Thing To See In TOKYO

PLAN YOUR TOKYO VACATION

Lights, sushi, manga! Sprawling, frenetic, and endlessly fascinating, Japan’s capital is a city of contrasts. Shrines and gardens are pockets of calm between famously crowded streets and soaring office buildings. Mom-and-pop noodle houses share street space with Western-style chain restaurants and exquisite fine dining. Shopping yields lovely folk arts as well as the newest electronics. And nightlife kicks off with karaoke or sake and continues with techno clubs and more. Whether you seek the traditional or the cutting edge, Tokyo will provide it.

How to Maximize This Tokyo Itinerary 

With over 100 different train/subway lines spanning across the 20+ district wards in Tokyo, navigating around the city can be quite overwhelming especially for first timers. But don’t worry! I’m sharing with you some of my Tokyo travel tips on how you can avoid getting lostand how you can maximize your precious vacation time.

• Rent a pocket wifi so you can access Google Maps while on the go. In Japan, free wifi is hard to find and Google Maps can only be accessed when you’re online. Subways and trains in Tokyo are highly sophisticated and you will need real-time train schedule most of the time to get on the right train. During my first trip to Japan, I made a huge mistake of not booking a pocket wifi which led me to get lost in back alleys without street names. I also missed a number of destinations in my itinerary as a result. Since then, I’ve always pre-booked my pocket wifi before arriving in Japan and have never looked back. I’ve personally used Pupuru Pocket Wifi in my past 5 trips and can highly recommend them for their consistent reliable service and for their blazing fast wifi speed. Learn 5 reasons why you need a pocket wifi in Japan in this blog post. Check out rates and book your Pupuru pocket wifi here.
• Get a Suica reloadable transport card and load up for seamless commute. Buying individual train tickets for your everyday commute in Tokyo can a huge time waster. Save time with a Suica card which you can use from subways, trains to buses. You can even use your Suica card to buy groceries from convenience stores.


• Check if your hotel is located in a strategic location. By picking a highly convenient hotel in prime locations in Tokyo like Shinjuku or Ginza, you will not only save some money from transport expenses but you will save a lot of time! Less commute time means more time to explore the beauty of Japan.  Check out Asiatravelbug’s Where to Stay in Tokyo Guide to learn the best areas to stay in Tokyo and recommended hotels for tourists.



Tokyo Itinerary Day 1: Airport Arrival, Airport Transfer and Hotel Check-In

1. Transferred from Haneda Airport to Shinjuku using Airport Limousine Bus.
2. Checked in at Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku. This hotel sits on an unbeatable location in Shinjuku with spacious standard rooms for Japanese standards. Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku is highly recommended by Asiatravelbug. I will definitely stay here again when I return to Tokyo if rooms are available. This hotel is highly popular and it’s common for all of their rooms to get sold out, so book early! Standard twin rooms start at USD 200/night while economy rooms start at USD 150/night. Check out live rates of Hotel Sunroute Plaza Shinjuku in Agoda and Booking.com.
3. Strolled around Sumida Park overlooking Sumida River and Tokyo Skytree.
4. Walked around charming Tokyo’s old neighborhood Asakusa. Saw locals praying in Sensoji Temple. Shopped for souvenirs and bought Japanese snacks while strolling along Nakamise shopping street. Didn’t try the human powered rickshaws but was able to get some good photo snaps.
5. Went to Ueno Park for cherry blossom viewing and dinner. Even without cherry blossoms, Ueno Park is still worth to see. This park is the biggest and most popular public park in Tokyo.

• Tokyo Itinerary Day 3: Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo

1.  Took a bus from Shinjuku Station to Gotemba Bus Interchange. Saw Mount Fuji several times on the bus while on the way to Gotemba.
2. Went to Gotemba Peace Park aka Heiwa Park and had magnificent views of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms.
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NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

New York is probably the most visited city in the United States. Famous for fashion, nightlife, art, food, and theater, New York is the heart of the world. Every culture is represented here, and there’s always something to do. You can spend a lifetime exploring and never really see it all. NYC is one of the most amazing places in the world (it’s why I call it home), but as a backpacker, it can take a big bite out of your budget. However, a city this big is bound to have some great deals, and there are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a few months of your savings. I’ve lived in NYC for over three years and can tell you: deals can be found!

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  NEW YORK CITY TRAVEL GUIDE

  
  

  DestinationsTypical CostsBudget TipsActivitiesPosts

  
  New York is probably the most visited city in the United States. Famous for fashion, nightlife, art, food, and theater, New York is the heart of the world. Every culture is represented here, and there’s always something to do. You can spend a lifetime exploring and never really see it all. NYC is one of the most amazing places in the world (it’s why I call it home), but as a backpacker, it can take a big bite out of your budget. However, a city this big is bound to have some great deals, and there are plenty of things to do that won’t cost you a few months of your savings. I’ve lived in NYC for over three years and can tell you: deals can be found!

  Typical Costs

  Hostel prices – A night in a 4-6 bed dorm starts around $25-35. A private room that sleeps two starts around $80-100 per night. There aren’t many hostels in Manhattan and, if you want the best deals, it’s better to stay in Brooklyn or Queens. Hostels vary in what they offer but many offer free linens, free WiFi, and free towels. My favorite hostels are Jazz Hostels or the YHA.

  Budget hotel prices – In NYC, even budget hotels are expensive. You can find a room at a two-star hotel in Manhattan starting at $70, but more realistically, expect to pay between $100-150 per night for something on the low end, and then go up from there. That will get you a decent, clean room with a private bathroom. Manhattan is incredibly expensive so if you want more value for your money, consider staying in Brooklyn or Jersey City. On Airbnb, you can find shared rooms for around $25 per night and entire homes for around $80 per night.

  Average cost of food – New York has food at every price range. You can eat a mid-range sit-down restaurant for $15-25 per main course. Dinner for two with drinks usually averages around $50-70. Prices just go straight up from there as NYC has some really fancy and expensive restaurants. Pizza slices can be found as little as a dollar, though typically cost about $3. Sandwich shops, kebabs, salad shops, and cafe meals generally are less than $10. There are plenty of street vendors with meals around $5-8. If you cook your own food, expect to pay around $60 per week for groceries that will include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic foods. Here’s a list of some of my favorite places to eat in NYC.

  Public transportation cost – New York and its boroughs (and parts of New Jersey) are really well-connected with the subway. You can get to wherever you need to go, or close to it, with public transportation. Think about downloading an app or using the trip planner on the MTA website because the subway, with 24 different lines, can be intimidating and confusing at first. Public transport is pretty affordable. The fare for a subway or local bus ride is $2.75. The fare for an express bus ride is $6. You can also buy a 7-day transit pass for $31. The MTA charges a $1 fee on each metro or bus pass. Most cabs around the city will cost around $15. Uber is an alternative and has a base fare of $2.50 and costs about $2 per mile.

  Suggested daily budget – $60-90 (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, taking advantage of all the free activities the city has to offer, using public transportation, and avoiding expensive watering holes. You can always lower this number by using the budget tips below. This city can eat into your budget easily so be careful with your spending!)

  Destinations

  • United States
  • Austin
  • Boston
  • Chicago
  • Hawaii
  • Las Vegas
  • Los Angeles
  • Miami
  • San Francisco
  • Seattle
  • Washington 

  Money Saving Tips

  • Take a free tour – New York is a great place to walk around. However, only seeing New York from the outside is half the story. Take some of the free tours to see the other half. On Wednesday, there is a free tour of Grand Central Terminal offered by the Municipal Art Society (they offer a lot of other tours around the city too). Trinity Church offers free daily tours when there are no services. The Brooklyn Brewery offers free tours on Saturday. Finally, Big Apple Greeters will pair you with a local New Yorker to show you around for a day with advance notice.
  • Get cheap theater tickets – Tickets though can run hundreds of dollars, especially for the new and popular shows. Luckily, there’s a way to get discount tickets. The TKTS stand in Times Square offers 40-50% off select shows. You need to arrive at the counter the same day to see what they have but it’s usually a widespread and good selection. Be prepared to wait in line for about an hour. TKTS also have offices at the South Street Seaport and in Brooklyn.
  • Visit the museums for free – NYC is littered with some of the best museums in the world from the Met to the MoMA to the Guggenheim. Many museums offer free entry certain days of the week. The Whitney Museum of American Art is free on Friday, the Solomon R. Guggenheim has “suggested” donations after 5pm on Fridays, the Museum of American Folk Art is free, the Cooper-Hewitt National Museum of Design is free on Tuesday evenings free, the Steuben Galler is free, the MET is free (suggested donation is $20) and the Museum of Modern Art is free after 4pm on Friday.
  • Get a MetroCard – You’ll be taking the train a lot and fares can add up. Get one of the Unlimited MetroCards and save yourself a bundle during your trip.
  • Eat on the cheap – Between the food carts, dollar slice shops, kebab places, and ethnic eateries (Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Thai are some of the cheapest places in the city) you can eat really cheap in NYC. Avoid the expensive restaurants (OK, maybe one) and you’ll never bust your budget on food. Yelp!, Google Maps, and Foursquare are three good places to find cheap eats.
  • $1 happy hours – Love oysters? Eat them during the $1 happy hours that happen each night all over the city. The best deals are the John Dory Oyster House and Jeffery’s Grocery, which offers all their oysters for $1.
  • Couchsurf – Accommodation is expensive in NYC and, with few hostels, there aren’t many options for a budget traveler. Use a hospitality website like Couchsurfing and stay with locals for free. There is a huge network in the city with tons and tons of hosts. In order to increase the chance of success, request as far in advance as possible!
  • Consider getting the New York Pass – This pass allows you free entry to over 80 attractions and includes a hop-on/hop-off tour pass. A one-day pass is $110 per person and a three-day pass is $240 per person. You can save money by purchasing your tickets online.
  • Redeem hotel points – Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. This is especially helpful in big cities. Be aware that most hotels charge parking fees if you have a car, and adjust your budget accordingly.
  • Save money on rideshares – Uber and Lyft (my preferred company) are way cheaper than taxis and are the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to take a bus or pay for a taxi. The shared/pool option (where you share a ride with other people) offers even better savings. You can save money off your first rides with the following codes: Lyft (MATTHEW999 to save $10) and Uber (jlx6v to save $15).

  Top Things to See and Do in NYC

  • Take the Staten Island Ferry – That two-hour long line to see the Statue of Liberty not appealing? Well, walk a few blocks to the Staten Island ferry. The free ferry will take you across the harbor and give you a good view of both the Statue of Liberty and the city skyline. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge – Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to experience an interesting view of the New York skyline and harbor. It’s a long walk but good food and drinks (like the brewery) await you on the other side. Stopping to take photos and meandering along the way will make the walk about 40 minutes. I enjoy doing this walk at night when downtown Manhattan is all lit up.
  • Meander through Central Park – A great way to relax in the city and leave behind the crowds is to spend the day in Central Park. It’s free, there are lots of little paths to walk, and, since it covers over 40 blocks, it’s easy to spend hours upon hours wandering around. During the summer months, there are often free concerts and theater productions in the park too. From the late spring to the early fall, there are free guided walks run by the parks service on Saturdays at 11am. I’m a big fan of laying out in Sheep’s Meadow on a hot, sunny day with a book, some food, and a bottle of wine.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art – From the early 20th century portraits and sculptures to the steel mastery of Frank Stella, the Met is one of the foremost collections of fine art in the world. The museum is expansive and visual, that you should plan on spending an entire day here. The museum is open daily from 10am-5:30pm with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $25.  Budget tip: The $25 “fee” is really just a suggested donation so you can pay whatever you want.
  • Museum hop – While the MET is a category of its own, New York City has dozens of museums worth visiting. The Natural History Museum, the MoMA, and Guggenheim are just three of the big ones. There are 11 museums on the museum mile near Central Park that would take days to really see. Pick the ones you want to see the most and visit those unless you have weeks in the New York to see them all.
  • Visit Radio City Music Hall – Is there a more American theater than Radio City Music Hall? This timeless testament to entertainment has captivated visitors since the 1930s. Tours run daily from 9:30am-5pm and cost $27 (you can get a discount by purchasing your tickets online).
  • Take in the theater – You can’t come to NYC and not see a Broadway show. There are many great shows here from musicals to Shakespeare to offbeat shows. There’s nothing better than witnessing NYC theater, and it’s such an integral part of life here you should check it out. Visit the TKTS booth in Times Square to get half price tickets.
  • See the Empire State Building – Get a bird’s eye view of the city from atop one of the tallest buildings in the world. It’s open late now so you can even see the city all lit up at night. A standard pass to the 86th floor is $34 and to both the 86th and 102nd floors is $54.
  • Walk the High Line – Made from a converted train track, the High Line is an urban walking park on the west side of NYC. The area covers eight blocks and is extremely popular. Lined with overlooks, gardens, public art, food stalls, and greenery, this walk is one of the best things to do in the city, especially on a nice day. Go for a walk, sit with a book, people-watch — the High Line is a must-see and a true favorite among locals. Next to it, in the Meatpacking District, there’s the new building for the Whitney Museum of American Art (a museum that collaborates with the Met). Even if you don’t go inside, the building is worth seeing, as it is a work of art in itself. But I would recommend going inside as there is a wonderful exhibit of American art.

  
  

Bodh Gaya Travel Blog

Bodh Gaya

Background: The Indus Valley civilization, one of the oldest in the world, dates back at least 5,000 years. Aryan tribes from the northwest invaded about 1500 B.C.; their merger with the earlier Dravidian inhabitants created the classical Indian culture. Arab incursions starting in the 8th century and Turkish in the 12th were followed by those of European traders, beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century, Britain had assumed political control of virtually all Indian lands. Indian armed forces in the British army played a vital role in both World Wars. Nonviolent resistance to British colonialism led by Mohandas GANDHI and Jawaharlal NEHRU brought independence in 1947. The subcontinent was divided into the secular state of India and the smaller Muslim state of Pakistan. A third war between the two countries in 1971 resulted in East Pakistan becoming the separate nation of Bangladesh. Despite impressive gains in economic investment and output, India faces pressing problems such as the ongoing dispute with Pakistan over Kashmir, massive overpopulation, environmental degradation, extensive poverty, and ethnic and religious strife.

Delhi Travel Guide: My top tips

Reasons why Delhi’s gonna rock you, even though it might – at first – shock you!

Delhi is haste, Delhi is lethargy, Delhi is serene, Delhi is bustling; a million words too would fall short, if we intend to parallelize the vastness of what this city is comprised of. The city is the seat of Indian Government, mainstream media channels, India’s topmost universities, sky-soaring industries, superabundant shopping scenario, pious shrines, deafening parties, toothsome foods and this list expands every millisecond here. With every line you read in this article you will proceed an inch forward in knowing this city better. Call this a full-fledged Delhi travel guide and go ahead.

A Tale of Two Cities

Delhi has two faces. It’s like two faces of a gold coin; part of one thing, having equal glint and significance. You can experience splurging in the world’s most expensive brands in the New Delhi; or in the Old Delhi area you might walk or let the crowd walk you, as your shoulder gets pressed against hundreds of other folks.

This dichotomy of the two worlds carried in the palm of one city, makes Delhi fulfill all the needs or wants of its travelers and locals. All of the vastness Delhi is compiled with, has made it a totally livable place for all the classes of the society. Even if you are a budget traveler or a wealthy personality, just take a back seat and let this city offer you the best, without having to compromise.

Old Delhi has an old-world charm which lies unscathed. The simplicity of the area has lured a million travelers and locals to its narrow streets and blingy aura. The area is renowned for its palatable and wide food options, its magnificent monuments like Red Fort and Jama Masjid, its superabundant markets, its captivating Islamic dazzle; and if I try to list out all of its assets, I might end up writing at least a tonne-weighed book.

The opposite world of Lutyen’s Delhi has an equally vigorous captivity; but different ingredients. You can walk parallel to some of the hi-tech edifices, up-market shopping destinations (With flea shops around it too. Delhi is all about stealing the deals), some eminent political spots and scurried metal roads. New Delhi or The Lutyen’s Delhi is a well planned area of the city, which houses some world-class facilities and world-known buildings.

Delhi Heritage Walks

Not all heritage lovers are historians! There are people who would rather swirl their finger-tips over the walls of a dilapidated fort, they least know of. Every city, every town; indeed even a minute atom too has a story. New Delhi has got stories to startle. So, if you are up for a heritage walk, Delhi has a bag triple the size of a Santa’s bag. The whole city is dotted with 174 monuments, many of which lie unexplored and lack the attention they deserve.

I am listing out the best of Delhi’s monuments which you need to put at the top of your list for a heritage walk worth looking back to.

Humayun’s Tomb

The fusion of Persian and Mughal architecture has lured its visitor since its creation, which started in 1565 and ended in 1572. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s wife Bega Begum, and it was the first gardened and heavily red-stoned tomb in that era. Many famous Mughal emperors rest here in peace. UNESCO too was moved by the structure and listed Humayun’s Tomb as a World Heritage Centre.

Qutb Complex and Mehrauli Archeological Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has got it all to captivate you. The Qutub Complex is dotted with architectural marvels built to commemorate the victory of Mohammed Ghori, by Qutub-Ud-Din Aibak, in the year 1192. The most notable structure here is Qutub minar, made up of red-sandstone and marble. This is the second tallest minar in India, with a height of 73 meters and having 379 steps.

Adjacent to the Qutub Complex is Mehrauli Archeological Park, this is spread over 200 acre. The park has about hundred ruins like Tomb of Quli Khan, Jamali Kamal Mosque, Zafar Mahal, Jahaz Mahal

India Gate

India Gate was designed by Edwin Lutyens, a British architect who headed the architectural projects of New Delhi plan. The monument commemorates 82,000 soldiers of the Indian Army and officers from the UK, who sacrificed their lives in the Third Anglo-Afghan War. There are names of such brave soldiers inscribed in the walls of the monument.

In the center of the monument lies an eternal flame “Amar Jawan Jyoti”, beside a rifle topped with a war cap. The best time to visit India Gate is during early morning, when people flock around in yoga pants and relax in the park. Or visit it in the night, when the monument is decorated with lights and people come with their families to have a good picnic time.

Lodhi Garden

This is a famous picnic/ tourist spot of Delhi. The park is spread over an area of 90 acres. You can indulge in many rejuvenating activities like yoga, jogging, cycling, in here. Lodi Garden is revered because of the Lodi Tomb inside it. The ruins date back to 15th century. The remnants in the park are Mohammed Shah’s Tomb, Sikander Lodi’s Tomb, Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad; all of which are enough to tug you to the enigmatic chapters of what the vicinity is witness of.

Bargain Shopping in Delhi

One thing that you are definitely going to experience is some elegant personalities offering a bargain-battle to the sellers. And interestingly, most of the time the buyers bag a great deal. There are two possibilities; either the Delhi-ites master the art of bargaining, or Delhi actually offers an expansive scope in bargaining. Not sure about the Delhi-ites but the latter part is unarguably true.

Palika:

Best place for shopping for males and techno-geeks.

Sarojini Nagar

Doesn’t matter what your age is, or what your gender is, you can get something for yourself here.

Janpath

There are two Janpath Markets, one is arrayed in the street-corners and one is located in a field. The latter one offers affordable and trendy stuffs for young guys and girls.

Lajpat Nagar

Yet another market where you can get branded and local things, irrespective of gender or age.

Chandni Chowk

There is no end to what Chandni Chowk offers to the shoppers. You can hop here for a wide range of variety in everything related to wedding, stationary, books, pets, electronics, spices, and what not!

Nehru Place

Visit this place for jaw-dropping deals in gadgets and electronics.

Karol Bagh/ Gaffar Market

Karol Bagh is a typical wedding-shopping destination but also has a lot of things for anyone and everyone. Just adjacent to Karol market is Gaffar Market, famous for its deals in mobile phones and gadgets.

Lip Smacking Street Food in Delhi

Right from the streets to the dense silence of exquisite restaurants, there is a flood of food that would make you drool in a flash of time. New Delhi is a hub of foodies, some like to dive in to similar cuisine and some would try out newer things without hesitating; whichever category you fall in to, New Delhi has everything to soothe your senses and treat your taste buds. Though Delhi itself is an ocean of food; it is nearly impossible to list all of the spots of the city meant for the foodies, but listed below are the famous stopovers of the foodies:

Chandni Chowk

This is the main hub of the foodies. You can get mouth-watering veg and non veg dishes at very reasonable rates. The nominal rates and perfection of the food make the people demand it more, and let it come, until their stomach bursts.

Hauz Khas

This urban village has some elegant and exquisite restaurants. With captivating view of the Hauz Khas Lake, you not only treat you taste buds, but your eye balls and heart too. Some of the popular restaurants of the area are Smoke House, Gung the Palace, Hauz Khas Social, Ace of Flames and Coast Café.

Chittaranjan Park

New Delhi’s Bengali town offers a wide range of Bengali cuisine, one hundred person genuine and two thousand percent drool-worthy.

Central Delhi

Anything and everything surviving on the planet earth can be found in Central Delhi; and food makes the survival an easy thing, and that’s what CP masters in too. Right from the Dhabas to sophisticated cafés and restaurants, CP has all of it.

Culture, Museums & Galleries in Delhi

Just like every other city, Delhi too flaunts a culture but the difference is that this metropolis is  the repository of art and culture encompassing entire India and its civilization. Call me bias or anything, but the culture that this city thrives on, is worth thrice more than what you get after accumulating all the exuberant folks of the world.

National Gallery of Modern Art

The gallery exhibits over 14,000 works of art by artists like Gaganendranath Tagore, Nadalal Bose, Rabindranath Tagore, Raja Ravi Verma, Thomas Daniell and many others. The oldest artwork it houses, dates back to 1857. National Gallery of Modern Art is the primary art gallery of the state managed by Ministry of Culture.

Museums

Incredible NEPAL

Nepal may have suffered a lot recently, but it is still one of the most popular places for adventure travel thanks to the diverse geography of the country – it really does offer everything.

In the north of the country you have the Nepalese Himalayas with eight of the ten highest mountains in the world. Thousands of trails criss-cross the land, providing almost limitless opportunities for hikers and climbers to get away from it all.

Then, in the tropical south there is abundance of jungle and with its low elevation and humid climate, it is the perfect destination for wildlife tourism. Safaris to see tigers, Indian rhino and elephant, clouded leopard and red panda are very popular. Birdwatchers need look no further than this country with over 900 species on its doorstep, including the national bird, a type of pheasant called a danphe, and the spiny babbler which is unique to Nepal.

Nowadays a better transport infrastructure will allow it to work as a professional tourism destination. A new international airport to be built near Pokhara will take some pressure off Kathmandu airport, and the many regional airports and mountain airstrips has made accessibility less of an obstacle.

It was a real adventure and going into the Himalayas had the cachet of being a trip into the wild. On one memorable trip I walked from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp in the winter and met almost no foreigners over the whole six week trip.

You might come for the scenery and the wildlife, but one of the most enduring memories will be the innate friendliness of the local people. There is no doubt that Nepal has capitalised on its reputation for being warm, inviting and helpful. In all my years of organising holidays there, I have rarely come across anyone who does not mention it.

Sherpas are one of the default images of Nepal thanks to their history with Mount Everest, but they make up only about 0.5% of the total population, which is a truly multicultural and multiethnic society with over ninety living languages and five main religions. Sherpa means Man from the East and they traditionally crossed the Himalayas from Tibet to settle in the Khumbu valleys near Everest. Their hard working, entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with an extraordinary selflessness on mountain expeditions has made them legendary around the world.

This courage and honour is also associated with the Ghurkhas, hill tribesmen who fought the British in 1814 during the Gorkha Wars and had a reputation for their fearless military prowess.

Such is the legend of  Nepal built around the people who live there.

With such a rich and densely woven tapestry of culture dating back thousands of years, Nepal is known as the land of a thousand temples. There are nearly three thousand in the Kathmandu valley alone. Visitors face another limitless choice of heritage and history to explore. For example, the Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini is believed to be the spot where Buddha was born.

But Nepal is not a mass tourism destination, it still has that exotic appeal and is a mecca for adventure activities, mountains and wildlife. As a destination it still only attracts about a million visitors a year but those people are more likely to be the intrepid and independently minded traveller.

For example, there is superb rafting on the rivers that that flow through Nepal from the tops of the Himalayas to the flood plains of Northern India. There is also bird watching, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, spiritual journeys and yoga retreats.

The endless possibilities in such a small country are what really make Nepal such good value for money.

The cost of trekking is higher than it used to be, but compared to other countries it is still very economical. This is in part because it is still a developing country (average annual salary is around USD$2500) but with unemployment at 38% tourism is an industry where locals have the opportunity to forge a good career.

In fact, apart from hydroelectricity, tourism is Nepal’s only natural resource with the potential to help bring economic wealth to the country. Natural disasters like the earthquake have enormous implications beyond the immediate and many Nepalese people feel it is time for the run of bad luck to change. Avalanches on Everest, earthquakes and economic sanctions placed on them by India have put the whole country under great strain with a devastating impact on tourism. 

Now, after several difficult years, it feels like they are finally getting back on track.

For many tourists who have been to Nepal already, there is a real feeling of supporting the people and the economy by going back and encouraging others to become converts. I think foreigners really respond to that, which is possibly one of the reasons that this landlocked mountain kingdom regularly features on these holiday destination lists.

In terms of the mix of culture, access to adventure tourism, mountains, traditional locations and the national character, Nepal is pretty unrivalled – there’s nowhere quite like it.

For those in the know, Nepal has always been a top destination for once-in-a-lifetime holidays, but only now is it possibly on the cusp of something bigger.

And I cannot think of a nicer bunch of people for it to happen to.

Top places in places to visit when you are there…

• Kathmandu and the surrounding hills for a short holiday of culture and hills
• The old royal city of Bakhtapur
• The Boudanath Stupa, the largest of its kind in the world and dating back to the 6th century
• The town of Pokhara, gateway to the Himalayas and trekking in the Annapurna sanctuary
• Wildlife safari in Chitwan national park
• Hiking in Langtang national park for superb mountain scenery, cedar forests, villages and wildlife
• Everest region and a trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world
• Lumbini to visit the birthplace of Buddha
• Easy trekking in the lower Himalayas of solu Khumbu to see where the Sherpa people live and farm

MANALI TRAVEL BLOG

One of the most popular hill stations in India, Manali is a amidst the mountain slopes, with spell-binding views, charming streams, fairy-tale-like fog surrounding little hidden cottages and a lingering scent of pines and freshness. The heavy influx of tourists has led to the exploitation of Manali as a tourist destination, though the surrounding areas are still relatively untouched. Nevertheless, this is one place that should definitely be on your bucket list.

Solang Valley – Solang Valley is quiet and is best approached by road. The drive up to Solang is extremely picturesque. Once you are there, try out some Chinese food from the local roadside shacks, and enjoy the views.

Old Manali – Swaying eucalyptus, lovely roads, sweet little eateries, small kitschy market places, and cafes that serve your favourite continental food at unbelievably low prices, the serenity of Old Manali is only disturbed by twittering birds and the sound of the gushing waters of the Kullu River.

Rohtang Pass – a beautiful and popular spot in Manali with more than 25 lakh visitors every year. In winter, the mountains at the Rohtang Pass are completely covered in snow and it is impossible to get there. Hence, the pass remains closed during winters (from October) and generally opens again in May.

Naggar Castle - Located in Naggar Town, amidst breathtaking forested hills, the Naggar Castle is a magnificent historical edifice. Once the residence of Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, this castle is an amalgamation of European and Himalayan architecture. Fireplaces, fitting staircases, and magnificent stone and wood works grace the castle's interiors.

Manu Temple – this religious edifice is visited by countless devotees every year. Legends have it that Manu saved the holy Vedas and the seven sages from the great flood and subsequently made Manali his home. A visit to this revered temple will definitely leave you mentally and spiritually rejuvenated.

Things To Do

Trekking – Manali is an absolute delight for adventurers looking to take on the jagged hills. A great base camp for treks, Manali’s Mountaineering Institute offers several types of high altitude hiking and rock climbing opportunities. Yoga-Trekking is another unique concept which combines spiritual wellness with physical well-being and has become a rage among both adventure and spirituality seekers.

Skiing – A thrill for adventure lovers while touring Manali, as they can indulge in some high adrenaline skiing sessions in the snow-clad mountains that surround the hill station. Want something even more thrilling? Go for heli-skiing or yak-skiing to make your experience unforgettable.

River-Rafting – The River Beas comes across as a perfect avenue for adventurers to indulge in some exhilarating rafting action amidst grade II and III rapids. Get your adrenaline pumping with water adventure activities such as canoeing, kayaking and of course, white water rafting.

Zorbing – Zorbing, a one-of-its-kind adventure sport wherein a person is slid into a huge transparent plastic zorb ball which is then rolled down a mountain slope. It is surely not to be missed while in Manali.

Himalayan Caravan Adventure – From trekking to paragliding, mountain biking, jeep safaris and rafting, Himalayan Caravan Adventure offers you many adventure activities. With customised tours and tailor-made holiday packages, this company attracts countless adventure-seekers every year.