Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Landscape in Chitwan National Park
Map of Chitwan National Park
Location	Nepal
Nearest city	Bharatpur
Coordinates	27°30′0″N 84°20′0″: 27°30′0″N 84°20′0″E
Area	932 km²
Established	1973
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Type:	Natural
Criteria:	vii, ix, x
Designated:	1984 (8th session)
Reference #:	284
State Party:	Nepal
Region:	Asia

Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. Formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 km² (360 sq mi) and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan District. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 metres (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills.
In the north and west of the protected area the Narayani-Rapti river system forms a natural boundary to human settlements. Adjacent to the east of Chitwan National Park is Parsa Wildlife Reserve, contiguous in the south is the Indian Tiger Reserve Valmiki National Park. The coherent protected area of 2,075 km² (801 sq mi) represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki, which covers a 3,549 km² (1,370 sq mi) huge block of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests.

Contents 1 History 2 Climate 3 Vegetation 4 Fauna 4.1 Mammals 4.2 Birds 5 Tourism 6 Literature 7 Media coverage 8 Gallery 9 References 10 External links

History

Since the end of the 19th century Chitwan - Heart of the Jungle – used to be a favorite hunting ground for Nepal’s ruling class during the winter seasons. Until the 1950s, the journey from Kathmandu to Nepal’s South was arduous as the area could only be reached by foot. Thus, in an area known as Four Mile Forest (चार कोसे झाडी) comfortable camps were set up for the feudal big game hunters and their entourage, where they stayed for a couple of months shooting hundreds of tigers, rhinocerosses, leopards and sloth bears.
In 1950, Chitwan’s forest and grasslands extended over more than 2,600 km² (1,000 sq mi) and was home to about 800 rhinos. When poor farmers from the mid-hills moved to the Chitwan Valley in search of arable land, the area was subsequently opened for settlement, and poaching of  became rampant. In 1957, the country's first conservation law inured to the protection of rhinos and their habitat. In 1959, Edward Pritchard Gee undertook a survey of the area, recommended creation of a protected area north of the Rapti River and of a wildlife sanctuary south of the river for a trial period of ten years.After his subsequent survey of Chitwan in 1963, this time for both the Fauna Preservation Society and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, he recommended extension of the sanctuary to the south.
By the end of the 1960s, 70% of Chitwan’s jungles were cleared using DDT, thousands of people had settled there, and only 95 rhinos remained. The dramatic decline of the rhino population and the extent of poaching prompted the government to institute the Gaida Gasti – a rhino reconnaissance patrol of 130 armed men and a network of guard posts all over Chitwan. To prevent the extinction of rhinos the Chitwan National Park was gazetted in December 1970, with borders delineated the following year and established in 1973, initially encompassing an area of 544 km² (210 sq mi).
In 1977, the park was enlarged to its present area of 932 km² (360 sq mi). In 1997, a bufferzone of 766.1 km² (295.8 sq mi) was added to the north and west of the Narayani-Rapti river system, and between the south-eastern boundary of the park and the international border to India.
The park’s headquarter is located in Kasara. Close-by the Gharial and Turtle Conservation Breeding Centres have been established. In 2008, a Vulture breeding centre was inaugurated aiming at holding up to 25 pairs of each of the two Gyps vultures species now critically endangered in Nepal - the Oriental white-backed vulture and the slender-billed vulture.

Climate

The area is located in the central climatic zone of the Himalayas, where monsoon starts in mid June and eases off in late September. During these 14–15 weeks most of the 2,500 mm yearly precipitation falls – it is pouring with rain. After mid-October the monsoon clouds have retreated, humidity drops off, and the top daily temperature gradually subsides from ±36°C / 96.8 °F to ±18°C / 64.5 °F. Nights are cooling down to 5°C / 41.0 °F until late December, when it usually rains softly for a few days. Then temperatures are rising gradually.

Vegetation

Seed of Kapok, the Silk Cotton Tree

The typical vegetation of the Inner Terai is Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests with predominantly Sal trees covering about 70% of the national park area. Purest stands of sal occur on well drained lowland ground in the centre. Along the southern face of the Churia Hills sal is interspersed with chir pine (Pinus roxburghii). On northern slopes sal associates with smaller flowering tree and shrub species such as Beleric (Terminalia bellirica), Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica), Grey Downy Balsam (Garuga pinnata) and creepers such as Bauhinia vahlii and Spatholobus parviflorus.
Seasonal bushfires, flooding and erosion evoke an ever-changing mosaic of riverine forest and grasslands along the river banks. On recently deposited alluvium and in lowland areas groups of Catechu (Acacia catechu) with Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) predominate, followed by groups of Kapok (Bombax ceiba) with Rhino Apple trees (Trewia nudiflora), the fruits of which rhinos savour so much. Understorey shrubs of Velvety beautyberry (Callicarpa macrophylla), Hill Glory Bower (Clerodendrum sp.) and gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) offer shelter and lair to a wide variety of species.
Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands cover about 20% of the park’s area. More than 50 species are found here including some of the world’s tallest grasses like the elephant grass called Saccharum ravennae, Giant cane (Arundo donax), Khagra reed (Phragmites karka) and several species of true grasses. Kans grass (Saccharum spontaneum) is one of the first grasses to colonise new sandbanks and to be washed away by the yearly monsoon floods.

Fauna

Basking mugger crocodile

The wide range of vegetation types in the Chitwan National Park is haunt of more than 700 species of wildlife and a not yet fully surveyed number of butterfly, moth and insect species. Apart from King Cobra and Rock python, 17 other species of snakes, starred tortoise and monitor lizards occur. The Narayani-Rapti river system, their small tributaries and myriads of oxbow lakes is habitat for 113 recorded species of fish and mugger crocodiles.
In the early 1950s, about 235 gharials occurred in the Narayani River. The population has dramatically declined to only 38 wild gharials in 2003. Every year gharial eggs are collected along the rivers to be hatched in the breeding center of the Gharial Conservation Project, where animals are reared to an age of 6–9 years. Every year young gharials are reintroduced into the Narayani-Rapti river system, of which sadly only very few survive.

Mammals

Bengal tigress

The Chitwan National Park is home to at least 43 species of mammals. The "King of the Jungle" is the Bengal Tiger. The alluvial floodplain habitat of the Terai is one of the best tiger habitats anywhere in the world. Since the establishment of Chitwan National Park the initially small population of about 25 individuals has increased to 70–110 in 1980. In some years this population has declined due to poaching and floods. In a long-term study carried out from 1995–2002 tiger researchers identified a relative abundance of 82 breeding tigers and a density of 6 females per 100 km².
After two years research, the researchers announced in 2012 that Bengal Tigers made adaptation to be nocturnal to avoid contact with humans.
Leopards are most prevalent on the peripheries of the park. They co-exist with tigers, but being socially subordinate are not common in prime tiger habitat.In 1988, a clouded leopard was captured and radio-collared outside the protected area, and released into the park but did not stay.
Other felids reported from the protected area comprise fishing cat, jungle cat, leopard cat, and the rare marbled cat. Chitwan is considered to have the highest population density of sloth bears with an estimated 200 to 250 individuals. Smooth-coated otters inhabit the numerous creeks and rivulets. Golden jackals are common. Bengal foxes, Spotted linsangs, palm civets, Large and Small civets, several species of mongoose, honey badgers and yellow-throated martens roam the jungle for prey. wild dogs are rare. Striped hyenas prevail on the southern slopes of the Churia Hills.

One horned Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros: since 1973 the population has recovered well and increased to 544 animals around the turn of the century. To ensure the survival of the endangered species in case of epidemics animals are translocated annually from Chitwan to the Bardia National Park and the Sukla Phanta Wildlife Reserve since 1986. However, the population has repeatedly been jeopardized by poaching: in 2002 alone, poachers have killed 37 animals cruelly in order to saw off and sell their valuable horns.
From time to time wild elephant bulls find their way from Valmiki National Park into the valleys of the park, apparently in search of elephant cows willing to be seduced.
Gaurs spend most of the year in the less accessible Churia Hills in the south of the national park. But when the bush fires ease off in springtime and lush grasses start growing up again, they descend into the grassland and riverine forests to graze and browse. The Chitwan population of the world's largest wild cattle species has increased from 188 to 296 animals in the years 1997 to 2007.
Apart from numerous wild boars also sambar deer, Red muntjac, hog deer and herds of chital inhabit the park. Four-horned antelopes reside predominantly in the hills. Rhesus monkeys, hanuman langurs, Indian pangolins, Indian porcupines, several species of flying squirrels, black-naped hares and endangered hispid hares are also present

Bird

White-throated kingfisher

Male Paradise Flycatcher

Every year dedicated bird watchers and conservationists survey bird species occurring all over the country. In 2006 they recorded 543 species in the Chitwan National Park, much more than in any other protected area in Nepal and about two-thirds of Nepal's globally threatened species. Additionally, 20 black-chinned yuhina, a pair of Gould's sunbird, a pair of blossom-headed parakeet and one slaty-breasted rail, an uncommon winter visitor, were sighted in spring 2008.
Especially the park’s alluvial grasslands are important habitats for the critically endangered Bengal florican, the vulnerable lesser adjutant, grey-crowned prinia, swamp francolin and several species of grass warblers. In 2005 more than 200 slender-billed babblers were sighted in 3 different grassland types.The near threatened Oriental darter is a resident breeder around the many lakes, where also egrets, bitterns, storks and kingfisher abound.
The park is one of the few known breeding sites of the globally threatened spotted eagle.
Peafowl and jungle fowl scratch their living on the forest floor.
Apart from the resident birds about 160 migrating and vagrant species arrive in Chitwan in autumn from northern latitudes to spend the winter here, among them the Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Pallas's Fish-eagle. Common sightings include Brahminy ducks and goosanders. Large flocks of bar-headed geese just rest for a few days in February on their way north.
As soon as the winter visitors have left in spring, the summer visitors arrive from southern latitudes. The calls of cuckoos herald the start of spring. The colourful Bengal Pittas and several sunbird species are common breeding visitors during monsoon. Among the many flycatcher species the Paradise flycatcher with his long undulating tail in flight is a spectacular sight.

Tourism

Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations. In 1989 more than 31,000 people visited the park, and ten years later already more than 77,000.

On elephant safari

There are several lodges inside the national park offering full board and accommodation in combination with elephant and jeep safaris, rafting tours and guided jungle walks. The pioneer safari lodge is Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge which has been receiving guests since 1972, before the national park was established. Tiger Tops has developed standards for responsible conservation tourism and supports the "Long-term Tiger Monitoring Project" of the International Trust for Nature Conservation and anti-poaching units operating in the national park.
On the edge of the national park Sauraha is a well-known spot for tourists. Accessible from the nearby Bharatpur Airport, Sauraha offers a choice of hotels, lodges, restaurants and agencies that organize day trips into the protected area.

MANAKAMANA TAMPLE

Manakamana is the name of a Hindu Goddess. It is believed that the Goddess fulfils the wishes of the people. The term ‘mana’ means the ‘heart’ or ‘soul’ and ‘kamana’ means the ‘wish’.
The most popular temple of Manakamana is in Gorkha. The others are in various places like manakamana. It is said that a King of Gorkha was blessed by the goddess to get victory over small kingdoms and make a big Gorkha. Manakamana of gorkha is a popular place for a specific fair called Panchami. The temple was initially inaccessible and one had to ride on horseback for 2–3 days. Now it is easily accessible by Cable Car.

Contents 1 History 2 Manakamana Darshan 3 Cable Car 4 Location 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

History

The queen of Ram Shah, the king of Gorkha, born in 1614 AD, was a goddess known only to her devotee, Lakhan Thapa. One day the king saw his queen in the form of a goddess. He told about it to Lakhan Thapa and he died instantly, in 1636 AD. The queen committed Sati (commit cremation with the husband's pyre as per custom of that time). Lakhan Thapa lamented on her Sati.The queen consoled her devotee by telling him that she would reappear again. Six months later, a farmer hit a stone while ploughing his field. Blood and milk came out from the stone. When news about this spread to Lakhan Thapa, he realized that his had come true. came to know the news. He worshipped the place with 'tantric' rituals and the flow of blood and milk ceased. The ruling king of Gorkha, upon learning about the incident, donated land and money and the site became the foundation of the present-day shrine- Manakamana Temple. The current pujari, Priest, is the 17th generation descendant of Lakhan Thapa.
The Shrine of Manakamana renovated many times over centuries has four story pagoda style roofs with entrance from the South-West. The Pujari performs daily prayers and ritual in the temple behind closed doors by offering eggs, oranges, rice, red powder and strips of cloth to the deities. The people can then make their offerings after the Pujari.

Manakamana Darshan

The belief that the Manakamana goddess fulfills wishes is so deep-rooted in the hearts of Nepalese that they make an effort to visit the temple and the goddess as often as they can, at least once a year.

Cable Car (Tram way) to Manakamana Temple (Nepal)

Cable Car

There is a cable car service from Kurintar to the Manakamana Temple. It is also the only cable car service in Nepal. Manakamana cable car was inaugurated by the then Crown Prince Dipendera Bir Bikram Shah on November 24, 1998. The cable cars have been imported from Austria. The cable car ride from Kurintar to Manakamana is around 10 minute in time and 3.1 km in distance. When there was no cable car service, people used to walk 3–4 hours all the way to Manakamana. The Cable Car has made it very easy for all kinds of people to get to this religious destination. There are currently 31 carriers to carry passengers to and from the temple. Also, there are 3 freight carriers.

Location

The location of the Manakamana Cable Car Station is at the center from major cities in the country. It is at a distance of 105 km from the capital Kathmandu. Similarly, it is 95 km from another touristic site, Pokhara and 41 km from Chitwan. The bottom station is located on the banks of Trisuli River and is 2.5 hrs from Kathmandu, 2 hrs from Pokhara and 1 hour from Chitwan.
The Manakamana temple overlooks the Trisuli and Marshyangdi river valleys, and offers breathtaking views of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna mountains to the north.
The bottom station is at an altitude of 258 meters from sea level whereas the top station is at an altitude of             

Cable Car

meters. 1302

Manakamana is a holy site of Hindu Pilgrimage. Pilgrims of different places including India come in the thousands to visit and pay homage to goddess Manakamana. ITis believed by the locals that she fulfills our wishes if we pray her by heart. So she is called 'Manakamana" which means 'wish of heart'.

There is only one cable car service in Nepal is Manakamana Cable Car. We can reach the temple of Manakamana by this car. Manakamana Temple is just away three hours from Kathmandu by drive. This is a holy place where hundreds of goats and chickens are sacrificed every day. The cars go straight up to the hilltop and comedown so beautifully which a wonderful experience.

RARA TAL IN NEPAL

The Landscape at the Rara Tal Trekking
On the western part of Nepal, the Rara Tal Trekking is the best trekking expedition. There is the Rara National Park that is forested by conifers and is Nepal’s smallest but panoramic national park, and the Rara Lake, which by contrast is the biggest lake in Nepal. As you walk on the Rara Tal Trekking trail, the snow capped Himalayas that is mirrored by the Rara Lake will be quite conspicuous. On the Rara Tal Trekking trail, the best elevation for a breathtaking view of the deep blue clear lake is the snow capped Chuchemara Dada hills. The Rara Tal Trekking trail definitely has one of the best landscapes in Nepal.
The Ecology of the Rara Tal Trekking Trail
On the Rara Tal Trekking trail, you will get the opportunity to see over 500 assortments of flowers and herbs, a collection 20 species of mammals and 214 species of birds that will be a delight to bird watches particularly in the migratory winter period. Rara Tal Trekking has great importance and hence the reason for regular flights to Mugu District through the Talcha Airport. On the Rara Tal Trekking trail, the tranquil environs of the hills encompassing the Rara Lake will impress you. The Rara Tal Trekking trail also provides access to the Mugu Karnali Gorge. While there are lodges and houses where trekkers can stay as well as a bunkhouse on the lake, Rara Tal Trekking lovers prefer to camp.
The Climate on the Rara Tal Trekking Trail
The Rara Tal Trekking area is enveloped with coniferous forest and on the Rara Tal Trekking trail wild and endangered animals will be encountered. The climate on the Rara Tal Trekking trail is quite pleasant in the summer time but during the cold wintry period, the Rara Tal Trekking trail becomes very cold due to the altitude. The Rara Tal Trekking trail is good to visit during the months of September, October, April, and May. Temperatures on Rara Tal Trekking trail the go below freezing point in winter blocking many paths on the Rara Tal Trekking trail. The Rara Tal Trekking trail is also difficult in the winter season.
 Jumla Rara Lake trekking Nepal -The "Queen of the Lakes

Situated about 370 km. north-west of Kathmandu, Rara is Nepal's smallest and most scenic national park covers 106 square km. Much of the park is at an altitude of about 3,000 meters forested by conifers. The park was established in 1976 and protects some of the most beautiful alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. The centrepiece is the pristine Lake Rara, also Known as Mahendra Tal, the biggest lake in Nepal. The lake is surrounded by richly forested hills, Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters is the best vantagepoint to get stunning views of the lake and the thickly forested hillsides and the snow-capped peaks around it. Other summits in the park area are Ruma kand (3,731 m.) and Malika Kand (3,444 m.), situated to the north of the lake. The trek to Rara Lake begins at Jumla, a village in a Trans - Himalayan area, the rides covered with forests and alpine pastures. The town has airstrip and Tele-communication facilities. The flight to Jumla passes south along the Dhaulagiri range and provides lovely view of Nepal's western landscape. It is three and a half-day's trek from Jumla to Rara National Park. The peaceful surrounding is enhanced by the reflection of the surrounding hills in the Lake's bright blue waters. Due north, chankheli peak (3201m) looms large access the deep Mugu Karnali gorge. The usual itinerary is a loop that starts and ends at Jumla and entire treks about ten days. Food has to bring from Jumla but beyond the Bazaar. It is often unavailable. There are lodges in Jumla and bunkhouse at the Lake; in between there are ten houses where you could stay but camping is more pleasant and certainly more reliable. Rara comes within the catchment area of the Karnali River, one of the three main river systems of Nepal. The habitat supports animals like the red panda, black bear, yellow-throated martin, ghoral, serow and musk deer. There have also been reported sightings of leopard and wolf. The lake attracts migrant wildfowl like teals, pochards and mallards. Resident birds include the Impeyan, kalij and blood pheasant as well as others like the chukkor partridge. Rara area is covered with coniferous forest. Rhododendron, black juniper, west Himalayan spruce, oak and Himalayan cypress. During a Rara jungle Safari you will encounter with the endangered animals. You will enjoy the scene of migrant birds including water fowl, Gallinaceous birds, Coots, great-crested grebe, black-necked grebe, red-crested pochard, mallard, common teal, merganser and gulls. The animals inhabiting this region are red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, leopard, jackal, Himalayan Thar, wild yellow-throated marten, wild dog, wild boar, common langur, rhesus macaque and many others. One of the best ways to overlook the flora and fauna is by walking deep into the jungle through fine grassland and typical villages where you can find unique religions and cultures, as well as abundant wild life. The Rara trek is also famous for bird watching in Nepal. Rara Jungle Safari offers you the opportunity to have an adventure which you will never forget.

15 days: Rara Lake, Jumla Trek- A rote area trek Day 01 : Arrival day, check into hotel and rest. Day 02 : Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley Day 03 : Drive or fly to Nepalgunj and stay there. Day 04 - 13 : From Nepalgunj early morning fly to Jumla and then start the Rara lake trek and back to Kathmandu. Day 14 : Free day in Kathmandu, join Nepali cultural show and dinner Day 15: Final Departure , transfer to airport.

Fact File: Rara Lake trekking nepal Availability: Every week through out the year how ever (Dec - Feb) is not recommended. Price: Please ask for the price. Style: Guided trip , fully supported Camping trekking Grade: Moderate Maximum elevation: 3500 Mtr high pass Accommodation: 3 star accommodation in cities, but in trekking only camping tents available Transport: Car / Bus / flight included Meals included: 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 11 dinners Note: Minimum 2 person in a group, if just 1 person price will be revised. This Rara lake trek involves walking of 5-6 hours per day and covers an altitude ranging from MIN 1000m to MAX 3000 mtr.

Option 4 - 5 star hotels available in the cities, extra nights can be added at any point en route, fully supported camping trek, Tailor made itinerary available ask for full range of options Extra Single supplement, travel & health insurance, international flight and visa cost, drinks, tips, airport tax, evacuation cost & the cost which is not mentioned above

6 days quick visit to Rara lake - the wild west of Nepal one of the most beautiful non touristic trekking area with National park and lake Rara National Park, Nepal’s smallest and most scenic national park that spreads over an area of 106 sq km is situated about 370 km north- west of Kathmandu and lies in Mugu a mountainous district of the western region of Nepal. The National Park ascends from 1800m to 4480m forested by conifers. The pivotal of Rara National Park is the pristine Rara Lake, which stands high at the self of 2990m and spreads over 10.8 sq km. The clear, high altitude lake of Rara, which mirrors the snow capped Himalayas is ringed with pine, spruce and juniper forest. The undisturbed largest lake also renowned as Mahendra Tal is of oval shape. This tortoise blue lake is surrounded by richly forested hills. Chuchemara Dauda at the elevation of 4087m is the best vantage point to get the magnificient views of the deep blue clear lake and highly forested hillside as well as the snow-capped peaks around it. More than 500 different kinds of flowers and herbs including Rhododendron, the national flower, Black Juniper, Oak, West Himalayan Spruce and Himalayan Cypress are found in this Park. It is the home of 20 different species of mammals and 214 species of birds. During winter birders can enjoy with many migratory birds. In summer Himalayan flowers surround the lake creating a colorful landscape. Aware of the beauty of the pristine Rara Lake and keeping in account the importance of the National Park, regular flights are operated to Mugu District to the only existing Talcha Airport from where it is few hours walk to the National Park. Those interested for trekking, it is two days trek from Jumla to this interesting National Park. We want our valuable clients not to miss the opportunity of being at this Paradise and captivating the scenic glimpses of the place, request you all to get lost for few days in the aroma of this natural heaven. If you are looking for wilderness and solitude, do experience this tour to Rara lake. Day 1. Kathmandu Arrive at T I A Kathmandu. Transfer from airport to the Hotel. Check in at the Hotel. P M: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square- The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century. Overnight stay at the hotel. Day 2. Kathmandu - Nepalgunj Breakfast at Hotel. After breakfast visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath, After lunch drive to Airport to connect flight to the Nepalgunj Airport. Arrive at the most important town in western Nepal, Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a densely crowded city and represents every possible ethnic groups in Nepal. There are Hindu temple and mosques, an interesting places to visit. Explore the Nepalgunj city. Overnight stay at the Hotel. Day 3 Nepalgunj – Talcha Airport, Near Rara Mugu After breakfast at the Hotel at Nepalgunj. Drive to Airport to connect flight to Talcha Airport. Arrive at Talcha, We then start with our hike ( trek) to Rara National Park. Rara National Park, Nepal’s smallest and most scenic national park that spreads over an area of 106 sq km is situated about 370 km north- west of Kathmandu and lies in Mugu a mountainous district of the western region of Nepal. The National Park ascends from 1800m to 4480m forested by conifers. It is known as the Qeen's of the lakes.Overnight stay at the camp / simple lodge. Day 4 Explore Rara lake After breakfast Boating in Rara Lake for 1 hour. The pivotal of Rara National Park is the pristine Rara Lake, which stands high at the self of 2990m and spreads over 10.8 sq km. The undisturbed largest lake is also renowned as Mahendra Tal is of oval shape. This tortoise blue lake is surrounded by richly forested hills. Chuchemara Dauda at the elevation of 4087m is the best vantage point to get the magnificient views of the deep blue clear lake and highly forested hillside as well as the snow-capped peaks around it. Hike to this Dauda, catch the glimpse of the magnificent mountain views. Dinner and Overnight at Camp. Day 5. Rara / Nepalgunj/ Kathmandu After breakfast, hike to Rara Talcha Airport. Fly to Nepalgunj and then make a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu. Hotel Check In. PM: Patan is often referred to as Lalitpur, which means “city of beauty” - fine arts. Patan has a long Buddhist History and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas erected by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka around 250 BCE. Visit Patan City second largest city of valley including Royal Palace, Bhimsen temple, Manga Hiti, King Yogaendra Malla’s Statue, Krishna temple, Taleju temple, 15th century Golden Temple and Mahaboudha Temple known as temple of 10,000 Buddha, Kumbeshwar Temple. Bishwakarma Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple Day 6 Departure To Airport AM: Breakfast at Hotel. Free time till departure to Airport. Cost of the trip start from USD 890* per person with flights Minimum group size to be 4 person, if just 1 or 2 person price will be revised flight shecdule to be approved time of departure, best time to visit Sept to June all year around Also can extend trip to Bardiya National Park if you ahve total of 10 days

For Further Information & to Book this Jumla Rara trek Please Mail us

National bird of nepal

The Himalayan Monal, Lophophorus impejanus also known as the Impeyan Monal or Impeyan Pheasant or Danphe is a bird of genus Lophophorus of the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as the Danfe, and the state bird of Uttarakhand.
Traditionally, the Himalayan Monal has been classified as monotypic. However, studies have shown that the male Himalayan Monals of northwestern India lack the white rump that other Himalayan Monals have, and have more green on the breast, indicating the possibility of a second subspecies.
The scientific name commemorates Lady Mary Impey, the wife of the British chief justice of Bengal, Sir Elijah Impey.

Contents 1 Description 2 Distrition and habitat 3 In popular culture 4 Bibliography 5 Reference

  le

It is a relatively large-sized bird with reference to family Phasianidae. About 70 cm in length, the weight of males and females range between 1980-2380g and 1800-2150g respectively. Adult males possess a long crest, are feathered with multicoloured plumage throughout their body, while the females, like in other pheasants, are dull in colour with the upper parts covered with dark brownish-black feathers. Notable features in males are a long crest that is metallic green, changeable reddish copper on the back and sides of the neck, and a prominent white back and rump while in flight (birds of northwestern India lack this). Tail feathers of males are uniformly rufous being darker towards the tips, whereas the lower tail coverts of females are white, barred with black and rufous. Females have a prominent white patch in the fore neck and a white strip on the tail. First year males and immatures resemble females, but first year males are larger and the immatures are less distinctly marked.

Male Danphe

Distribution and habitat

The Himalayan Monal secures a distinct position among pheasants due to its prominent build, brilliant plumage and strong association with local folklore. Its natural range spreads from eastern Afghanistan through the Himalayas including Kashmir region of Northern Pakistan, India (states of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh), Nepal, southern Tibet and Bhutan. There is also a report of its occurrence in Burma. It occupies upper temperate oak-conifer forests interspersed with open grassy slopes, cliffs and alpine meadows between 2400 – 4500m, mostly concentrating in a narrow belt of 2700 – 3700m. They seem to exhibit clear and fluctuating altitudinal migration reaching as low as 2000m in winter. They, however, show tolerance to snow and have been observed to dig through snow for roots, tubers and other plant parts, and invertebrates. Seen in pairs during the breeding season (April to August), they form large coveys and involve in communal roosting during the winter. The population of this species in most of its range is threatened due to poaching and other anthropogenic factors. In a recent study, their population responded negatively to human disturbance (Hydro-electric project development^. The male monal has been under heavy hunting pressure for its crest feather, which was used for ornamental hats of Himachal men, until 1982 when legal hunting was banned in the state.

In popular culture

In the 2009 Disney-Pixar Film Up, the large flightless tropical bird "Kevin" (which is actually a female) is based upon the iridescent appearance of a male Himalayan Monal found at the Sacramento Zoo.The bird, named Genghis, has since died.
Scottish band Mogwaï played a song called Danphe and the Brain on their album The Hawk is Howling.

Kosi River

Kosi River,  river in Nepal and northern India. With its tributaries, the Kosi drains the eastern third of Nepal and part of Tibet, including the country around Mount Everest. Some of its headstreams rise beyond the Nepalese border in Tibet. About 30 miles (48 km) north of the Indian-Nepalese frontier, the Kosi is joined by several major tributaries and breaks southward through the Siwālik Hills at the narrow Chatra Gorge. The river then emerges on the great plain of northern India in Bihār state on its way to the Ganges River, which it enters south of Purnea after a course of about 450 miles (724 km). Because of its great outflushing of debris, the Kosi has no permanent channel in its course through the great plain of northern India. It has long been notorious for its devastating floods, which may rise as much as 30 feet (9 m) in 24 hours and which long made vast tracts of northern Bihār unsafe for habitation or cultivation. Now a dam across the Chatra Gorge at Barakakshetra controls floods, permits irrigation of the floodplain, provides hydropower, and supports fish hatcheries. Corn (maize) is extensively cultivated on the sandy soils of the Kosi’s basin.

Bibliography

Historical and Religious site: Dhanushadham

Dhanushadham is a historical and religious site, its reference dating back to the great Hindu epic Ramayana. It is believed to be the place where fell broken remains of the divine shiva bow that Ram broke to obtain Sita’s hand for marriage. A fossilized fragment of the broken piece is still believed to be seen and is worshipped by devotees.

Nearby is Janakpur, the capital of ancient Mithila culture, and famous as birthplace of Sita believed to be incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi of the Hindu mythology. It is also believed to be the place where lord Ram and Sita met for the first time, fell in love and were married to each other. A temple in janakpurdham known as Janaki Temple dedicated to Sita, is the prime attraction of this region.

Janaki Temple Janakpur

Dhanusha offers religious sightseeing, rich Terai flora and fauna, semi-rural charm of the Janakpur suburbs and the colorful art and culture of south Nepal. Janakpur also falls on the holy route of Parikrama carried out by the Hindus as a form of worship in Ayodhya, Kashi and Brij in India as well.

Access: Dhanushadham is in Dhanusha district and Janakpur zone. Janakpur is approximately 390 kilometers and 10 hour drive from Kathmandu. Buses to district headquarters Janakpur city leave from Central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. One can also take a 40-minute flight to Janakpur city from Kathmandu. Dhanushadham which is 18 kilometers is an hour drive from Janakpur. Public transportation is available to Dhanushadham from the city area.

Food and Accomodation: Luxury hotels to budget accommodation and food facilities are available in Janakpur city. Dharmashalas are also available for pilgrims at Dhanushadham site. Food is delicious with Indian culinary touch. Varieties of sweets and vegetarian specialties are available for devot Hindus. Other tourist facilities are also available in Janakpur city.

 
When to Visit: The best months to visit Dhanushadham is between October-March. The weather is hot, humid during summers and pleasant during winters, with maximum rain between June-August.

Festival celebrated with much pomp and joy are: Ram Navami during Dashain in October, Vivah Panchami that celebrates Ram-Sita union in November, the famous Terai festival of Chhat Parba also in November, Maghe Sankranti in January, and Falgun Purnima in February or March when thousands of devotees carry out Parikrama of Janakpur and nearby sacred sites.

 
Predominant Culture: Diverse cultural groups live in the district of Dhanusha. Yadavs, Teli, Brahmins, Kayastha, Tharu, Musahar, Rajput, and Chhetri, are the main inhabitants of these villages. Most are farmers by occupation. The whole region is also considered center of the Maithali culture, therefore Maithali art and culture is predominant in this area.

 
Places to Visit:

• Janaki Mandir also known as Naulakha Mandir is dedicated to Sita who is also known by the name Janaki. A rare blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, the temple is the first and only example of its kind in Nepal. The temple has a beautiful garden and an adorned Vivah Mandap or wedding courtyard dedicated to Ram and Sita. The temple is in Janakpur city, the headquarters of Dhanusha district.

• Dhanusha Mandir in Dhanushadham is a historical temple constructed in 1939 A.D. Dhanushadham falls on the resting place of Parikrama route that has special significance to Hindus. It is situated 18 kilometers north east of Janakpurdham and only 10 kilometers from Dharapani on East-West Highway.
• Dhanusha Forest: near Dhanusha Temple is ideal for picnic or leisurely walk in the shade. The forest is lush with trees, bushes and a big pond. There are possibilities of carrying out sports in the lake in future. The forest is near by Dhanusha Temple.
• Parashuram Kunda: previously known as Janak Sarobar holds historical as well as cultural significance. It is believed to be the pond where Rishi Parashuram bathed to quell his anger after his confrontation with Ram over breaking of the sacred bow. The lake is also picturesque, with lotus flowers growing on it and lush trees on its southern banks. The lake in Mithileshwor Nikas VDC is 4 kilometers west from Dhanushadham. It falls on the way to Dhanushadham from Janakpurdham.

 
Prigrimage Sites: There are several other pilgrimage sites in and around Dhaunsha area. Among the many temples are Ram mandir, Ganesh Mandir, Shiva mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Ram Krishna Mandir, Panchamukhi Hanuman Mandir, Baba Makhandada Kuti, Subba Kuti, and others. Jaleshwor Mahadev in Jaleswor is another popular temple in the nearby area. The temple of Jaleswor Mahadev was built by the King Girban Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1867 B.S.

Some other popular pilgrimage sites are: Maithani, where there are 12 temples and 8 ponds dedicated to different deities; Madai, where the temple of Muneswor Mahadev is situated; Kanchan Ban, where popular temples in the area are situated; Parbata, where a temple of Hanuman is situated; Karuna, where the famous temple of Ram Janaki is a major attraction.

Mount Everest

Mount Everest (Nepali: सगरमाथा, Sagarmāthā; Tibetan: ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ, Wylie: jo mo glang ma; Chomolungma or Qomolangma CHOH-moh-LAHNG-mə, "Holy Mother"; Chinese: 珠穆朗玛峰; pinyin: Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng; ) is the Earth's highest mountain, with a peak at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. The international border between China and Nepal runs across the precise summit point.^{[citation needed]} Its massif includes neighboring peaks Lhotse, 8,516 m (27,940 ft); Nuptse, 7,855 m (25,771 ft); and Changtse, 7,580 m (24,870 ft).
In 1856, the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India established the first published height of Everest, then known as Peak XV, at 29,002 ft (8,840 m). In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society upon a recommendation by Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India. Waugh named the mountain after his predecessor in the post, Sir George Everest. Although Tibetans had called Everest "Chomolungma" for centuries, Waugh was unaware of this because Nepal and Tibet were closed to foreigners.
The highest mountain on the Earth attracts many well-experienced mountaineers as well as capable climbers willing to hire professional guides. While not posing substantial technical climbing challenges on the standard route, Everest presents dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple

(Nepali: पशुपतिनाथको मन्दिर) is one of the most significant Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple served as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, Nepal is a secular country . The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva on the continent). Born Hindus alone are allowed to enter the temple premises. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river.

LAHAN SIRAHA

Lahan (Nepali: लाहान) is a town and municipality in Siraha District in the Sagarmatha Zone of south-eastern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 19,018 people living in 3622 individual households. Famous Sharda Group of nepal hail originally from this town and people respect the Sharda family a lot for their contributions to town. The town is close to Indian border town of Laukaha. Famous Sharda RICE and Oil mill is in the Nepal Side of Border at Thadi Biswaspatti. An engineering college is planned at this location but is halted currently due to poor law and order condition of Nepal.[