Introduction to Tourism

Tourism is related to travelling and travelling is naturally a human character . Man needs change and travel provides the change . The Great American writer Mark Twain has aptly said that even heaven can be boring after a while . Travel has had a fascination for man. He has been travelling throughout the ages . During that time travel was there but 'tourism' was not there .Because travel was not undertaken for the purpose of pleasure at that time and their motive was not to seek holiday from the routine work . The primary motive of their travel was trade and commerce or pilgrimage or to explore . The basis concept of tourism 'pleasure, at leisure' was not there . When people learned to travel for pleasure ,the concept of tourism started .Learning to differentiate between work and leisure creates tourism. So tourism is related to movement of people from one place to another in leisure time for the purpose of getting pleasure.

The word 'Tourism' did not appear in English Language until the early nineteenth century. The word was derived from French language 'tourism'.The literal meaning is 'the practice of touring or travelling'. It is a new concept and it's significance was fully realized recently .Tourism is the most recent and significant phenomena of modern times . It is difficult to describe tourism , as it is an experience rather than a tangible objects .It is related to service . The Oxford Dictionary defines the word 'tourism' as organising touring or services for tourists . So the word tourism involves three basis elements : tour, tourist and to organise a business to provide travel related services . Tourism in this sense is a service industry operated to facilitate the tour for the tourists.

At the same time traditional authorities are not confirmed whether tourism is to be considered as industry or not. The prefer to call it 'activity' rather than 'industry'. They say that it is an activity that takes place when people move to some other place for leisure or business and stay at least for 24 hours . In this modern world tourism has been well accepted as service industry , although,it encompasses a wide variety of products and individual industries . Before defining the subject confusion may rise between Tourism and Travel and Tourism. Travel and tourism is the term most often used in North America. For the sake of convenience and easy to understand the term tourism is used in this book, which is the word used in Nepal for Travel and Tourism industry. Students should be aware that no conceptual difference is implied between the two expressions in this book.

Some authors describe tourism as a system .Tourism as a system consists of four interrelated parts : Market, Travel, Destination and Marketing. Market is the customer of potential customer as tourist. The second segment of tourism is travel, which includes mode of transport. Third segment consists of destination . The destination includes attractions, accommodation and facilities . The business organisations involved in this process jointly or individually encourage people to travel through the process of marketing and different organisation are involved in providing services. So in this sense tourism involves different aspects.

Tourism is as compound of different elements. It does not exist in isolation. To understand tourism in necessary to know about the various components, which together make tourism. Tourism is made of 4 A's as follows

• Attraction - local


• Accessibility that is transport


• Accommodation


• Amenities -Facilities/Services

Movement of people is the most important elements of tourism which asks for transport . Transport is so much associated with travel and tourism that many use them synonymously. The mode of transport may be motor car, a coach, an aeroplane ,ship or train , which enables a traveller to reach his/her predetermined destination. The attractions are the holiday destinations, which attracts tourists. The attractions are either man-made or natural . The man-made attractions includes various things such as city, historical places , museums, zoo, etc and natural attractions are like sunshine, scenic beauty. Accommodation is another basic component of tourism . Tourists need accommodation and food at their destination, Amenities are necessary aid to become tourism. In tourism the facilities or services are added to transport, accommodation or to the attraction. By adding the concept of service a transport becomes tourist transport, accommodation centre becomes tourist hotels and attraction becomes tourist destination.

River's of Nepal

Nepal's most possessed natural resource is water. A land-locked country it may be, but the country is blessed by snow-capped mountains which feed Nepal land. Rivers are not only for rafters but also for businessmen. More than 80% of Nepal's electricity is generated by rivers. Snow-capped Himalayas are the main sources of Nepali rivers. Nepal has altitude ranging from 60 meter to all the way upto 8848 meters (Mt everest), the highest altitude of the earth. Some of the fastest running rivers in the world are located here.

There are three major rivers in Nepal namely Kosi River, Gandaki River and Karnali River which lie across east to west running from north to south. Surroundings of most rivers are in their natural settings. Nepali rivers are paradise to River Rafters who just can't have enough of angry and mad rivers. Need we mention Himalayan Water? It's all here in this beautiful country. No matter how many rivers you have rafted here, there is always a river waiting to be explored

Nepal's most possessed natural resource is water. A land-locked country it may be, but the country is blessed by snow-capped mountains which feed Nepal land. Rivers are not only for rafters but also for businessmen. More than 80% of Nepal's electricity is generated by rivers. Snow-capped Himalayas are the main sources of Nepali rivers. Nepal has altitude ranging from 60 meter to all the way upto 8848 meters (Mt Everest), the highest altitude of the earth. Some of the fastest running rivers in the world are located here.

There are three major rivers in Nepal namely Koshi River, Gandaki River and Karnali River which lie across east to west running from north to south. Surroundings of most rivers are in their natural settings. Nepali rivers are paradise to River Rafters who just can't have enough of angry and mad rivers. Need we mention Himalayan Water? It's all here in this beautiful country. No matter how many rivers you have rafted here, there is always a river waiting to be explored

Nepal's rivers can be broadly divided into three categories in accordance with their origins. The first category comprises the three main river systems of the country-the Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali river systems, all of them originating from glaciers and snow-fed lakes.

The Koshi river system consists of the Tamor, Arun, Dudhkoshi, Likhu, Tamakoshi, Sunkoshi and Indravati rivers. Of these, the Arun and Sunkoshi originate in Tibet. The confluence of these rivers is at Tribeni (near Dharan) in Sagarmatha Zone. Flowing for almost 10kms through a narrow gorge before entering the plains, the "Sapta Kosi" or he "Koshi" swollen with the waters of the seven riversÕ finally merges into the Ganges.

The Gandaki river system in central Nepal consists of the Kaligandaki, Budhigandaki, Marsyanghi, Trishuli, Seti, Madi and Daraundi rivers. The Kaligandaki is the longest river and the Trishuli, the main tributary of this system.

The Kaligandaki originates in Mustang and converges with the Trishuli at Deoghat in Chitwan. The river is then called the Narayani and goes on to meet the Ganges. The Karnali river system in western Nepal consists of the Humla Karnali, Mugu Karnali, Seti and Bheri rivers and is the longest river system in the country. The Humla Karnali, which rises in Tibet, is the main tributary. After entering India, this river assumes the name Gogra.

Rivers like the Mechi, Mahakali, Bagmati, Kamala, Rapti, etc., most of which have their origin in the Mahabharat range, constitute the rivers of the second category. The Bagmati, which rises at Bagdwar and drains out through the Chobhar gorge, is the principal river of the Kathmandu Valley. Streams and rivulets originating mostly from the Chure hills make up the third category; these rivers rely on monsoon rains and are otherwise dry.

Bungee jumping in Unique Landscapes of Nepal .

Bungee jumping is an ill-advised sport for the faint hearted. You might be surprised that though a lot of people take the initiative to try it out, most back down just before the jump. Free falling from a really high place with gravity working against you is one of the scenarios most people consider to be their worst nightmare. But if can overcome your fear enough to take that first jump, you will find that bungee jumping is one of the most adrenalin heightening extreme sports you may come across. Once you get a taste of that rush of adrenalin you will find yourself coming back for more, like a lot of people do.

Most of you may be familiar with the concept but still here are the highlights. First a long, extremely strong and stretchy cord is tied around the jumper’s ankle, who leaps off of the jumping point. While falling freely the cords reaches its maximum stretching capacity and jerks the jumper back up and fall again. The process continues until the jumper stops bouncing to just dangle in midair. Bouncing up and down might seem nauseating but it’s really exhilarating.
Bungee jumping requires no skill or experience. Just scream your head off on your way down and have a good time doing it.

Of all the different type of extreme sports that are out there bungee jumping has the least number of accidents though it seems to be dangerous. Most people feel apprehensive about two things. First, the rope might snap on them. This is highly unlikely since, to ensure your safety, all commercial bungee jumping cords are strictly quality tested. Secondly, they might swing back and hit the wall behind them. The bungee jumping operator by extending the bungee jumping platform away from the cliff has already taken care of this probability.

However, you need to exercise extreme caution and stay away from the cliff if you are not enlisting professional help.Bungee jumping is not without its risks despite all the precautions taken. Although the chances of equipment failure are low, during the actual fall there are a lot of things that can go wrong. One who doesn’t have a lot of limber can easily end up pulling a muscle or dislocating something because of the successive jerking that occurs after the first fall. Many instances of eye injury while bungee jumping have also been reported.Across the world there are lots of places where you can bungee jump.

You will find a bungee jumping platform wherever you can find a canyon, bridge, or dam that gives more than a few 100 feet of height. The Bungee Tower in Cairns, the Verzasca Dam in Switzerland and the highest one of all, the Macau Tower in China are some of the most famous bungee jumping points in the world. You are provided with professional, commercial help in getting your equipment on and your form perfected at these places.

Due to its nature, bungee jumping does not offer a lot of chances of competition though there are a few areas within the sport that offer some competition, acrobatics being one of them. Judging bungee jumpers based on the moves that they could pull off while on air, is the core substance of a few specialized competitions.

Nepal Bungy Jumping
Bungy Jumping If you thought bungy jumping was restricted to some places in Europe, New Zealand and America, it's time you got and update. The sport has finally found a natural home in the highest mountain range in the world. The ultimate thrill of a bungy jump can now be experienced in Nepal at perhaps the best site in the world.Nepal's first bungy jumping site is situated 160m over the wild Bhote Kosi river, and located close to the Nepal-Tibet border, a three-hour bus ride from Kathmandu. As can be arranged on arrival in Kathmandu. As of now, there is only one agency offering this sport.

The jump, at 160m, was designed by one of New Zealand's leading bungy consultants, and is operated by some of the most experienced jump masters in the business. It's mishap-proof. The agency takes safety "very, very seriously".LocationLess than 3 hours outside Kathmandu by Ultimate Bungy Shuttle. You will travel the Arniko (Kathmandu/Lhasa) Highway to within 12km of the Tibet Border and the famous Friendship Bridge.The GorgeUltimate Bungy Nepal takes place on a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhoti Kosi River.The BridgeSwiss designed, specially for bungy jumping with a 4x saftey factor.

The bridge has a loading factor of 250kg per running meter. This means that the bridge will hold 250 x 166 = 41,500kg or 4.5 tonnes. And... those are Swiss measurements! * Over 6000 meters of steel wire was used to build the bridge * Longest suspension bridge in Nepal * The bridge joins two sides of a great valley. Before its construction, locals walked five hours to cross this river gorge.

Ultimate Bungy at The Last Resort in Nepal may be the most spectacular Bungy Jump on the Planet. This remarkable 500ft (160m) drop into the Bhoti Kosi River gorge on the Nepal/Tibet border is the longest Free-fall in the world. Designed, constructed and operated by very experienced Kiwis to exacting international standards your safety is guaranteed. It is Nepal's Ultimate Rush.Located a 3 hr drive from Kathmandu and 100km northeast to within 12km of the Tibet border, there is a 166m wide steel suspension bridge over the Bhoti Kosi River gorge and at an of altitude 3600 feet, which is 600 feet lower than Kathmandu.

The Bridge: Swiss designed, especially for bungy jumping with a 4x safety factor, the bridge has a loading factor of 41,500kg or 4.5 tones. And those are Swiss measurements! Bungy Jump Combo Package Day1: Drive to Last Resort (Ultimate Bungy Sport) After arrival briefing and preparing for Bungy and after the jump rest and overnight at Last Resort or drive back to Kathamndu. This is the short day trip to Bungy in Nepal. If you have enough time then you can plan ahead as given below.Day2: After breakfast beautiful canyoning trip to The Bhote Kosi River cliff.

This is also one of the most exciting adventure trip combining with Byungy.Day3: True adrenaline rafting trip on Bhote Koshi River for every adventure lover can enjoy its many challenging rapids and overnight camp.Day4: After breakfast continue rafting again and after that drive to Kathmandu.

Trekking and Expedition in Nepal

The best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them. The immense contrasts in altitudes and climate found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, Vegetation types and wildlife. You'll see different community farmers working in their fields and herders grazing their animals on the steep slopes. You'll meet Gurkha soldiers home on leave and come across Sherpa yak drivers transporting goods over the high mountain passes.

And always in the background, the icy pinnacles of the Himalaya loom over the scenery. You don't need to be a mountaineer with nipping muscles to enjoy trekking. If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of adventure and are not afraid of walking, you quality. There are excellent trekking guide who will take care of all the details. All you have to do on the trail is concentrate on putting one foot before the other. On many popular trekking trails, you can also trek in what is known as "Teahouse style" - eating and styling in the many lodges and tea houses on the way instead of "Camping in tents".

Trekking is possible at any time of the year in Nepal depending on where you are want to going. The most popular season are spring (Feb-May) and Autumn )Sep-Nov). Winter is very cold above 4,000 meter and high mountain passes may be snowbound but it is good for trekking at lower altitudes. During the monsoon season (June-Aug), You can trek in the rain-shadow areas north of the Himalaya like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. These places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon.

The entire length and breath of the paradise for trekkers. There are easy walks lasting a few days and there are strenuous expeditions that take several weeks. All of them have great scenery, Everest is the most popular trekking route in Nepal and takes you through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaularigiri ranges and through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the World. Treks to the Annapurna region start from the Lake side of Pokhara and Beshishar.

Max elevation covered on the trek is 5416 meters. EVEREST, the highest mountain in the World continues to lure adventures as ever. A hair-raising flight lands you at the airstrip of Lukla (2,850m) from where you begin walking to the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazzar and on to Tengboche Monastery with the memorizing peak of Ama Dablam hovering in the sky. The it's over the glaciers to the foot of Everest for the view of a lifetime (5,556m) And Langtang is the third most popular trekking region in the Nepal that lies directly to the north of Kathamandu.

The Gosaikund lakes situated here are a much revered Hindu pilgrimage site. Langtang offers baffling extremes in topography and climate conditions. In just one day you can traverse five different vegetation zones trekking from the subtropics to timberline (Elevation- 4,480m) For those who want to get off the beaten track, there is the trail to Mustang (Elevation-5,400m) north of the Annapurna range which offers mind-boggling landscaes and mystical culturesThe best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination of natural beauty and cultural riches is to walk through them.

The immense contrasts in altitudes and climate found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles, Vegetation types and wildlife. You'll see different community farmers working in their fields and herders grazing their animals on the steep slopes. You'll meet Gurkha soldiers home on leave and come across Sherpa yak drivers transporting goods over the high mountain passes. And always in the background, the icy pinnacles of the Himalaya loom over the scenery. You don't need to be a mountaineer with nipping muscles to enjoy trekking.

If you are reasonably fit, have a spirit of adventure and are not afraid of walking, you quality. There are excellent trekking guide who will take care of all the details. All you have to do on the trail is concentrate on putting one foot before the other. On many popular trekking trails, you can also trek in what is known as "Teahouse style" - eating and styling in the many lodges and tea houses on the way instead of "Camping in tents". Trekking is possible at any time of the year in Nepal depending on where you are want to going. The most popular season are spring (Feb-May) and Autumn )Sep-Nov).

Winter is very cold above 4,000 meter and high mountain passes may be snowbound but it is good for trekking at lower altitudes. During the monsoon season (June-Aug), You can trek in the rain-shadow areas north of the Himalaya like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. These places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains and are unaffected by the monsoon. The entire length and breath of the paradise for trekkers. There are easy walks lasting a few days and there are strenuous expeditions that take several weeks.

All of them have great scenery, Everest is the most popular trekking route in Nepal and takes you through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaularigiri ranges and through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the World. Treks to the Annapurna region start from the Lake side of Pokhara and Beshishar. Max elevation covered on the trek is 5416 meters. EVEREST, the highest mountain in the World continues to lure adventures as ever. A hair-raising flight lands you at the airstrip of Lukla (2,850m) from where you begin walking to the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazzar and on to Tengboche Monastery with the memorizing peak of Ama Dablam hovering in the sky.

White water rafting in Nepal

Nepal is home to eight out of the fourteen highest peaks in the world with colorful and intricate Hindu religion to the austerity of the Buddhist monasteries. From these breathtaking heights, rivers crash down through the foothills, fed by monsoon rains and melting snow, on their way to the Great Plains of the Ganges.

Nepal has many rivers for you to explore: Trishuli River (rafting for 1 up to 3 days), Seti River (rafting trip 2 days), Bhote Koshi River (rafting 2 days), Kali Gandaki River (rafting 3 days), Marsyandi River (rafting/kayaking 4 days), Sun Koshi River (rafting 7 to 9 days), Arun River (rafting adventure 9 days), Karnali River (whitewater rafting 10 days), Tamur River (rafting adventure 11 days).

On these rivers you will find the world's most thrilling whitewater with a wide range of difficulties, warm water and bug free beaches for camping. All this makes a wealth of unlimited opportunities for great river rafting, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, biking, hiking and ever popular trekking adventures in Nepal.

Nepal has something to offer to everyone. We are proud to share our wonderful country, culture and our many years of experience in this field with you and give you an excellent opportunity to explore the remote countryside which is never possible without river trips. One of wonderful gifts of the benevolent Himalaya is rivers making Nepal a very watershed . As these rivers gush down manifold layers of mountains making its way through narrow gorges, steep descents and holes, unsullied whitewater challenges sure born.

Beside unlimited gamut of adventure, Rafting in Nepal is a unique way of traversing Nepal's kaleidoscopic geographical setting and rich culture. White Water Rafting in Nepal
What water rafting in Nepal is often praised by dictums like "River Runner's Paradise" or "Blissful Escapism". Nepal is dream destination of rafting and kayaking experts. Indeed nowhere else one can get such a choice from easy to heart-throbbing and a single day to multi-days rafting trips. White Water Rafting in Nepal is to drift down the rivers coming from the melting glaciers and flow adrift into the maze of hills with terrific culture, wildlife and pristine beaches away from road.

Short TripsTrishuli Bhote KosiSeti Rafting
MediumKali gandaki Bheri RaftingBudi Gandaki
Long TripsKarnali Sun KosiTamur
White Water Rafting for All

Nepal has something for everyone. Weather you are beginner or an expert, safe, personalized and professional services will be made avail for all rivers. Rafting rivers could be a venue of your family fun and get together. Bring your children for real camping, rafting, fishing, birding and private family party in the unsullied beaches. While the experienced ones can find our more challenging rivers filled with unending adventures.

You must Bring
"Travel Light" is widely accepted phrase for more convenient and entertaining rafting trips. Here is a check list:
Sleeping Bag and mattress (will be provided if needed)FlashlightWater bottleSandalSun glassesFleece jacketExtra pair of full sleeves shirts, t-shirts and trousersRiver wears, shorts and swimming customPersonal spending (for bottled drinks, tips and small souvenirs)
We Provide As highly experienced rafting professionals, we have garnered experiences of operating in all rivers of Nepal and outside. These experiences make our river tours exclusive. Basically a tour includes professional guide, assistants and leader as a crew, transportation, all entry fees and permits.

Hygienic and tasty western as well as local meals will be served exploiting maximum of the local organic production. To point out: Experienced Guide & Supporter. All rafting equipment, including self-bailing rafts, life jackets and safety equipments. Paddle top, helmets and waterproof gear bags. All meals during the raft trip (breakfast, lunch and dinner) Accommodation on twin sharing basis tent camping. All national park and rafting permits and fees Round trip ground transportation All kitchen and camping equipment, cook and need staff.Safety kaykar.

Beautiful lakes of Nepal

Nepal is a mountainous country, where mountains and hills occupy most of the area. The country is vulnerable to various hazards due to fragile geological conditions, great elevation differences and steeply sloping terrain. Apart from landslides and river erosion, the mountainous region is also quite susceptible to disastrous hazards due to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF). In general, the area higher than 4,000 metres above sea level (masl) is mostly covered by snow and ice throughout the year.

The glaciers, some of which consist of a huge amount of perpetual snow and ice, are found to create many glacial lakes. These glaciers as well as glacial lakes are the sources of the headwaters of many great rivers in the region. Most of these lakes are located in the down valleys close to the glaciers. They are formed by the accumulation of vast amounts of water from the melting of snow and ice cover and by blockage of end moraines. The sudden break of a moraine may generate the discharge of large volumes of water and debris causing floods.

In the last half century, several glacial lakes have developed in the Hindu Kush-Himalayas and the Tibetan Himalayas. This may be attributed to the effect of recent global warming. The glacial lakes are formed on the glacier terminus due to the recent retreating processes of glaciers. The majority of these glacial lakes are dammed by unstable moraines, which were formed by the glaciation of the Little Ice Age. Occasionally a lake bursts releasing an enormous amount of its stored water, which causes serious floods downstream along the river channel.

This phenomenon, generally known as GLOF, is recognized to be a common problem in Hindu Kush-Himalayan countries such as Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, and China (Tibet).

There have been several occurrences of GLOF events in different parts of the Hindu Kush-Himalayan region. After the severe impact of the 1985 Dig Tsho GLOF, glacial lakes and the GLOF phenomenon in the Nepal Himalayas drew great attention and led to study and field investigation of several glacial lakes such as the Dig Tsho, Imja, Lower Barun, Tsho Rolpa, and Thulagi.

The study of satellite images indicates the presence of glaciers and glacial lakes and occurrences of GLOFs in the Himalayas. Downstream impacts of these GLOFs are reported to be highly destructive in nature and to lead to long-term secondary environmental degradation in the valleys, both physically and socioeconomically.
For the mapping and writing of the inve

The Himalaya's

General Info On a cold afternoon high up in the hills in the
north of the Indian subcontinent, a short gaze towards the horizon by the light
snowy touch of the day's fading brush strokes will reveal one of Nature's most
magnificent monuments - the towering Himalayas. "Himalaya" is a Sanskrit word
which literally means "Abode of Snow" - from hima, "snow," and alaya, "abode" -
a term coined by the ancient pilgrims of India who travelled in these mountains.
For Tibetans, Indians, Nepalese, and many of the other inhabitants of the
Himalayas, the mountains continue to be the predominant factor in their lives.

The beauty of the Himalayas has lured visitors to this region
since olden times. And being the world's highest mountain chain, it constitutes
the greatest attraction to climbers and trekkers throughout the world. But more
than anything else, the Himalayas represent the awe-inspiring power, beauty, and
grandeur of Nature. Welcome to the Himalayas - Where Earth Meets Sky!
In the
heart of South Asia is located the loftiest mountain chain on earth. Forming a
distinct geographical divide that separates the Indian subcontinent from Central
Asia, the Himalayas extend from west to east in a massive arc for about 2500
kilometers (1550 miles). Covering an astounding area of 612,021 sq. km, the vast
mountain chain passes through the Indian States of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal and Bhutan
.

The Tibetan Plateau - the roof of the world - forms the
borthern boundary of this magnificent mountain system while lower extensions of
the Himalayas branch off from eastern and western frontiers of these mountains.
Sunset at Nuptse,a Himalayan giant in NepalCredit:Destination Himalayas - Where
Earth Meets Sky offers an exploration of the Himalayas by region. It will take
you across the vast Himalayas from one region to the next, exploring the unique
beauty of each region.Classification of the HimalayasFor a proper study, it is
necessary to classify the vast area covered by the mountains into smaller
sub-sections. Throughout our website, references will be made to these
classifications.

The Himalayas can be classified in a variety of ways. From
south to north, the mountains can be grouped into four parallel, longitudinal
mountain belts, each with its unique features and distinctive geological
history.
(the Outer Himalayas or the Sub-Himalayas)

Lesser Himalayas or the Lower Himalayas)
(the
Great Himalayas or the Higher Himalayas)
(Tibetan Himalayas)

From west to east the Himalayas are divided broadly into three
mountainous regions - the Western Himalayas, the Central Himalayas and the
Eastern Himalayas.
Possibly the most important divisions of the Himalayas
these days are the ones based on political boundaries. For anyone exploring the
mountains, knowledge of the political boundaries is very important nowadays
because most of the Himalayas lie very close to sensitive international border
regions, many of which are disputed territories. Special permission is often
required to visit certain areas close to the borders which are under military
control due to their strategic importance. Based on international political
boundaries, the Himalayas are divided into

Nepalese Himalayas

Indian Himalayas

Tibetain Himalayas

Tibetan Thangkas

Thangkas are Tibetan Buddhist (Lamaismor Tantrayana / Vajrayana- Buddhism) iconographic paintings. They are a form of religious art, which has a 1,000 year long tradition, that still carries on today. The scroll- paintings are first composed on a screen. Traditionally, natural colors are used, but since the beginning of the 20th century, artificial pigments also. Real gold is often used, in order to show respect to the Gods.

This has a fantastic aesthetic effect emphasing the beauty of the Thangkas. The artists often, not always, are monks, who have had a special training in screen paintings (for at least 10 years), because Thangkas have to follow special iconographic and iconometric rules , according to Holy Texts (Tanyur, Kanyur, Nispannayogavali, etc). The guidelines also include the form, the positions of the Gods, their attributes and throne as well as their dress (monks, princely or wrathful dress).

The paintings serve as sacred works in the monasteries, as help in meditation, bv protection from demons or as votive pictures. Tibetans love colors. This can be seen by the bright radiating colors in Thangka-paintings. There are traditional color paintings, and also the so-called red - based, black - based and gold - based paintings. There are other differences between the portrayal figures and Mandala motifs ,Tibetan Thanka Painting is very important to Tibetans as part of Buddhisme, Art and Culture. The value of the Thanka includes the aspects of meditation, sacredness and aesthetics. International there is an increasing interest in Thanka Paintings and the Paintings are valued and appreciated for their intrinsic qualities .

The development of Thanka Painting
Picturing the Buddha is said to go back to the time of the Buddha himself. There were two works created in that time according to Tibetan legends, namely: 'Thupa Chu lenma' and 'Hoed Zerma'.
'Thupa Chu lenma' is a Tibetan term, meaning ;"The image of the sage taken from a reflection in the water". The artist is said to have painted the image of a reflection in the water. 'Hoed Zerma' means; "Radiation Ligth". The Buddha is believed to have emitted rays of light from his body onto a cloth enabling the artist to depict his form.

Tibet's first contact with Buddhisme occurred in the seventh century. Artistic influences in that time came from Nepal and China. Later under the next king from 790 to 844 the first monestry 'Samye' was build in Tibet by Shantarakshita and Padmasambava.
Many artists were invited to participate in the construction and this was the beginning of the Tibetan artistic tradition Later, in the eleventh century,the most profound Tibetian artistic tradition took place. Rinchen Zangpo, a great scholar, returned from Kashmir to Tibet with many great artists and craftsman. They construct numerous temples in western Tibet and this part was strongly influenced by this Kashmiri artstyle.

Central Tibet has sinds earliest times expressed the influence of both India-Nepalese and Central asian (Khotannese) styles. After the thirtheenth century the Newary style became quite widespread in Tibet. The Nepalese style is also evident in the construction style of the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse, the most famous and biggest stupa in Tibet. Eastern Tibetan art has also a strong Chinese influence. What later emerged around the seventeenth century was a very distinct Tibetan style. It began with the in 1450-80 developed Menri School of painting by Menthangpa Menlha Dhondup. Having mastered various styles, Newary, Chinese and Indian, and due his creative nature he influenced a new and quite distinct style. Examples of this style can be seen on some of the wall paintings in the Potala Palace and thankas of this period.

The Menri style had a profound influence in Tibet and paved the way for a Tibetan style of painting to emerge. Still to this day the elements of this distinct Tibetan art style are followed.
Tibetan Thanka Collection - Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, H.P - INDIADesigned & Hosted at : HimalayanInfotech.com . Because the religious art of Lamaism was not only found in Tibet, but spread to many other countries (Mongolia, parts of Siberia and China, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Ladakh), despite the tragic fate of Tibet, this precious form of iconic art has never experienced a significant break. This art lives and continues to develop today .

Therefore, even new Thangkas are original and also authentic. As you can see, that’s why Tibetan Buddhist Thangkas enjoy immense popularity worldwide. Aesthetically, they fit to every room and make for a harmonious atmosphere. In addition, Thangkas radiate positive energy and create a glowing aura. A Tibetan Thanka is a Painting that is a rich and highly complex of religious symbolism of Buddhism. The paintings of the deities are not only forms that represent the Buddha or other saints, but also remind us to what we can become on a spiritual level. They show us the importance of the qualities they stand for and true meditation helps us to make them our own. They are very important for practioners to develop the Bodhisitta spirit and to archive enlightenment.

Because of the increasing interest in this art form all over the world, we like to present, some of our most remarkable Thanka Paintings. We have a gallery at Mcleodganj, a small but famous hill town of Himachal Pradesh in India, where H.H. the Dalai Lama has his residence and Temple.
The Thanka paintings we have selected are from a very high quality and original. Please browse our Thanka gallery and let us know if you need these at a promising prices.Welcome to Tibetan Thankas gallery!!
Tibetan Thanka Painting is very important to Tibetans as part of Buddhisme, Art and Culture. The value of the Thanka includes the aspects of meditation, sacredness and aesthetics. International there is an increasing interest in Thanka Paintings and the Paintings are valued and appreciated for their intrinsic qualities.

The development of Thanka Painting
Picturing the Buddha is said to go back to the time of the Buddha himself. There were two works created in that time according to Tibetan legends, namely: 'Thupa Chu lenma' and 'Hoed Zerma'.
'Thupa Chu lenma' is a Tibetan term, meaning ;"The image of the sage taken from a reflection in the water". The artist is said to have painted the image of a reflection in the water. 'Hoed Zerma' means; "Radiation Ligth". The Buddha is believed to have emitted rays of light from his body onto a cloth enabling the artist to depict his form.
Tibet's first contact with Buddhisme occurred in the seventh century. Artistic influences in that time came from Nepal and China. Later under the next king from 790 to 844 the first monestry 'Samye' was build in Tibet by Shantarakshita and Padmasambava.
Many artists were invited to participate in the construction and this was the beginning of the Tibetan artistic tradition.

Later, in the eleventh century,the most profound Tibetian artistic tradition took place. Rinchen Zangpo, a great scholar, returned from Kashmir to Tibet with many great artists and craftsman. They construct numerous temples in western Tibet and this part was strongly influenced by this Kashmiri artstyle. Central Tibet has sinds earliest times expressed the influence of both India-Nepalese and Central asian (Khotannese) styles. After the thirtheenth century the Newary style became quite widespread in Tibet. The Nepalese style is also evident in the construction style of the Kumbum stupa in Gyantse, the most famous and biggest stupa in Tibet.