Nepal is a landlocked country north of India and a popular destination for visitors. Home to the world’s highest mountains which drop down to the sweeping Indian Plains, Nepal is home to yaks, sherpas, stupas and Gurkhas. There is some of the best trekking in the world and inspirational landscapes. This is the land of Shangri La and the origin of some of the most sophisticated cultures in the Himalayas in the ancient cities of Patan, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
Try trekking the route to Everest Base Camp or white water rafting down the Dudh Khosi River. Visit in springtime to walk through rhododendron forests to the snow capped peaks of the Annapurnas. Why not seek out your first tiger or rhino at Royal Chitwan National Park. Visit the temples and craft shops in Kathmandu and explore the chaotic streets. One of the poorest countries in the world, Nepal draws visitors to it time and time again through the warmth and charm of its people. It is an incredibly diverse country with bungee jumping, flights over Everest, exquisite carving, wildlife and a real promise of adventure. Take time to get to know this magical and welcoming country with so much to offer.
Tansen is situated at an altitude of 1343 Mts. above sea level. It is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal 's most far stretching view of the country's chief attractions, the Himalayas –from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.
Patan also known as Lalitpur or the "city of beauty" is the oldest city in the valley. Essentially a Buddhist city said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great centre both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts and crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these are the Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Kumbheshwar, Jagatnarayan temple and the Mahabouddha temple.
The Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscapes in the world. A tour of Patan would also include a visit to the cottage industries centre to watch local artisans work on wood carving and metal objects. Continue onto the Tibetan Refugee camp, established in 1960, to promote handicrafts that have now become one of Nepal 's biggest exports. Here you can watch traditionally designed carpets being spun, dyed and woven on hand looms.
Bhaktapur or Bhadgoan-meaning the "City of Devotees " lies 14 km east of Kathmandu , home of medieval art and architecture and a classic showcase of medieval Nepalese town life. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for it's pottery and weaving. Entering the Durbar Square through the Royal Gate, the sparseness of the temple is immediately apparent, compared to the profusion in the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu and Patan.
