http://www.nepal.com/blog/ en 2008-09-03T14:15:55+01:00 hourly 6 2008-09-03T14:15:55+01:00 http://www.nepal.com/blog/discover-the-holy-khumbeshwar-temple 2008-09-03T14:15:55+01:00 en Editor Features To the North of Durbar Square in Patan, you will find a strikingly old structure that towers above surrounding buildings. The walls are intricately carved and there are large patches of red on each corner of the building that make it unmistakable. This is the Khumbeshwar Temple – a religious attraction that you should make every effort to see during your stay in Patan. http://www.nepal.com/blog/newar-rites-of-passage 2008-08-26T12:26:19+01:00 en Editor Features In the cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Newar of Nepal, live the largest concentrations Newar, who are indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley. Practicing Buddhism and Hinduism, the Newar are a unique group of people who practice traditional rituals and rites that keep the tradition and culture of the Newar alive. In previous times, the Newar were divided by occupational caste that could be distinguished by surname, but that is no longer of importance. With such a rich culture, there are many rites performed throughout the year by the Newar. Many are related to the stages of life and thus known as the Rites of Passage. http://www.nepal.com/blog/the-enriching-experience-of-village-tourism 2008-08-20T11:37:23+01:00 en Editor Features Village Tourism in Nepal was created and researched by Dr. Surendra Bhakta Pradhanang, who is well known in the tourism industry and is also the Chairman of the Kathmandu Research Centre. His efforts to expand tourism in Nepal and to bring an income to small villages through the tourism industry motivated him to research the possibility of Village Tourism, which is now offered by many tour operators in the country. Dr. Pradhanang’s commitment to improving the lives of villagers and boosting the overall economy of the country has been invaluable to tourism and to Nepal. http://www.nepal.com/blog/the-nepalese-olympic-team 2008-08-15T12:57:36+01:00 en Editor Features Nepal may be a small country with a reputation for rural villages and large mountains, but that has not stopped it from getting involved in the Olympics. This year at the 2008 Summer Olympics, no less than eight different athletes will be representing their homeland in the bright and colorful city of Beijing. They were carefully selected by the official Nepalese Olympic Committee (NOC) for their excellence in their particular sporting fields. http://www.nepal.com/blog/climbers-welcome-reduction-in-off-season-climbing-fees 2008-08-12T12:04:12+01:00 en Editor Features Nepal is a beautiful and fascinating country that is very popular with mountaineers aspiring to conquer some of the majestic mountains that make this country unique. In an effort to encourage mountain climbing enthusiasts to visit Nepal during off-peak seasons, Tourism Ministry authorities have reduced mountain climbing fees for all 326 mountain peaks open to climbers, including eight of the world’s fourteen peaks that are above 8,000 meters. http://www.nepal.com/blog/nima-rumba-star-of-nepal 2008-08-05T11:09:53+01:00 en Editor Features Nima Rumba was the second son of three, born in Suvarnapur in Nepal on the 26th of May. Even though he enjoyed music, he never thought he would become a singer and songwriter, seeing himself as more of an artist. Sketching pictures and giving them away as gifts, Nima Rumba was certain that art was the direction his life was following, but an encounter with a few of his brother’s musical friends changed his life forever. http://www.nepal.com/blog/ranjitkar-traditional-fabric-dyers-of-nepal 2008-07-29T10:47:17+01:00 en Editor Features The word Ranjitkar refers to people who work with color and is the name of a historic caste in Nepal. There is not much documented about the Ranjitkar in ancient times, but they are mentioned in Jayasthiti Malla’s declaration of the castes and sculptures from those times, as they were known for their talent to create magnificent colors through dyeing techniques. Today, a little more is known of this mysterious group, and small groups of Ranjitkars are still present in modern Nepal, although they too have adjusted their lifestyle, as most have, to grow with the changing times. http://www.nepal.com/blog/visit-the-fascinating-mustang-eco-museum 2008-07-22T10:31:12+01:00 en Editor Features Situated about a fifteen minute walk from Nepal’s Jomsom airport, the Mustang Eco Museum allows visitors a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history and culture that shaped this beautiful part of the world. Visitors can spend a few pleasant hours viewing all the exhibits in the museum, which includes a fascinating collection of beads, bones, ceramic vessels and pendants, recovered from the ancient burial caves of Mustang, and many of which date as far back as 800 BC. http://www.nepal.com/blog/devghat-religious-retreat 2008-07-15T11:22:58+01:00 en Editor Features The village of Devghat, situated about five kilometers north-west of Narayanghat in Nepal, is renowned for its pervading atmosphere of tranquility. Resting in an area where the Kali Gandaki and Trisuli Rivers converge to form the Narayani River, which goes on to flow into the great Ganges River, Devghat is considered by Hindus to be a most holy place. This is also the spot where wooded hills meet wide open plains, adding to the exquisite beauty of the landscape of this popular pilgrimage destination. http://www.nepal.com/blog/summiting-tilicho-peak 2008-07-08T12:26:02+01:00 en Editor Features The majestic mountain peaks of Nepal attract mountaineering enthusiasts from far and wide. There are a number of routes that adventurers can choose from, according to their capabilities, as they pursue their personal goals. Tilicho Peak, towering at a height of 7134 meters is rated by experienced climbers as a technical climb, with many agreeing that it presents an exciting challenge for even the most experienced climber.