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trip 1 Boudhanat – Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur
trip 1 Boudhanat – Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur
Boudhanat -(Bodnath – Baoudha)
This tour, a must on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, begins with a visit to Asia’s largest stupa, teeming with life as thousands of pilgrims gather daily to perform the ritual circumambulation around the dome, under the watchful eyes of the Buddha, who observes them from the central golden tower.
In the past, the stupa was an important stopover on the trade route between Lhasa and Kathmandu: Tibetan traders would come here to pray before setting off on the Himalayan routes with their yaks.
Pashupatinath
Nepal’s most important Hindu temple stands by the sacred waters of the Bagmati, amid stalls selling flowers, prasad (food offerings), incense, rudraksha beads, conches, images of Hindu deities and temples, tika powder in every color of the rainbow, glass lingams and other religious objects.
Devotees and ‘sadhus’ come here to Pashupatinath from as far away as the Indian subcontinent, and many Nepalese are cremated on the banks of the Bagmati.
The main temple is forbidden to non-Hindus, but the complex of shrines, lingams and ghats is very interesting.
Bhaktapur
3rd of the valley’s medieval city-states, Bhaktapur is also the best preserved. Many Nepalese still use its old name, Bhadgaon or Khwopa, which means “city of devotees” in Newari – a fitting name, as the city boasts no less than 3 squares lined with some of the finest temples in the country.
All around Bhaktapur stretch huge basins built in medieval times for storing water, drinking, bathing and performing religious rites. These pools play an important role in the town’s social life.
In Bhaktapur, be sure to try the ‘juju dhau’ (king of yoghurts) as it is certainly one of the richest and creamiest yoghurts in the world!
A visit to the potters’ square may give you the chance to try your hand at this traditional local craft and make your own personalized pot.
Last but not least, a visit to the traditional Lokta tree paper factory will give you the chance to rediscover your souvenir cards or the good old paper notepad and make lasting memories. All this, plus a visit to some of the city’s oldest woodcarving creations, some of which are several hundred years old, and rich in historical and religious diversity.
Bullet 350cc trip: mythical Royal Enfield
The legendary Royal Enfield or ‘Bullet’ 350.cc
A motorcycle trip is a very original way to discover Nepal … and even more so when riding a Royal Enfield !
This mythical motorcycle will make you dream and leave you with the best memories in Nepal, India and elsewhere.
Setting a course for the Himalayas of Nepal means setting off on an adventure and experiencing an extraordinary change of scenery.
Mountains out of the ordinary
Although the Himalayas of Nepal are a favorite destination for trekkers for many reasons, they also stand out for the large number and variety of road circuits they offer, as well as their degree of difficulty. And many of the peaks you’ll see here are the highest in the world.
The plain and the jungle
But Nepal isn’t all mountains: in the jungles and savannahs of the Chitwan National Park in the Terai region in the south of the country, for example, you’ll be amazed by the vast plains at just 400m above sea level. The southern part of the country also has a fairly rudimentary road network, which has improved considerably in recent years but is still in the process of being developed. Nevertheless, you’ll always reach your destination in the end, but patience is essential.
The winding roads of the Himalayas are a gigantic space for motorcycle touring, with freshly asphalted sections allowing previously improbable access, but also sometimes more hazardous routes as the monsoon has passed through and not spared the country’s sometimes rugged topography.
Finally, Nepal best represents Himalayan diversity, both geographically and culturally.
You’ll pass through some of Nepal’s most beautiful places on your 2-wheeler, weather permitting, and after passing through Nepal’s main cities, you’ll hit the pavement for some unexpected stops and unlikely encounters.
The cities you pass through and their historical heritage will sometimes be quite different, depending on your motorcycle tour in Nepal. That’s why we do our best to combine wonderful road and stopover locations to make your motorcycle tour unforgettable, memorable, and why not adventurous. Whichever motorcycle tour you choose, you’ll have the opportunity to visit all the wonderful sites along the way.
France Nepal Voyage offers a wide range of motorcycle tours in Nepal and soon in India and Bhutan.
Bhutan
. The duration of our motorcycle tours varies from one day in the
Kathmandu Valley
to 15 days in Upper Mustang.
Our one-day motorcycle tour in Kathmandu is the most famous of the tours in and around the capital. This trip combines the most visited sites with mountain sites such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Bhaktapu, Timi and the village of Ranikot.
And if, like many other riders, you’ve been bitten by the adventure bug, with a capital A, for some improbable moments, then take the trip to the far east of Nepal, to the borders of Darjeling, to Illam to discover the tea plantations.
But if you prefer desert, lunar landscapes and mountainous corridors, then Mustang is your destination!
Finally, why not take a trip to the vast plains of southern Nepal, through nature reserves that will allow you, if you feel like it, to join a safari in the
the jungle
in search of elephants or Bengal tigers!
So don’t wait any longer and take to the road with our technical team and their car, as well as our motorcycle guide.
Bhutan, the wonderful land of happiness!
Bhutan – The last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas:
It’s also often referred to as the land of happiness.
The last Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, Bhutan has a strong religious, social and political identity inherited from a history dating back to the 6th century. Strongly attached to its independence, it has preserved the originality of its culture at the cost of a relative isolation that only ended at the turn of the 1960s.
Firmly committed to a development process that respects its traditions, Bhutan is now seeking to explore the narrow paths of
Gross National Happiness
. The emergence of exogenous factors such as immigration and the Kingdom’s gradual opening up to foreign influences raise questions about the evolution of its society, which is trying to achieve a difficult synthesis between materialism and spirituality.
Bhutan: a fascinating kingdom
where Buddhism is not just the state religion, but a way of life and a daily practice.
A serene atmosphere where you can cross fertile valleys, rub shoulders with villages perched on steep slopes, contemplate the charismatic architecture of the dzongs, the fortress monasteries that dot the kingdom’s landscape, hike through a semi-tropical valley, meet its smiling and extremely warm inhabitants, share tea with Buddhist monks and capture the spiritual fervor of this dazzling country.
A trip to Bhutan is the perfect balance between encounters, culture and nature, with visits to must-see sites and activities off the beaten track. Be the guest of the Prince of Bhutan and let us take you to the heart of a timeless kingdom for one of the most beautiful journeys of your life.
Your travel expert will welcome you in Kathmandu and your professional local guide and private driver will accompany you on your journey.
Street food: KTM’s 5 best cantinas
Street food and canteens in Kathmandu:
If you’d like to sample authentic Nepalese street food and a range of comforting dishes during your stay in Nepal, Kathmandu won’t disappoint when it comes to the variety of restaurants offering a collection of local and indigenous specialties.
Nepalese cuisine is not yet very popular on the international scene, but don’t be fooled. Nepalese cuisine has recently come into its own, and you’ll be surprised to find that it now blends the old and the new, the traditional and the fusion.
A quaint, peace-loving kingdom of the people, Nepal is a beautiful country with snow-free Himalayan peaks that add to its picturesque charm. If you’ve been to Nepal, two things that would strike you immediately are the friendliness of its people and the good food that is so plentiful all around. Some of the most amazing things can be found in the bylanes of
Pashupatinath
but the rest of Nepal is also a paradise of gastronomic joy.
A cuisine ofwell-positioneddishes:
If the
momos
recipe
-HERE-
are the only food you connect with Nepal, you’ll be surprised to know that their staple is not momos and noodles, but the Dal, Bhat Tarkari, which is raved about across the country. Nepalese cuisine is a striking amalgam of Tibetan, Asian and Indian foods. On the basis of geographical boundaries, cuisines can easily be divided according to region or caste.
Here are a few discreet, intimate restaurants and ‘bistronomic’ places to discover during your stay in Kathmandu(complementary walks -ICI-), the capital of Nepal.
D’après l’inspiration suite à la lecture de l’ouvrage d’Annick Holé «Kathmandou, la citée cachée» édité 1993, j’ai toujours parcouru les rues de cette ville dans la ville.
Même si ses constructions et de fait les axes de circulation ont bien évolués ces dernières années suite au modernisme et aux évènements géo-climatiques, KTM est parsemée de cour cachées, de patios intérieurs tous plus différents les uns des autres, interconnectés entre eux et les rues.
Ce périple vous mènera à travers Kathmandou et cette autre vie ‘cachée’ dans des scènes parfois surprenantes, émouvantes, au détour d’un temple ou d’une placette ou au bord d’un puit. Peut-être aurez-vous la chance de croiser une cérémonie familiale religieuse ou un mariage ?!
Kathmandu, the hidden city
Kathmandu, the hidden city, or the discreet life of the Nepalese!
These walks were inspired by a book written by a Frenchwoman, which became my bible for my first escapades in this marvellous city.
Kathmandu
-Kathmandu-.
As you make your way through Kathmandu, the old town often blending in with the modern districts, you’ll pass through the many Bahal or Bahi, former Buddhist monastery squares that are sometimes still active, but more often than not have become the discreet living quarters of this ancient city, once crossed by the Salt Road, the great Himalayan trade route.
So you’ll be close to authentic local life, not just that of the main tourist or shopping streets, and will have time to enjoy a variety of exchanges with the inhabitants, workers, craftsmen, shopkeepers, schoolchildren or even monks of the district you’ll be passing through.
Open your eyes and ears wide, observe and admire the richly carved antique windows, the variety of buildings from different eras that the bâeven though it is true that the last earthquakee has reshuffled the cards in the real estate market, as has demographic expansion.
You’ll also have the chance to try one of the crispy delicacies on the stalls or in the corner of a cart. -more info on our trip
streetFood trip HERE
–
These are walks of varying lengths, depending on the route you choose and the neighborhoods you visit. So put on your best shoes and bon route!
Nepal, Himalayan jewels: splendid!
Nepal, Himalayan jewels: splendid!
Embark on an unforgettable and enchanting journey to the most splendid of Himalayan jewels, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this nation. Nestled between the majestic peaks of the
Himalayas
Nepal offers a unique blend of natural wonders, cultural richness and spiritual serenity.
20-day romantic getaway
Exclusive luxury accommodation :
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital. Explore the bustling streets, visit ancient temples and soak up the rich history and architecture of UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Boudhanath stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Immerse yourself in the bustling markets, where vibrant colors, aromatic spices and intricate craftsmanship create a captivating sensory experience.
From Kathmandu, venture into the Himalayan wilderness. Home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks, including Mount Everest, Nepal offers a wealth of trekking and mountaineering opportunities. Cross breathtaking landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, glacial rivers and picturesque mountain villages, while challenging yourself and witnessing the grandeur of the Himalayas up close.
The Himalayas may take center stage, but there’s much more to Nepal than mountains. Discover the tranquillity of
Pokhara
a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lake Phewa, surrounded by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Take a boat trip on the lake, hike to the World Peace Pagoda for panoramic views, or simply relax and rejuvenate in serene natural surroundings.
Discover Nepal’s cultural heritage
-extra trip HERE-
in the historic cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, renowned for their ancient palaces, intricate architecture and beautifully preserved traditional Newari culture. Explore the narrow streets, visit art galleries and watch local artisans create beautiful wood carvings, metal objects and pottery.
For a spiritual experience, venture to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha. Explore the sacred site, visit the monasteries and find solace in the peaceful atmosphere. To deepen your spiritual connection, practice meditation or take part in a Buddhist teaching session.
A trip to emblematic destinations
France Nepal Voyage has designed this trip to include some of the most unforgettable and romantic places in the Indo-Himalayan region, with panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks or the full force of the terai to discover the majestic Maya Devis temple in Lumbini.
A trip over just for you
We pride ourselves on creating tailor-made itineraries for every traveler, and going the extra mile to add even more romance to your trip. We offer a number of romantic options, including private dinners by lantern light, paragliding flights, Ayurvedic wellness treatments and much more.
Manang Village
Discover the awe-inspiring beauty of the Manang Valley trek as you embark on a breathtaking journey through the pristine Himalayan landscape. Nestled in the Annapurna region of Nepal, this trek offers the perfect blend of natural wonder and cultural immersion.
Start your adventure in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, where you’ll be captivated by its rich history and bustling streets. From here, you’ll venture into the Annapurna Conservation Area, a protected sanctuary teeming with diverse flora and fauna. As you ascend, prepare yourself for the dramatic transition from lush green forests to arid alpine terrain.
The Manang Valley trek offers a panorama of snow-capped peaks, including Annapurna II, III and IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak. Admire the majestic glaciers, sparkling rivers and cascading waterfalls that adorn the rugged landscape. Spectacular gorges and deep valleys add to the appeal of this trek, providing a constant backdrop of awe-inspiring beauty.
Along the way, you’ll meet welcoming local communities who have preserved their unique culture and traditions for centuries. Interact with the villagers, known for their warm hospitality, and discover their simple but fulfilling way of life. Indulge in traditional Nepalese cuisine and savour the flavours of authentic mountain delicacies.
The highlight of the Manang Valley trek is the ancient town of Manang itself, perched at an altitude of 3,540 metres. Explore the narrow streets and visit the monasteries, where you can immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and witness the rituals and prayers of the local Buddhist communities. Admire the panoramic views of the valley from the high vantage points and capture the essence of this enchanting place.
As you continue your trek, you might like to challenge yourself by visiting Lake Tilicho, one of the highest lakes in the world (4,919 metres). Its tranquil turquoise waters, surrounded by towering peaks, create a picturesque setting that will leave you breathless.
Tanka Painting
Embark on a captivating Thangka Painting Tour in Kathmandu, Nepal and immerse yourself in the rich artistic heritage of this ancient city. Known for its intricate and vibrant Buddhist art, Kathmandu is the perfect destination for art lovers and culture seekers.
Thangka painting is a traditional form of Tibetan Buddhist art, characterised by its intricate detail and spiritual significance. These exquisite paintings, usually on canvas or silk, depict deities, mandalas and religious symbols and serve as visual representations of Buddhist teachings and philosophies.
Your Thangka Painting Tour will take you on a journey through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, where you’ll have the opportunity to witness first-hand the creation of these masterpieces and gain an insight into the intricate techniques employed by skilled Thangka artists.
Begin your tour with a visit to thangka painting workshops and studios, where you’ll meet talented craftsmen dedicated to preserving this ancient art form. Engage in conversation with the artists as they share their knowledge and passion for thangka painting, explaining the symbolic meanings behind each brush stroke and colour choice.
Immerse yourself in the artistic process as you watch the artists meticulously sketch, mix vibrant pigments and delicately apply them to the canvas. Witness their meticulous attention to detail and the patience required to create these intricate works of art, which often take months or even years to complete.
As well as observing the process, you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at thangka painting. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will learn basic techniques such as brush handling, colour mixing and the symbolism behind the deities and symbols depicted in Thangka art. This hands-on experience allows you to develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication required to create these breathtaking pieces.