Unique things you can purchase in Nepal

The beautiful country of Nepal has so much to offer from beautiful mountains to extremely rich culture. The colorful prayer flags, dramatic landscape, serene nature and friendly people, it is hard to detach yourself from loving Nepal. Here in Nepal, you’ll find all sorts of unique souvenirs to take back with you. Check out the guide of souvenirs for you splurge on your next trip.

Pashmina shawls

Pashmina shawls happen to be one of the most sought after products in Nepal. From water Pashmina to silk or cotton blends to 100% Pashmina, you'll find a large variety of such shawls in the markets of Nepal. These are extremely warm and soft, and perfect for gifting purpose. However, the prevalence of counterfeit goods and the rarity of fixed prices make it a challenge to find authentic items, so you need to have a sharp eye here.

Tibetan prayer flags

When traveling to Nepal you may notice colourful flags fluttering at important places around the country. These colourful flags are Tibetan prayer flags, or dar cho, intended to increase life, fortune, wealth and health of all sentient beings. With symbols, sacred texts and mantras etched onto them, they are believed to generate spiritual vibrations that are released when blown by the wind carried in the air as silent prayers. You can hang them in your garden to remind you of your trip. These prayer flags are easily available at tourist souvenir shops around Kathmandu.

Handicrafts

From miniature Hindu and Buddhist deities to life-sided carved wooden masks to terracotta puppets, handicrafts are in abundance in Nepal. These one-of-a-kind handmade crafts are intricately detailed and make for beautiful wall hangings and show pieces. Just don’t buy antique pieces, as it’s illegal to take them out of the country.

Statues and masks

The art and craft of Nepal are unique to the country. The beautiful cities of Kathmandu offers variety of statues of local Hindu and Buddhist devotees. The shops also offers wide variety of mask of various mythical creature. Some of these masks are actually worn during special occasions and celebrations. For example,  during traditional dances like Lakhe dance, or during religious mimicry. This may be a perfect thing to take if you love some nice piece of arts with a unique blend of antique culture.

Singing Bowls

For starters, this is not a utensil. It is a musical instrument, shaped like a bowl. A small wooden thick stick is provided with the bowl. When you strike the bowl with the stick, you will hear a shrill sound. Based on the intensity of striking, you can create a rhythmic music. The cost of the souvenir varies with the quality of the bowl. Some are made with metal and some with brass. The most decorated the bowl is, the most costlier it is. The vibration of the bowl is said to induce peace and reduce chronic problems in the body.

Spices

The Himalayan country of Nepal is famous for its unique spices and rare herbs. The fragrance of these distinctive herbs can be felt in every Nepalese kitchen. As you stroll around the local market and alleyways, you come across the pleasant aroma of fresh spices. The bazaars in Nepal is filled with multiple spices, some of which is unique to the country. You can also try out some of the famous Ayurvedic medicines (with consultation) or cosmetic items made in Nepal.

Read more: Discover the best traditional dishes in Nepal

Source Internet

The stunning destinations to visit in South Korea

Looking for a unique destination for your holiday? Why not visit South Korea, a vibrant and spectacular country, which is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination?

With ancient temples, trendy neighborhoods, tea plantations, and more than 3,000 offshore islands to explore, South Korea is the country you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Here are the most picturesque destinations in South Korea that are worth visiting if you are looking for a vacation full of culture, magic, and friendly people.

Andong

A very welcoming and friendly place, Andong is renowned for its delicious cuisine, so foodies will rejoice at all the local delicacies on offer.

Founded over 2000 years ago, Andong boasts many historical and cultural attractions and often markets itself as a spiritual center due to its many temples and local religious sites. One of the most interesting places to visit is the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, where you can learn all about the local traditions, culture, and history.

Jeju Island

This stunning island just 85km off the coast is one of the most beautiful places in South Korea. Having been voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, the pristine beauty of Jeju-do will take your breath away. Surreal white sand beaches surrounded by pine forests, volcanic craters and lava caves, beautiful botanical gardens and a rich culture are some of the high-points of this natural paradise.

Itaewon

With its colorful winding streets and alleys filled with bars, street art, cafes and restaurants and the area’s international vibe, eclectic Itaewon is a great neighborhood to base yourself or to spend time in on a visit to Seoul. Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997, and where you will find a high concentration of expats, giving the neighborhood its multicultural feel.

You can get almost any type of cuisine you are craving here, from Italian to Greek and everything in between, in particular among the rows of international restaurants right behind the Hamilton Hotel. Itaewon is also home to Antique Furniture Street filled with over 100 shops selling unique pieces of antique furniture and home décor items.

Suwon

Due to its proximity to Seoul, Suwon is a fantastic day trip option from the capital, although it often gets overlooked by travelers.

Now a major center for industry, the city is home to Samsung Electronics. Its busy streets are packed with bars, restaurants, and shops. The main reason that people visit Suwon is for the stunning 18th-century fortress of Hwaseong that lies at the heart of the city, its twisting walls and looming towers are lovely to explore.

See more: Enjoy the autumn cuisine in Korea

Pyeongchang

This is one of the best places in South Korea to experience tranquillity and awe-inspiring scenic beauty all around. Located in the Taebaek Mountains, this picturesque county 180 kms away from Seoul hosted the prestigious Winter Olympics in February 2018.

The Odaesan National Park is a hikers’ delight with trails going up the snow-peaked mountains, while the ski resorts Alpensia and Yongpyong are popular with skiers and snowboarders. The mountains are also home to many beautiful Buddhist shrines. This place is surely one of the best places to visit in South Korea during winters.

Namdaemun

This area is where to go to shop at Korea’s oldest and largest traditional market, also named Namdaemun. The market and the greater Namdaemun area are named after the large gate located nearby, which is one of eight majestic gates you will find in Seoul along the city’s Fortress Wall. The market itself is a twisting maze of stalls spread over several city blocks, making it fairly easy to get lost but that is half the fun. Take your time wandering the crowded tangle of stalls and shops, stopping to buy and browse among locals and sample some street food when you are hungry.

Source Internet

What to do when you are in Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Despite the fact that Cambodia attracts a lower number of tourists than its neighboring countries, Sihanoukville is popular for its natural beauty and untouched beaches. With plenty to see and do, Sihanoukville is one of the greatest cities to explore when in Cambodia.

Wat Leu Temple

Cambodia is known for its Buddhist Wats or temples. They are an absolute must-see when you visit the country. The temples are stylistically diverse, ranging from the green-tinged stone of Angkor Wat to the colorful pointed roofs of temples such as Wat Leu, which resembles a pagoda. Religiously significant and intriguing in its architecture, Wat Leu has several features to note, such as the three-headed carved white elephant, its gold decorations and a huge black statue of the Lord Buddha. This is an attraction representative of Cambodia’s rich spiritual culture.

Beaches

Sihanoukville earns its reputation as Cambodia’s premier seaside resort with an array of beaches to wonder along. The beaches boast white powdery sand, stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand and a calm atmosphere. A few of the famous beaches to explore include Otres, Ochheuteal and Serendipity, each of which has its own collection of beach bars for that necessary mid-afternoon cocktail.

Water Sports

Sihanoukville is an ideal location for a number of water sports activities and adventures, essential accomplishments for any beach holiday. Submerge yourself in the ocean and get a good view of the coral and sea creatures lurking in Sihanoukville’s depths on a scuba diving trip. If diving is too extreme, many places on the beach offer snorkeling trips, fun for having a flipper around. Other water sports activities include kayaking, windsurfing, and for a slightly higher price, you can practice kitesurfing. All of these activities make for a thrilling day by the sea.

Khmer Cooking Class

Learning how to make culinary Khmer specialties is an essential activity for any lover of Southeast Asian cuisine. With experienced chefs giving clear instructions, the use of authentic ingredients and the opportunity to take recipe cards home so that you can replicate the experience, a traditional Khmer cookery class is an original and rewarding way to spend the day. Among the range of dishes, visitors can learn to cook. A few that stand out are the Banana Flower Salad, Lok Lac, and Spring rolls.

Kbal Chhay Waterfall

Kbal Chhay Waterfall is seven kilometers away from the center of Sihanoukville. The trip in a tuk-tuk to get there is reasonably priced, so it is worth venturing out of the city to admire this serene natural spot. If you visit after the monsoon period the waterfall has a spectacularly strong flow. Surrounded by tall green trees this is the perfect environment for witnessing Cambodia’s tropical jungle-like geography.

Golden Lions Roundabout

Hard to miss yet not to be missed, the Golden Lion Roundabout is an iconic landmark in Sihanoukville. Comprised of a lion and lioness coated in yellowy gold paint sporting scary facial expressions and unrealistic proportions, the lions in the roundabout are prominent. A great pointer as to where you are located in Sihanoukville, the roundabout is surrounded by a number of restaurants and bars worthy of a visit.

Mini Golf

Perfect for a laid-back competition, mini golf is a great activity to partake in during a lazy day on the beach. You can find mini golf facilities at Queenco Palm Beach, Ream National Park, and Mollie Golf Mini Golf. Mollie Golf Mini Golf, located near the Ochheuteal beach, offers very good value for money. It costs between $1.50 and $3.50 to play 18 holes. Visitors can have some drinks at the golf course, and they also offer free entry to their gardens.

See more: Top cultural activities in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Source: Internet