Nepal Sanctuary Treks

22/04/2024

The captivating view of Annapurna South and Hiunchuli Mountain from the Dobato trail in the Annapurna Region is truly mesmerizing.

12/04/2024

Happy Nepali New Year and Bisket Jatra!

The Biska Jatra in Bhaktapur is a grand festival celebrated for nine days. It starts four days before the Nepali new year with a chariot procession of Bhairav.

In the middle of the Nepali month of Chaitra, a tall pole with a rainbow flag is erected, and there's a procession with the pole throughout the day at Lysinkhel, ending in the evening when the pole is lowered.

The festival also includes pulling a large wooden chariot of Bhairavnath around the town.

If you're in Nepal, don't miss this vibrant festival filled with chariot processions, colorful flags, and traditional rituals.

Tulsi & NST Team

11/04/2024

Happy Eid al-Fitr!

Today, Muslim community are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with special prayers and seeking blessings from elders. During this festival, younger ones visit elders for three days to receive blessings and offer sweet treats like sevai and dates to their visiting relatives.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, and is celebrated by feasting, exchanging gifts, and wearing new clothes. This festival follows the completion of the 30-day fast.

Tulsi & NST Team

08/04/2024

Happy Ghode Jatra!

Ghode Jatra is a unique horse festival celebrated in Nepal, where "Ghode" means horse and "Jatra" means parade. This festival is also known as Aswa Yatra, marks the start of the New Year.

According to myth, demon named Gurumapa once haunted Tundikhel, a large open space in Kathmandu. The festival's horse races are believed to drive away Gurumapa's spirit with the thunder of hooves. People believe the faster the horses run, the more effectively the demon is banished.

The day before Ghode Jatra, the Newari community celebrates Panchare, a three-day festival that starts just before Ghode Jatra and involves inviting guests.

24/03/2024

Wishing you a very Happy Holi!

Holi, also known as "Falgu Purnima," is a vibrant festival celebrated in Nepal with great enthusiasm, welcoming the arrival of spring. During these colorful festivities, people engage in playful color battles and water games.

Holi, rooted in Hinduism, celebrates the victory of good over evil with the Holika Dahan ceremony with bonfires. The fires represent Prahlada's victory, strengthening the belief that goodness wins in the end.

If you happen to be in Nepal during this time, you will have the opportunity to participate in this lively festival.

Tulsi Gyawali and NST Team

12/03/2024

Nepal Sanctuary Treks is delighted to share our continued success in attaining the Travelife Certified Award for Excellence in Sustainability. The recognition, received on March 6, 2024, at the ITB Berlin event, marks the third consecutive time the company has achieved this honor.

Our Managing Director, Tulsi Gyawali received this prestigious recognition from Mr. Naut Kusters, the founder of Travelife for Tour Operators.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Mr. Robin Boustead, Ms. Marianne Heredge, the entire Travelife for Tour Operators team, our dedicated employees, and our chain suppliers for their continuous support on this incredible journey.

We look forward to continuing our sustainability efforts and striving for more achievements in the future!



Tulsi Gyawali

11/03/2024

Happy Gyalpo Lhosar and Tashi Delek!

Gyalpo Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year celebrated in Nepal by Sherpa, Hyolmo, and Bhotiya communities. The festivities span from the second day of the waxing moon to the full moon, featuring unique cultural practices.

Traditional dishes like Guthuk, a noodle soup with nine ingredients, and Khapsay, a deep-fried dough, mark the festivities. The highlight is the ceremonial dances, both thrilling and culturally significant, making the festival a vibrant and enriching experience.

If you are in Nepal at this time, then you are able to experience this festival, adding even more excitement to your visit.

Tulsi and NST Team

08/03/2024

Happy Maha Shivaratri!

Mahashivratri, also called "the Great Night of Shiva," is a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.

On this day, people show their devotion by visiting temples, praying, giving offerings, chanting mantras, and fasting. Notably, a large number of devotees, along with Sadhus (holy men), gather at the famous Pashupatinath temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

The festival of Maha Shivaratri not only represent the special connection between Lord Shiva and Shakti but also holds the belief that the alignment of stars in the Northern Hemisphere during this time enhances spiritual energy.

Tulsi and NST Team

10/02/2024

Happy Sonam Lhosar!

“Lho” signifies year , and “Sar” means new or fresh. Therefore, he word “Lhosar” means New Year or the beginning of a new era.

During Lhosar, people celebrate by visiting monasteries and stupas where special rituals, including mask dances, are performed to ward off evil spirits.

Additionally, Khapse, a traditional cookie, is prepared during Losar by various celebrating communities in Nepal.

06/02/2024

Nepal Sanctuary Treks conducted pre-season refresher training sessions for the upcoming Spring treks on February 3, 2024. The training primarily covers safety, food, hygiene, communication, crisis management, and sustainability.

We are excited to welcome our dear guests and looking forward to make their trip safe and a life time unforgettable experience!!🙏

15/01/2024

Happy Maghe Sankranti!

Maghe Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is a special day in Nepal, beginning in mid-January, symbolizing the sun's return to the Northern Hemisphere. Celebrations involve consuming ghee, chaku, nuts, and veggies like yam to combat the cold.

In the southwest, the Tharu communities celebrate this day as Maghi, a dual celebration that signifies both a significant day and a Harvest festival in the Terai region. It's a joyful time post-fieldwork, marked by the preparation of traditional foods, bringing families and communities together for a weeklong celebration.
Tulsi Gyawali

02/01/2024

Dear Ben and Matilda,

Your heartwarming review brought immense joy to our team! 😊 Mangal and Nil Bahadur are indeed treasures, and knowing they enhanced your Khopra Ridge trekking experience is incredibly rewarding. It's great to hear that Matilda's first trek was a success, and we can't wait to welcome both of you back for more adventures!

Thanks for choosing Nepal Sanctuary Treks and sharing your memorable moments with us.

Tulsi Gyawali and NST Team

29/12/2023

We're thrilled to share that Nepal Sanctuary Treks has once again been recognized for its excellence in sustainability. After a thorough review by Travelife, our audit report has been approved, and we've successfully renewed our Travelife Certified status for another two years!

This marks our third on-site sustainability audit and recertification, showcasing our ongoing dedication to high standards in environmental and social responsibility.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Naut Kusters and Travelife for their unwavering diligence in upholding these crucial sustainability standards.

A special shout-out goes to Mr. Robin Boustead – your continuous guidance and invaluable insights have been instrumental in our journey toward maintaining these important certifications. Your expertise is the cornerstone of our sustainable practices.

A huge thank you to our Travelife auditor, Ms. Marianne Heredge , for dedicating time to visit our office, conduct a thorough inspection, and provide insightful feedback. Your commitment to ensuring the integrity of our sustainable practices is truly appreciated.

Gratitude to our entire NST team, and chain suppliers, for their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Together, we're excited to continue our journey in sustainable tourism!

Gyawali

24/12/2023

Wishing you a festive season filled with love, laughter, and the magic of the Himalayas.

Tulsi and NST Team

22/12/2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, the Nepal Sanctuary Treks family is brimming with gratitude for the incredible journeys we've shared with you.

Warm wishes from Tulsi and NST team for a joyous holiday season, filled with laughter and happiness. 🎉

Also, we are thrilled to announce a significant milestone in our journey – Nepal Sanctuary Treks celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 19, 2023!

Celebrate 25 years of adventures with us! Share your favorite memories, photos, and stories from your Nepal Sanctuary Treks experiences. Tag us on social media using , and let's create a collage of memories that captures the spirit of our wonderful community.

And now, to wrap up the year, here's our December Newsletter with exciting updates and stories to share!

Tulsi Gyawali

"Discover with Nepal Sanctuary Treks: 25 Years of Adventure & More!"

19/11/2023

Happy Chhath Puja!

🌞 Chhath Puja is a unique festival dedicated to the worship of the sun god, thanking him for sustaining life on earth and seeking blessings for the well-being of our loved ones.

On this day, devotees express their gratitude to the sun for the energy that sustains all forms of life. The rituals involve rigorous fasting, holy dips, and offerings made to the setting and rising sun. 🙏✨

Tulsi Gyawali

12/11/2023

Happy Laxmi Puja! Celebrated in Nepal during Tihar, it honors Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. If you're in Nepal, don't miss the chance to witness the vibrant celebrations - adorned homes, colorful lights, Rangoli designs, and enchanting cultural rituals.

11/11/2023

Happy Tihar!
From honoring the wisdom of crows during Kaag Tihar to celebrating the loyalty of our canine friends on Kukur Tihar, and paying tribute to the sacred status of cows on G*i Tihar, each day holds its own significance in cherishing our bond with animals. These traditions beautifully reflect the connection between humans and the animal kingdom.

If you're currently in Nepal, you have the chance to witness the festival's vibrant celebrations! How do you celebrate these special days?

Tulsi & NST Team

01/11/2023

Share your most memorable encounter with local wildlife during a trek!

Coming across yaks during your trek around Gokyo Lakes creates a lasting memory. Their impressive presence set against the backdrop of crystal-clear lakes, snowy mountain peaks, and lush valleys makes your Himalayan journey even more magical.

So, when you venture to Gokyo,, be sure to watch out for these magnificent animals that elevate your experience.

Tulsi Gyawali

PC. Chris

24/10/2023

"Vijaya Dashami, the festival of triumph and unity, is celebrated to honor the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon king Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. 🙏✨

This day holds a special tradition where elders place 'tika' on the foreheads of the younger ones, along with 'jamara,' signifying blessings, respect, and family bonds.

Wishing you a joyous Dashain filled with love and blessings. Happy Vijaya Dashami!

Tulsi Gyawali and NST Team

15/10/2023

Happy Ghatasthapana!

On the first day of Dashain, we celebrate Ghatasthapana and worship Sayalputri, one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. 🙏

Ghatasthapana, also known as "Kalash Sthapana," is the commencement of the Dashain festival in Nepal. It involves the installation of a sacred clay pot (ghat) filled with holy water, barley seeds, and other grains. This pot is then sown with jamara (barley or maize seeds), symbolizing the goddess Durga, whom we invoke during this festival.

Today, we also worship Sayalputri, who represents the divine energy of the Mother Goddess. She is the daughter of the Himalayas, and her name "Sayal" means the daughter. Sayalputri blesses us with strength, courage, and prosperity.

Ghatasthapana Dashain is a time for families to come together, offer prayers, and seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. It's a period of reflection, celebration, and gratitude for the victory of good over evil.

May this Dashain bring you prosperity, happiness, and the strength to conquer life's challenges.
Tulsi Gyawali

11/10/2023

Join us in celebrating Nepal's beautiful culture and share your Kathmandu experiences!

Witness the captivating sight of devotees lighting butter, and oil lamps, and offering incense during their prayers.

Incense is more than just a scent; it's a connection to the divine. In Nepal, the sweet aroma of incense fills homes, shops, stupas, and temples, carrying people's devotion. Lighting incense carries multiple layers of meaning: it honors the gods and protects against evil in homes and shops.

Butter, oil, and wick lamps are a common sight in Nepal's temples, stupas, and homes, signifying their great significance in Nepalese culture. Lighting these lamps dispels ignorance, welcomes knowledge, and signifies the gradual dissolution of ego for a deeper spiritual connection.

In our Kathmandu Cultural tour program, you can experience and discover the city's treasures and traditions first-hand.

Share your thoughts on the profound meaning of these lamps, and incense, and your experiences in Nepal's sacred places!

28/09/2023

18/09/2023

Teej is a colorful festival celebrated in Nepal, especially by women, to honor the bonds of marriage, family, and womanhood. It involves fasting, singing, dancing, and vibrant red and green attire.
It's a joyful occasion that highlights the rich culture and unity of the Nepali community. Nepal Sanctuary Treks wishes a very Happy Teej to all the amazing women!

31/08/2023

Wishing everyone a very Happy Janai Purnima and G*i Jatra!
Tulsi Gyawali

11/08/2023

Guest Review: "Incredible trip!! We had been saving and talking about doing this once-in-a-lifetime trip for a very long time. We had the most wonderful guides, incredibly kind and fun guys who were so knowledgeable. This helped make our Upper Mustang trip so amazing. We would absolutely use Nepal Sanctuary Treks again, and insist on the same guides!! :)"- Kirsten and Tobias

A heartfelt thanks to Kirsten and Tobias from our team for choosing Nepal Sanctuary Treks for your recent trek to Upper Mustang. Thank you so much, for your very kind words and for sharing your experience with us. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your rating with us. We look forward to seeing you again.
Tulsi Gyawali

10/08/2023

Nepal Sanctuary Treks would like to express sincere thanks to
Dr. Prativa Pandey
Dr. Rashila Pradhan,
Dr. Suvash Dawadi.
RN Sateena Sahu., and the entire CIWEC Hospital and Travel Medicine Center team for the first aid and Basic Life Support (BLS) training offered to our trekking guides on August 9th, 2023.
The training was both informative and hands-on, and it has equipped our guides with essential skills that will undoubtedly contribute to the safety and well-being of our trekkers.
Once again, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and the invaluable training you provided.
Regards,
Tulsi Gyawali (MD)

26/07/2023

📢 Exciting News!
Himalaya Jet, a UK-based airline, has recently made a significant announcement. They will be introducing direct flights to Nepal from the UK, France, and Germany, commencing this Dashain (in October). To celebrate the launch of these new routes, the airline is offering promotional fares to passengers. This development is expected to provide more convenient travel options for those wishing to visit Nepal from these European countries.