EXPERIENCE NEPAL

       In Nepal, the real entertainment is off way off the beaten track By Joe Bindloss
       Cresting the heights of the Himalaya, Nepal looms large in travellers' imaginations. And why not? Its well-developed tourist infrastructure and range of attractions mean that travellers can scramble up mountains, wander through rhododendron forests, seek spiritual solitude or get lost in vibrant festivals.Nepal offers a travel experience that can be challenging, calming or strenuous,depending on your whim. But whatever you choose to do, Nepal is never anything less than invigorating.
       ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS
       Nepal may be home to mighty Everest,but you don't need the lungs of a Sherpa to tackle a trek in the Nepal Himalaya.With a range of trails at every conceivable degree of difficulty and distance, there is an opportunity for just about everyone to lace up their boots and experience the country as the Nepalis do - on foot.
       Everest base camp trek
       Appropriately enough, the trek to the base camp on the highest mountain on earth is a challenging trail taking you from the lowlands into the mighty Himalaya.
       Annapurna sanctuary trek
       A relatively short trek that packs a powerful punch as it takes in a breathtaking mountain amphitheatre of peaks and glaciers.
       Annapurna circuit
       The spellbinding valleys around Manang and Jomsom create a breathtaking backdrop on this ever-changing trek - one of the world's classic walks.
       Helambu trek
       Easily accessible from Kathmandu, and taking no more than eight days, the Helambu trek offers a great introduction to trekking in Nepal and is a good winter choice.
       Short treks from Pokhara
       Trekking needn't be a major undertaking.From Pokhara there are short treks to Ghachok, Chisopani and other spots.
       Teahouse trekking
       Whether you are huddled by a cosy lodge stove or soaking up the afternoon sun on a spectacular terrace, it's the warm, hospitable environment of Nepal's lodges that sets apart trekking in Nepal.
       Wet and wild
       There's more to do in Nepal's rugged mountainscapes and wide open spaces than just trekking.
       Hardcore adrenaline junkies, or anyone seeking adventure, can throw themselves into those fantastic plunging valleys, endless vistas and racing rivers, and the forests of the Terai offer a chance to spot a tiger or a one-horned rhinoceros.
       Rafting and kayaking
       There's a lot of water working its way down from Nepal's peaks, enough to keep keen rafters and kayakers occupied -and breathless with white-water exertion.
       Bungee jumping
       There's nothing quite like gritting your teeth and throwing yourself headlong into a Himalayan gorge, and bungee aficionados will find one of Asia's deepest drops.
       Paragliding
       Paragliding offers you an opportunity to soar silently like the majestic griffon over the valleys around Pokhara.
       Mountain biking
       A mountain bike is a terrific way of getting off the beaten track and reaching remote and untouched corners of the country under your own steam.
       Chitwan National Park
       The vast expanse of Chitwan is home to Nepal's signature species - rhinos, tigers,sloth bears and elephants - and is just the place to do an elephant-top safari.
       Canyoning
       The ultimate in water sports, canyoning among mighty boulders, waterfalls and natural water slides will set your pulse racing.
       FESTIVALS
       Nothing better reveals the cultural richness of Nepal than its festivals. Masked dances,chariot races and tugs of war attract large crowds and enthusiastic participants. Visiting a festival, you will see the Nepalis at their colourful, energetic best.
       Losar
       Triggered by the new moon in February,Losar marks the Tibetan New Year and involves 15 days of celebrations for Tibetan communities across the Himalaya.
       Bisket Jatra
       The Nepalis celebrate their New Year with the festival of Bisket Jatra, which features huge crowds dragging tottering chariots through the winding backstreets of the Kathmandu Valley.
       Holi
       Known as the Festival of Colour, Holi must be the most riotous celebration on the Nepali calendar.
       Dasain
       Celebrating the victory of the goddess Durga over the forces of evil, Dasain is the most important festival across Nepal.
       2008 Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd.All rights reserved. For more information
       visit www.lonelyplanet.com.
       This is an edited extract from Lonely Planet's Nepal guidebook,8th edition by Joe Bindloss, et al,ฉ Lonely Planet Publications,2009.