first taking a ritual bath in holy water. The kumbheswor Temple in patan is the is place to be, as the water in the tanks there supposedly, come from the sacred Gosaikund lake, high in Helambu. The beautiful gold & silver linga, Usually kept in the temple, are displayed on this day on a platform in the middle of the tank, reached only along a narrow plank.(August 16 2008)

5. Gai Jatra:- An epic love of a king & queen is celebrated in this festival, which is more like a carnival. Families in which deaths have occurred in the previous year will send cows or children dressed as cows to frolic & sing in the Durbar squares of kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur to assist their deceased’s entry into heaven.(August 17 2008)

6. Krishna Jayanti:- Birthday of the beloved god krishna is celebrated in patan durbar square.

Topics: Fesitvals and Events | No Comments »

Trekking Weather Report for 13th - 14th of August 2008

By Hari | August 13, 2008

Issued On 2008-08-13 Till Date 2008-08-14
Tonight’s weather forecast for Nepal

Generally cloudy throughout the country with temporary rain or thundershower to occur at some areas.

Tomorrow’s weather forecast for Nepal

Generally cloudy throughout the country with temporary rain or thundershower to occur at some areas.

Tonight’s weather forecast for Kathmandu
Temporary rain or thundershower at some area.
Tomorrow’s weather forecast for Kathmandu
Temporary rain or thundershower at some area.
Expected Temperature
Tomorrow Tonight


Max.


Min

29-31°C

19-21°C

Weather records for Kathmandu
Today’s Relative Humidity at 5:45 A.M.: 98 %
Today’s Relative Humidity at 2:45 P.M.: 72 %
Rainfall statistics
Total this month to date 154.1mm
Normal this month 319.6 mm
Highest 24 hrs amount ending at 8:45 AM ever recorded in this month on 08/2000 : 98.6 mm
Today’s (Thursday)
Sunrise at  05:34 AM
Sunset at  6:43 PM
Special Weather Bulletin

The above weather is based on the weather forcast of Nepal Government.

However the weather in the Himalayan trekking region is less rainy and weather is erratic as usual though the weather in the Himalayas in early morning is usually clear and ideal for the views.Normally the weather in the Him laya lower 3000 meter is cloudy and rainy after midday.

Weather conditions and the trail observations are fine for the trekking apart from the slippery and bushy trail.The environment is lush green all around Nepal.

The final weather is still good for visiting in August as the weather of Nepal starts getting pleasant neither hot nor cold except the occasional rain in the Kathmandu valley.August is the end of the rainy season and the start of Various colourful festivals.

Topics: Weather | Comments Off

Mustang Trek in Early July

By Leigh | August 9, 2008

In early July this year I took many of our Nepali team on a thank-you trip to the forbidden Kingdom of LO (Mustang)

The Kingdom of Lo in the Mustang Region of Nepal is one of the most remote kingdoms on earth. One of the few remaining authentic Tibetan cultures still left in the world, the northern part of this astounding kingdom is open to a small number of permit holders each year. Sheltered by such massive Himalayan peaks as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Mustang is a rugged moonscape of walled monasteries, windy plains and towns that time forgot (http://www.itreknepal.com/summertreks/mustang-trek.html

Below are a couple of pictures and my personal tips
Duration we did in 6 days ideally 10 allow extra days in Tsarang and Lo Manthang
Firstly if there is 2+ take a private 4WD from Pokhara the full day trip up the kali Gandaki valley is a adventure itself (do not attempt July-Nov due to landslides) also flights to/from Jomsom are often not available days at a time June – Aug due to weather.


PONY

Unfortunately we did not take our teams advise and decided not to take ponies, the walk itself if not too hard except for a few extremely steep ascents, taking a pony makes sense “just in case” hiring in Jomsom saves you 50% approximately USD $20 a day with handler.

Altitude first day you hit 3000M, 2nd day 3900M (Chele) panadol for sure Diamox likely, we also carried oxygen – but did not use it.

Accommodation and meals very simple as only a few hundred tourists get permits investment in tourism is nominal carry some of your own provisions although a tent is not really required the homestays and basic lodges are OK Just need a good sleeping bag/pillow.

KING
yes you get to meet the King unfortunately he speaks Nepali and Tibetan only, book on arrival at Lo Manthang Guest house he sees foreigners between 11-1 each day.

An unforgettable experience, totally different views – and much more remote than I expected. The trek is not easy as some people state certainly on par with EBC, can be made easier if you hire a pony. There is news that the tourism authority is dropping the permit from USD700 to USD500 that would help but this is NOT a cheap trip allow $2500pp for the trip.

Topics: Trekking | No Comments »

Sacred Trek to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar Now Possible with ITrekNepal

By David | June 6, 2008

CONTACT:

Andy Leonard

ITrekNepal

(503) 522-1747

andrew@itreknepal.com

www.Itreknepal.com

Portland, OR June 6, 2008

Mt Kailash, considered the holiest mountain on earth by a number of faiths and religions, is the newest destination offered by ITrekNepal. This is an exclusive opportunity as only a few permits each year are granted into this secluded region and all trekking in the area comes to a halt by November when the region is cut off by snow.

Trekkers and spiritual seekers have a unique opportunity to join a guided and fully- supported trek through the remote region of Humla in Western Nepal to reach the most sacred mountain in the world – Mt Kailash, considered by Hindus to be the home of Shiva. This exclusive journey is made for travelers in search of a cultural and spiritual understanding amidst the splendor of the Himalayan mountain range. This is a rigorous journey requiring hiking, camping and 4wd overland driving through the remote and wild western regions of Nepal and Tibet. Driving elevations range from 9,000ft (2,745m) to 16,000ft (4,880m) and hiking trekkers will reach a maximum of 18,400ft (5600m).

According to ITrekNepal’s Operations Director Andy Leonard, “We’re offering a handful of intrepid trekkers the opportunity to experience a part of the world that is rarely frequented by Westerners.” He went on to say, “Very few trekkers have passed this way and it’s completely cut off by snow from November to April making this summer and early fall the ideal time to trek in this area which is unaffected by Nepal’s summer monsoon weather.”

More than a just a mountain trek, this is an extraordinary journey during which trekkers will pass through the hidden Humla valley in Nepal’s western most Tibetan frontier and to Tibet’s mythical Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. To begin this pilgrimage travelers will start by taking the flight to Simikot in Nepal’s remote Humla District. From here the trek follows the ancient salt trading and pilgrimage route towards the Nara Langa pass and to the border trade post at Taklakot. Driving overland north past Gurla Mandata mountain to the shores of Lake Manasarovar and Rakshas Tal Lake the trips will reach the settlement of Darchen situated at the foot of Mt. Kailash. Then comes the ‘kora’ (holy-walk) trek on the mountain sharing the trail with pilgrims of many faiths and cultures that head for Kailash during the summer months. After completing this trek those traveling with Itrek will camp by the banks of lake Manasarovar and then drive eastwards by jeep along the mighty Zangpo River and through the vastness of the Tibet Plateau. Here they will enjoy fantastic mountain views of the Himalayas as they journey south towards the border town of Zangmu to re-enter Nepal at the Friendship Bridge.

Both 24 day and 17 day treks are available. These are fully supported treks with all camping equipment, led by experienced local guides. Overland travel in Tibet uses private four-wheel-drive jeeps (whenever possible). Itrek has coordinated its trip dates to coincide with a full moon for particularly auspicious trips.

About: ITrekNepal is a Nepal trekking company equally committed to the enjoyment of its clients and to the future of all Nepalese. All Itreks have been carefully researched to ensure very safe and enjoyable trips. Only the best accommodations, guides and porters are used, and any trek can be customized to a client’s preferences.

For additional information pertaining to this release contact: Andy Leonard (503) 522-1747

Topics: Trekking | No Comments »

Helambu Hiking

By Andy | May 26, 2008

On our last trip to Nepal we had less time than we would have liked for a Himalayan trek, certainly not enough to get high into the Everest region, so we decided to head to Helambu for a 7 day trek. The Helambu region lies north of Kathmandu, with our trailhead just an hour’s car ride out of the city. The first morning’s trek ascends almost 1000 meters through a national park to a ridge at 2500m that gave us the first views of the high Himalayan peaks to the north.

We were trekking at the very start of the season in late Febuary so we were flirting with the last of the winter weather. Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: Trekking | No Comments »

This Summer ITrekNepal Begins Offering Treks to The Restricted Mustang Region of Nepal

By David | May 23, 2008

CONTACT:

Andy Leonard

ITrekNepal

(503) 522-1747

andrew@itreknepal.com

www.Itreknepal.com

Portland, OR May 24, 2008

Summary: For trekkers wanting to experience Tibetan culture as it has existed for thousands of years ITrekNepal will begin offering trips to the highly restricted area of Mustang this summer. This is an exclusive opportunity as Nepal limits the number of outsiders allowed into the region each year. Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: News Releases | No Comments »

Annapurna Base Camp Trek by Ms Lisa Collaby

By Lisa | October 31, 2007

Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ms Lisa Collaby Sept/Oct 2007

The Nepalese trekking season begins in earnest in October. The advantage of heading off into the mountains before then is that the trails are blissfully quiet. The disadvantage is that the weather can be a little unpredictable…It was late September when I set off to trek the Annapurna Sanctuary trail. Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: Trekking | No Comments »

Paragliding Pokhara Nepal

By Leigh | October 13, 2007

Where Eagles Dare…
Lake Phewa, Pokhara is a great place to relax post-trek, as I have done for a few days. “Seen it from the ground,” I thought to myself, this morning, “time for a different perspective!”I climbed up to the viewpoint at Sarangkot from where the cool lake beckoned below. I wanted to get closer. So I threw myself off the mountain… Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: Paragliding | No Comments »

Beni Transport

By Leigh | September 27, 2007

Just completed the short Jomson (fly in) to Beni Trek 4 easy days (down hill), there has been a lot of rain at the end of the monsoon which is not normal for this time of year, the trails are safe but Read the rest of this entry »

Topics: Trekking | No Comments »


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