Month: February 2020

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Maha Shivaratri “Night Of Lord Shiva”

Last Updated on February 21, 2020 by Treks Planner Nepal

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Maha Shivaratri is a very auspicious and holy day of festivity for Hindus all over the world. During this holy day of Lord Shiva, the followers/pilgrims of the diety are seen swarming many temples of Shiva temples during this festival. The main attraction of the day is the popular Pashupatinath Temple which is quite famous among the Hindu followers.

The festival of the Lord himself is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. This auspicious and holy day is also famous for raising a person’s spiritual energy as the stars in Northern Hemisphere are at most optimum positions. This festival is celebrated by denoting the overlapping of Shiva and Shakti. Among various beliefs as to why the festival is celebrated in high regard this day is also famous for being the day when Lord Shiva performed the “Tandav”, the cosmic dance.

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During the festivity, devotees chant “Om Namah Shivaya” and “Mahamritunjaya” all night praying for light over darkness. As lots of tourists can also be seen enjoying the ambiance with curiosity. Apart from the devotees and the tourists enjoying the environment colorful and naked sadhus can also be seen meditating, posing for photographs and interacting with disciples. A lot can be seen happening during the festivity as special attendance camps are set in the courtyards of the temples. Donations are being collected by the children from passersby for the holy meal. Bonfire can be seen in every corner of the city.

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Camping Trek to Dudhkunda

Last Updated on February 17, 2020 by Treks Planner Nepal

Dudh Kunda Trekking is a uniquely new trek route that has been discovered recently. Sitting on Mt. Numbur’s lap in the Solukhumbu district, the trail for this trek passes through various traditional villages, very unique in their own rights. This trek is not short of an adventure and is also well-suited first-timers and skilled trekkers as well. The literal Nepali translation of Dudh Kunda is milky situated at the base of Nubur Himal which is also known as Shorong Yul Lha, “Protector of Solu Region”. As the special and beautiful Dudh Kunda lake has its own importance for both the Buddhist and Hindu Pilgrims alike. It is believed that if you take a dip in this holy lake, all of one’s sins will be washed away and all one’s wishes will be granted as well!
The trek not only provides one with the splendid views of the world’s tallest mountains but also the equally captivating sight of the mystically reddened rhododendron. And if luck favors one can also get a visit from the mountain leopard, Thars, Pheasants, etc.

As it is not as commercialized and explored as the other trekking routes of this area. There are very few numbers of tourists visit every year. But one cannot come to the conclusion that it is less audacious and gratifying. But recently it is getting the recognition that it deserves. As the route here is mostly off-beaten and the shadows of commercialization have not been cast the area has very few teahouses and lodges. Most part of the trekking endeavor provides the trekking with camping experience. One can expect to be trekking through the classical trek route to Everest Base Camp, crossing the river valleys, slender ridges and lusty hills to the mountains up close.

Away from the most visited trails, camping treks presents a wilderness adventure in both natural and cultural aspect. Untouched by modern civilization, you would witness the remote mountain villages of Nepal.

OUTLINE ITINERARY:

Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Drive to Phaplu – Altitude: 2,413 m
Day 3: Trek from Phaplu to Takshindu – Altitude: 2931m
Day 4: Trek to Timba
Day 5: Trek to Dudhkunda – Altitude: 4600 m
Day 6: Trek to Sarsar Beni
Day 7: Trek to Phaplu.
Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu

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Mustang’s Vibrant Festival: Tiji

Last Updated on February 17, 2020 by Treks Planner Nepal

1581056758 Mustang

The Tiji Festival is one of its kind and is an auspicious festival in the Upper Mustang Region of Nepal. The festival is mainly celebrated to celebrate the victory of good triumphing over evil. According to the ancient myth there once lived a demon who spread disease and took away the water. And during that time there lived a deity named Dorje Jono who fought and defeated the demon and since then this festival has been celebrated with prayer chants and colorful dances.

Check out more details on Tiji Festival

The Tiji Festival celebrated in Upper Mustang only started from the 17th century, when the Mustangi King Samdup Rabten invited Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sinam to come to Lo Manthang. During his stay at Lo Manthang’s Chhode Monastery he performed the special Vajrakila ritual for the wellbeing of all sentient beings.

Rituals During The Festival

Like any other festival the Tiji Festival of the Upper Mustang region also has certain rituals that need to be followed while celebrating.

During the 1st day of the festival a dance called ‘Tsa Chaam’ is performed which tells a story of the birth of the deity ‘Dorji Sonam’(reincarnation of Buddha) . The dance depicts the fight of good with evil as the enactment of the event is performed in front of the people. 

On the 2nd day another ritual is performed which is called ‘NgaCham’. During the performance of ‘NgaCham’ Dorjee Sonam tries to return the demon to the realm of Buddha.

And lastly on the 3rd and final day of the festival a different dance named ‘Rha Chham’ takes place. During this ceremony Dorjee Sonam triumphs over the evil demon and banishes it from Mustang. The enactment is done by throwing an effigy by the monk who is in the role of Dorjee Sonam. The effigy is made from Tsampa (barley) representing the demon ‘Ma Tam Ru Ta’. By defeating the evil demon this brings peace and prosperity to the land of Mustang. And every year the festival takes place in hope of spreading peace throughout the world.

Tiji Festival Date For The Year 2020

For the year 2020 the Tiji Festival will be celebrated from 19th May to 21st May. One can experience the colorful festival along with strolling through the stunning and beautiful surroundings of Upper Mustang.

Check out the itinerary for Tiji Festival 2020