Sunday, November 24, 2013

Nepal in Photos

Nepal is heaven for those who are into photography. It is visually very attractive, in a very quaint and charming way. 

Sharing some of the picturesque elements of Nepal that I manage to capture during my trip. 


                                          A tireless worker 


                                               A fixed look


                                             Poker time


                                           Pigeons valley


                                             Water supply 


                                                    Crafts


                                          Light moments 


                                              Golden arch


                                        Ageing with history


                                               Devotion 


                                            Clear blue sky


                                        Random advertising


                                                  The roar


                                    Journey to the other side


                                              Almost sunset


                                               Golden lake


                                              Wall of skulls 

~Cheers! 




















Friday, November 22, 2013

A week in Nepal

       

I had a chance to visit Nepal last year, and it was a rejuvenating experience. The country is surrounded by natural beauty, cultural heritage, wonderful architecture and rich history. 

I was very pleased with the tour guide, as they planned out our trip according to what we want, and booked us at a very nice and comfy hotels. (I have been to many trips, and I dare say this is the best tour agent/guide I've met so far). 

On the other hand, my colleague shared some notes for the trip, which was extremely useful. Check it out: 


Clothing:
Carry a small daypack.
Smart casual clothing is the best option. Pack lightweight clothing that will protect you from the sun, including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (if you need to). Carry a jacket or sweater for the evening as the weather can be unpredictable sometimes (the temperature drop is pretty drastic). You may need to dress appropriately if you wish to enter any temples. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you will be walking a lot. If you are planning to go hiking, you obviously need a proper hiking shoes. 

A light rain jacket and a small umbrella are useful for travel in the summer months. Pack it in your suitcases! Again, the weather is unpredictable, there is a possibility of rainfall.

Things to bring for Nepal trip:
Please also bring a TORCH LIGHT. Not kidding. It may sound strange to you, but Nepal has problems with power cut in the evenings. So it is better to have one for yourself. Not to worry as all hotels and Restaurants have power backups.

Bring charcoal pills. Some people are not used to the rich spices in the food. 

Bring face-mask as some area can be quite dusty during daytime. 

Telephone
Most of the Malaysian mobile phone network can be used in Nepal. If required you may purchase the local sim card. A photocopy of your passport and a photo is required for SIM card registration. Best to prepare it in advance.

Currency
Bring USD to be changed it to local currency (Nepal Rupees) there. Best not to change your USD at the airport as the exchange rate is expensive as compared to local exchange counters in town. 

VISA
All foreigners except Indian nationals require VISA to enter Nepal; which can be done upon arrival. Please prepare a photocopy of your passport and a recent passport photo in advance. The fees is USD25 per person. 

Below was our travel itinerary:
Day 1 
1110 hrs​ : Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, meet and greet. ​
​1200 hrs​ : Transfer out for Lunch at Nyatapola Cafe.
​1300 hrs​ : Half day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
​1430 hrs​ : Proceed to Nagarkot hill station (45 minutes drive)
                 ​Check in at The Fort Resort.
​1900 hrs​ : Dinner and overnight in the Hotel.
Day 2 
0430hrs : Wake up to view sunrise over Himalaya.
​0700 hrs​ : Breakfast in the hotel.
​0800 hrs​ : Check out and drive to Pokhara (7 hours)
1200 hrs : ​Lunch enroute at Manakamana CafĂ©.
​Arrive Pokhara and check in at Temple Tree Resort and Spa.
​Dinner and overnight in the Hotel.
Day 3 
0430 hrs : Wake up for sunrise at Sangarkot hill.
0700 hrs : ​Return hotel for breakfast.
1000 hrs​ : Sightseeing tour of Pokhara valley which covers Davis fall, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Gupteshwor Mahadev cave, Bendabasini Temple etc.
1300 hrs​ : Lunch at the hotel.
1430 hrs​ : One hour boat ride in Phewa Lake.
​                 Rest of the day at leisure or shop around the street of Lakeside.
1830 hrs​ : Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 4 
0800 hrs​ : Breakfast in the hotel.
1030 hrs​ : Transfer to airport for flight back to Kathmandu 
1130 hrs : Arrive Kathmandu airport
1230 hrs​ : Lunch at Beijing Duck Restaurant.
1400 hrs​ : Check in at Hotel Everest. ​
1830 hrs​ : Dinner + Nepalese Cultural Show at Utsav Restaurant.
                 ​Overnight in the hotel.
Day 5 
0800 hrs​ : Breakfast in the hotel.
0900 hrs​ : Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swoyambhunath Stupa.
1300 hrs​ : Lunch at Jardin Restaurant.
1430 hrs​ : Afternoon tour of Patan Durbar Square.
1700 hrs​ : Transfer to Thamel Street for last minute shopping
1900 hrs​ : Dinner at Tehzeeb Restaurant.
​                 Overnight in the hotel.

Tour guide (highly recommended!)
Axis Holidays (Nepal Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. ) www.axisholidays.com.np 

Hotels : 
The Fort Resort (In Nagarkot)

Temple Tree Resort & Spa (In Pokhara)

Hotel Everest (In Kathmandu)

If you are thinking of going to Nepal, I just have one thing to say: GO! 


Book your flights at www.airasia.com 

P/S: If you are into trekking, you should book a trip on the Annapurna circuit. Check out the details here!


Monday, November 18, 2013

Inspiring boy



Meet Gabriel Katz, a 16-yr-old boy studying at SMK Tabuan Jaya, Kuching Sarawak. His passion is sports. His house is very far away from the school and he had to walk 6 hours to go home. 

He was discovered by one of the football coach at the school and now staying in a hostel. Glad to know he is enjoying the best sports education he could get.

Truly inspiring. 

Saturday, November 16, 2013

#toPHwithLove

AirAsia offers assistance to Philippines typhoon victims with "To Philippines with Love’ (#toPHwithlove) campaign. 

- Cash donations on board flights and at airports throughout the AirAsia Group network; as well as on the AirAsia Foundation microsite at https://www.airasiafoundation.com/typhoonhaiyan/

- Free cargo space and free flights for accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aid and humanitarian agencies for relief efforts 

- 250,000 free seats for Filipinos abroad (OFWs) to return home.

Together, let's help those in need. 

Water Business!

Let’s talk about one of the most important consumer items — water, or more precisely bottled water (be it still, reverse osmosis or whatev...