Shrawan Sankranti

The fourth month of Nepali calendar is Shrawan and Sankranti means the movement of the sun from one Rashi (Zodiac) to another and the beginning of next month. The day when the sun starts to move towards south and the first day of the month Shrawan is called Shrawan Sankranti. This month is considered as the holy month for the Hindu of Nepal and also it the month from where many festivals begins.

This month is dedicated to Lord Shiva one of the principal deities of Hinduism. Each Monday devotees gathers in the temple of Lord Shiva to worship and fast till sunset. From the first Monday of Shrawan, people also start fasting for the sixteen Monday for the prosperity, wisdom and good health.

                                                             

According to the legend story it is said that goddess Parvati fasted the whole month of Shrawan and worshiped Lord Shiva to get him as her husband, where she was able to please lord Shiva. So many Hindu woman wears yellow and green bangles, decorating their hands with mehndi and do fasting. Married women celebrates this month for the long life and happiness of their husband whereas unmarried girls do it to get good husband in the future.

Ashar 15 Ropai Jatra (Paddy plantation festival in Nepal)

Nepal is well popular in its richness in diversities. And the diversity does not limit only to nature, climate, vegetation and people but also the festivals that Nepalese celebrate. Sunday 30th June 2019 is a popular festival in Nepal which is called "Ashar Pandra" some calls it "Ropai Jatra" meaning 15th day of the third month of Nepalese original calendar and Rice planting festival. This is the day of happiness especially for farmers in Nepal who belong to the majority of the economic groups in Nepal. Joy begins with the long waited paddy plantation actually happens after all the hard work of seedling, irrigation management and field preparation is done.    

Nepal being agricultural country is currently welcoming monsoon at its doorstep. The rain that monsoon brings throughout the country is proved as a boon as well as curse. Due to lack of good irrigation infrastructure and modern irrigation technologies, most of the Nepalese farmers have to rely upon rainwater for farming. Most of the farmers pray for God for gentle monsoon which will be favorable for them in terms of agricultural perspective.

Nepalese celebrate monsoon as a festival on Ashad 15 as a special day which represents the end of plantation of Paddy (Rice) and pray for its good production. Nepal Government has also declared this day as National Paddy Day to encourage farmers for cultivation of rice. In this day, farmers plant paddy and enjoy with each other’s by playing in muddy water and dancing in ‘Ashare Geet’, traditional folk song which is filled with sorrow and joy of farmers. We can get in touch with nature by playing with mud and get refreshed from the smell of soil.

In last few years not only Nepalese are seen celebrating Ashar 15, but most of the foreigners has been attracted to this festival. Programs of ‘ropain’ i.e planting rice for celebrating this muddy festivals is being conducted nowadays in various areas of Kathmandu Valley like Bungmati, Chapagaun, Thimi Machhegaun and so on. After the completion of plantation, the participants are given Chiura(Beaten rice) with Dahi(curd) and Aaloo ko achar(Potato Picle) which is regarded as special item on Ashad 15.

Let’s join our hands together and celebrate Ashad 15 today with full of fun. Pray for good production and happy harvesting. Get in touch with nature with smell of soil from the muddy field. Happy Ashad 15.

If you are first time visitors in Nepal, you should celebrate paddy plantation. 

#tourwithbinaya #nepalonetours #nepaltrekstour #riceplantation #paddyplantation 

Canyoning at Jalbire, Lamo Jharana

Lamo Jharana/Long waterfall at Jalbire is one of the best destination for adventure sport Canyoning. If you are adventure lover and seeking for adventure then this is a perfect one day adventure tour for you. 3-4 hours of adventure features various activities like rock slides, water fall, cliff jump and many more. Descending through the vertical waterfall of around 40-50 meter height provides you the breath taking adventure experience.

It is approximately 110 km from Kathmandu which takes 3-4 hour drive. After reaching the pickup point in Jalbire Hotel, your guide will provide you your gears like Helmet, wetsuits, life jacket. Then you have to walk around 20-25 minutes from the main Highway to reach Chandi Vanjyang the starting point of Canyoning. On reaching the starting point, the magnificent view of Long waterfall of around 100 meter between the thick forests will definitely excite you more. You will start your adventure after the short briefing from you canyoning guide. The friendly and supportive nature of your guide will add more fun. The adventure begins with excitements, little fear and nervousness which ends with lots of fun, happiness and pride.


You can join our 8 days Nepal adventure tour package organized by Nepal One Tours to enjoy Canyoning at Jalbire.

What to carry during your Trek in Nepal

Trek, which means walking on the mountain area for several days. It is one of the best way of enjoying the nature. But the best way may get worst if you are not concerned about the equipment’s you need during trek. The smoothness of your trek depends on your knowledge about the equipments you need to carry during the trek.

If you have already booked or planning to book your trekking package in Nepal and wondering to prepare what to bring in Nepal for your trekking, we are happy to offer the essential checklist for your information. You can choose the items as per the list for your convenience. If you cannot get all the equipment from your place with time constraint or with any reason, you don’t need to worry as you can easily buy or rent these equipment’s in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. Be advised that it is always a better idea to keep your luggage light for the trekking. If you are hiring a porter to carry your bags during your trekking in Nepal, take note that normally 1 porter carries up to 25Kgs of luggage and it is for 2 persons.

Below is the checklist of the necessary equipment for the trekking in Nepal:

Rucksack or Duffel bag: Nepal One Tour provides you a complimentary duffel bag for you to keep your belongings during your trek. You need to bring extra bag or suitcase to store your extra stuffs in hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara which you do not need to take it in the trek.

4 seasons’ Sleeping bag: Your own sleeping bag is recommended, but One Nepal Treks will also provide you the sleeping bags which needs to be return once you return to Kathmandu from the trek

Day pack: We recommend to carry your own small bag (Approx. 20-22 Liter) to carry your valuables and necessary items during your trek

Down Jacket: Having your own Down Jacket is recommended, but Nepal One Tours will also provide you the down Jacket to use during your trek which needs to be returned once you return to Kathmandu.

HEAD

• Sun hat or scarf
• Warm woolen or fleece hat
• Sunglasses UV protection

HANDS

• Lightweight gloves
• Heavyweight gloves / mittens
• Waterproof outer shell

UPPER BODY

• Pair of T-shirts
• Light weight thermal full tops
• Fleece jacket
• Wind-Stopper jacket (Optional)
• Waterproof shell jacket

LOWER BODY

• Under garments
• Lightweight trekking long pants
• Hiking shorts
• Light weight thermal bottoms
• Fleece or woolen pants (seasonal)
• Waterproof shell pants

FEET

• Thin  inner socks
• Thick warm woolen hiking socks
• Hiking boots
• Extra sneakers and sandals)
• Gaiters for hiking in show region

ACCESSORIES

• First Aid Kit
• Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
• Trekking Poles
• Small padlock or combination lock
• Water bottles
• Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc.)
• Ear Plug (to avoid someone’s snoring)
• Large plastic dry bags (to keep Items dry inside your trek bag)

TOILETRIES

• Tooth paste / Brush
• Soap (Multipurpose)
• Nail cutter
• Saving kit
• Small mirror

Personal Hygiene:

• Wet tissue / wipes
• Toilet papers
• Hand sanitizer

OTHER EXTRA ITEMS

• Pencils and notebooks
• Travel fun games i.e., cards, chess
• Binoculars
• Reading books
• Trail Map/Guide book (Nepal One Tours also provide you the Trekking map of your route)
• Your Journal and Pen

Bungamati and Khokana

Bungamati, a small Newari village lies in a Lalitpur district approximately 8km south of Kathmandu which was found in 7^th Century. It is believed to be the home town of God Machhindranath, worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist. Machhindranath is considered as the god of rain and compassion. Most of the local people here works as a farmer and woodcarver.

Near to Bungamati around 15-20 minutes of walk, lies another tiny beautiful village called Khokana. From the ancient time it is known for rich mustard oil production. Rudrayani Temple, De pukhu pond are the main attraction of Khokana. Khokana is the first village to light with electricity in Nepal. The unique thing about khokana is they don’t keep chickens at their home or around like other place in Nepal, they keep duck instead.

Those who wants to explore the Newari culture and tradition, Bungamati and Khokana are the perfect place. One can see the typical ancient life style of Nepal.

http://nepalonetours.com/bungamati-and-khokana

Nepal One Tours and Travels organizes day trip to Bungamati and Khokana. You can send your enquiries to us to book Bungamati and Khokana day tour sightseeing in Kathmandu.