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. "'**"d ..... � . ......". ... Caw.JIIII.'11 II,.\II,IOIႀ"� �.·II II. TREKKING PERMႀ䊉 TId.bႀ䊉 JIIIIII* H&t.ႀ .... .....,: Logistics Nepal is a monarchy that was closed to foreigners until the signs of a growing tourist economy dot the landscape in and around Kathmandu. The influence of the 1970s hippie invasion is seen in the cake and pie shops, gear markets and bookstores filled with dog eared copies of foreign lang books. April to May is the best time to see the wildlife and blooming rhododendrons. In October and November the hazy heat of summer has been driven off by monsoon rains. The views and the temperatures are crisp. A valid passport and visa are needed for entry-15- to 60-day visas cost US$1 per day. Save time in line at the Kathmandu airport by obtaining a visa through th consulate in your home country. (In New York: Consulate of Nepal, 21 4188.) Flights from the US depart from the East and West coasts. They connect i Europe and Asia respectively. Major carriers that serve Kathmandu: Thai I (800-426-5204). Singapore Airlines (800-742-3333). Aeroflot (888-340-6400) an Pakistan International Airlines (800-221-2552). Flights from Asia: Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong have frequent departu to Kathmandu. In India, New Delhi and Calcutta have almost daily service. Trekking permits are required for roadless travel. They cost US$5 per week Central Immigration, located just outside the tourist district of Thamel Kathmandu. Transporting your bike: When flying within the US, domestic carriers charge up to US$90 to transport bikes. Properly boxed, a mountain bike is no more awkward than a quiver of skis yet airlines continue to charge extra. It's best to check bikes in at the curbside counter. If queried about the contents, just say it's a piece of exercise equipment-no fuss, no charge. On international flights, as long as you are not over your weight limit. your bike is included in your checked baggage allowance. I saw three bikes come off the plane in Kathmandu. One was well protected in a US$200 ABS plastic case; another in a heavily taped cardboard box. Bike tip: The Spinergy wheel set is well suited for biking in Nepal. It absorbs bumpy terrain and takes big hits without going out of alignment. the trail without the weight penalty of a suspension device. Buddhist Primer Many visitors to Nepal are surprised to learn that the country is nr;; .... ,,.;lvll Hil�dIJ-·becaIJse Buddha was born in Nepal about 560BC in the village There are two major schools of Buddhism. The Mahayana ("large holds that individuals who have the capacity to attain nirvana lightenment) can wait as Bodhisattvas and help others on their spiritual path. Hinayana ("small vehicle"). on the other hand, holds that the path to nirvana an individual pursuit. The Himalayas are filled with Buddhist symbols. One of the Ice,mlmeln are chorten. These sculptures serve as receptacles for .. Inftpr·in{.� and the design is symbolic for Buddhists. When passing a "nnnrf'nLi • 'I.non ..... Outdoor Hemp Products