K for K2, Kailash, Karakorum, Khumbu, Kaster, Kanchenjunga, Khampaer and Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and one of Asia’s most glorious cities. There live approx. 500,000 people in Kathmandu city and approx. 3 million in “Greater Kathmandu” in the Kathmandu Valley. If you want to immerse yourself in the fascinating Kathmandu valley, you can get weeks to go there, and if you are reasonably frugal, you can get a simple but acceptable accommodation for DKK 50. It is also cheap to go out to eat and many small restaurants have really good and varied food; but do not eat too cheaply, hygiene is far from western standard and there is a malignant stomach infection which is called “Kathmandu-quick step”. The word speaks for itself! For example, rent a bicycle and ride from one end of town to the other in less than ½ hour or out into the valley between the green rice fields.
L for Ladakh, Lhasa Langtang, Lhotse and Losar
Losar is the Tibetan New Year, held in February / March. It is a wonderful party where you are always welcome. The calendar used by Tibetans today is the lunar calendar of the Mongols, the Horda calendar, which Tibet took over during the time of the famous Tibetan lama Phags Pass (1235-80). Phags-pa – Khubilai Khan’s spiritual guide – was Tibet’s leader for a number of years. The basis of the horda calendar is a cycle of 12 years, each with its own animal name: mouse, ox, tiger, hare, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog and pig. By connecting the 12 animal names with five elements: wood, fire, earth, iron and water, you reach a cycle of a total of 60 years. Nowadays, most Tibetans celebrate the New Year on the day that, according to the Horda calendar, is the first day of the first month of the new year. Visit the northern parts of the country or Swayambhu and Bhouda in the Kathmandu Valley.
M for Markha, Monsum, Makalu, Mustang, Maoister and Manaslu
The trekking tour around Manaslu offers all the best in Nepal; beautiful views, good trekking, strong cultural experiences and interesting villages. After Annapurnas, sometimes a little too large tourist crowds, you can with good reason search for Manaslu in Central Nepal, which in structure resembles Nepal’s classic trek. The area opened in 1989 for groups with everything organized from a travel agency. This made – and makes – the trip a little more expensive than the standard routes, which is why there are still quite a few tourists in the area. Manaslu is and will be one of Nepal’s most fascinating trekking tours.
N for Nagarkot, Namche, Namaste, Rhinoceros and Nepaali
According to sourcemakeup, Nepali (with the written language Devanagari) is the national language of Nepal. It is an Indo-European language, akin to Sanskrit. Nepali is the language of the Khas people, which after the unification of Nepal in 1769 became the country’s national language, as it was formerly the language of the rulers. Nepali is the mother tongue of almost 65% of the population and in addition up to 8 million people in India. Nepali is also known by its former name Gorkhali, as it is widely called in India.
O for Oracle, Flood, Okhaldungha and Eight Happiness Symbols
In the northern parts of the country and in all the country’s monasteries, one will often see a number of significant symbols, the so-called Eight Happiness Symbols: The Precious Parasol, which protects the Buddhas from devilish influence. The Banner of Victory symbolizes the victory of Buddhism over ignorance. The White Conch is used to show the enlightenment of the Buddha. The Golden Pisces shows the spiritual liberation from Samsara’s ocean. The Vase of the Great Treasures contains spiritual jewels to attain liberation. The Infinite Node, the diagram of happiness, shows infinite love and harmony. The wheel of Dharma symbolizes the noble eightfold path of the Buddha. And finally, there is the Lotus Flower, which symbolizes spiritual purity and compassion.
P for Pokhara, Patan, Pashupatinath and Phedi
On the paths in Nepal one often encounters settlements with the designation Phedi. It simply means “at the foot of the mountain” and is a typical nest or farm before a passport transition. Eg. like Thorung Phedi on the route around Annapurna.
Q for Qinghai (Amdo) and Q
To use Haldan Rasmussen’s poem: “Q is a letter in the alphabet. You rarely use it, but here you can see it! ”
R for the Rhodondendron, Rupee, Rajput, Rakshi, Rara and Rai
Rai people are an ethnic group of Kirat origin from East Nepal, totaling close to 600,000 people. It is a Mongolid group that inhabits the Majh Kirant area. The Rais are known for their courage and strength as well as for partying and alcohol. Either you are a friend – or you are an enemy. They are also seen as Gurkha soldiers. The Rais are primarily Hindus, but often based on local gods and animism. Many shamans are seen in the Raerian territories.
