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The Boudhanath Stupa has been built in accordance with the Buddhism texts and relics. The huge whitewashed structure which seems to glisten at all times, especially the nights, is believed to be the finest of all the other stupas and elegance. 

The king Songtsen Gampo is the man who is responsible for this present day structure, having initiated the construction soon after he converted to Buddhism. The tower of gold with omnipresent and ubiquitous eyes of Buddha imparts it an ethereal vibe and make the visitors feel blessed once they're here. There are hundreds of Buddhist pilgrims who visit this Stupa every day and perform their daily morning and evening koras. 

Our guide will introduce you to the practices and you can learn the Buddhist way of worship and spirituality once you're here.  We at Tourpeer, bring to you the local tours and experiences offered by tour guides, artists, adventurers, and other local travel experts in and out of Nepal. We connect travelers with locals, worldwide.

The stupa was built as an act of penitence and repentance of the king. The king inadvertently and unknowingly had killed his father and was driven to the depths of regret and sought liberation from this agony in Buddhism. But, the Mughal Empire saw a different destiny for this Stupa. 

The intolerant Mughal invaders demolished this structure in the fourteenth century, but courtesy to people's faith and hard work, they reconstructed the Stupa and made it as glorious as it stands today.

The Boudhanath Stupa has depictions of all the five chief essences, also giving an indication towards the journey of the liberation of Buddha. The plinth depicts the earth and then the Kumbha or the dome portrays water, the square tower or the Harmika is fire, the spire shows the air and the umbrella that lies on the top is a portrayal of space.

 Thus, all five elements of life are present and shown in the Boudhanath Stupa.

The spire has thirteen level or stages. These stages are an enactment of the thirteen stages one has to pass through in order to achieve liberation or nirvana. While everyone considers this Stupa pious, there are debates on the origin of the relics. 

Some people consider it to be the remains of Kashyapa, whereas some believe the relic to be a piece of bone of Siddhartha Gautama. 

The base of the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal has 108 icons of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabh and there is also a ring of numerous prayer wheels that are set up in various groups of 4 or 5. These prayer wheels are spread in around 147 niches.

If you want to reach the uppermost accessible level of the plinth, you got to use the doorway that lies beside a small shrine of Devi Hariti, the respected goddess of Smallpox. The visiting times are between 5 am to 6 pm. During the months of the summer season, the visiting time is extended until 7 pm.

The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal. Our guide admits it to be a little challenging but adds that it is totally worth it. The Upper Mustang Trek takes you through the inscrutable cordons of the ancient kingdom of Lo. The trek is unscathed by the snow and shows you inconspicuous images of the ancient Buddhist culture and the Tibetan heritage. 

The Upper Mustang area is a bit obscure and challenging, and so only a daring few attempt this trek. If you want to experience an epiphany and be in an area of isolation, this is the perfect destination for you. Our guide would stay with you at all times so that you can get all the extra help that you need. And, always remember there is no safer mountaineering than one done with a Sherpa guide.

We at Tourpeer, bring to you the local tours and experiences offered by tour guides, artists, adventurers, and other local travel experts in and out of Nepal. We connect travelers with locals, worldwide.

The Dhaulagiri massif, its rainshadow, and infertile rugged lands make the Upper Mustang an epitome of adventure. The routes are beyond anticipation, and no matter how many treks you have been on or seen before, the Upper Mustang trek will certainly garner you with dimes and dozens of new experiences.

 During your trek, you'd see the transit covered with Batley fields and whitewashed houses with unflinching prayer flags instilling a sense of optimism in you. The Upper Mustang trek is tough, yet can be completed by any novice in good health. You don't need to have any formal mountaineering training for it. The maximum elevation in this trek is 3,800 meters at Lo Manthang.

The Upper Mustang trek begins from the area of the living Goddess, Kathmandu. Our guide will take you for a full day tour of Kathmandu before starting the trek the next day. 

You'd also be going through the lands of Pokhara which makes this trek a complete leafing of Nepali tourism. You will experience the most beautiful of all spots and also get a spectacular experience in climbing. In Ghani, our guide will take you to a very respected monastery and introduce you with the Buddhist spirituality and way of worship. 

In Tsarnag, you will come across the tales of the ardent Buddhist monk, Padmasambhava who is attributed to have founded the religion of Tibet. The longest and the ancient Mani wall is also present around here and our guide will narrate to you the accompanying legends and folklore.

 Other significant spots are the Nyphu Cave monastery and Chhusang where you can enjoy the local songs and indigenous apples.

If you're looking for an adventure which doesn't test all your spirits, if you're a newbie or if you're looking for a light trek, the Upper Mustang trek is the best-suited option for you.

Varanasi or Kashi is believed to be the heart and abode of Mahadev, Lord Shiva. Anyone looking for spirituality is aware of the threshold this place has in their lists. Once believed to be a graveyard, Kashi is considered to be the oldest inhabited city in the world and is believed that it will stay intact even after the end. 

We at Tourpeer, bring to you the local tours and experiences offered by tour guides, artists, adventurers, and other local travel experts in and out of Varanasi. We connect travelers with locals, worldwide. 

 Flowing by the city's veins and vessels in the pious river Ganga, adding more to its sanctity and holiness. Endless people in India shift to Varanasi towards the last days of their lives where they engage in spiritual activities and try to attain liberation.

With time, people of different communities settled in Varanasi and left a firm and intact imprint on the ethos and festivities of the life here. Numerous scholars and people of significance also thrived here. You can engross yourself in a number of activities here, here is a list of our favorites:

Go to see the Ghats and cheerful Ganga flowing amidst it.

The river Ganga is the soul of Varanasi, and hence has a number of ghats. All ghats are engaged in their own religious duties and procedures and you'd find people from all walks of life paying homage to these ghats. The Dashwamedha ghat is one of the most popular ghats in Varanasi along with Assi Ghat, Harishchandra Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and others. Each ghat has its own story and significance, which I'd let on our guides to introduce you with.

Ganga Aarti is carried out in almost all of these, and there are smaller and isolated ghats too if you want to enjoy a bit of solitude or want a special kind of ritual done separately for you.

Go for a boat ride along the Ganga.

Varanasi is like another name for Shiva as well as the river Ganga. It is also the ancient abode of sages and rishi munis. Everyone who loves Shiva has been here some time or the other. Varanasi begins its excursion from Ganga and ends back at the same chanting the name of Bholenath in between.

Taking a boat ride at Ganga is an exhilarating experience, it would give you an outline of people from all walks of life. It would enable you to see each and every aspect that the city of Varanasi beholds. You can also wait for and watch the magnificent Ganga Aarti done here. It is also one of the most populous cities in terms of foreign tourists in India.

Explore Varanasi's Jantar Mantar.

Jantar Mantar is one of the finest examples of ancient technology and astronomical skills. It is now proven that even during the times of Ramayana and Mahabharata in India, India was highly skilled and knowledgeable about the outer world and space. The stories are set according to various astronomical dates which have now been proven true. Staying garnered to its roots, the Jantar Mantar built by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Jaipur is an exemplary observatory.

Even though it was built around 1727 and 1734, the observations and calculations are still precise and the place is used even today. It can tell the time, altitude, the position of stars and eclipses accurately.

Take a historical ride at the Ramnagar Fort.

Ramnagar Fort is situated at a direct opposite to the Tulsi Ghat. It was built in 1750 by Raja Balwant Singh and is an elegant example of contemporary Mughal architecture. It is situated in the east bank of Ganga and the fort is still a palace to the royalty.

Certain parts have been converted into museums and are open for tourists, but the area where the current king resides is out of bounds for the commons.

Walk along the lanes of Buddhism at Sarnath.

The holy lands of Sarnath are situated at a fine distance of about 12-13 Km from Varanasi. Sarnath is the place where the journey of Gautam Buddha began in its true sense after his enlightenment. This is the very place where he gave his first teachings and sermons to the locals and the commons. The remnants of Sarnath invite hundreds of tourists from all over the world every day.

Even though the Turk invaders had tried to demolish the place, but it nevertheless sustained it and stands glorious till date. The Dharmekh Stupa and the Archaeological Museum of Sarnath are the best sites to visit and very informative as well. Our guide will ensure that you get to know the history of all these places with accurate details with common folklore.

Mulagandhakuti Vihara is the place where Buddha had spent his first monsoon while still in meditation. The Ashoka pillar, which is most probably the most famous structure here has interesting carvings and depictions. Sarnath also shelters six national temples of different Asian communities in its vicinity.

Allahabad is a modern city with drenched roots in the rivers trilogy of Ganga, Yamuna, and the hidden Saraswati as well as a glorious past which finds its mention in the ancient and pre-ancient texts. Allahabad has a very prominent role in the Hindu religion and lifestyle and is considered to be one of the places where the nectar had fallen. The Hindus hold Allahabad in high reverence as the creator of the Universe, Lord Brahma had pointed this place to be the ruler of all the religious places in the world.

As beautiful as it seems, Allahabad is highly appreciated by Muslims too and the Mughal emperor Akbar had named this place as Ilahabad, or the Garden of Allah. Most certainly, every religion finds some pious and respect worthy factor in this place. Even though the new name for this city has been changed to Prayagraj, the name Allahabad still finds itself present in the heart and memory of time. The name Prayagraj comes from the word Prayag, by which name the city was renowned before 1575. In ancient times it was a typical countryside housing various sages and hermits and had also been the site where Lord Rama had taken shelter while on his Vanvas. The tree beneath which Lord Rama, his wife Devi Sita and his brother Lakshman had taken shelter is still there in Allahabad and open for public sightings.

The streets of Allahabad show the myriads of both a well planned and a narrow ancient city, and due to the occurrence of Kumbh Mela, you'd see the buildings and walls decorated and painted with depictions of the Hindu culture. Allahabad also houses the park in which the great freedom fighter, Chandra Shekhar Azad had breathed his last and attained immortality fighting the British rule. With this, Allahabad is also the birthplace of many significant people of India including freedom fighters, prime ministers, actors, and others. 

We at Tourpeer, bring to you the local tours and experiences offered by tour guides, artists, adventurers, and other local travel experts in and out of Allahabad. We connect travelers with locals, worldwide. Let's have a look at five of our favorite historical places with their stories for you to know and explore more while on a visit:

Azad Park

Chandrasekhar Azad Park is my favorite place in Allahabad. It also goes by the name of Alfred Park and Company Bagh, which it was known as during the reign of the British. The park is spread over a sprawling area of 133 acres and also houses a model of the Mig 21.

The park gets its name as Azad park because of the freedom fighter Chandrashekhar Azad who had laid his life fighting against the company rule at this very place. The meaning of Azad is free, and Chandrashekhar had made a vow that no-one would be able to make him a slave in a country which was at that moment under the British control. As he was surrounded by the British troops all over in this park, and after a considerable duration of shootouts from both sides, he had shot himself and fulfilled his promise of living and dying free when he had a single bullet left.

And even in these tough moments, he had fought bravely and let his companion Sukhdev Raj get out of the park safely.

You can see his pistol in the Allahabad Museum which lies in the vicinity of the park.

Azad Park also houses the Victoria Memorial, the Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Madan Mohan Malviya stadium, Allahabad Museum, and the Thornhill Mayne Memorial. This park is visited by around 6,000 people from India and outside every day.

Akshay Vat

Akshay Vat has a very special position in the Hindu religion and belief system. It is believed to be present during the times when the whole world had flooded and even then, it had stood above the water. And with that, it is also believed that Lord Rama during his exile of fourteen years had rested for a whole under its shade with his wife and brother. The Jain Tirthankara Rishabha had also done his Tapasya under this Vat tree. There is also a temple surrounding this tree named as the Patalpuri temple. The tree is spread across a gigantic area, and as the fort is under the control of Indian Army with an artillery regiment being centered here, the rules here are a bit strict.

Photography is prohibited here, but you have access to clean and cold drinking water, sanitation facilities and refreshment shop nearby. During my visit, I also happened to meet a very friendly dog named Kaalo, and I found that the temple people treat animals in a much gentler manner than other places. I wasn't asked to wash hands or anything after playing with the dog as in other temples.

Triveni Sangam

The Triveni Sangam holds a very sacred position in the heart and minds of the Hindus. It is believed that once a man takes a bath in the Triveni Sangam, he attains liberation and gets freed from the cycle of birth and death. One's sins are also washed away, and so from the ancient times, a number of people have traveled from far and away to take a bath in the holy waters of Sangam. The place is a meeting point of three Rivers, the Ganga whose water is clear, the Yamuna whose water is green and the Saraswati which is an ancient river and is hidden. The Rig Veda has held Sangam in very high regards too and traces its connection with heaven.

Kumbh Mela is held here once every twelve years with recurring Ardh Kumbh in between. The ashes of many prominent national leaders have also been immersed here, including that of Mahatma Gandhi. The white sands all around the water body make you feel like you're standing in between a small beach overlooking the forts and treasures of past from a distance. Even though I'm more of a mountains lover when compared to water bodies, Sangam nevertheless has a mystical hold on you that will make you move nearer to the flowing waves. You can go for boating experience here.

P.S. feel free to contact us if you want to book a tour or know more about the city.

The Annapurnas hold the ranks of being one of the most prestigious and demanding as well as demanded mountains all over the world. 'Demanding' because they are ruthless and challenging, and often quoted as being tougher than the giant Everest itself. 'Demanded' because it is one of the most crowded trekking areas in the world.

There are overgenerous and lavish tents and huts, solitude as well as a crowd and extremely delicious and nurturing cuisine. The Annapurnas offer a range of climbs, from very easy to extremely difficult and based on the difficulty level, the crowd starts getting sparser.

So, no matter whether you're a crowd lover or someone who chooses to avoid it, the Annapurnas will get you something that you'd love.

The Annapurna circuit trek is one of our most loved treks and takes you circling through the Annapurna mountains.

We at Tourpeer, bring to you the local tours and experiences offered by tour guides, artists, adventurers, and other local travel experts in and out of Nepal. We connect travelers with locals, worldwide. And, the Annapurna Circuit trek is among our most popular listings.

Expect a lot of Annapurna lovers and enthusiasts on your 128-mile route.

When on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, expect a lot of Annapurna lovers and enthusiasts to be around you. Annapurna Circuit Trek is also the most popular trek in Nepal and is taken every year by a lot of amateurs as well as professionals.

Some people come to the Annapurna circuit trek, twice or even thrice, bringing in their friends, partners, and relatives to show them this snow-clad world of wonders and magic. Annapurnas also have a number of monasteries and temples, wildlife-rich areas and challenging canyons that make a variety of people love this trail for their own various reasons.

Some people get so much in love with the place that they keep searching for similar foods and places in their own countries when they can't travel to Nepal just to relive the moments. The lavish green rice fields will also accompany your journey and make your mind accommodate in the comfort of challenges prevailing here.

Expect surprises every day. Fall in love with the Himalayas just a little more at every next step.

The Annapurna circuit trek takes you through a 128-mile long circuit, and be sure that no new mile will leave you short of wonders. You'd be glazed by the sights and environmental attractions here, and the rigor that the scenes possess will make your heart skip a beat every now and then. The trek begins with a jungle which will make you pump out sweat like drizzle and then you'd be climbing the terraced agricultural fields. And just after that, you'll have to stroll through a narrow canyon that even keeps sunshine meager for you. And just after you meet the sunshine head on, you'll be wandering in pine forests. You'd see rhododendron woods, chirping birds and predators, scavengers and gregarious species and what not. After the tenth day of your trek, you'd be introduced to the mountains and then only these hilly and snowy rocks would be your closest companions. Annapurnas are named after the Goddess and are believed to be pious and abundant in everything that nature has to offer. Walk through glacial and dancing waters, the trembling bridges and talk your heart out to the fluttering flags. And even after everything, you'd feel that you have missed out on something and would want to go there again. Book your trip with Tourpeer and let us know if we're wrong!

Expect meeting people from all corners of the world.

Every year, the Annapurna Circuit Trek invites more than 50,000 people in its curves. You are likely to meet someone from every nook and corner from the world, the German, Indian, French, American, English, Swiss and so on. Also, the trail doesn't only consist strictly of the circuit trek, sometimes the Annapurna Circuit Trek routes confluence with that of other treks and peak climbing in the Annapurnas and so you can meet the trekkers from all sorts of treks. Annapurna Circuit Trek is a golden opportunity which would make you meet and know people from all spheres of life, everyone would have their own stories, their own journey, their own partners and their own vibes. Ensure that you soak in the maximum from all of them, as the more you open yourself to things, people and experiences, the more you'll mature. These mountains have witnessed hundreds and thousands of friendships and relationships being made and evolved here.

Expect world-class food cooked in the most nutritious manner.

The trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek in Nepal offer a great variety of foods including pizza, macaroni, and dumplings. But, what's the most delicious and wholesome food here is plain rice(chawal / bhat) and dal. Dal is a soup made up of pulses, spices and sometimes vegetables. Dal chawal is the staple food in Nepal and is rich in protein, carbohydrates, fat, and all other macronutrients. When it is sauteed up with pure ghee, it becomes amazingly delicious and fulfilling. Also, get to taste the local beverage Raksi, which is made up of fermented millet. You can also find Yak cheese at places and taste this delicious and healthy Nepali cheese.

Expect to dwell in the premises of history and religious relics that are extremely prominent to the followers.

You will come across the Muktinath during the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which is believed to be a fortune if you ever get a chance to visit the place. The place translates as the haven of liberation from the cycle of life and achieving Moksha. The Hindus believe that a man who has done pious and good works in his life can only get the chance to visit the place. The Annapurna circuit route is also a part of the ancient ages old trade route, which is still in vital functioning.

Expect to learn the ways to combat altitude sickness.

The Annapurnas circuit trek in Nepal will teach you a lot of things, the most innocuous of them is learning how to keep altitude sickness under check. You'll learn how to keep yourself properly hydrated, relaxed, balanced, in a healthy diet routine and managing stress and problems in hand. You'll also learn about the basic rules that you need to follow if you want to stay healthy in the elevated areas. You'll learn how to keep moving forward without catching a cold or letting the blues of the consistent climbing get in your head. The most important thing to do is to keep yourself hydrated always and to progress slowly but steadily. Slow and steady, after all, does win the race.

Hanoi, which is the cultural heart of Vietnam is one of our focused destinations at the moment. We intend to discover top ten things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam today.