World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/BlogLukla update: Flight changes when heading to the Everest regionhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/3133/lukla-update-flight-changes-everest-regionDestinations,Himalaya,Nepal,NewsMon, 17 Feb 2020 01:09:00 GMT<p>Flights between Kathmandu and Lukla have been suspended for international travellers, but fear not, we have you covered on how to get to Lukla with ease.</p> <p>To reach Lukla, the gateway to the Everest trekking region, flights are now departing from and arriving at Ramechap airport, rather than Kathmandu airport. The new routing, which was introduced to reduce congestion at Kathmandu airport, is again in place from 16 March to 15 May 2020. The aviation authority have yet to determine arrangements from September to December 2020.</p> <p>The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal issued the following statement:</p> <blockquote> <p>Due to increment in traffic congestion at TIA (Tribhuvan International Airport) and increasing number of Lukla flights from TIA, an arrangement was made to operate all Lukla flights from Ramechap airport in this summer season which was accomplished successfully.</p> <p>During tourist season, Lukla is the busiest airport among STOL airfields operated from Kathmandu. Therefore, to avoid traffic congestion and minimize the load of TIA and to ease other international operation from TlA, all airlines operating in Lukla sector are required to operate from Ramechap airport henceforth you are required to manage all formalities in this regard.</p> </blockquote> <h3>Who is affected?</h3> <p>This change affects all travel companies operating tours in Nepal, and we assure you we have explored a range of alternatives, including utilizing helicopters, which has been discounted due to exorbitant costs and availability limitations.</p> <p>While there is one operational flight from Kathmandu to Lukla each day, it is reserved for Nepali locals, and airlines are restricted from selling tickets to agents or to individuals who are not Nepali citizens.</p> <h3>It’s not all bad news</h3> <p>Some operators have varied their itineraries to have clients depart Kathmandu by vehicle at 2am, to reach Ramechap in time for the first morning flights to Lukla. World Expeditions has rejected this option because it makes for a very long first day of trekking. Instead, we are taking trekkers to Ramechap for an overnight stay in our comfortable and conveniently located campsite in order to take the first morning flights to Lukla.</p> <p><img alt="Ramechap tent set-up | <i>Angela Parajo</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="524955" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="200" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Ramechap-campsite-524955-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Ramechap-campsite-524955-###width###px.jpg" /></p> <p>Although there are afternoon flights to Lukla from Ramechap, these are unreliable because there is a higher chance of these flights being cancelled due to weather conditions.</p> <p>We have revised our Everest itineraries in the wake of these circumstances.</p> <h3>Our modified itinerary:</h3> <p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Day 1</strong> – Arrival in Kathmandu. Free day.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Day 2</strong> – Overland drive to Ramechap (approximately 5 hours). You can do some last-minute gear shopping or enjoy some leisure time in the morning at Kathmandu after breakfast before we hit the road. En route we will stop for lunch and arrive at our campsite by late afternoon.</p> <p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Our private Ramechap campsite</strong> is equipped with up to 30 tents, dining tents and bathroom facilities with Western-style toilets and hand basins. Our trekkers enjoy full-board camping with a hearty, three-course evening meal cooked by our trained team at the campsite, with tea and breakfast the following day.</p> <div class="dynamicImageWrapper" switchsource="image1"><carouselsource aspectratio="4x3" data-plugin-options="{'items': 3, 'margin': 10, 'nav': true, 'dots': false}"><img alt="Ramechap campsite | <i>Angela Parajo</i>" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="524956" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="200" src="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Ramechap-campsite-524956-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Indian-Sub-Continent/Nepal/Ramechap-campsite-524956-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="DSC_0090" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="524958" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="200" src="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0090-524958-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0090-524958-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="DSC_0087" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="524957" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="200" src="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0087-524957-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0087-524957-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="DSC_0092" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="524960" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="200" src="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0092-524960-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0092-524960-###width###px.jpg" /> <img alt="DSC_0086" class="responsiveImage" cropdataid="524959" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="200" src="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0086-524959-1100px.jpg" variablesrc="/croppedImages/Bardo/Luciana-EBC-MAR-2019/DSC_0086-524959-###width###px.jpg" /> </carouselsource></div> <p style="margin-left: 40px;"><strong>Day 3</strong> – Early morning flight to Lukla (2800m). Our campsite is directly opposite the runway, so you’ll have first flights to Lukla! You will then commence your trek to Ghat (2530m), the walk being approximately 2-3 hours.</p> <p>World Expeditions believes the option of staying in Ramechap is vastly better than departing Kathmandu at 2am, driving approximately 5 hours to Ramechap, flying to Lukla and then commencing trekking.</p> <p>Getting a reasonable night’s sleep and being able to travel on the earliest flights from Ramechap provides the best start to the trekking day.</p> <p>At the end of your trek, you will fly from Lukla to Ramechap and drive directly to Kathmandu on the same day. The rest of the afternoon will be at your leisure, offering an opportunity to do any additional sightseeing and shopping.</p> <p><em>Updated 17 February 2020.</em></p> 313310 Things To Do in Kathmanduhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2425/10-things-to-do-in-kathmanduActivities,Adventure Travel,Trekking/Walking,NepalFri, 08 Sep 2017 06:07:00 GMT<p><strong>Every trek in Nepal begins and ends in Kathmandu. It is a mecca for mountaineers, humanitarians, trekkers and passionate adventure travellers.</strong></p> <p>Hemmed by Himalayan foothills, the vibrant city is packed full of history, palaces, temples and bazaars. Home to 2.5 million people, there’s no denying it, Kathmandu is a sensory overload. Embrace the hustle and bustle of the city and let it weave its magic around you.</p> <p>Have you got some spare days in Kathmandu and are unsure how spend them? We’ve got you covered! We asked our well travelled staff, local crew and Himalaya mountaineering leaders to tell us their favourite things to do in Kathmandu and surrounds.</p> <p><em>Feature image (above): Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu by Charles Duncombe</em></p> <p><img alt="Markets of Kathmandu" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Market_kathmandu_Nepal-medium-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Market_kathmandu_Nepal-medium-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Riding past a local market. Image: David Fok</span></p> <h2>1. Get Your Cultural Fix</h2> <p>It's been just over two years since the devastating earthquakes hit Nepal in 2015 and the reconstruction of heritage sites has been an ongoing process. There has been some debate whether to retain the remaining structures of some sites or to demolish and rebuild them. While some still have visible damage, many have been reconstructed and are worth a visit. Recovery is a slow process, but tourism is something Nepal needs more than ever.</p> <h3>Boudhanath (Boudha)</h3> <h4><em>The largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal</em></h4> <p>Boudhanath Stupa is religious centre for Buddhism, encircled by houses and monasteries where Rinpoches reside. The stupa is the most popular site for Buddhists in Nepal. Throughout the day, pilgrims can be seen circumnavigating the structure chanting mantras. It is especially spectacular at night, adorned with illuminated butter lamps. Remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction and also to spin the prayer wheels clockwise.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Bhodinath-_Kathmandu-_Nepal-medium-1024x710-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Bhodinath-_Kathmandu-_Nepal-medium-1024x710-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h3>Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath Temple)</h3> <h4><em>Enjoy breathtaking views of Kathmandu</em></h4> <p>Overlooking parts Kathmandu Valley, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Swayambhunath (Swayambhu), is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. Soaring high above the city, the “Monkey Temple” boasts some of the best views in Kathmandu. You will be captivated by the jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography crammed into every spare inch. The temple was mostly untouched by the 2015 earthquake and still remains in good condition today.</p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu-_Nepal-medium1-1920px.jpg"><img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu-_Nepal-medium1-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href=""> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="" width="110" /></a></div> <p> </p> <h3>Pashupatinath Temple</h3> <h4><em>One of the most sacred temples in Nepal</em></h4> <p>Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located on both banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. Only followers of Hinduism can enter the main temple but all the other buildings are available for foreigners to visit.</p> <h2>2. Fly Over Mount Everest</h2> <p>Complete your trek in Nepal with an epic mountain flight over the Himalayas including Mount Everest. Take off from Kathmandu early in the morning and catch breath taking views of the world’s highest mountain range from above. A number of airlines offer one hour flights on small 18-seater planes with prime viewing and ample opportunities for photos during the flight.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Himalayas_Nepal-medium-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Himalayas_Nepal-medium-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2>3. Take Off on a Day Trip</h2> <h3>Bhaktapur</h3> <h4><em>A peek into the medieval period</em></h4> <p>Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar city that is located 13km from the centre of Kathmandu, in the eastern corner of Kathmandu Valley. It is a must-see sight in Nepal and is best described as one of the most preserved medieval city states in Kathmandu Valley. Sadly, due to the 2015 earthquake, whole streets and traditional houses where lost. Yet despite the devastation, there is still so much to see here including medieval squares<span style="color: #000000;">, hidden courtyards and narrow streets. Best of all, Bhaktapur remains less busy and polluted in comparison to Kathmandu.  </span></p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Bhaktapur-medium1-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Bhaktapur-medium1-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h3>Patan Museum</h3> <h4><em>A hub of fine art and culture</em></h4> <p>Patan is one of three ancient Royal Cities of Kathmandu Valley and is a hub of fine art and Hindu and Buddhist culture. The Patan Museum is formerly the residence of the Malla kings and a section of the palace is home to one of the finest religious arts in Asia. This national treasure is a wonderful introduction to the architecture, symbolism and art of the Kathmandu Valley.</p> <p>“The Patan Museum, gives fantastic insight into many aspects of Nepali culture, history and religion. I especially love the explanation of the techniques used to create the intricate religious statues.” – Joe Kennedy (Himalaya Operations, World Expeditions, Sydney Office)</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Religion-medium-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Religion-medium-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h2>4. Escape to a Beautiful Garden</h2> <h3>Garden of Dreams - Escape the hustle and bustle</h3> <p>Even though there was some minor damage in the 2015 earthquake, the beautifully restored <a href="http://gardenofdreams.org.np/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Garden of Dreams (Swapna Bagaichi)</a> remains one of the most serene and enchanting places in Kathmandu. It’s only a two minute walk, yet feels a million miles away from central Thamel.</p> <blockquote> <p>“The Garden of Dreams is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. There are ponds, beautiful garden beds and squirrels! A great little cafe in there too. Its entrance is on Tridevi Sadak Street.” -  Heather Hawkins (Author, marathon runner & adventurer)</p> </blockquote> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Women_Thamel_Kathmandu-medium-1024x682-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Women_Thamel_Kathmandu-medium-1024x682-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Local women working in Thamel. Image: Peter Walton</span></p> <h2>5. Get Active</h2> <h3>Explore Kathmandu Valley on a Mountain Bike</h3> <p>The Eastern side of the Kathmandu Valley provides some good bike riding routes, which can be a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many shops in Thamel that offer guided cycling tours or bikes to rent. A great source of information for cycling routes is the shop Himalaya Singe Track that rent bikes for US $25 a day.</p> <h3>Take a Day Hike to Nagarjung Peak</h3> <p>This day hike is highly recommended by mountaineer Tim Macartney-Snape. It is located 15 minutes drive north-west of Kathmandu’s city centre. Enjoy a 4 hour hike to the summit (2,127m) to see the famous Buddhist Stupa. At the top you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayan Ranges in Kathmandu Valley.</p> <blockquote> <p>“If you are there for more than a day I’d recommended getting out of the valley by hiking up Nagarjung, which in the colder months can have great views of the mountains from Gauri Shankar across to the Annapurnas.” - Tim Macartney-Snape (Australian Mountaineer & Adventurer)</p> </blockquote> <h2>6. Shop 'Til You Drop</h2> <h3>Shopping in Thamel District</h3> <p>The Thamel shopping district is where you can wander, soak up the atmosphere and look for some fabulous souvenirs and great priced trekking gear. The bargaining is half the fun!</p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_1584-medium-1920px.jpg"><img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/IMG_1584-medium-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu_Himalayas_Nepal-medium1-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu_Himalayas_Nepal-medium1-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a></div> <p> </p> <h2>7. Jazz it Up</h2> <h3>Chill with “Jazz Upstairs”</h3> <p>Nowhere else in the world will you get to enjoy the soothing sound of jazz music accompanied with a plate of Nepali momos! What a perfect way to kick back and relax after trekking, with an Everest beer in hand and some jazz tunes in the background. Jazz Upstairs was founded in 1997 and is one of the oldest restaurants in Nepal. It is located on the 4<sup>th</sup> floor in a building in Lazimpat across from the French Embassy. You are in for a real treat with local bands as well as musicians from around the world performing here.</p> <h3>Himalayan Java Café</h3> <p>The <a href="http://himalayanjava.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Himalayan Java</a> is the first specialty coffee house in Nepal and is highly recommended by Heather Hawkins for its amazing coffee and free wifi. With several locations around Kathmandu, the coffee house is great to escape the busy streets and relax with a real coffee, especially after a long trek!</p> <h3>Fire & Ice Pizza Restaurant</h3> <p><a href="http://www.fireandicepizzeria.com/kathmandu.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fire and Ice Pizzeria</a> has been said to serve the best pizzas in Kathmandu! So if you are craving a slice, why not treat yourself to a delicious pizza feast post trek - let us know if it really is the best!</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu-_Nepal-medium3-1024x681-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu-_Nepal-medium3-1024x681-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">The streets of Kathmandu. Image - Stephen White</span></p> <h2>8. Kick Back and Relax</h2> <h3>Get a massage and facial</h3> <p>After spending days or weeks trekking in Nepal, a massage and facial is a heavenly treat. Relax those sore muscles and unwind before you head home. Many hotels offer treatment packages so it’s best to ask your hotel for their recommendations.</p> <h3>Re-centre with a yoga or meditation class</h3> <p>Maintain that post-trek 'zen' feeling with a yoga or meditation class before you fly back to reality. Some top places for yoga or meditation include Hattiban Resort, Neydo Monastery or Last Resort.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu_Himalayas_Nepal-medium-1-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kathmandu_Himalayas_Nepal-medium-1-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <h3>Walk down Asan Tol to Durbar Square</h3> <p>Durbar Square is where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised. It still remains the heart of the old town. It’s also a spectacular display of traditional architecture and it’s easy to spend hours wandering around the square. Pair it with a walk down the junction of Asan Tole, jam-packed with vegetable and spice vendors, and you’re for a splendid day out.</p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Young_Nepali_boys-medium-1920px.jpg"><img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Young_Nepali_boys-medium-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Nepali_girl_Kathmandu-medium-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Nepali_girl_Kathmandu-medium-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a></div> <p> </p> <h2>9. Visit the <strong>Tilganga Eye Centre</strong></h2> <p>Visit the <a href="http://tilganga.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO)</a> at Bagmati Bridge and see the work of the <a href="https://www.hollows.org/au/home" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Fred Hollows Foundation</a> including cataract eye surgery by Nepali doctors. Nepal Eye Program was officially launched in July 1992 to support the prevention and control of blindness in Nepal and the region. For more information ask the World Expeditions office at the Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu for visiting times.</p> <h2><a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Day-Tours/Kathmandu-Valley" rel="noopener" target="_blank">10. Explore Kathmandu Valley on a 5-day Extension</a></h2> <p>If you’re keen to explore the Kathmandu in depth, then you might consider immersing yourself on a 5 day <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Day-Tours/Kathmandu-Valley" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kathmandu Valley extension</a>. You’ll explore the markets, temples and medieval towns including Bhaktapur and the famous Stupa at Boudhanath where many Tibetans live. We also visit the Balthali Resort on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley where we can undertake day walks with memorable sunset views of the Himalaya. <a href="http://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal/Day-Tours/Kathmandu-Valley" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Learn More</a></p> <p>Still haven't planned that trek in Nepal yet? <a href="https://www.worldexpeditions.com/Nepal">Check out our range of Nepal adventures</a> - all begin and end in Kathmandu!</p> 2425