Bhundol, Nepal: A Peaceful Escape into Nature | My Travel Experience

 

Sometimes, you don’t need to travel far to find peace and happiness. Some places are so beautiful that they make you forget the busy routine of everyday life. Bhundol is one of those places.

I recently visited Bhundol with my friends for a hiking trip, and honestly, the experience was wonderful. As soon as we reached there, it felt like stepping into a different world, almost like arriving in a little paradise surrounded by nature.

The beautiful green grasslands, fresh breeze, open spaces and peaceful environment make Bhundol a perfect destination for anyone who wants to spend quality time away from the noise and crowds of the city.

Where is Bhundol?

Bhundol is a beautiful nature destination that can be reached from Kathmandu in approximately one hour, depending on your starting point and mode of transportation.

It is a greet option for people looking for a short getaway, hiking experience, or a relaxing weekend picnic with friends and loved ones.

How to Reach Bhundol from Kathmandu?

Getting to Bhundol is relatively easy, and the route is quite enjoyable.

Based on my experience, you can reach Bhundol through the Chobhar and Pharping route.

1. ·  Start your journey from Kathmandu and head towards Balkhu.
2. ·       From Balkhu, you can take a bus. The journey takes approximately one hour.
3. ·       After getting off the bus, you may need to hike for around 25 minutes to reach the destination.
4. ·       If you travel by bike, you can reach closer to the destination, followed by a short hike of        approximately 10 minutes.

While travelling through Chobhar and Pharping, you will need to take a turn near a temple towards an off road route leading to Bhundol.

The journey itself is enjoyable, especially if you love exploring natural places.

My Experience at Bhundol

The moment I reached Bhundol, I felt a different kind of happiness.

The wide green grasslands, gentle breeze, and peaceful surroundings made the entire place feel magical. It was refreshing to sit on the grass, enjoy the fresh air, and spend time with friends without worrying about everyday responsibilities.

What I loved most was the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It is one of those places where you can simply sit, enjoy the view, talk with your friends, and appreciate the little things around you.

If you are planning a weekend outing with your friends or looking for a peaceful place to spend time with your partner, Bhundol is definitely worth considering.

Best Time to Visit Bhundol

Bhundol has its own charm throughout the year, but visiting during the blooming season of Laliguras(Rhododendron) makes the experience even more beautiful.

During this season, the colorful rhododendron flowers add extra beauty to the surrounding landscape. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature , take photographs, and create beautiful memories.

If you love green landscapes, fresh air, and open spaces, you will definitely enjoy this destination.

Things to Do at Bhundol

Bhundol is not just a place to enjoy beautiful scenery. Its open grassland also makes it suitable for different outdoor activities.

Here are some things you can enjoy:

1. ·       Dry Picnic: Bring your favourite snacks and drinks and enjoy a relaxing picnic with your friends.
2. ·       Play Outdoor Games: The open ground is suitable for games like badminton, football, and other group activities.
3. ·       Photography: Capture beautiful moments with your friends and enjoy the natural surroundings.
4. ·       Relax in Nature: Sit on the grass. Enjoy the cool breeze, and take a break from your busy routine.
5. ·       Spend Quality Time: It is a lovely place for friend groups and couples who want to enjoy a peaceful outdoor experience.

Things to Carry Before Visiting

One important thing to remember is that you should bring your own food and drinks.

Based on my experience, it is better to prepare everything before leaving because you should not depend on finding snacks and drinks at the destination.

Here are a few things I recommend carrying:

1. ·       Drinking water
2. ·       Snacks and food for your picnic
3. ·       A picnic mat
4. ·       Comfortable shoes
5. ·       A badminton racket, football or other games
6. ·       A small bag for collecting your waste

Responsible Tourism: Keep Bhundol Clean

Beautiful natural places remain beautiful when visitors take care of them.

One thing I would like to remind everyone is to bring back all the waste you create during your visit.

Please do not leave plastic bottles, food wrappers, or other rubbish on the grassland. Carry a small waste bag and take everything back with you.

Let’s enjoy nature without damaging it.

Final Thoughts

My visit to Bhundol was a beautiful reminder that happiness doesn’t always require an expensive trip or a long journey.

Sometimes, a short hike, a green grassland, a gentle breeze, and good friends are all you need for a perfect weekend.

If you are living in or around Kathmandu and looking for a peaceful place to escape your daily routine, I would definitely recommend exploring Bhundol.

Pack your snacks, bring your friends , enjoy the fresh air, and create some beautiful memories!

Travel More, explore more and always leave nature cleaner than you found it.

Tourism Potentials of Nepal

 Tourism Potentials of Nepal

Nepal is rich in terms of its ancient cultures, nature with the most dramatic scenery in the world and it is a land of discovery and unique experience. Therefore, Nepal is one of the most fascinating countries in this globe. Nepal is the ideal destination for those who seeks for authentic cultural and mesmerizing natural experience. It is country's where diversified ethnicity and topography, fauna and flora, adorned with exceptional architecture of different era which is unmatched by any country of the world.

The sheer diversity of Nepal boasts, from steamy jungle and Terai to the icy peaks of the world's highest mountains where ranges of activities the country can offer Nepal's major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as mountain biking, bungee jumping , rock climbing and mountain flights, ultralight aircraft flights, paragliding and hot air ballooning over the mountains of the Himalaya, hiking and mountain biking, exploring the waterways of raft, kayak or canoe and jungle safaris especially in the Terai region. Hence, Nepal has unlimited possibilities of tourism activities which are discussed below:

Tourism in the Himalayan Region of Nepal 

Here are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Himalayan region of Nepal:

Mount Everest Base Camp:

 This is the most popular tourist destination in Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,576 feet) and offers stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding mountains.

Annapurna Base Camp: 

This is another popular trekking destination in Nepal. It is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,520 feet), and offers stunning views of the Annapurna range.

Langtang Valley: 

This is a beautiful valley located in the Langtang National Park. It is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering.

Pokhara:

 This is a beautiful city located in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a popular destination for adventure tourism, such as whitewater rafting and bungee jumping.

Kathmandu Valley: 

This is the capital of Nepal and is home to many historical sites and religious monuments. It is a popular destination for cultural tourism.

 Tourism in the Mid-Hill Region of Nepal

Sure, here are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mid-Hill Region of Nepal, along with some images:

Tansen:

 A beautiful town located in the Dhaulagiri district, Tansen is known for its well-preserved Newari architecture and its stunning views of the Dhaulagiri mountain range.

Bandipur: 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bandipur is a charming town that offers a glimpse into traditional Nepali culture. The town is situated on a ridge overlooking the Kali Gandaki River Valley, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Tourism in the Terai region of Nepal

Sure, here are some of the most popular tourist destinations in the Terai region of Nepal:

Chitwan National Park: 

One of the most popular national parks in Nepal, Chitwan is home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, elephants, and leopards. Visitors can go on jungle safaris, go bird watching, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Parsa National Park:

 Another popular national park in the Terai, Parsa is home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, elephants, and birds. Visitors can go on jungle safaris, go bird watching, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Bardia National Park: 

Bardia is the largest national park in Nepal and is home to a variety of wildlife, including rhinos, tigers, elephants, and birds. Visitors can go on jungle safaris, go bird watching, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Lumbini: 

The birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world. Visitors can visit the Maya Devi Temple, where Buddha was born, as well as other Buddhist sites in the area.

Sauraha: 

A popular destination for jungle safaris, Sauraha is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, tigers, and leopards. Visitors can go on jungle safaris, go bird watching, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Janakpur:

 A major Hindu pilgrimage site, Janakpur is the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Rama. Visitors can visit the Janaki Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to Sita, as well as other Hindu sites in the area.

Ilam: 

A hill station in the Terai, Ilam is known for its stunning scenery, including tea gardens, hills, and rivers. Visitors can go on treks, visit tea gardens, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

These are just a few of the many popular tourist destinations in the Terai region of Nepal. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, the Terai region is a truly special place to visit.

Tourism Products of Nepal

 Tourism Products of Nepal

A tourism product can be defined as the sum of physical and psychological satisfaction it provides to tourists during their travelling en route to the destination. The tourist product focuses on facilities and services designed to meet the needs of the tourist. A tourist product is an object that attracts tourists having elements: accommodation, transportation, dining and entertainment as well as attraction and tours. The tourism product may be defined as a bundle or package of tangible and intangible components based on activity at a destination a tourism product is priced and sold through distribution channels, and it has a life cycle. Special features of tourism products are as follows:

1. Tourism product is a service product.
2. Tourism product is not a resource.
3. Tourism product is adding value.
4. Tourism product is an augmented product.
5. Tourism product is the total of travel experiences.
6. Tourism product is provided on the basis of duration.

Tourism In Nepal

 Tourism In Nepal 

Evolution of tourism in Nepal (Origin and Development)

Starting from the ancient time, Nepal's tourism history is based on both myth and documentation. There is a very popular saga about the Manjushree that he came all the way from Tibet to Kathmandu who cut the Chovar hill, drained all water and made a valley suitable for living. Manjushree is believed to be the first tourist in Nepal. Similarly, Emperor Ashoka from India frequently visited Nepal and raised Ashoka Pillar in different sites marking historical evidence that had occurred in the particular area in the ancient time. Such monuments of him hold great historical importance.

It is believed that during Lichhivi era and Malla era, many monuments and buildings of great value were constructed then such as Kailashkut Bhawan, Managriha and Bhadradhiwas Bhawan, which helped and is still helping Nepal to gain enormous popularity. The Lichchhavi period started in 400A.D. and the Mallas ruled over Nepal from around 750-1480 A.D.Plenty of magnificent and eminent pagodas, royal residences and houses reflect the richness of art and architecture during the Malla period. Princess Bhrikuti, daughter of King Amushuvarma got married with srong-sten Gampo, the king of the northern state Lhasa in 592 A.D.which strengthens a strong relationship between Nepal and China. Also, it heightened the China-Nepal tourism relation to the next level. After that, Nepal was established as the only route to visit China via Lhasa and travel from China to India via Lhasa for a certain period. This marital relationship ended up favoring Nepal to increase visitors from both countries. Later, with the reign of the Malla kingdom, people from the western countries began coming to Nepal with an aim to spread Christianity. In 1737 A.D. king Jaya Prakash Malla gave written permission to Christians for spreading Christianity which increased a lot number of Christian tourists. The Lichchhavis and Malla kings brought about total conversion in the customs, tradition, and lifestyle of the Nepali people. The present cultures and customs of the Nepali communities and the various festivals celebrated around the year have their origins in the Lichchhavi and the Malla periods.

Nepal and its Himalayas; natural wonders and cultural heritages were unknown to the outside world until the 15th century. It is documented that Christian Jesuit, Father John Grewar & D. Arbel visited Nepal during the regime of Pratap Malla in 1641-1644. Jao Kabral from Portugal- the first European in the year 1628 visited Nepal. During those ancient times of Nepal, Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian tourists used to visit Nepal with religious and commercial purposes. Indian tourists were Hindus and were likely to visit similar destinations. They used to visit religious destinations like Pashupatinath, Baraha Kshetra, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, etc. Likewise, Chinese tourists visited Lumbini.

History of Tourism in Nepal after Unification

The history of tourism in Nepal after unification can be divided into four main periods:

• The early years (1768-1950): This period was marked by limited tourism, as Nepal was largely closed off to foreigners. However, there were a few notable visitors during this time, including the British diplomat Brian Houghton Hodgson, who is credited with introducing Western scholars to the rich culture and history of Nepal.
• The golden age (1950-1990): This period saw a rapid growth in tourism, as Nepal became a popular destination for mountaineers, trekkers, and cultural tourists. The ascent of Mount Everest by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953 was a major turning point, as it brought Nepal to the attention of the world.
• The decline (1990-2006): This period was marked by a decline in tourism, due to a number of factors, including the Maoist insurgency, the 1995 earthquake, and the 2001 royal massacre.
• The revival (2006-present): Tourism has rebounded in recent years, as Nepal has made progress in peace and stability. The country is now once again a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.

Here are some of the key events that have helped to shape the history of tourism in Nepal after unification:

• 1951: Nepal opens its borders to foreigners for the first time.
• 1953: Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary become the first people to summit Mount Everest.
• 1962: The Tourism Department of Nepal is established.
• 1973: Chitwan National Park is established.
• 1979: The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN) is established.
• 1998: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is established.
• 2006: The Maoist insurgency ends.
• 2015: Nepal is struck by a devastating earthquake.
• 2016: Tourism begins to recover.

Modern Tourism in Nepal

Sure. Here are some of the most popular modern tourist activities in Nepal:

Mountaineering: 

Nepal is home to eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mount Everest. Mountaineering is a popular activity for experienced climbers, but there are also many trekking routes available for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas without climbing to the summit.

Trekking: 

Trekking is another popular activity in Nepal, and there are many different trails to choose from, ranging from easy to challenging. Some popular trekking routes include the Annapurna Circuit, the Everest Base Camp Trek, and the Langtang Valley Trek.

Adventure sports: 

Nepal is also a great place to go for adventure sports, such as whitewater rafting, bungee jumping, and paragliding. These activities offer a thrilling way to experience the natural beauty of Nepal.

Cultural tourism: 

Nepal is home to a rich and diverse culture, and there are many opportunities to learn about the country's history, religion, and art. Some popular cultural destinations include the Kathmandu Valley, the Patan Durbar Square, and the Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

Wildlife tourism:

 Nepal is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, rhinos, and monkeys. There are several national parks and wildlife reserves where you can go on safaris to see these animals in their natural habitat.

These are just a few of the many modern tourist activities that are available in Nepal. With its stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife, Nepal is a country that has something to offer everyone.

Today, tourism is one of the most important sectors of the Nepali economy, providing jobs and income for millions of people. The country is home to a wide variety of tourist attractions, including Mount Everest, the Annapurna Circuit, the Chitwan National Park, and the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal is also a popular destination for spiritual tourists, as it is home to many important Buddhist and Hindu sites.

The future of tourism in Nepal is bright, as the country is well-positioned to capitalize on its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and rich history. With continued peace and stability, Nepal is poised to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Concept of Tourism

Concept of tourism

 Meaning and concept of  Tourism

Tourism is the act and process of spending time away from home in pursuit of recreation, relaxation, and pleasure, while making use of the commercial  provision of services. As such, tourism is a product of modern social arrangements, beginning in Western Europe in the 17th century, although it has antecedents in classical antiquity.

By the early 21th century, international tourism had become one of the world's most important economic activities, and its impact was becoming increasing apparent from the Arctic to Antartica. The history of tourism is therefore of great interest and importance. That history begins long before the coinage of the world tourist at the end of the 18th century. In the Western tradition, organized travel with supporting infrastructure, sightseeing, and an emphasis on essential destinations and experiences can be found in ancient Greece and Rome, which can lay claim to the origins of both "heritage tourism" and beach resorts.

Tourism is generally or basically what we know as travel, yet it is much more than that. Tourism is a very particular or rather few specific ways of travelling. Tourism is a concept of travelling. It means and covers travelling for different but specifically defined purposes.

Characteristics of Tourism

1. Inflexibility
2. Inventory
3. Inconsistency
4. Intangibility

Nature of Tourism

1. Ownership of tourism is non-transferable
2. Tourism is an assembled product
3. Tourism product doesn't move
4. Tourism products are non-storable
5. Every citizen part of tourism

Types of tourism

• Leisure tourism: This is the most common type of tourism, and it involves traveling for pleasure. Leisure tourists typically seek out activities that will relax them and allow them to experience a different environment than their own. Beach vacations, city breaks, and cultural tourism are all popular forms of leisure tourism.
• Business tourism: This type of tourism involves traveling for business purposes. Business tourists typically attend conferences, trade shows, or meetings. They may also travel to visit clients or partners.
• Adventure tourism: This type of tourism involves activities that challenge the physical and mental abilities of the traveler. Adventure tourism can include activities such as hiking, mountaineering, whitewater rafting, and skydiving.
• Cultural tourism: This type of tourism involves traveling to experience the culture of a particular place. Cultural tourists may visit museums, historical sites, or religious landmarks. They may also participate in traditional cultural activities, such as festivals or dances.
• Ecotourism: This type of tourism involves traveling to natural areas in a way that minimizes impact on the environment. Ecotourists may hike, camp, or go kayaking in protected areas. They may also learn about the local ecology and wildlife.
• Religious tourism: This type of tourism involves traveling to religious sites and participating in religious activities. Religious tourists may visit churches, temples, or mosques. They may also participate in religious festivals or pilgrimages.

These are just a few of the many different types of tourism that exist. The specific type of tourism that a person chooses will depend on their interests, budget, and time constraints.

In addition to these general types of tourism, there are also a number of emerging trends in tourism. Some of these trends include:

• Sustainable tourism: This type of tourism focuses on minimizing the negative environmental impact of travel. Sustainable tourists may choose to stay in eco-friendly accommodations, eat local food, and participate in activities that benefit the local community.
• Food tourism: This type of tourism involves traveling to experience the local cuisine. Food tourists may visit farmers markets, cooking schools, or restaurants that specialize in local dishes. They may also participate in food festivals or cooking classes.
• Experiential tourism: This type of tourism focuses on providing tourists with unique and authentic experiences. Experiential tourists may participate in activities such as learning to make pottery, hiking with a local guide, or staying with a local family.
• Wellness tourism: This type of tourism focuses on improving the health and well-being of the traveler. Wellness tourists may visit spas, take yoga classes, or go hiking in scenic areas. They may also participate in activities that promote relaxation and stress relief.

These are just a few of the many emerging trends in tourism. As the world becomes more interconnected, it is likely that we will see even more new and innovative types of tourism in the years to come.

The most popular place to visit in Nepal-Siraha District

                                     Siraha

Sure, here are the most popular places to visit in Nepal-Siraha District:

Baba Tal, a lake located in Lahan Municipality. It is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and picnicking.

Kamalamai Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamalamai. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over Nepal.

Salhesh Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Salhesh. It is located in Lahan Municipality and is a popular spot for religious festivals.

Thadi, a border town located in Siraha District. It is a popular spot for shopping and for crossing the border into India.

Taregna Jungle, a forest located in Siraha District. It is a popular spot for bird watching and for hiking.

These are just a few of the many popular places to visit in Siraha District. With its rich history, culture, and natural beauty, Siraha District is a great place to visit for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.

The most popular place to visit in Nepal-Sarlahi District

                                     Sarlahi

Sure, here are the most popular places to visit in Nepal-Sarlahi District:

Bharat Lake is an artificial lake located in Bagmati Municipality, Sarlahi District. It is a popular tourist destination for its scenic beauty and for its boating and fishing opportunities.

Nandiman Lake (Yaksha Kunda) is a mystic lake located in Murtiya VDC, Sarlahi District. It is said to be owned by a Yaksha, a water spirit, and is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and its supposed spiritual significance.

Nunthar Pahad is a hill located in Sarlahi District. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Koshi River and the Mahabharat Range.

Chaturbhuj Eshwara Temple is a Hindu temple located in Sarlahi District. It is dedicated to the god Vishnu and is a popular tourist destination.

Sarlahi Devi Temple is a Hindu temple located in Sarlahi District. It is dedicated to the goddess Durga and is a popular tourist destination.

Gadhimai Temple is a Hindu temple located in Deukhuri, Sarlahi District. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Nepal and is dedicated to the goddess Durga.

These are just a few of the many popular places to visit in Sarlahi District. With its rich history, natural beauty, and diverse cultures, Sarlahi is a fascinating place to explore.