Upadesh Kunwor

After almost a decade of exploring most of the hiking trails around the Kathmandu Valley, I am always excited whenever I hear about a new route. Around 40 days ago, while I was at my office, Ambassador Himalaya - https://www.ambassadorhimalaya.com/ , Kishore Dai told me about a newly developed hiking trail from Kirtipur to Champadevi Temple. He said, "Upadesh, yesterday I hiked a new trail to Champadevi Temple. It is really good. If you have a hiking group, you should take them there." I became curious and asked him for more details. Unfortunately, he is currently outside Nepal, but when I messaged him, he kindly sent me a voice recording explaining the route and how to reach the trailhead. Thank you so much, Kishore Dai, for sharing this hidden gem. A New Adventure Begins The hike happened on May 30, 2026. I was planning to visit this route as part of my personal field research and data collection. Originally, a well-known trekking guide was supposed to join me, and ...

On the date of 2083/02/02 B.S., I had planned a special hiking trip with the members of NTDEA. The plan had already been discussed almost ten days earlier, and finally the much-awaited day arrived. Early in the morning, I received a call from our respected President Achyut Sir, and we gathered at Kalimati before beginning our journey together. At Kalimati, I met Sagar Sir, and while talking with him, we waited for our  Maila Dai’s bus. Soon the bus arrived, and our journey officially began. Heading toward Chapagaun Dobato, we met Bharat Sir and Professor Dr. Som Pd Khatiwada there before continuing toward Bhardeu village. The road itself was refreshing, surrounded by greenery, peaceful hills, and beautiful landscapes that slowly prepared us for the adventure ahead. The hiking program was organized by NTDEA, but this was not only a hiking trip. It was also a study tour to explore new tourism destinations that could later be promoted to tourists and guests by our tourism entrepreneur...

As a lecturer of the Master of Tourism Studies (MTS) program at KATH College affiliated with Purbanchal University, I always try to make my teaching practical and interesting for students. This year, I got the opportunity to teach two subjects: Research Methodology and Tourism: Trends and Issues (TITI). When I was a student, I often felt bored sitting inside the classroom for many hours. Tourism is not only a subject to read from books; it is something to see, feel, and experience. Because of this belief, I planned to organize an “ Open Air Classroom ” for my students at a real tourism destination. I shared my idea with the college principal Dr. Amit Wagle , and thankfully he accepted it positively. Together with Anup Thapa Sir, we fixed the date for the class on Sunday, 17 May 2026, at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. The plan was simple: two hours for sightseeing and one hour for discussion about tourism trends and issues. Before the class, I prepared myself seriously. I again studied ...

This blog outlines three itinerary options for the Jugal Himal Base Camp trek in Nepal, covering different durations and objectives. The Compact 5-day plan focuses on reaching Jugal Base Camp (4,700m) via Kathmandu–Chhendang–Nepemasal–Base Camp and back. The Moderate 7-day itinerary adds the sacred Panch Pokhari lakes (4,055m) before returning via Chimti to Kathmandu. The Extended 7–9 day version includes extra acclimatization/rest days for a more gradual pace. Each plan includes daily routes, elevations, timing, logistics (lodging, food, permits), and contingency notes. We compare key attributes (duration, max altitude, camping nights, difficulty, fitness level, season) in the table below. All data are drawn from recent trek operator publications and reports. ( https://www.ambassadorhimalaya.com/ )  Itinerary Days Max Alt. Camping Nights Difficulty Fitness Level Best Season Co...

  Winter Trekking in the Jugal Himal:   Opportunities for Off-Season Tourism in Nepal A Field Research Study January 30 – February 3, 2026 Abstract: The Jugal Himal is the mountain range closest to Kathmandu, yet very few trekkers visit it. This study explores whether winter trekking is possible here, and whether it can help spread tourism throughout the year. A field team trekked the route from January 30 to February 3, 2026, collecting data on trail conditions, safety risks, and local community views. The findings show that winter trekking is possible   but only in a careful, guided way. The route has no teahouses above the village of Chhendang, and altitude sickness is a real concern above 3,900 metres. Groups must carry camping equipment and rely on experienced local guides. This means Jugal Himal is best suited for skilled, experienced trekkers, not general tourists. The study recommends special permits, safety rules for winter trekking, and giving local Sher...