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Friday, July 31, 2009

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Dashain Jamara Procession

During Nepal’s popular festival Dashain, Jamaras are brought from the Gorkha palace to the modern Narayan Hiti Royal Palace in Kathmandu. The King Prithivi Narayan Shah had moved the capital of Nepal from Gorkha to Kathmandu, and he is the founder of the Shah dynasty. Jamaras from Gorkha are used by the Royal family as a blessing from the King and above! On the Dashain Fulpati Day, there is a Royal Army parade, Fulpati procession to Gorkha Durbar and other activities of religious and cultural interests which visitors may find interesting to observe.

King Prithivi’s Birthday Celebration

On King Prithivi’s birthday, which is a national Nepali holiday known as Prithivi Jayanti , various celebrations are held throughout Nepal, one of which is held in Gorkha bazaar located at the foot of the hill. So if you happen to visit Gorkha on that day, observe that event as well. Prithivi Jayanti is on 27th of January 2005 (1st of Poush 2060, according to Nepalese Annual Calendar).
The King’s statues are found in many places in Nepal which many visitors find of interest to observe. Many places are dedicated to his name, for example Prithivi Chok (Cross Road) in Kathmandu, Prithivi Chok in Pokhara, Prithivi Chok in Bharatpur, and the Highway connecting Kathmandu with Pokhara and then to Baglung is called Prithvi Highway. Photos and Portraits of the King have his right-hand’s first finger pointing up, signifying that Nepal is one kingdom (or in Nepali, the meaning is `We all come together as one’). His statues have that characteristic.

Gorkha Palace

Visit the Gorkha palace here to begin your sightseeing of the region.Climb the palace steps from the bottom of the hill, all the way to the top, climbing about one thousand seven hundred steps (1700), in about two hours. That’s some hiking to do! If you get tired sit down on a step or think how much easier the trip down will be! You will be glad you got to the top. On a clear sky day, you can view Himalayan range including spectacular view of Manaslu and Himalchuli Mountains, and panoramic views of the valleys.
Also view the palace building, one of Nepal’s historical landmark, some buildings have interesting wood carvings portraying various romantic scenes. Also viwe the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali residing on the west side of the palace. To view sunrise from the palace, climb very early in the morning.

How to reach Gorkha?

Gorkha, located midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara, can be reached from either cities by taxi or public bus. For accommodation and dining, there are hotels, guest houses and restaurants located in Gorkha to satisfy your preferences. Transporation Cost should not cost you Rs.300-500. accomodation is relatively inexpensive here.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

GURKHA KNIFE ( Symbol Of Gurkhas)

Gurkha Knife: Gurkha used to carry this knife so it is also called Gurkha knife "khukuri" Gorkha army is the derived form of Gorkhali. Gurkha name comes from the "Gorkha" place in Nepal. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king of Gorkha. At that time Nepal was divided into many small regions where there used to be an individual king in each region. Later King Prithvi Narayan Shah realized that all the small states or regions should be united and should make a whole country. So King Prithvi Narayan Shaha with the help of his "Gorkhali" army (from Gorkha), succeeded in uniting Nepal into one kingdom around 1768-69 AD. During the early 19th century, the Gorkhali army was involved in a long-drawn battle with mercantile British India. Eventually, a peace treaty was signed, and the British, seeing how bravely the Gorkhalis fought, also made a provision in the treaty to recruit Nepalese in the British Army as British "Gurkha" soldiers.

Since then, many Nepalese, mostly the Rais, Limbus, Gurungs and Magars, have served and still serve in the British Army. Their courage, sincerity and loyalty have won them praise and friendship from their British counterparts and fear and respect from their enemies. For their velour, many Gurkha soldiers have been decorated with medals of Honor, including the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor for bravery in the British Army.
Prithvi Narayan Shah's descendant is King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, who reigns in the kingdom of Nepal Today.
The Gurkha and the Khukuri (Gurkha Knife )
The Gurkha knife "khukuri" and Gurkha soldier has a very close relationship with each other. The Gurkhas Victoria Cross medal would not be in the arms of Gurkha soldier if there was no “Gurkha knife” the khukuri. The famous “Gurkha soldier” had no reputation if there was not this “Gurkha knife” the Khukuri. So in a way we can say that without this “Gurkha knife” the Khukuri, the bravery, honesty and fearless Gurkha soldiers have resulted nothing. And because of the soldiers today this “Gurkha knife” the khukuri is our National weapon is worthy of notice, if only for the remarkable weapon which they use in preference to any other. It is called the "kukri" and is of a very peculiar shape. As may be seen by reference to the drawings both the blade and hilt are curved. The blade is very thick at the back measuring a little more than a quarter of an inch in thickness. From the back it is thinned off gradually to the edge, which has curve of its own, quite different to that of the back, so the blade is widest as well as thickest in the middle, and tapers at one end towards the hilt and the other towards the point. The steel of which the blade is formed is of admirable temper, as is shown by the fact that specimens which had not been cleaned for thirty years, but have been hung upon walls among other weapons, are scarcely touched with rust, and for the greater part of their surface are burnished like mirrors. The point of the kukri is as sharp as a needle, so that the weapon answers equally for cutting or stabbing. In consequence of the great thickness of the metal, the blade is exceedingly heavy. It may be imagined that a blow from such a weapon as this must be a very terrible one. The very weight of the blade would drive it half through a man’s arm if it were only allowed to fall from a little height. But the Gurkhas have a mode of striking which resembles the "drawing" cut off the broad sword, and which urges the sharp edge through flesh and bone alike.
To make a complete set every Gurkha knife (kukri)i must come with two small knives at the back. The two smaller knives used are of very similar form, but apparently of inferior metal. These are kept in little case attached to the side of the Kukri sheath, just as is the case with the knives attached to a Highlander’s dirk. Both small knife attached with the big Khukuri has their own purpose. One is used to sharpen the khukuri and the other is used as small knife to cut.
In the hands of an experienced wielder this knife is about as formidable a weapon as can be conceived. Like all really good weapons, it's efficiency depends much more upon the skill that the strength of the wielder and thus it happens that the little Gurkha a mere boy in point of stature, will cut to pieces of gigantic adversary who does not understand his mode of onset. The Gurkha generally strikes upwards with the kukri, possibly in order to avoid wounding himself should his blow fail, and possibly because an upward cut is just the one that can be least guarded against.
"When we were engaged in the many wars in India, the Gurkha proved themselves our most formidable enemies, as since they have proved themselves most invaluable allies. Brave as lions, active as monkeys, and fierce as tigers, the lithe wiry little men came leaping over the ground to attack moving so quickly, and keeping so far apart from each other, the musketry was no use against them. When they came near the soldiers, they suddenly crouched to the ground, dive under the bayonets, struck upwards at the men with their kukris, ripping them open with a single blow, and then, after having done all the mischief in their power, darting off as rapidly as they had come. Until our men learned this mode of attack they were greatly discomfited by their little opponents, who got under their weapons, cutting or slashing with knives as sharp as razors, and often escaping unhurt from the midst of bayonets. They would also dash under the bellies of the officers’ horses, rip them open with one blow of the kukri, and aim another at the leg of the officer as he and his horse fell together."
Late king Prithivi Narayan Shah was born in 1723 AD in Gorkha, mid-west district of Nepal. He was throne at the age of 20 after the sudden demise of his father. During his era, the modern Nepal what we know today was scattered into many small & large kingdoms. So with the mission to unite all kingdoms into one, he started conquering all kingdoms and eventually united Nepal in 1768 AD. The origin of Gurkha army also started from his reign.
It is also believe that his army were the first to use khukuri. They fought so fierce fully that they not only united Nepal but also won the heart of British Rulers ruling in India who were eyeing Nepal .With a Clever head & lions heart, Prithivi Narayan Shah became the first ever ruler of modern Nepal.

Peak Climbing in Nepal

Mera Peak (6,654 m)
Chulu East (6,584 m)
Singhu Chuli (6,501 m)
Hiunchuli (6,441 m)
Chulu West (6,419 m)
Kusum Kangaru (6,367 m)
Parchamo (6,187 m)
Island Peak (6,160 m)
Lobuche (6,119 m)
Pisang (6,091 m)
Kwangde (6,011 m)
Ramdung (5,925 m)
Paldor (5,896 m)
Kongma Tse (5,849 m)
Naya Kanga (5,844 m)
Pokhalde (5,806 m)
Tharpu Chuli (5,663 m)
Mardi Himal (5,587 m)

Hightest Mountains of NEPAL

Everest (8,850 m)
Kanchenjungha (8,586 m)
Lhotse (8,516 m)
Makalu (8,463 m)
Cho Oyu (8,201 m)
Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)
Manaslu (8,163 m)
Annapurna (8,091 m)
Shisapangma (8,013 m)
Himalchuli (7,893 m)
Dhaulagiri V (7,618 m)
Pumori (7,161 m)
Khangaru (7,010 m)
Ama Dablam (6,812 m)
Thamserku (6,623 m)

Manaslu Trekking

Pristine mountain views, rich culture and genuine adventure sum up the trek experience to the base of Mt. Manasalu. Opened in 1992, this area offers a combination of rich culture heritage, unsurpassed beauty and biological diversity.

Combined with the views of Tibetan plateau against stark white Himalayas makes this a truly spiritual place, this fascinating trek explores areas and the way of life unchanged for decades and maybe, even centuries. Region with a brilliant mountain vistas of the Ganesh and Manaslu Himal ranges and insights into the cultures of a cross-section of ethnic Nepalese tribes and people. This is a trek that offers much more than mountains. Region with a brilliant mountain vistas of the Ganesh and Manaslu Himal ranges and insights into the cultures of a cross-section of ethnic Nepalese tribes and people.

Manaslu Trekking - Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel. (See the Hotels we use).
Day 02: Full day guided sightseeing around of the Kathmandu valley. Join us for the welcome dinner at evening. Hotel Overnight.
Day 03: Drive to Gorkha . Camp
Day 04: Trek Gorkha to Arughat . Camp
Day 05: Trek Arughat to Soti Khola Bank . Camp
Day 06: Trek Soti Khola Bank to Khani Gaon . Camp
Day 07: Trek Khani Gaon to Doban . Camp
Day 08: Trek Doban to Jagat . Camp
Day 09: Trek Jagat to Shar Khola . Camp
Day 10: Trek Shar Khola to Unbae Camp
Day 11: Trek Unbae to Namru . Camp
Day 12: Trek Namru to Sama Gompa . Camp
Day 13: Trek Sama Gompa to Samdo . Camp
Day 14: Rest / Exploration day at Samdo. Camp
Day 15: Cross the Larkya La (pass) . Camp
Day 16: Trek High Camp to Tanbuche . Camp
Day 17: Trek Tanbuche to Karche . Camp
Day 18: Rest / Exploration Day.
Day 19: Trek Karche to Thonje . Camp
Day 20: Trek Thonje to Chame . Camp
Day 21: Trek Chame to Ngadi . Camp
Day 22: Trek Ngadi - Besisahar . Drive same day to Kathmandu . Hotel Overnight.
Day 23: Free day to explore, and enjoy Kathmandu. Hotel Overnight.
Day 24: Final Departure.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Gorkha District

Gorkha District, a part of Gandaki Zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. The district, with Gorkha as its district headquarters, covers an area of 3,610km² and has a population (2001) of 288,134. It is the location of the Manakamana Temple.

Gorkha District (Map)

Gorkha District, a part of Gandaki Zone, is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. The district, with Gorkha as its district headquarters, covers an area of 3,610km² and has a population (2001) of 288,134. It is the location of the Manakamana Temple.



Mountaineering Regulations

Mountaineering Regulations According to the Nepal Mountaineering Association:-
Any person or mountaineering team wanting to climb Nepal Mountains and Peaks must receive permission from Nepal Mountaineering Association.
The team shall not indulge in activities that may be contrary to the customs and religious, political, social or cultural traditions of the locals.
The team shall set up camps in its route to the base camp in such a way that they are acceptable to the local people or as prescribed by Government.
The team shall not have any arms, ammunition and explosives etc. They are required to take government permission for the same.
The team shall not get involved in any activity, which is or may be likely to affect negatively to the security and reputation of Nepal.

Mountains in Nepal

Nepal is the home of mountains. The awe-inspiring, majestic mountains of Nepal attract the tourists from far and wide. Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, juts out in north eastern region of the country, on the Sino-Nepalese border. It seems competing with other mighty mountains. Adventure activities like mountaineering, trekking and hiking can be enjoyed in this mountain range. Journey on these mountains transends one to an entirely different world. Mountain biking is also a popular game in this region.
Snow Line Snow line generally occurs between 5,000 and 5,500 meters. The region is characterised by cold climatic and rugged topographic conditions. Human habitation and economic activities are extremely limited. Population The region is sparsely populated, and whatever farming activity does exist is also confined to the low-lying valleys and the river basins. Upper Kali Gandaki Valley is an example of such valleys

Popular Trekking from Gorkha

If you seek to trek from Gorkha, there is no where a better place to taste some of Nepal's hillside experience than from Gorkha. You can chose to trek from Gorkha to Kathmandu or Gorkha to Pokhara, However, the most popular trekking from Gorkha is from Gorkha to Pokhara, which is of 10 days. First day, arrive at Gorkha Bazaar, complete sightseeing of the Gorkha palace, then from the second day onwards start trekking from Gorkha - Luitel - Hirmantar - Tarughat - Besisahar - Ghattekhola - Gharpokhari - Rupatal - then arrive Pokhara on the 10th day, then extend a few days of trekking or sigtseeing in and around Pokhara

Places to Visit and Things to do in Gorkha

Gorkha Palace
Visit the Gorkha palace here to begin your sightseeing of the region.Climb the palace steps from the bottom of the hill, all the way to the top, climbing about one thousand seven hundred steps (1700), in about two hours. That's some hiking to do! If you get tired sit down on a step or think how much easier the trip down will be! You will be glad you got to the top. On a clear sky day, you can view Himalayan range including spectacular view of Manaslu and Himalchuli Mountains, and panoramic views of the valleys.
Also view the palace building, one of Nepal's historical landmark, some buildings have interesting wood carvings portraying various romantic scenes. Also viwe the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali residing on the west side of the palace. To view sunrise from the palace, climb very early in the morning.

About Gorkha


A 25 kilometer road off the main highway connecting Pokhara and Kathmandu brings you to an ancient Gorkha - the untouched and captivating town of Nepal! Some 300 years ago, Nepal was divided into 50 tiny states, and Gorkha was one of them. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founder of `Shah Dynasty' which runs Nepal today, unified Nepal into one kingdom. His Gorkha palace resides on top of a hill at an altitude of 3281 feet (about 1000 meter) The King would watch-over his people as far as his eyes could see from the tallest palace in the very center of Nepal! Gorkha is also the home of Gurkhas - the legendary brave warriors who fought with knives against guns.