Even though HAPPY by Pharrell Williams released back in 2013, it is still creating waves! The folks of Dharan are FINALLY HAPPY!!! Though the HAPPY videos have come in plenty, I was eager to see the one from Dharan because of course, you know, it is my birth-town. Ahh. Dharan looks neat! Loving all the swimming pool, street-dancing, mountain biking shots! The active Dharanes 😉
What do you think?
PS. If you got time to kill then check out the HAPPY videos below. lol.
I know it has been a while but the post is here now.
My friend Gaumaya and I visited Rara Lake, the biggest lake in Nepal in late November 2014. I shall try my best to write as little as possible. We flew from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (regular flights) and from Nepalgunj to Talcha Airport (irregular flights – basically if you miss one flight or a flight doesn’t come, you’re screwed). From Talcha Airport the walk to Rara Lake is simple, straightforward and easy. It’s a three hour walk which is signposted well – basically follow the path. We still took one dai along with us, just in case. Around Talcha Airport there really isn’t much apart from few houses and few local shops that pretty much sell the same thing. Rara Lake only has one accommodation for visitors and that is the Danphe Guest House, next to the army camp. The room is around Nrs 700 per night, sleeps two people. Food is basic – daal bhat and kodo ko roti etc. Boating is allowed but you have to write a short letter of permission, buy tickets at Nrs 10 each and then hand it over to the army for their approval. It all depends on the mood of the army folks, sometimes apparently they take people for a longer boating session. Ours lasted maybe 15 minutes max – if you’re not Nepali then you cannot go boating due to insurance/safety, etc.
It would be better knowing someone who works in an airline company that flies to Talcha Airport or to have your return tickets confirmed, paid and ready. We had ours confirmed and paid but because of our own doing, we got there just a few minutes late and they sneakily let other people through instead of us. That basically led to us being stuck in Talcha Airport for three days which I tell you, is a very long time. I managed to read three books, ate tonnes of cooked wai wai and uncooked wai wai. NCELL is basically non-existent there. Few folks had motor biked up to Talcha Airport (there’s a fairly new road which connects Jumla to Talcha – no buses etc, just tractors sometimes) and their bikes weren’t in good condition.
Our wait for the airline to return to Nepalgunj really spoiled this trip. I would love to go back but after a really long time OR when I can charter my own helicopter and fly there and back. Rara Lake is beautiful, it is better than the photos and so much more than what I had thought of it. I didn’t feel like I was in Nepal. It’s a gem and I am so happy that we got to see it and experience it.
PS. When we went – the night and morning would get VERY COLD. Thank goodness I carried my own sleeping bag. We didn’t have enough time so we didn’t go to Murmatop, viewpoint from where you get a birds eye view of the lake. If I go in the future then I’d make sure I have a lot of free time and I’d probably go via Jumla, bus to Jumla then trek and maybe fly back from Jumla or something similar. ALSO – back in 2001 a helicopter carrying former Princess Prekshya Shah mysteriously crashed into the lake, ask the locals what happened, everyone has a different story and it’s not a favourite topic to talk about either.
COSTS
KTM – NEPALGUNJ FLIGHTS: NRS 11,000 Return NEPALGUNJ – TALCHA AIRPORT: NRS 9065 One way TALCHA AIRPORT – NEPALGUNJ: NRS 5000 One way LODGES: NRS 700 Per Night  RARA LAKE STATS MAX DEPTH: 160m SURFACE AREA: 10.2 km2 ALTITUDE: 2990 metres  PHONE PHOTOS
Former Miss UK Nepal Gaumaya Gurung is the face of Gurkha Jewellers UK! The petite beauty queen is looking ravishing. Hope she got to keep some of the gold aha 😉 The gold shop which is located in South Harrow, Ashford and Seria (Brunei) has been part of the British Gurkha Nepali community for long. If you’ would like to buy gold and silver right now then head over to BuyGolds.co.uk to make your purchase or just to see the rate of gold and silver.
If you’re familiar with the mountain biking scene in Nepal then you’ll probably have heard of Chris Keeling. Born to a British father and a Nepali mother, Keeling has been riding bikes from the early age of four. The fifteen year old recently came second at Showdown Dharan 2015 in the DH ELITE category. He’s also featured on GauravMan Sherchan’s most recent short-film titled Nepal Mountain Bike – Best Day of My Life. The choice of song for the video – good one there! Like always, GauravMan is consistent with the quality of the video. It makes a great viewing!
VIDEO DESCRIPTION
Filmed in the beautiful Lake city of POKHARA … a film by GauravMan (mail@gauravman.com)Â
Since the age of four Chris Keeling’s passion has been to ride his bikes. Now, aged 15 Chris, is the top downhill mountain biker in Nepal and a co-factory rider for Commencal. He is making a habit of winning races, taking first place in the Megakids Megavalanche race at Alpe d’Huez in 2013, the Nepal Downhill Mountain Bike Championship 2014, the Junior National Cross-Country Championship 2014, and the Palpa Urban Downhill race also in 2014.Â
His toughest race was taking part along with 1400 other competitors in the 2014 Megavalanche race in France. He finished third in the cadets (under-17) category and 247th overall after managing to overcome the snow and thick mud that defeated many older racers. He loves enduro riding and long distance downhill races and his dream is to one day compete in the Enduro World Series.Â
He has a British father and Nepali mother and hopes for changes in Nepal’s citizenship laws that will one day allow him to compete for Nepal.
Director / Camera – GauravMan SherchanÂ
Editor – Gambir RajkarnikarÂ
Music – Best Day of My Life (American Authors), Cover by Fast Forward MusicÂ
Trail Guide – Som champing Rai, Chamling Cycle Shop, PokharaÂ
Assistant – Dipak RayamajhiÂ
Driver – Surendra MallaÂ
A GauravMan Sherchan filmÂ
A Mokshya Production
Meet NAYAN NAZIN RAI from Darjeeling! Dubbed the first male belly dancer from the hill-town, Rai definitely serves his moves very well. The YouTube video which surfaced online in early January is by Arvind Raj Productions. Skip to around 5:00 to see his dance tribute to Shakira in the popular song Whenever Wherever! Pretty entertaining!
What do you think?
Just got this video sent in by Rajesh KC. It’s quite old, from September 2013 but it’s a fascinating initiative and the visual also features Nepal. That’s that! What do you think? Do you like the idea of everyone having access to internet or do you think it’s a bad move for privacy reasons etc?
VIDEO DESCRIPTION:
Our plan is to make basic internet services affordable, so everyone with a phone can join the knowledge economy. Mark Zuckerberg explains how we’ll do it.
Their cover photo reads “Imagine No Rubbish” and that is exactly what Team UNX has been busy doing – trying to get rid of the rubbish. A growing group of individuals gather every Saturday morning at various local hotposts of the city to clean, paint and give the landmark a fresh facelift. Many complain about the spitting, the paan, the rubbish along the overhead bridges or even the faded painting from yesteryears and whilst many remain complaining, Team UNX took on the mission to paint and clean an overhead bridge in Ratna Park! Their mission is for a cleaner Kathmandu and taking part only requires Nrs 50 per person.
If you complain about your city then go out and join Team UNX this Saturday morning! It’s social and it’s also a wonderful action to be part of for your city.
New York based Sumnina recently released her music video for AYI DEUNA and here it is for your viewing! The song which is very chilled out makes an easy listen. Yogen has produced the song and directed the video of Ayi Deuna.
Artist : Sumnima
Song : Ayi Deuna
Lyrics And Composed By : Sumnima
Recorded/ Enginered/ Mixed/ Mastered/ Keys : Diwas Gurung
Produced By : Yogen
Do you likey?
Twenty year old Miruna Magar is a familiar face within the growing Nepali community in the UK. The student of Sociology is currently on her third year at Bunel University in London. Miruna has slowly become a face of Nepali events ever since she first hosted the Miss UK Nepal show back in 2011. Since then, the twenty year old has gone on to host several events including The Show by The Signaturee.
Her recent visit to Nepal in the summer of 2014 came after six years. Miruna was part of the Childreach International project BIG BUILD Nepal. Accompanying international volunteers, the young MC was based in a small village near Sankhu to help build an early childhood development centre. Sharing about her experience, Miruna added “Even though I have lived in Nepal before, it was my first time living in a village and I got to do all sorts of tasks such as carrying bricks, levelling the playground (like baari khaneko), painting, breaking stones, etc. It was an eye opening experience and I felt a deeper connection with Nepal and it has made my desire to go back Nepal even stronger”.
Looking ahead, Miruna would like to gain as much knowledge as possible so she could one day use it to contribute back in Nepal in any possible way. She mentions that she definitely looks forward to hosting more events, performing and being involved in the media.
YouTuber AAYUSH RIMAL has over 9000 subscribers, 38,000+ Facebook followers and over 793,000 total YouTube views. The young Nepali YouTube star resides in Texas, USA. Aayush joined YouTube back in the summer of 2013 and since then there has been no stopping him as he uploads videos regularly talking about teen problems, Nepali things, girls, teachers to even social media updates by you! His videos are candid, straight to the point and pretty blunt! Whilst some might find it annoying, others will find it laugh-out-loud funny!
I just watched Girls Nowadays and Nepali Douchebags in FB and I found it hilarious! It was indeed laugh out loud funny! The thing is, what Aayush talks about – we all get it! Well I did. We all have that friend with some crazy “Kharayo ko Puchhar Harayo” Facebook name or who has “Tero bau le jagir diyeko cha ra” written on their job description on their profile. Rimal is very much IN with the young Nepali YouTube viewers and it’s no surprise why.
His latest video showcases a more calm side as he talks about Nepal Bandha!
PS. I really appreciate how he continues making videos and it’s under his own name! Branding right there 😉
Nepal Astronomical Society recently held a logo competition for the second National Astronomical Olympiad 2015. The winning logo is by Jensun Yonjan and I must say, it’s pretty creative! I really dig the outline of Nepal and the telescope looking into the sky. Yonjan shared ‘I am very thankful towards Nepal Astronomy Society (NASO) for selecting my design as the first winner. It is a great feeling to be part of NASO through my artwork. I hope this might help inspire other youths to be involved in NASO by giving their time for such logo competition, or even volunteer at the NASO Annual Olympiad. National Astronomy Olympiad Logo Competition is a great way to give a chance for emerging young designers to promote their work in Nepal. It also helps to spread word about NASO and their works for promoting astronomy in Nepal since 1980s.’ Jensun will be donating the cash prize to Maya Universe Academy in Tanahun. Maya Universe Academy is Nepal’s first free private boarding school. Don’t forget to visit the blog to know more about Nepal Astronomical Society!
Following closely behind was Shankar Rai and Raj Khadgi.
‘At the very first beginning when I was participating in this competition, I didn’t know whether I become winner? Apparently, my only intention was just to give you my creativity. But eventually it got me stand at second position which is not a small achievement either. If such platform are keep on giving to the youth like us, it doesn’t let our creativity and skill die.So, once again it is my great honor to be the second winner.May your effort always encourages youths’ – Shankar Rai, second position.
‘This is my great experience being part of this national level  logo competition. And achieving  third position is really a wonderful moment for me. This kind of competition plays an important role to encourage the growing youths to present their skills and creativity. I want to  thank Nepal Astronomy Society for acknowledging our creativity and hope for such kind of activities in near future also’ – Raj Khadgi, third position.
The winners took the cash prize Nrs 5000, Nrs 1000, Nrs 500 respectively along with certificates and a token of love.
Follow Lex on Twitter! Read More: Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO)
Gnarly and Green Wheels recently organised SHOWDOWN DHARAN 2015 – an all out mountain biking event in the bustling Eastern city. The event hosted two main races – Downhill and Cross-Country! From experienced to beginners, the few days long event saw participation from people of varying skills and included many international mountain bikers. The winners took home Nrs 40,000 followed by Nrs 20,000 and Nrs 10,000 on 12th of January, the final day of SHOWDOWN DHARAN. Over 70 mountain bikers took part in the sporting event.
DH ELITE
1st: Rajesh Magar (12min 36sec)
2nd: Chris Keeling (12min 59sec)
3rd: Shakar Yakthumba (13min 32sec)
XC ELITE
1st: Narayangopal Maharjan (1hr 37min 06sec)
2nd: Ajay Pandit Chettri (1hr 38min 39sec)
3rd: Roan Tamang (1hr 38min 43sec)
XC OPEN
1st: Hem Raj KC (39min 43sec)
2nd: Top Jung Rai (40min 45sec)
3rd: Anoj Parajuli (43min 47sec)
XC WOMEN
1st: Laxmi Magar (31min 50sec)
2nd: Nishma Shrestha (35min 37sec)
3rd: Saria Sato Bajracharya (43min 4sec)
XC JUNIOR
1st: Prachit Thapa Magar (27min 51sec)
2nd: Jigme Tenzin (27min 51sec)
3rd: Kiran Rai (27min 52sec)
Photos by: Anuj Adhikary, Sumit Shrestha and Jon Shrestha
Hungry for some Nepali food??
Head over to THAMEL for some delicious Nepali and Western food. The new bar and grill restaurant is located in Northolt/South Harrow. If you want to know all that they offer and the price – view the menu online – HERE. They even do aloo chatpatey! Now that’s a winner! I like the look of the restaurant. Can’t wait to check it out for myself.
Mon – Thurs: 13:00–23:00 Fri – Sun: 11:00–23:30 Bookings and Take Away: 02088641444 Directions: Close to Northolt Park Tube St (Circle line), South Harrow Tube St (Piccadilly line). Northolt Park Railway Station (National Rail Station)
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Read More:
Nepalese Tandoori in London
Good Friday at Wembley Tandoori
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Himalaya Restaurant – Nepali Food in Thailand
The Uglyz singer Sarun Tamrakar goes solo on the cover of WAVE magazine! In the photo snapped by Kewal Rai, Sarun sports a black and white look with shades and a nice looking watch. The headline plays with the readers as it reads “Going Separate Ways?” ooo! Could this mean? The break-up of The Uglyz? Hmm! Guess one will have to buy the magazine in February to really find out what is happening!
If you’re after goodies then you might be happy to know that you’ll get a condom with the magazine!
Follow Lex on Twitter! Read More: Sarun Tamrakar Turns 32 Twins? Sarun Tamrakar and Joe Jonas Sarun Tamrakar & Payal Shakya Interview!
Uma actress Reecha Sharma is currently on an official visit to Singapore and Indonesia as the Habitat for Humanity Youth Ambassador. The actress who’s known for taking up diverse roles has been involved with Habitat for Humanity since February 2014. As an ambassador, Reecha was involved in the construction of thirty-six homes in Chitwan in November 2014. Lower-income families and families without properties go through a selection process to secure a house built by the Habitat for Humanity team. Some families are owning properties after spending their entire lives in squatter settlements. The organisations mission for Nepal is to make 1 million houses in Nepal for families in need.
The next big Habitat for Humanity project will take place in late 2015. The upcoming phase will see the construction of 100 houses in Pokhara with former president of the United States Jimmy Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter in attendance. Over 1000 international volunteers are expected for the project that is taking place later this year.
The actress will next be seen in the films Ko Afno and Jange.
Photos from the Nepal Build – Nov 2014
The Kathmandu Post’s popular Friday supplement Movers&Shakers is quite hip and happening! It features diverse personalities from film stars, sports people, models to bloggers like me, countless events taking place around the city, gives fashion and make-up advice and also comes handy when you’re looking out for reviews! The latest issue of Movers&Shakers celebrates the first anniversary of the M&S YouTube channel. If you’re a regular viewer then you’ll probably know Oshin Sitaula by now. Finally the focus is on the charming host Oshin as she talks us through her initial days working with M&S. The pretty face also lands on the cover of this weeks M&S spread! She looks really nice!
Check out the video – of course, yours truly appears around 8:32! Skin game was looking next level bad hence the sunglasses (not tryna be all starry).
Follow Lex on Twitter! Read More: World Cup Fever on Movers & Shakers
Looking for some nice accessories and jewellery?
Look no further! Own a piece of irie i! The collection comprises of simple, elegant designed accessories/jewellery and the best thing is – they’re made in Nepal. Apart from the simplicity of irie i, the other beauty is the profit from the sales support Maya Universe Academy in Nepal. Maya is Nepal’s first free private boarding school. irie i products are currently priced between ￦16000~35000 won(Korean Currency) which equals to £9 – £21 GBP.
To own a piece of irie i then you can purchase online or get in touch through the irie i Facebook page!
You know when you’re watching one video on YouTube and that kind of becomes many videos and after few hours you’re like, WTH? How did that happen? Well that just happened right now. The good thing is, I came across this beautiful dance performance of Suna Vanana by Reading University Nepalese Society. The performance took place at the second Inter-Uni Nepalese Dance Competition last year. Apart from the choreography and the dancers, the SONG!!!! This particular version of Suna Vanana just took the whole performance a notch higher!
The duo have done amazing!
Popular Nepali film JERRYY will be screened in Aldershot and London by The Signaturee! The group has previously screened LOOT and KABADDI in various cities across the UK. JERRYY stars Anmol KC alongside sisters Anna Sharma and Amalia Sharma. Having won the hearts of the young people in Nepal, the film has managed to rack up quite the interest within the Nepali communities abroad as well. Not only does JERRYY showcase some stunning sceneries, good looking faces and an entertaining story but the soundtrack of JERRYY is also fresh and very youthful. Naren Limbu lends his voice for the upbeat track VANANA whilst Hercules Basnet does wonders with K Yo Maya Ho.
The Aldershot screening is taking place on February 21 at the Princes Hall from 4PM onwards whilst the London screening is confirmed for February 28 at the Leicester Square Theatre from 1PM onwards. Advance tickets for the Aldershot show is priced at £15 with door sales at £18! Make sure you get there on time to get the best seats in the screen! The beautiful Miruna Magar will be covering the London and Aldershot screening of JERRYY through ‘Flying Origami’.
For tickets or if you want to screen JERRYY near you, get in touch:
Dipesh – 07411189665 (Aldershot)
Sharmain – 07838422275 (Aldershot)
Nashib – 07853058371 (London)
Suman- 07838422275 (London)
Deepen – 07735636356 (London)
JERRY in Aldershot – Event Page
Follow Lex on Twitter! Read More: The JERRYY Experience! Naren Limbu Sings For Nepali Film JERRYY
If you’re a futsal freak then you’ll be delighted to know about the Open Futsal Tournament 2015 by 361 Degree Beyond. The upcoming tournament will be taking place at SKY GOALS FUTSAL CENTER in Bhat-Bhateni, Maharajgunj. The tournament is taking place on the 30th and 31st of January. It’s just round the corner so get in touch in the number displayed on the poster to secure your teams participation. The winner of the Open Futsal Tournament will take away Nrs 1 Lakhs 50 Thousand. The runner up team will take home Nrs 75,000. The entry fee is Nrs 10,000.
Good luck!
SKY GOALS : BHAT-BHATENI ROOFTOP
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