Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Who are the Gurkhas?

Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years, but who are these fearsome Nepalese fighters?


"It is better to die than be a coward" - Gurkha

WHO ARE THE GURKHAS?
Gurkhas are recruited from the hill people of Nepal who trace their roots right back to an 8th century Hindu warrior, Guru Gorakhnath.

They first encountered the British in the Gurkha War of 1814-1816, which ended not just in stalemate, but with an abiding sense of mutual respect and admiration between the two sides.

The Peace Treaty that ended the war enabled Gurkhas to serve under contract in the East India Company's army, for whom they first fought in the Pindaree War of 1817. Thus began Britain's relationship with Nepal, our 'oldest ally' in Asia.
Gurkhas fought on the British side in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and at the end of the war, Gurkhas became a part of the British Indian Army. In recognition of their service at Delhi, the 2nd Gurkha Rifles was awarded the Queen's Truncheon, a unique emblem which is believed to have magical powers. To this day, new recruits to The Royal Gurkha Rifles swear allegiance to the Crown and the Regiment on the Truncheon

From 1857 until 1947, the Gurkha regiments saw service in Burma, Afghanistan, the North-East and North-West Frontiers of India, Malta (The Russo-Turkish War 1877-78), Cyprus, Malaya, China (the Boxer rebellion of 1900), Tibet, and in various theatres of the First and Second World Wars. They have continued to serve in every major conflict since.

British officials in the 19th century declared the Gurkhas as a 'Martial Race', a term describing people thought to be 'naturally warlike and aggressive in battle' possessing qualities of courage, loyalty, self sufficiency, physical strength, resilience, orderliness, the ability to work hard for long periods of time, fighting tenacity and military strength.'

Today, Gurkhas are marked by their graciousness, loyalty and very great courage. As gentle and shy in daily life as they are fearless and tenacious in battle, they are a dignified people and ideal soldiers.

Gurkhas are famed for carrying a kukri. It is the national weapon of Nepal, but it is also used as a work tool in the Hills. Each Gurkha carries two kurkis, one for every day use and one for ceremonial purposes. The kurkri is the stuff of legends; the most common being the myth that whenever you draw the kukri from its sheath you must also draw blood. The kukri is accompanied by two tiny knives one for skinning and slicing, the other for sharpening the main blade.

Their famous war cry, "Ayo Gorkhali" translates as "The Gurkhas are here", their motto, 'Kaphar hunnu bhanda marnu ramro' means, 'It is better to die than to live like a coward.'


In times past, it was said that once a kukri was drawn in battle, it had to "taste blood" - if not, its owner had to cut himself before returning it to its sheath.


Where are the Gurkhas from?

The 3,500 Gurkhas in the British Army all originate from the hill-town region of Gorkha, one of the 75 districts of modern Nepal. But their name comes not from the place but is said to derive from an 8th century Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath. Legend has it that it was he who gave the Gurkhas the famous curved bladed knife, the kukri. The Gurkhas are mainly impoverished hill farmers.

How do they come to be in the British Army?

Almost 200 years ago troops in support of the British East India Company invaded Nepal. They suffered heavy casualties at the hands of the Gurkhas and signed a hasty peace deal and offered to pay the Gurkhas to join their army. A soldier of the 87th Foot wrote in his memoirs: "I never saw more steadiness or bravery exhibited in my life. Run they would not, and of death they seemed to have no fear, though their comrades were falling thick around them".

Some 200,000 Gurkhas then fought in the British Army in the First and Second World Wars - in France, Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine, Salonika and in the desert with Lawrence of Arabia and then across Europe and the Far East in World War II. They have since served in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Borneo, Cyprus, the Falklands, Sierra Leone, East Timor, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Do they serve only in British forces?

No. After the partition of India in 1947, an agreement between Nepal, India and Britain transferred four Gurkha regiments from the British to the Indian army. Its Gorkha Brigade (it changed the spelling) now has 120,000 Gurkhas in forty-six battalions. There are Gurkhas in the Malaysian army and the Singapore Police Force both bodies formed from ex-British Army Gurkhas.

How tough are they?

Around 28,000 Gurkha youths compete for just 200 places in the British Army each year. To qualify they must be able to do 75 bench jumps in one minute and 70 sit-ups in two minutes. Then they participate in the world's most arduous military selection test, the doko - running 5km up a steep track in the foothills of the Himalayas, carrying 25kg of rocks on their back, in less than 55 minutes. No wonder the Gurkhas are famed for their resilience, self-restraint and courage.

"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or he is a Gurkha."
Former Chief of staff of the Indian Army, Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw

Are they really outstandingly brave?

Their motto is "Better to die than be a coward". In the First World War, in which 20,000 of them were casualties, they won almost 2,000 awards for gallantry. At the Battle of Loos in 1915 a Gurkha battalion fought literally to the last man. At Gallipoli they were the first to arrive and the last to leave. Sir Ralph Turner MC who served with them then wrote an epitaph: "Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had a country more faithful friends than you". If there was a minute's silence for every one of the 23,000 Gurkha casualties from World War II, the nation would have to fall quiet for a full fortnight.

How many Gurkhas have won the Victoria Cross?

There have been twenty-six awards of this highest badge of courage made to members of the Gurkha regiments, half to Gurkhas and half to their British officers – more than to any other regiment.

Some of the acts of bravery were extraordinary, like that of Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun, now 87, who won the VC fighting the Japanese in the jungles of Burma. Only three of his section survived the onslaught from the enemy. When all his comrades were dead or wounded he snatched up a Bren gun and made a solitary charge across 30 yards of open ground to take a Japanese machine gun which he then used to give covering fire that save a large number of Britsih lives, including that of Major James Lumley, whose actress daughter Joanna is now one of the staunchest campaigners for the Gurkha cause.


10 Facts about Gurkhas and the VC

1. The elderly father of Rifleman Lachiman Gurung VC was carried for 11 days from Nepal to Delhi to see his son decorated by His Excellency the Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Lord Wavell.
2. Enough metal remains from the Sebastopol cannon for 85 new Victoria Crosses. The famous metal is locked at Central Ordnance Depot, Donnington.
3. Unlike any other award for gallantry the VC is not made in a die nor struck but cast exclusively by Hancocks and Co, London.
4. 12 medals are made at one time with remaining stock held by the MOD. Thus, there has never been a VC made for a specific individual.
5. According to regimental sources, no photographs existed of Rifleman Thaman Gurung when he was awarded the VC posthumously. His officers asked men with similar features to pose for artists. Sketching continued until the Rifleman's comrades agreed the portrait was an accurate representation.
6. HM, Queen Victoria replaced the original words 'For Bravery' on the cross with 'For Valour'. 'For Bravery,' she said, 'would lead to the inference that only those are deemed brave who have got the Cross".
7. Rifleman Kulbir Thapa VC had never been under fire until the battle where he was awarded his Victoria Cross
8. Measuring less than five foot, Rifleman Lachiman Gurung would fail today's army selection criteria.
9. VC holder, Rifleman Ganju Lama's real name was Gyamsto. While not an ethnic Gurkha, the war effort welcomed all willing men. With a stroke of a clerk's pen, his name at enlistment and subsequent entry on honour rolls is Ganju, not Gyamtso.
10. During the relief of Lucknow in 1857, a record 24 VCs were awarded in one day.

They are tough, they are brave, they are durable, they are amenable to discipline.”

Tony GouldHistorian

GURKHAS TODAY

Today, the Gurkhas remain an important part of the British Army. In more recent times, Gurkhas have served in the Falklands and Gulf Wars, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Peacekeeping missions have taken them to Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor and Sierra Leone.


They remain renowned for their loyalty, professionalism and bravery.
Becoming a Gurkha is a matter of great pride. Tens of thousands of young Nepalese men apply, but few are accepted. The rigorous selection procedure includes; English grammar and mathematics tests, initiative and medical assessments, a final interview, and not least, gruelling fitness tests, including a 'doko race', which involves carrying 75 pounds of stones whilst running up a steep 4.2 kilometre course.

Becoming a Gurkha is a matter of great pride. Tens of thousands of young Nepalese men apply, but few are accepted.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Buddha Jayanti - Nepal And Nature


Buddha Jayanti



Buddha's Birthday
Buddha Jayanti is the birth day of Lord Gautam Budhha. Budhha’s original name was Sidhartha Gautam. Siddhartha Gautam was born about 543 BC in Kapilvastu of Nepal (नेपाल).



Birth and birth place of Lord Buddha
Siddhartha was son of King Suddhodhan Gautam and queen Maya Devi. Buddha was born in garden of Sal trees (Shorea robusta), situated in the beautiful and peaceful Lumbini zone in Rupandehi district of Nepal.

UNESCO has listed Lumbini, Nepal as a world heritage site and birthplace of Gautama Buddha.

Buddha was born on full moon day, he achieved nirvana in the same day and left this world on the same day of Baishakh Sukla Purnima. This day is celebrated as Budhha Purnima all over the world.


Buddha means “Awakened One”. Gautam Buddha is also known as Shakyamuni























बुद्ध पुर्णिमा

When is Buddha Purnima


This year Buddha Purnima is on Baishak 31, 2071, which is May 14, 2014 in English calendar. This year Lord Buddha becomes 2556 years old.


Buddha left his physical body at the age of 80. There he attained “Pari Nirvana”. Nirvana is beyond life and death.


Life of Buddha

It is believed that immediately after his birth, Siddartha took seven steps towards the north and raising a finger in the air, indicating ‘he was the supreme of the world and that was his final birth’.


Siddhartha then was born near a pond in Lumbini Garden way to his grandfather’s house. He was given a bath at the pond in the Lumbini garden. The pond is known as Siddhartha Kunda. Kunda means a small pond in Sanskrit. Mayadevi’s idol was built at the very spot where Siddhartha was born. Maya Devi died seven days after giving birth to Siddartha Gautam.


Siddartha grew up to be a very good prince. He loved all living beings. He was married to Yasodhara at 16 and had a son Rahul. Until age of 29 Siddartha lived luxurious life of a Prince. He had all pleasures and comforts, a prince could have.

Read Full Story Here: (We All Nepali)

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Annapurna Circuit - [VOTED] Best Trekking place on Earth

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's classic treks. The Annapurna region was voted as one of the top 10 trekking places on earth. Hiking Annapurna will take you from hot lowland foothills, paddy fields and bamboo forests up through high-alpine scenery above the treeline and into a high altitude desert. This is real adventure on Nepal’s finest trekking circuit!


The classic 220-kilometer Annapurna Circuit has attracted thousands of trekkers over the 45-year time span since it was first opened in the late 1970′s . This slice of the world’s greatest mountain range, the Himalayas, belongs on any list of the great long-distance walks in the world.



The total length of the route varies between 160–230 km (100-145 mi), depending on where the motor transportation is used and where the trek is ended. The trek rises to an altitude of 5,400m on the Thorung La pass, touching the edge of the Tibetan plateau. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles the Annapurna massif, crossing Thorung La (5416m), the highest pass on this trek. Practically all trekkers hike the route counter clockwise, as then the daily altitude gain is slower and crossing the high Thorong La pass is easier and safer.

The mountain scenery, seen at close quarters includes the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV), Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna [7455m] and Tilicho Peak (7134m). Numerous peaks of 6000-8000m in elevation rise from the Annapurna range.



The trek begins at Besisahar or Bhulbhule in the Marshyangdi river valley and concludes in the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Besisahar can be reached after a seven hour drive from Kathmandu. The trail passes along paddy fields and into subtropical forests, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs, and various villages. Annapurna Circuit has often been voted as the best long distance trek in the world, as it combined, in its old full form, a wide variety of climate zones from tropics at 600 m asl to the arctic at 5416 m asl at the Thorong La pass and cultural variety from Hindu villages at the low foothills to the Tibetan culture of Manang Valley and lower Mustang.


Standard trek duration
The trek usually takes about 15–20 days, leaving from Kathmandu with a stopover in Pokhara before returning to the capital. The trail is moderate to fairly challenging and makes numerous river crossings over steel and wooden suspension bridges. Tea houses and lodges along the circuit are available for meals and accommodations. Some groups may opt for tents but these are typically only for those destined for side trips away from lodges such as climbing a peak.


Outline Itinerary

Day 1 - From Kathmandu, travel west to Besisahar[820m] via private vehicle or public bus, taking six to seven hours.

Day 2 - Trek to Khudi [790m]

Day 3 - Trek to Bahundanda [1310m]

Day 4 - Trek to Jagat [1290m]

Day 5 - Trek to Dharapani [1920m]

Day 6 - Trek to Chame [2630m]

Day 7 - Trek to Upper/Lower Pisang [3190m]

Day 8 - Trek to Manang [3520m]

Day 9 - Rest day in Manang [3520m]

Day 10 - Trek to Letdar [4250m]

Day 11 - Trek to Thorung Phedi [4500m]

Day 12 - Trek to Muktinath [3800m], crossing the Thorung La en route

Day 13 - Trek to Marpha [2665m]

Day 14 - Trek to Lete [2470m] (now often with car)

Day 15 - Trek to Tatopani [1160m] (now often with car, day 14)

Day 16 - Trek to Ghorepani [2775m]

Day 17 - Trek to Birethanti [1050m] and travel to Pokhara

Day 18 - Return to Kathmandu [1400m]

Depending on the speed of the trekkers, number and length of side trips and rest days taken, acclimatization, weather and where the trek is finished, hiking the Annapurna Circuit can take anything from 8 to 25 days. Many trekkers short on time choose to fly out form Jomsom airfield, which shortens the trek 6 days compared to the original AC.

It is also possible to continue from Ghorepani to Tadapani, Ghandruk, Landruk and then to Phedi, which follows the old Annapurna Circuit from the time when the road was not yet extended to Beni. This more faithful variation takes three days instead the shorter 1 day exit from Ghorepani to Pokhara outlined above. A popular addition to the AC is a visit to Annapurna Base Camp, ABC, (not to be confused with the Annapurna Sanctuary). This trail turns to the north from Tadapani and rejoins the old AC at either Ghandruk or Landruk. A visit to the ABC adds about 5 days to the duration of the Annapurna Circuit, slightly less than the normal trek duration to ABC, as trekkers coming from the AC are already acclimatized and "trail hardened".

It is recommended that trekkers take the high trail from Pisang via Ghyaru and Ngawal to Manang, as the views are spectacular and those two villages are the best preserved samples of Tibetan style villages still in the original state along the route. Sleeping in either of these villages helps acclimatization, as they are located already higher than Manang. Another side trip gaining popularity is the visit to Tilicho Tal (lake). There are now lodges along the trail and near the lake at so called Tilicho Base Camp, so tents are not needed anymore. If one wishes to cross to Jomsom via the Tilicho route, at least one tent camp is required and snow conditions might prevent the crossing or make it dangerous.





Thursday, May 1, 2014

Nepal's Uniqueness - Fun and Interesting Facts about Nepal

Nepal is the country where Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located. Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. The world heritage site Lumbini, birthplace of Gautama Buddha, is located in southern Nepal, and there are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country.






Fun & Interesting Facts About Nepal


The birthplace of Lord Buddha.
-Lumbini, Nepal

The only national flag in the world that is not quadrilateral in shape.
-Flag of Nepal

Eight of the highest peaks of the world are situated in Nepal.
-Mount Everest
-Kangchenjunga
-Lhotse
-Makalu
-Cho Oyu
-Dhaulagiri I
-Manaslu
-Annapurna I


The highest peak in the world.
-Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Nepal

Nepal is home to over 180 species of mammals and 800 species of birds.


Bird only found in Nepal.
-The Spiny Babbler


Lizards found only in Nepal include Sitana fusca.

Initially, Kathmandu was known as Kantipur, meaning City of Glory
Nepal has the highest concentration of World Heritage Sites, with the Kathmandu Valley alone having 7 World Heritage Sites in one place.


The highest lake on earth.
-Tilicho lake (4800m), Nepal

The deepest lake of 145m at the height of 3600m.
-Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal

The highest valley on Earth.
-The Arun valley, Nepal


Lowest point of the World.
-Kanchan Kalan at 230 feet (70 m), Nepal


Temple in the highest altitude.
-Mukthinath, Nepal

Hotel in the highest place in the World.
-Everest View, Nepal

World deep Gorge
The wider Kali Gandaki Gorge in Midwest Nepal is 21,000 feet deep and 95,040 feet wide

The Annapurna region in Nepal was voted as one of the top 10 trekking places on earth.


Nepal is the only country with altitudinal variation that ranges from 70 meters to 8848 meters.

In Nepal, touching anything with your feet is considered as an offence. They hold both of their palm and bow down and say ‘Namaste’. Mythically this means that they salute the god living inside the soul.

Countries like India and China who surround Nepal were ruled by foreign powers in the history but no power could suppress Nepalese and the will of legendary Gurkhas in taking over Nepal.

Nepal is one of the oldest Civilizations on earth. - The Kirat

Nepal is abode of God Lord Shiva.

Nepal is the Second richest Country in the World in water.

Nepal Goddess Kumari is the only living Goddess in the world.

Nepal is the Mother Land of Goddess Sita.




Not only this the cultural, climate, natural variation makes the country a different wonderland in the planet.