INTRODUCTION to NEPAL

CULTURAL TOURS IN NEPAL

Cultural tours in Nepal open up a plethora of cultural diversities as each part of Nepal, from East to West, or North to South, has its own cultural setting. Tradition, religion, custom, belief, language, social organization and people are the important aspects of culture in Nepal. Sacred pilgrimage sites, historical monuments and memorials reflect richness of Nepal culture variations.

Kathmandu, Bhaktapur & Patan

(4 days)

Exploration of cultural and historical highlights of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan – the three medieval Kingdom!  - 4 days

This is a short trip that lets you explore ancient temples and religious shrines of the three medieval kingdoms, namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. This trip takes you into a kind of mystical history where the past still remains alive in the present, tradition tirelessly repeats itself into a culture that remains seeped into an ancient history created by the kings of past generations and religious doctrines are strictly adhered till this very day.

In Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, you will be taken for a visit to the holiest of Hindu shrine “Pashupatinath”.  Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of the Hindus. As you approach cremation areas of the temple, you will witness Hindu’s ritual of cremating a corpse. Tour to Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath are other retreats that will be serviced to you. Another attractive prospect of this trip is cultural tour to the major cultural heritages and temples in Bhaktapur and Patan.

Kathmandu, Nagarkot & Dhulikhel

(4 days)

Exploration of cultural, natural & historical hearts of Kathmandu Valley & nearby hill resorts – 4 days

This trip incorporates the best places of three of the most popular sightseeing places in Nepal, namely, Kathmandu, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. This trip takes you to some exotic sites in Kathmandu like Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa and Swoyambhunath. From the Swoyambhunath, you get an amazing 360 degree view of the entire Kathmandu valley. This brief journey to the religious sites gives you an insight into the religious prospects in Nepal. Apart from getting a glimpse of Kathmandu’s highlights, you also get to bask in the splendors of cultural richness in Bhaktapur and Patan.

Thereafter, you will be taken to Nagarkot. At Nagarkot, you get to sight the most fascinating and mesmerizing view of the sunrise. After Nagarkot, Dhulikhel is your next destination. Treading along the unexplored trails of Dhulikhel can achieve a very exhilarating and enriching experience.

Kathmandu & Nagarkot

(4 days)

Cultural & historical exploration of Kathmandu valley & scenic excursion of Nagarkot hill resort – 4 days 

This trip offers a religious and cultural journey to the most amazing places in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Traveling to these places will help you get completely acquainted with different facets of Nepal. Taking on this tour, you will get to become a part of the rich culture and traditions of Nepal. You also get to visit the ancient palaces and famous cultural heritage sites during this tour. Your next destination, Nagarkot, is blessed with sheer beauty of nature and panoramic Himalayan views, giving you a once in a lifetime experience. On returning back to Kathmandu, your trip will further resume towards exploring more of Kathmandu. Visits to Kumari Temple and Durbar Square are the bonus sightseeing trips packaged in this tour.

Floral Kathmandu

(5 days)

The major highlight of this trip is an exquisite Kathmandu tour around the major tourist attractions in Kathmandu. The tour includes visits to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath and Swoyambhunath in Kathmandu. You also get to visit the major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur and Patan. In Nagarkot, as you sight the breathtaking sunrise view, you get an amazing experience. During the course of your Nepal cultural tour, you get acquainted with the true facets of Nepal. An excursion around Royal Botanical Garden enlightens you on the varied plant species of Nepal. This fun-filled exploratory trip is exclusively designed to make your Nepal holiday very insightful and memorable.

INTRODUCTION to NEPAL

Nepal is a land of unparalleled scenic beauty located within one of the most diverse geographical areas on earth. Nestled high in the Himalayas between China and India, it has retained its essentially agrarian and medieval character. Its wondrous history and geography are still the defining aspects of everyday life.

Since Nepal first opened its frontiers to foreign visitors in the fifties, it has been the epicenter of Himalayan adventure activities. Climbing and trekking holidays in Nepal Himalaya has become highly sought after adventure sports throughout the world soon after the advent of tourism culture.Nepal has an unsurpassed range of environments, ranging from the lowland of Terai to the snowy summit of the highest mountain range on Earth. Traveling in Nepal not only offers an opportunity to submerge in Himalayan bliss but also a chance to step back in time. Standing before the entire world as a vivid kaleidoscope of picturesque landscapes, exotic wildlife, arid high-altitude meadows, magnificent mountains, incredible travel destinations, unique culture, festivals, ancient heritage, pristine backwaters, and exotic cuisine, Nepal is undoubtedly a travelers delight.Trekking in Nepal is often referred to as walking through the paradise on earth.

BHUTAN

INTRODUCTION TO BHUTAN

Bhutan, 'the land of thunder Dragon' and 'the last Shangri La' on earth, is situated in the lap of Eastern Himalayas between India and the People's Republic of China. Covering an area of 18000 sq miles, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world. Spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and unique ancient Buddhist monasteries have made Bhutan an exemplar tourist destination, it is bestowed with rich bio-diversity harboring around 300 medicinal herbs and 165 endangered species. Each part of Bhutan has its own, historical, geographical, cultural, traditional and religious significance.

Nepal tourism: 4 must visit wildlife parks in Nepal.

Nepal is rapidly becoming a chief tourist destination. It is a fantastic blend of temples, nature, culture and wildlife. Most international trip packages are now proposing this destination to nature & wildlife aficionados. Despite of being a small landlocked country, it by no means fails to compel first-time visitors return one more time. After you have tripped through the temples and visited the lakes, you must set aside some time to visit some celebrated national parks.

Nepal tourism brings before you a blissful experience in these prominent wildlife corners. Here is a look at some of the finest national parks in Nepal:

Royal Chitwan National Park: Ancient wildlife park- Chitwan National Park is the country’s prevalent wildlife delight. Extensively stretched to over 900 sq km, Chitwan National Park is exceptionally admired by the visitors. It is the natural set where you can spot a diverse array of birds and beasts, ranging from the harmless one-horned rhinos to the detrimental crocodiles. From the barking deer to the ‘biting’ tiger, you can gawk and watch at the unspoiled qualities of nature. Mongooses and otters also love to play mess at this place and there is no scarcity of the Gangetic dolphin. Chitwan is one of the major hotspots for ever-growing fame of Nepal tourism from India.

Ghariyal crocodile at Chitwan National Park

 Annapurna Conservation Area: Annapurna is big jungle expanding for over 7,600 sq km. It is an abode to an extensive variety of flora, and is hence a botanist’s heaven. While you can spot almost any kind of plant and flower in here, you are also likely to bang into chirping birds, grazing blue sheep and athletic snow leopards. Butterflies and bees are ubiquitous. And this is one place where birds with poles apart feathers assemble at a place.

Kanchenjunga Conservation Area: One notable craze about Nepal tourism is that it prioritizes grand prominence on protecting its natural gems. So, cases of hunting and other illegal practices are almost to no avail of. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is another unblemished testimonial to the country’s beautiful flora & fauna. Flowers love to take birth at this park and several mountain animals like the Himalayan goats and leopards are enduring residents of this area.

Sagarmatha National Park: Many international tour packages comprise this park in their itineraries. Apart from playing crowd to countless birds & animals, Sagarmatha National Park is also the home for the mighty Mount Everest. It is also an extremely craggy region nestled in some intimidating mountainous locales.

Botanist’s paradise- Annapurna Conservation Area Park

RIHANNA TO TAKE A BREAK FROM MUSIC: 5 THINGS SHE CAN DO OTHER THAN HANG WITH CHRIS BROWN

Rihanna has a lot on her plate: She has a brand new clothing line, a sold-out tour, and a new hit album. Not to mention, a boyfriend who likes to hit.

So it's only fair she takes a break. According to Ryan Seacrest — who said on his morning show, "She's been in this go mode for a while... But sources say after this tour wraps, she plans to take up to a year off to unwind."

So, what is a girl to do who has worked nonstop for almost 10 years? Besides hang on the beach with her loser boyfriend, Chris Brown? Who, it turns out — in another classy move — also likes to belittle women. Watch the video below of Brown at a club and see if you can keep your jaw from hitting your desk. We couldn't.

We came up with five ideas guaranteed to keep the Barbadian beauty out of trouble. (It's a total coincidence they also happen to keep her out of Brown's arms.)

1. Create a Match.com account. It's no secret that we're not a fan of Brown, but that doesn't mean we think Rihanna has to be alone. The pop singer has already proven to be savvy when it comes to social media, so why not try online dating? It can't get much worse than her current beau, can it?

2. Learn another language. Or at least some new English words. And preferably a couple that contain more than four letters. If you are a follower of her Twitter or Instagram account, you've seen firsthand how the 25-year-old likes her profanity. She might be pretty, but that's not.

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3. Do a duet with Vin Diesel. Please tell us you saw the video of theFast & Furious star — who has sang in a couple of his movies — belting out "Stay." If not, we've added it below for your viewing pleasure. The only thing that could have made it better was if he was singing it live with Rihanna. Come on, you'll have the free time soon enough, girl. Make it happen!

4. Work on a new clothing line. Her first-ever fashion collection debuted at London Fashion Week. But unfortunately for the singer, the reviews were not all positive. Or sadly even the majority of them. The line of clothes she designed for River Island was described by some as a "horror." We know she's not a fan of wearing a lot of clothes, but it shouldn't be that hard to design them. Heck, even Jessica Simpsoncan do it. And successfully, we might add.

5. Take up kickboxing. Unlike say knitting or scrapbooking, you know this is one hobby she'll actually use.

What do you think about Rihanna reportedly planning to take a break? What do you think she should do with the time off? Tell us in the comments section below.

25 '90S STARS LOOKING FOR A TV COMEBACK — GALLERY

As if you didn't realize they'd be back. News of pilot castings has been hitting the interwebs every day in recent months, and Hollywood.com noticed a particularly interesting trend — like, totally major nostalgia casting. From Anthony Steward Head of Buffy the Vampire Slayerto Alicia Silverstone from Clueless to New Kids on the Block's Joey McIntyre, this year's crop of castings has an undeniable '90s feel.

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Because we're nice, we decided to roll with you homies — creating a gallery that's chock full o' your favorite actors from decades past. We've got the scoop on where to find them, what to expect from their latest projects, and of course, utterly clickable images from the TV shows and movies that made you love them in the first place.

So click away, and in conclusion, may I please remind you it does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty:

GALLERY: 25 '90s Stars Looking for a TV Comeback

'THE MINDY PROJECT' AT PALEYFEST: CHRIS MESSINA IMPRESSIONS AND MORE

The Mindy Project cast ostensibly gathered onstage for a PaleyFest panel at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills on Friday night to talk about the first season of their delightful Fox comedy. But in addition to talk of casting, writing, and running the show, a good chunk of time was simply dedicated to making fun of Chris Messina, complimenting Chris Messina, hitting on Chris Messina and impersonating Chris Messina. In short, it was hilarious.

Messina was a man of few words, mostly ceding stage time to his chattier castmates (so they could tell stories about him and perfect their New York-y impressions of him). Since that doesn't really translate to print, you can take our word that everyone on the cast has a Messina impression — all with varying degrees of accuracy.

Aside from poking fun at arguably the most lovable cast member,Mindy Kaling, Ike Barinholtz, Ed Weeks and the rest of the main cast did manage to share some juicy tidbits of information. Here's what else we learned from the panel:

On leaving The Office:
It was "so hard" to exit the show Kaling had worked hard on, but her own show was too good an opportunity to pass up, Kaling says. But leaving such a tight-knit group of people has its perks: "I knew all of them so well, which is why they come on the show," she says. Expect to see more Dunder Mifflin-ites pop up throughout the show's run, along with the ones we've seen already. B.J. Novak will be back for at least one more episode in Season 1, Kaling confirmed.

On the magic of Mark Duplass:
Duplass will be back for at least two more episodes. In addition to the next new episode (which was screened before the panel), Duplass just shot an episode in which he gets intimate with Messina. It's an indie-movie-lover's dream: Messina in a Speedo and Duplass in a singlet wrestling on the beach together. "They're submitting it to Sundance," Barinholtz joked. Speaking of Mindy's exes, Tommy Dewey will return for more episodes too.

On Weeks' British charm:
The role of Jeremy Reed was originally envisioned as a "Bradley Cooper type," Weeks says. But after practicing the audition pages in his American accent, his roommate encouraged him to go with his native accent instead. Clearly it worked out, though Kaling jokes she was so mesmerized by Weeks' looks that she invited him to her house for a late night casting couch session and that's how he got the role.

On Nurse Beverly:
Now that Beth Grant has re-joined the cast full time, we'll learn more about the curmudgeonly character. She's had many different boyfriends of varying ethnic backgrounds, Grant says. At one point, she was engaged to the recently convicted Drew Peterson, Kaling and Barinholtz joke.

On Danny and Mindy's chemistry:
The writers' room is very divided between wanting Mindy and Danny to get together and wanting to watch their friendship blossom some more, Barinholtz says. Obviously no one would hint at which way it goes, but they did note that the Season 2 pickup didn't change how they're writing the rest of the season.

As for her non-Mindy-related projects, Kaling confirmed that she'd just read the script for the finale of The Office, which she's shooting in a few days, and that she plans to spend her summer hiatus writing another book.

SXSW: 'SCENIC ROUTE' IS THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GONE AWRY

What Open Water did for scuba diving with your spouse, Scenic Route should do for road trips in the desert with your best friend. Directors/siblings Kevin Goetz and Michael Goetz have made for one of the most intense, effective movie-going experiences of SXSW... and it's only day two. 

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The premise is simple: two best friends Mitchell and Carter (Josh Duhamel and Dan Fogler, respectively) hit the road to catch up for old times sake. The two have drifted, as adults tend to do, with Mitchell in a stable, if not passion-free marriage and career, and Carter as the aimless slacker. On paper it seems like Duhamel and Fogler are simply playing into their usual archetypes, he the handsome leading man and he the wacky sidekick, but Scenic Road turns it on its head and lets the actors beat the ever-living s**t out of them. Literally. 

In fact, that's exactly how Scenic Route begins. We see two men, one of whom is sporting a Travis Bickle-esque mohawk (Duhamel, in what marks his most daring, impressive performance to date), in the middle of the desert, bloodied and bruised, fighting as dirty as the tattered clothes they are wearing. We haven't yet learned that these two are lifelong friends who have let unkind words and the unforgiving elements get to them. One of them takes a crutch to the other one's temple and everything goes dark. Only, that's not the beginning of the story, or the end for that matter. 

The movie starts, innocently enough, as almost a buddy road trip comedy, but it descends into something else entirely. It is part-jet black comedy, part-horror film, part-moral drama, part-human study, and completely and utterly f**ked up. When we meet Mitchell and Carter moments after that shocking opening sequence, they look completely fine. Even more confusing, Mitchell doesn't have a mohawk. So how do they get there exactly? 

After Carter makes his old truck they're driving through the desert in break down intentionally to spend more quality time with Mitchell, the two not only have to battle the elements (with no food and no water in the desert, which is as unrelenting in the day as it is the night), but each other. With nowhere to go and increasingly mounting tension, the two friends begin to unravel on each other, saying things they can't quite take back.

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High emotions, mixed with the delirium of being stranded in the vast desert — who knew wide open spaces could feel so claustrophobic? It sends the men into a tailspin, not only leading to that ill-advised mohawk (the free-spirited Carter somehow convinces the straight-laced Mitchell to get the haircut he always wanted... in the middle of the night, with a blade from a pocket knife) and eventually that vicious, violent fight. 

What happens next, well, I don't want to spoil it for you. But whatever you think happens to these guys after their blood, sweat, and tear-soaked fight doesn't. The last 40 minutes of the movie, fittingly enough, takes a much different road than you thought it would. Somewhere at the intersection of 127 Hours and Buried, you might think you have finally figured out Scenic Route's path, but then it takes its own winding, twisted detour. 

While there are some frustratingly distracting moments (including Carter's inane decision to turn down help when they first break down), the dialogue-heavy feature, which spends most of its running time on the side of a dirt road in the desert, never loses your attention. You hang on these men's every action, every word uttered, determined to find out if they make it out of this journey unscathed. Well, relatively speaking. 

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A veritable case study in grown men, and their relationships with each other (a few visions of Fight Club danced through my head), Scenic Route will make you no less scared of what nature will do to you as compared to what the ones you love are capable of doing to you. Scenic Route is a movie that crawls under your skin and stays there for a while, thanks largely in part to its haunting ending.