10 of the Best Places to Visit in Nepal

One of the best places to visit when nature tripping and travel back in time - Nepal. The country is full of antique places where history comes alive. It is also gifted by nature with natural wonders recognized in the world. That in addition to a diverse cultural richness and lively traditions, beautiful temples and monuments as well as rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and language. However, all people of different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Let me tell you 10 of the Best Places in Nepal that proves it's wonder.

1 - KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, KATHMANDU

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is one of the oldest cities in the world. The old town with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old Monasteries and historic monuments.

2 - BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE, BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a snail, one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889. The city is 1402 meters above the sea level. Pottery and weaving are the most important traditional industries. The town is located fifteen kilometers east of Kathmandu.

3 - TEMPLE OF KRISHNA, PATAN

The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur meaning, city of beauty. In fact, a city of beauty and grace and is planned in a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four cardinal points. The town is three kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, across the river Bagmati. As Kathmandu, center of attraction is its Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of the marketplace. The city is full of monuments, Buddhist and Hindu temples with fine bronze entries, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Known for its craftsmen and metal workers, also known as the city of artists. The city is believed to have been built during the reign of Vira developer in the year 299.

4 - FEWA LAKE, POKHARA

Pokhara, a charming city located in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of the most popular destinations in Nepal, trekking and rafting. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the summit trail Machachhapuchhre Fish (6977 m) behind them create an environment of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and views of the world famous Himalayas. Located 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air and by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.

5 - LUMBINI

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. The Prince and the Buddha Shakya Finally, the Enlightened One, is the place of pilgrimage for millions of people in the world of the faithful in all schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists the birth site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka pillar commemorating a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the sacred garden spread 8sq km, possessing all the treasures of the historic area. Mayadevi Temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing to the west of the sanctuary is Mayadevi the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected a pillar in 249 a. C. to commemorate his pilgrimage to the holy sites. South of the column, is the sacred lake, where there Puskarni} {Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Buddha. Places of interest around the area there are several other attractions nearby. It can be accessed by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

6 - CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK, CHITWAN

Chitwan is one of the best national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration of wildlife and better class tourist lodges, which offer the opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means "heart of the jungle 'is among the last surviving example of the continuous band of forests and grasslands, which stretched from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. Its main attraction is the Chitwan National Park One of the major forest regions of Asia where wild animals live, like the few great one-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bears, leopards, wild boar, fresh water dolphins, crocodiles, 350 species of birds and the elusive Bengal tiger. Chitwan National Park is shown in the World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoeing and hiking through the jungle. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors can also take a raft. First driving from Kathmandu to the river or Seti Khola Trishuli. The five-hour trip to Chitwan (165 km overland) from Kathmandu, is filled with exciting views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles on either side.

7 - DHULIKHEL

Dhulikhel is scenic and the town located 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here you can have a panoramic view of the Himalayas. In the main city, a brief visit to Namobuddha with Buddhist stupa and the monastery is highly recommended place to visit. Panauti, a village famous for its numerous temples with magnificent wood carving is a short distance from Dhulikhel.

8 and 9 - MUKTINATH TEMPLE, MUKTINATH and JOMSOM

It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3749 m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. On the wall is around 108 suppliers who take holy water. The temple is located in a high mountain and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Or take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours through Kagbeni or trekking to the end of Pokhara which is 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit this temple after competing pilgrimage of four dhams in India. This temple is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. Not a first class accommodation in Jomsom from where one can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty.

10 - GORKHA DURBAR, GORKHA

Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples and Kali Gorakhanth place within the enclosure. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana temple on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting. The Nepalese believe Manakamana Goddess fulfills the desires of all people and that's one reason why the temple is visited by tourists and locals throughout the year.

About Nature of Nepal, Contributor

Namaste and Welcome to Nepal, for many visitors, this Himalayan country brings images of snow-capped mountains and green hills. In fact, ten highest mountains in the world, eight are in Nepal, Nepal mountaineering make a dream. Nepal, a small country with an approximate area of 147,181 square kilometers is geographically and ethnically diverse, with over 61 ethnic groups and 70 languages spoken. That in addition to a diverse cultural richness and lively traditions, beautiful temples and monuments as well as rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is a multicultural, multi-ethnic and language. However, all people of different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

10 of the Must-Try Adventure Places in the Philippines

Sometimes, the ones who are bound to you are the one who makes a great influence to you. Sharing a story to a friend about the places you’ve been is good, but bringing them to that place and letting them feel and experience the same feeling of what you have felt when somebody have shared it to you is better.
We only have three seasons of life:

a. Full of energy, lots of time, but no money
b. Full of energy, lots of money, but no time
c. We have lots of money, lots of time, but no more energy

What season are you now? When will you be able to do outdoors and have some adventures? May these pieces of pictures encourage those people out there to see ten of the many magnificent art works of God, from mountains to beaches, from ocean and seas to waterfalls, from boulders to caves, from northern part of the Philippines to the southern part of the country, Swim, hike, and explore!

1 - Mt.Pulag, Kabayan Benguet

Mt. Pulag also known as the “Playground of Gods”, standing at 9,586 feet above sea level, found in the Cordillera region of Central Luzon, is the highest mountain in Luzon and second highest in the Philippines next to Mt. Apo. The Mt. Pulag National Park is open all year round. Dry season is the best time to trek up to the summit preferably from the month of November to March for you are able to witness breath taking sea of clouds.

Most of its visitors and guests were attracted not only in its low temperature and spectacular sea of clouds, but also on its unique characteristics for its rolling plains, mossy forest and an amazing eye soothing greens which defines its biodiversity. You can camp on the top but only on designated areas. Be sure that you have warm clothing to protect yourself in cold weather as the temperature drops.

The mountain is classified as a major climb with its five defined trails to reach on to the summit which defines it difficulty. These are the Ambangeg trail, also known as the executive trail and the easiest, the Eddet trail, Tawangan trail, Ambaguio trail, and the Akiki trail which is said to be the most difficult among the five.

2 - Lipata Caves

(Lipata Caves of Quezon Province) From Lipata Island is said to have seven 7 Caves which called the Lipata Caves. The said island is found at the Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon which takes you 3-4 hours drive from Manila.

It will take you a 20-30 minutes boat ride from the Padre Burgos Pier, the jump off area, to the island. From the Island a 15-20-minute trek will transpire you to see rock formations at the side of the mountain and amazed with the stalactites and lime stones inside the caves. You can also witness the view of the sea from above along the trail.

The rock formation inside the caves gives amazement into its visitors. The soil of Lipata caves are rich in minerals which are transported by the residents all the way down to the foot of the mountain which is used for growing their crops. However, mining in the caves is prohibited. This activity will surely destroy the caves’ natural rock formations.

3 - Dampalitan Island

From the province of Quezon lies an island name Dampalitan. Its white sandy beach and long stretch shorelines attracts most of its visitors. The beautiful long stretch of the beach and quiet place returns a peaceful and relaxing experience with nature.

Rocky formation will be seen during the low tide. You can even take your photo almost at the middle of the sea. Take those shots while enjoying the light of the sunset in the place.
A bench near the seashore is best for a seat to watch on the dramatic scene of a sunset along with your best friend or love ones.

4 - Borawan Island

Not far from the Dampalitan Island is the Borawan Island which is name after the combination of Boracay and Palawan for its characteristics of white sand and huge rock formations similar to that of Palawan’s cliffs. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the place with its crystal clear water, and long stretch white beach at the west coast of the island.

You can climb on to the top of the huge rocks ranging from 15-20 feet high allows you to view the west and east coast of the island and take shots of your pictures. Be careful on climbing because the edges of the rock are quite sharp.

Camping is allowed in the island, but make sure that you have your head lamps, flash light, extra batteries, and drinking water with you. There is no electricity and fresh water available in the area. If you are avoiding a crowd in the place, you can visit the island before the summer euphoria begins.

5 - Pagbilao Grande Island (Isla Putting Buhangin)

Pagbilao Grande Island in Pagbilao Quezon is also called as “Isla Putting Buhangin” with its fine white sand. It’s cold crystal clear water and white sand stretch attracts its guests. In here also found the “Kwebang Lampas”, a cave located at the east point of the stretch, and one of the highlights when you go in Pagbilao Grande.
The water here is more ideal for swimming compare to the nearby islands of Borawan and Dampalitan. The Pagbilao GrandeIsland is not that crowded with people compared with other beach resorts near it. You can go to the cave known as the “Kwebang Lampas” by passing through the rocky area at the side of foot of the cliff at the east point of the island. Be careful of the slippery rocks you may encounter while going inside the cave. Cold and relaxing views from the cave will definitely sooth you to the nature.

6 - Cape EngañO in Palaui Island

It is like a secret paradise to witness a captivating view of the Dos Hermanos Island from the Cape Engano Lighthouse also known as the “Farol de Cabo Engano”. Located at northern point of Palaui Island, Sta.Ana, Cagayan, an 18th Century light house built during the Spanish time which guides the ships on the coastal areas of Sta.Ana. 229 steps of concrete stair and a trail will lead you all the way to the lighthouse.

Palaui Island was declared as a National Marine Reserve in August 28, 1994 encompassing an area of 7,145 hectares (17,660 acres). The waters around the island boast of 21 commercial species of fishes with about 50 hectares (120 acres) of undisturbed corals.

The hike from Punta Verde, the southeast tip of Palaui, to Cape Engaño takes about 3.5 to 4 hours of hike through beautiful verdant scenery. Primitive camping is allowed at the lighthouse vicinity. [source: wikipedia]

7 - 7 Chambers of Callao Cave in Cagayan

The Callao Cave is located on the Province of Cagayan near Tuguegarao City. According to the locals, the cave has seven chambers and formations namely as the Column, Chapel, Skeleton, Elephant’s Head, Praying Angel, Rocket, Lion’s Head, and the Dog’s Head; the 7th chamber is usually closed except during the holy week.

The photo above is the second chamber of the cave which became a Cathedral by the locals of Cagayan. Each chamber allows the natural light to enlighten the dim areas of the cave. Before witnessing the magnificent cave of stalactites and stalagmites, you have to pass the test of your stamina by surpassing a stair with approximately 200 steps. It said that there are still unexplored areas after the seventh chamber of Callao Cave.

[1] Callao Cave has gained another reputation after the discovery of a foot bone on a excavation done near the first chamber's entrance was proven by archaeologist to be about 67,000years old pushing back the long known Tabon man of being the oldest discovered human remains in the country. this did not just brought a new record within the country but has also placed the Philippines in the sixth position worldwide to have found the oldest Homo sapien fossil.

[source:dong ho’s eskapo 3.0, digital photographers philippines]

8 - Merloquette Falls in Zamboanga

From the Latin City of Asia, Zamboanga, found a magnificent piece of hidden treasure in Merloquete Falls, located at Sitio Merloquet, Barangay Sibulao, Zamboanga City. An approximate 2 hours drive from the city all the way to the jump off. From the jump off, it will drive your excitement band test your endurance by a 15 minutes downhill trek before witnessing the enchanted and majestic waterfall.

Measuring with an estimated width of 13 meters wide and a height of 10 meters high, the soothing sound of the water will surely amazed you. The second water fall with an estimated width of 8 meters wide and a height of 5 meters high lie above the first one that will test your endurance to witness its beauty. It is said that there are eleven waterfalls above the first one that is rarely visited and explored.

9 - Mt.Gulugod Baboy and Anilao Boulders

Not from afar from an overnight hike to Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Mabini Anilao, Batangas, was an amazing side trip to witness scattered boulders of rocks near at the beach. It was really surprising to see and walk on through the rock before having a swim in the clear waters of Anilao.

Anilao Batangas is well known as one of the best diving sites not only in the Philippines but all over the world. Unknowingly, there is a secret place for explorers and hikers to hangout out there to discover and see the beauty of these boulders with the strong waves splashing and playing on it.

At the end of the rocky stretch found a small cave where in you can stay. From there, you can choose where to swim by passing through it. You can also see bats inside the cave when you look upward inside, and requires you for a duck walk to pass through the other side and enjoy beautiful scenery of the sea.

10 - Mt. Makiling in Los Banos Laguna

Mt.Makiling situated at Los Banos Laguna is one of the known enchanted mountains in the Philippines because of the mystical Diwata (fairy) Maria Makiling who takes care of the mountain. According to te locals, you can encounter Diwata Maria Makiling in three persons, you can see her as a maiden, a mother, and an old woman along the trail while trekking on the mountain.

Rising with a 1109 meters above sea level, Mt.Makiling is not just simply an enchanted mountain, but classified as a volcano. It is one of the most challenging must try day hike that probably test your patience and thrill you into the adventure.

[1]The Makiling Traverse is a classic example of an extended dayhike - a climb whose trekking time makes it a "major climb" but whose trail circumstances favor a long dayhike. It is a favorite training climb for mountains that are Difficulty 8/9 or higher - such as Mt Guiting-Guiting - and for good reason: a Makiling Traverse gives hikers a preview of extended hiking (8 hours/day) over a period of three or even four days. Moreover, Makiling gives samplers for various. Melkas Ridge, for example, is an introduction to the long rock scrambling of Guiting-Guiting; the proliferation of limatik and jungle density is the same environment of Halcon; and the meanderings of the Wild Boar Trail evoke Napulauan. Finally, the 'thrill' of a traverse is a junior version of what it takes to cross over Dulang-Dulang to Kitanglad, or Kidapawan to Kapatagan.

[source: Pinoy mountaineer]

About Desha, the author

Des Alimbuyuguen is an adventurous girl who have the passion for the love of nature. She is often called the "Backpacker Girl" since she often go for nature camping with her mountaineer friends.

10 of the Best Winter Stuffs: Ski-Resorts, Snowboards, Skis and Snow Mobile

December is the best month for skiing. You may wonder, “Wait what?” – Yes, you’ve heard it right! For those who don’t know what that stuff is – raise your hand. What on earth is Skiing?

Well according to wiki, Skiing is an entertaining activity by means of skis as equipment for travelling over snow. Skis are used in combination with boots that connect to the ski with use of a binding. Skiing can be grouped into two general categories. The older of the two disciplines originated in Scandinavia and uses free-heel bindings that fasten at the toes of the skier's boots but not at the heels. Types of Nordic skiing include cross-country, ski jumping and Telemark.

Alpine skiing (more often called "downhill skiing"), originated in the European Alps, and is characterized by fixed-heel bindings that attach at both the toe and the heel of the skier's boot.

Since we are talking about skiing, here’s a 10 list from FindtheBest.com – one of our most trusted partner site about the best 10 list of Ski Resorts, Alpine Skis, Snowboards and Snowmobiles. Enjoy their comparison stuff. XOXO

Check out this 10 of the best Ski Resorts where comfort and skiing do best.

10 - Mammoth, US, CA

9 - Sun Valley Ski Resort, US, ID

8 - Whistler / Blackcomb Ski Resort, CA, BC

7 - Winter Park Ski Resort, US, CO

6 - Steamboat Ski Resort, US, CO

5 - Snowmass Ski Resort, US, CO

4 - Aspen Mountain - Ajax, US, CO

3 - Beaver Creek Resort, US, CO

2 - Aspen Highlands, US, CO

1 - Breckenridge Ski Resort, US, CO

Here's 10 of the Best Skis and showcase through comparison.

10 - 2012 G3 Saint, G3, Men's

9 - 2012 Voile Vector, Voile, Men's

8 - 2012 Black Diamond Ember, Black Diamond, Women's

7 - 2012 Atomic Century, Atomic, Women's

6 - 2012 Movement Trust, Movement, Men's

5 - 2012 DPS Yvette, DPS, Women's

4 - 2012 Volkl Nunataq, Volkl, Men's

3 - 2012 K2 Brightside, K2, Women's

2 - 2012 K2 Hardside, K2, Men's

1 - 2012 K2 Missconduct, K2, Women's

How about 10 of the best snowboards? Do you enjoy collection snowboards?

10 - 2012 Roxy Ollie Pop, Roxy, Women's

9 - 2012 Smokin Lane Knaack Pro, Smokin, Men's

8 - 2012 Unity The Whale, Unity, Men's

7 - 2012 Never Summer Proto CT, Never Summer, Men's

6 - 2012 K2 Happy Hour, K2, Men's

5 - 2012 Burton Deja Vu, Burton, Women's

4 - 2012 Burton Restricted Nug, Burton, Men's

3 - 2012 Burton Restricted Mr. Nice Guy, Burton, Men's

2 - 2012 GNU B-Street, GNU, Women's

1 - 2012 Rome Mod Rocker, Rome, Men's

And finally, my thing. *LOL - 10 of the best Snow Mobiles.

10 - Arctic Cat Bearcat Z1 XT Groomer Special, Arctic Cat

9 - Arctic Cat ProClimb M 1100 Turbo Sno Pro, Arctic Cat

8 - Yamaha RS Venture GT, Yamaha

7 - Yamaha RS Vector LTX, Yamaha

6 - Ski-Doo Tundra Xtreme, Ski-Doo

5 - Ski-Doo Grand Touring SE, Ski-Doo

4 - Ski-Doo MX Z TNT, Ski-Doo

3 - Polaris 600 Switchback Adventure, Polaris

2 - Arctic Cat ProCross F 1100 Turbo Sno Pro Limited, Arctic Cat

1 - Arctic Cat ProCross F 1100 Turbo Sno Pro, Arctic Cat

Find the Best Top 10 List from Ski Resorts, Alpine Skis, Snowboards and Snowmobiles only here at Always10 - Top 10 List!

10 of the Most Visited Places in the Philippines

Philippines is one blessed country as it has many beautiful tourist attractions, historical richness and prosperous bounty of nature’s produce. Its location gives it a greater advantage for many people as this gives only two types of weather which is rainy and sunny climates. Philippines consist of more than 7,100 islands thus making it a good island hopping country to stopover. Visiting Philippines is a great experience as you can see the wonders of its beauty and the hospitality of the people living in it.

As I have said, there are many beautiful places and must-see places in the Philippines and going in these places can be quite memorable and also fun. Such places may consist of different landmarks and beautiful terrains or even historical markers dating way back from the invasion of Spaniards, Japanese attacks and many more.

Although there are still many beautiful places to set out in the Philippines, these are the places that I consider a must-see:

1 - Boracay

This place is well-known for its long white, sandy beaches and great nightlife parties. This is a great tourist destination located in the Visayan region and is a must-place to visit for local and foreigner visitors. Trendy bars, discos and water sports are one of the activities in this place.

2 - Mount Pinatubo

This volcano has been famous in the year 1990s as it has once caused great problems not only in the Philippines but also for many parts of the world during its greatest eruptions.

3 - Intramuros

A city found in Manila famous for its walled area and had been a historical landmark for Spanish settlements. This city has historical museums and ruins that are preserved for tourists to see.

4 - Camp John Hay

This is a place in Baguio, the summer capital of the Philippines. This area is a nice place to visit since it contains historical backgrounds dating back from American settlements. They also have a place for recreation such as golfing, horseback riding and camping.

5 - Mount Apo

If you want to enjoy mountain trekking then Mount Apo can be a good place. This awe-inspiring volcano can be found in Davao and in this place, you can also find the famous Philippine Eagle which is the biggest in the world.

6 - Palawan

It is a famous tourist spot as it contains many beautiful beaches, rich forest and caves that can be a good place to visit. There are many activities in this place such as snorkeling, paddling and many others.

7 - Dapitan

It is located in the Zamboanga province and is famous for the place where Rizal, the Philippine national hero was exiled. They also have white beach named Dakak.

8 - Surigao

When you are in for great waves to surf then Siargao is the good place to be. This island is in Surigao and is the surfing sanctuary for many surf lovers.

9 - Cebu

A tourist place identified to have the historical landmark where Magellan, a Spanish adventurer was defeated by Lapu-lapu thus the existence of the Magellan’s Cross. There are also many night life activities going on in this place.

10 - Camiguin

This small island in Mindanao is known for their Lanzones fruits, underground cemetery, white sand beaches and great island sceneries.

These great places are a must-see places when you are visiting Philippines and they can good places to spend your holidays with families and friends.

About Herbert Kikoy, the author
is the sole blogger of Locally Made, and an SEO Manager at Mayhem New Media, a UK based SEO Company.