Important Advice for Photographers Traveling to Nepal

Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks

For many people, Nepal is a mysterious place. Nepal, which is home to the world’s tallest mountain and has a culture renowned for surviving in the arid Himalayas, has a lot to offer photographers.

A large portion of Southern Nepal, where Buddha was born and founded one of the oldest world faiths still practiced today, is covered in lush woods. Compared to the drier areas of the West, travel gets more difficult as you move east.

This adventure tour includes trekking across the Annapurnas and the Himalayas, as well as a photography component. The sceneries and photographic themes of Nepal are very diverse, ranging from tea houses, mountain peaks, and jungle excursions to street scenes in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Photography and dress codes in Nepal’s religious centers

There are both Buddhists and Hindus in Nepal. It’s crucial to follow the clothing code when entering any temple. Wearing tank tops, skirts, or exposing attire is generally not advised.

I keep a sarong with me at all times in case I need to wrap it around my arms or legs. Always be aware of the signs when taking photographs. They might not be in English, but since tourists are the ones that picture the majority of them, they are usually.

In different regions of Nepal, photography is either completely forbidden, permitted (for a fee), or allowed without restriction. Always remember that these are places of worship and, if in doubt, seek advice from a local or the person at the ticket counter beforehand.

Photographic advice for the Himalayas and Nepal

We’ve compiled a list of excellent photography advice below to assist folks in getting ready for the Wild & Natural Nepal tour or any other trip to Nepal.

Capture Colors:

In Nepal, some of the brightest and most frequently photographed objects include temples, prayer wheels, and prayer flags.

The easiest way to find the ideal shot is to roam the streets and capture genuine, unstaged moments of Nepalese life.

Cities can be vibrant places. Additionally, colorful ideas for entertaining photography in Nepal may be found on shop signs and in clothes stores. In order to add color to your landscape, search for little patches of flowers or other natural sources of color.

Connect with People:

A favorite activity for many tourists and photographers in Nepal is taking pictures of the welcoming locals and Sadhus. Smiling and displaying the photo you just snapped of someone are universal methods to engage.

They will be pleased to have their photo taken if you show an interest in their work or if you ask them questions. People frequently demand payment for having their photos taken in popular areas near Kathmandu.

Do what you please, but a snapshot of someone you had a good time with can stick with you longer than one you paid for.

Remember that any porters and guides who may assist you on your journey are also entitled to the same rights. Take an interest in them, and you’ll get more fantastic pictures as a result.

Be Patient:

Remembering to be patient while traveling in Nepal is one of the most crucial things to do. Nepal operates on its own schedule, therefore if you are traveling there from a Western nation where buses and flights follow their published schedules and departure times, you may find Nepal’s system of doing things frustrating.

Locals in Nepal frequently wonder why outsiders get unhappy when locals arrive ‘on time’ according to ‘Sherpa-time,’ for instance, since each region has its own term for this ritual.

In places where tourists are more common, people are more aware that dinner at 6 o’clock means supper at 6 o’clock and not between 6 o’clock and 6 :45 o’clock. If not, be careful to schedule your meals and appointments properly, and learn to be flexible.

Consider using silhouette photography:

Shadows are accentuated by the soaring mountain peaks in sceneries of the Himalayas or other mountainous region. It won’t always be possible for you to take advantage of the sunlight’s best hours since you won’t be in the correct spot at the appropriate time.

Valleys and rough, rocky terrain can produce starkly different vistas. One approach to enjoy the shadow and light challenges in mountainous areas is to create pictures that silently depict hikers in the mountains.

Protect your Equipment:

There is no doubting that Nepal can be a challenging environment for your camera, whether you are climbing through the snow-capped Himalayas or navigating the crowded, muddy streets of Kathmandu. Many passengers report that the high altitude permanently harmed their equipment.

Unusual battery depletion is among the issues that are most frequently reported. The worst feeling is when you catch your first view of Mount Everest and then realize your battery is dead. Bring additional batteries, consider purchasing camera insurance, and take extra precautions with your camera when it’s chilly.

Remember to include a travel adaptor for your charger, and clean your equipment periodically because you’ll be around smoke and dust a lot. Last but not least, remember to bring additional memory cards because you’ll be in photo nirvana.

Snow Photography:

If you intend to visit Nepal’s Himalayas and anticipate spending some time in the snow, make a few photography-related adjustments. Utilize flash photography when taking any portraits in the dazzling snow.

Always check your camera because images taken in the snow can be tricky for camera sensors and frequently turn out excessively dark. For the greatest results on sunny days, many DSLR cameras require an increase in exposure compensation of +1 or even +2. The snow/ice setting on point and shoot cameras frequently works nicely as well.

Approaches to subjects

Your personality and photographic style will have a huge impact on how you picture people. Personally, I favor the art of sneaky, undetectable, candid photography. Otherwise, I’d suggest bringing it up.

Try a widely recognized non-verbal gesture or a straightforward “may I snap your picture?” Any misunderstanding can be resolved by being direct and kind. For instance, as I was hiking through a little settlement, a Nepali woman with her yak passed me.

She was dressed in lovely traditional costume, and Mount Everest made the ideal backdrop for a photograph. I indicated my camera and requested permission to take her picture.

She covered her face and gave me an unexpected, emphatic “NO.” Even though I felt ashamed, I was glad I asked rather than disrespecting or upsetting this woman.

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Permits and Fees for Trekkers in Restricted Areas(RAPS) in Nepal

Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks

Travelers are increasingly making their way to Nepal’s most remote regions thanks to the country’s booming tourist industry and rapid rise of niche tourism. It has mandated limited area trekking permits for all international tourists to control the detrimental effects of tourism in such areas. Except for Everest, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, all of the areas that border Tibet have been designated as protected or restricted areas by the Nepalese government. At least two people must be in your group in order to visit the restricted region because the number of tourists is regulated. Additionally, you need to purchase a permit from one of the nearby trekking firms and be accompanied by a certified guide or porter.

It was necessary to get Special Permits, sometimes known as Prohibited Areas Permits, in order to hike into these restricted areas (RAP). Only a recognized trekking company may receive these permits from the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu (only). Make sure to get in touch with a licensed trekking organization that is registered in Nepal if you’re interested in trekking in Nepal’s off-limits areas. Regardless of nationality, a person cannot be guaranteed to receive a restricted area permit unless they apply through a recognized trekking company in Nepal that is affiliated with various government offices.

Required Documents for Restricted Area Permits (RAPS)

Below are the required documents from all the trekkers coming to Nepal:

  • Name list of all trekkers
  • Copy of trekkers passport (must)
  • Trekking Itinerary of that particularly restricted areas
  • Copy of valid visa for Nepal visit covering numbers of required days for Restricted Area Treks
  • Guarantee letters of Trekking Agency
  • Trekkers’ agreement with the agency
  • Tax Clearance certificate of the Trekking Agency
  • All insurance documents of the trekkers (foreign nationals) and Nepali trekking staff accompanying the trekkers.
  • Trekking Agency license issued by ‘The Ministry of Tourism.
  • A license issued to Trekking Agency by The Nepal Rastra Bank to exchange foreign currency
  • Certificate of Permanent Account Number (PAN) of Trekking Agency
  • Voucher of Bank Payment related to fees of Restricted Area Permit

Upper Mustang RAP:

Required for Upper Mustang Trek and Driving Tours

  • USD 500 Per Person (for the first 10 days)
  • USD 50 Per Person/Per Day (beyond 10 days)

Manaslu Conservation Area:

Required for Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

September-November:

  • USD 100 per person/week
  • USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

December-August:

  • USD 75 per person/week
  • USD 10 per person/day (Beyond 1 week)

Lower Dolpa RAP:

  • USD 20 per person/week
  • USD 5 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

Upper Dopla RAP:

Required for:  Upper Dolpo trek, Kang La Pass trek

  • USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days)
  • USD 50 per person/day (beyond 10 days)

Taplejung RAP:

Traveling in Phantanglung, Mikwakhola, and Sirijunga rural municipalities.

  • US$ 20 per person per week (for first four weeks then USD 25 per person per week from 5th week onward)

Tsum Valley RAP:

Required for Tsum Valley Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek

September-November:

  • US$ 40 per person per week (additional USD 7 per person per day from 8th day)

December – August:

  • US$ 30 per person per week (addtional USD 7 per person per day from 8th day)

Gosaikunda Area RAP:

Gosainkunda Lake trek, Langtang Gosainkunda Helambu Trek

  • US$ 20 per person per week.

Nar and Phu (Manang) RAP:

Required for Nar Phu Valley Trek, Kang La pass trek

September-November:

  • USD 100 per person/week
  • USD 15 per person/day (Beyond 1 week)

December-August:

  • USD 75 per person/week
  • USD 15 per person/day

Humla Rural Municipality RAP:

Required for: Simikot Limi Valley Trek

  • US$ 50 for the first 7 days per person and US$ 10 per extra day per person.

Khumbu Pasang Lahmu Rural Municipality RAP:

Makalu Barun NP trek, Great Himalayan Trail

  • USD 20 per person for 4 weeks
  • USD 25 per person beyond 4 weeks

Dolakha RAP:

Traveling in GauriSankhar and Bighu rural municipalities, Ruby Valley trek

  • USD 20 per person/week

Darchula RAP:  

Required for Api Nampa Trek, Vyas Rural Municipality

  • USD 90 per person/week
  • USD 15 per person/ day (beyond 1 week)

Sankhuwasabha RAP:

Required for: Makalu Base Camp trek, Barun Valley Trek

  • USD 20 per person/week (for the first 4 weeks)
  • USD 25 per person/week (beyond 4 weeks)

Bajhang RAP

Required for  Saipal Rural Municipality

  • USD 90 per person/week for the first week
  • USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

Mugu RAP:  

Required for Exploring Mugumakarmarong Rural Municipality

  • USD 100 per person/week
  • USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week)

Trekkers in Restricted Areas: Dos and Don’ts:

  • Trekkers are expected to respect local tradition, culture, and culture.
  • It is strictly prohibited for lone trekkers to enter restricted regions; groups of at least two trekkers must trek there.
  • While trekking, Restricted Areas Permits (RIP) must be carried.
  • Trekkers should have a certified trekking guide and/or porter with them.
  • Travel insurance for accidents is required for both trekkers and accompanying Nepali workers.
  • Trekkers are not permitted to deviate from or alter the constrained hiking route that was disclosed while acquiring a Restricted Areas Permit.
  • The instructions given by authorized personnel in the restricted zones must be followed by trekkers.

Note: Please note that Restricted Area Permit (RAP) is mandatory for all the foreign Travelers coming to Nepal to trek in restricted Areas and it can only be obtained from the Immigration Department of Nepal. 

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Factors that makes Nepal more than just a Trekking Destination

Last Updated on November 4, 2022 by Alpha Adventure Treks

Nepal is a fantastic place to go trekking. Most likely, the first thing that comes to mind when people think about traveling to Nepal is mountain hiking. But Nepal is much more than just a place for hiking and mountain climbing.

Although these mountainous adventures are absolutely unparalleled, travelers can also enjoy a number of other sights and activities in Nepal. For a visitor, Nepal is fortunate in a variety of ways, including food, culture, diversity, and natural beauty, all of which can be discovered by engaging in enjoyable activities like trekking in Nepal.

The topographical contrast in Nepal, from the lofty Himalayas to the low areas of Terai, might be considered to be important. Perhaps this explains why Nepal is divided into mountainous, hilly, and Terai regions.

Along with its natural beauty, this geographical division contains diverse cultures, customs, and rituals in each region.

When in a mountainous area, you will be surrounded by enormous mountain peaks that are playing hide-and-seek with the clouds. While this is going on, the mountainous area is covered with hills that completely engulf lush forests, swiftly moving rivers creating deep gorges and deep valleys.

The Terai region is another, with its broad open meadows and plains ideal for farming and population. Along with its natural beauty, Nepal is known for its distinctive arts and crafts, which are frequently displayed in wood carving, mandala painting, and the vibrant pagoda-style temples, which are another important draw for tourists who appreciate the arts.

In the list that follows, we’ll go into more detail about the reasons you ought to pick Nepal as your holiday location. Here, we list the main factors that make Nepal a desirable tourism destination.

Absolute Scenic Beauty:

The majority of Nepal’s geographical terrain is in rural areas. Nepal’s ecology is still largely undeveloped. This Himalayan nation, which is rich in natural beauty, has not been able to embrace modernization.

Trekking in Nepal will therefore allow you to experience nature in all of its unadulterated glory. The communities along the trekking routes are not urbanized and continue to live according to traditional values. The accommodations are straightforward and conventional.

Wild flora and faunas of Nepal:

Unquestionably, Nepalese enjoy the outdoors. In addition, Nepal’s abundant natural greenery deserves praise. Like its culture, Nepal’s natural vegetation can be clearly separated from each of its topographical regions. Similarly, if you enjoy birds, you’ll be pleased to learn that Nepal is home to more than 880 different species.

In the end, this makes Nepal the ideal location for bird-watching vacations. Spiny babbler, Cheer pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Bengal florican, huge hornbills, Himalayan vultures, Sarus crane, Back and white stork, and many other amazing birds can be found in Nepal.

In a similar vein, Nepal is home to numerous mammal, insect, and reptile species. Red pandas, snow leopards, yaks, Himalayan tahr, ghoral, and blue sheep are a some of the creatures that can be found in Nepal, mostly in the mountainous area.

Discover a rich, diverse culture:

A true adventure is one that gets to the heart of a place, which can only be accomplished by embracing the local cultures and taking the time to get to know the locals. Due to a long-standing belief that visitors are sent by God, the Nepalese people are renowned for being exceedingly kind and welcoming.

Because of this, even the poorest of families routinely provide travelers water, tea, and even lodging. You will spend the night in a Nepalese home where you will participate in daily activities as an honored guest for one or two days. The culture of Nepal is a complex tapestry of religion, vibrant celebrations, enigmatic folklore, and endearing music and dancing.

Cultural Exploration:

Nepal is a nation rich in cultural traditions. UNESCO-listed and other heritage locations throughout the nation provide a wonderful overview of Nepal’s history, culture, and tradition.

Going back to the history of the nation and its people—who back then led beautiful lives governed by spirituality and traditions—means visiting a heritage site in Nepal. The Nepalese people still feel the effects of their rich heritage in their daily lives.

Accommodation and food:

In contrast to rural areas, the city has both luxurious and affordable lodging options. You will spend the evenings in the communities’ guesthouses or teahouses while trekking.

The designs of these tea houses are conventional. Most of the villages also provide homestay accommodations. You will have the opportunity to sample some of the best cuisine prepared in the traditional Nepali manner.

Dal Bhat is a dish you must taste. A large amount of rice, vegetables, vegetable curry, pulses, and tomato chutney make up a dal bhat. It is accessible everywhere, including all hike routes.

Unique Festivals:

Nepal celebrates a variety of distinctive festivals with its own set of religious beliefs due to its different cultures and traditions. There is a reason Nepal is referred to be the land of festivities. For one or both communities, every day is a holiday.

The best aspect of all is respect for others, pride in one’s culture, and celebrations that go on forever. Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, Holi, Shivaratri, Bisket Jatra, Gai Jatra, Indra Jatra, and many more celebrated festivals are just a few of the well-known ones.

The Best of Nature:

One of Nepal’s most prized assets is its stunning natural beauty. Even when not hiking in the mountains, one can appreciate nature at its best while traveling about the country. Stunning surroundings, lush vegetation, rushing Himalayan Rivers that provide an incredible rafting experience in Nepal, beautiful forests, and other natural beauties give the country a natural boost.

Even while the experience of traveling cannot be confined to just one or a few things, the attractions in a particular location unquestionably play a significant role in what makes travel enjoyable.

Even in activities other than mountain trekking, you might have the experiences outlined in Nepal. You encounter all these wonderful and inspiring encounters during cultural excursions of various regions of the nation, which you can treasure forever.

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Buddhist pilgrimage tour in Nepal

Last Updated on January 7, 2023 by Alpha Adventure Treks

“Buddhism is a way of life, not a particular religion”

The popularity of Buddhist pilgrimage tours in Nepal is rising among tourists who are sincere in their search for enlightenment and paradise. Since Maya Devi gave birth to Lord Buddha in Nepal, this nation serves as the center of Buddhism.

Nepal, the country where Lord Buddha was born, therefore, offers a wide variety of Buddhist trips. This journey includes stops at the Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini, the Boudhanath stupa, the Swayambhunath stupa, Namo Buddha, and other significant religious sites.

You can spend your vacation among Buddhist communities in every monastery and stupa you visit because Nepal has respectable Buddhist adherents.

We begin our tour in Kathmandu, where we’ll stop by two of the largest stupas, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (Monkey temple). We’ll hear Buddhist chants and see other things like prayer flags and prayer wheels.

Additionally, we go to Kapan, Nomobuddha, and the Pharping monastery where Padmasambha meditated (It is believed that Buddha semche chenpo offered himself to feed the hungry tiger cubs in Namobuddha). We travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, from Kathmandu.

There are numerous historic structures still standing, such as Ashoka Pillar, Maye Devi Temple, bathing pond, etc. After leaving the serene and lovely Lumbini site, we take the return flight back to Kathmandu and spend the rest of the day exploring Thamel.

The following day, you will take a flight back home with a ton of special memories that you acquired by participating in the Nepal Buddhism Pilgrimage Tour.

Swoyambhunath stupa, Kopan Monastery and Boudhanath Stupa Tour

Our day starts with a visit to the Swayambhunath stupa, one of the most well-known tourist destinations and a World Heritage Site in the west of Kathmandu.

Once the vehicle reaches the halfway point of the hill, you will observe a large troop of monkeys, the Buddha statue by a little pool, and a short ascent to the stupa for breathtaking city views from the summit of the swayambhunath. We drive for 30 minutes from Swayambhunath stupa to Kopan monastery after exploring the significant historical monument.

The Kopan monastery, located at the summit of the Kopan hill and surrounded by a little forest, is extremely important to both Buddhists and lamas. 360 lamas and monks reside there. It serves as the Shakyamuni Buddha practitioners’ learning and spiritual center.

On the same day, we visit Boudhanath stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is close to Kopan monastery. Little Tibet is another name for the well-known world heritage site.

There will be a lighting ceremony surrounding the stupas as the sun sets, displaying breathtaking views mostly from the monastery on the western side or from the nearby roof-top eateries.

We return to the hotel and spend the night there after a busy day of exploring and sightseeing.

Kathmandu – Namo Buddha – Kathmandu

An entire day of guided sightseeing in the area of Namo Buddha. One of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage places in Nepal is Namo Buddha.

Along with the hilltop’s famed sunrise and sunset views, the artistic monasteries and the idol of “Sacrifice to the Tigress” draw tourists. Bhaktapur is referred to as “The Living Museum” because it still smells like the Middle Ages.

The cave where Milarepa meditated is located just on the hill above Bhaktapur. Bagishwari Saraswati Sthan is its name (Manjushree cave). Drive to Namobuddha later.

The Namobuddha Stupa is thought to have been built over the remains of a Bodhisattva who gave his life to feed a mother tigress and her children who were starving. At 1,700 meters, Namobuddha also offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Lumbini Buddhist Tour

Visit the most well-known Peace Pagoda, Lumbini Garden, Maya Devi Temple, Tara Foundation, World China Temple, Thai Monastery, Burmese (Myanmar) Temple, Nepal Buddha Temple, and Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery during the course of a full day of guided sightseeing. A rikshaw and foot will be used for the tour.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: Best Season

Buddhist pilgrimages can be made at any time of the year in Nepal. However, spring and autumn are regarded as the ideal times to visit for a variety of reasons. In both India and Nepal, spring begins in March and lasts until May. The weather is stable, sunny, and clear.

Autumn runs from September to November. Additionally, these months have the most consistent weather, with beautiful blue sky and temperatures that are ideal for traveling and sightseeing.

A wonderful time to take this trip is during the winter, when the days are sunny and clear and ideal for daytime tourist activities. You can travel on this route during the summer or monsoon, but you will have to contend with the hottest weather of the year.

Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour in Nepal: Meal & Accommodation

The Nepal Buddhist Pilgrimage Tour includes lodging in 3* standard category hotels for twin/double sharing. Based on aspects like cleanliness, service, location, and meal quality, we will pick the greatest option that is accessible.

We can provide them at an additional cost and with advance notice if you prefer a single supplement or wish to increase the hotel category or service. Depending on the location, all breakfasts are offered as a buffet or as a fixed menu.

What makes Nepal the best Buddhist pilgrimage site?

Below are few aspects that makes Nepal as the best Buddhist Pilgrimage destination in the world:

  • The oldest living Buddhist heritages and culture.
  • Home of Buddha (Lumbini) and Buddhism
  • Tour following the footsteps of Buddha’s earlier life (Tilaurakot palace, Kudan monastery, Namobuddha Stupa and more.)
  • Must visit meditation caves of Buddhist masters like Nagarjuna, Padmasambhava, Milarepa, Naropa etc.
  • Boudhanath Stupa marked as the biggest stupa in the world.

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