Will Nepal be 2011's Gay Travel Hot Spot?

Nepal may just position itself as this year's travel hot spot, and not just because of its crazy 157-day hike on the Great Himalaya Trail that starts in February. It is vying to be a vacation destination for gay couples.
The country gave it a go in 2009 and became the first South Asian nation to decriminalize homosexuality. Since then, Nepal has okayed same-sex marriage and is seeking to ensure gay rights in the new constitution.

By allowing same-sex marriage, officials are hoping gay lovebirds will come out to say "I do" and honeymoon in the country. In fact, Nepal is now pushing Mount Everest as a place to tie the knot. Those would be some amazing wedding pictures.
Although the country is waving its rainbow-colored flag high, gay residents say they continue to face discrimination throughout the heavily Hindu population. So watch out. But the tourism board is hoping its initiatives will be enough incentive for gay travelers to visit the country. Tourism is Nepal's biggest source of income and it's been on the wane in recent years. Officials hope that gay newlyweds will help make up the difference.

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Bhaktapur Durbar Sqaure, Nepal

Bhaktapur is the third largest city in Kathmandu valley and was once the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom until the second half of the 15th century.

Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artwork.

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Swayambhu Nath Stupa

Swayambhunath temple is the most popular temple for the buddhist and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal which is on the top of a hill west of kathmandu. The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or "the self-existent".
This Buddhist temple is proudly situated on the top of a hill in the middle of the Valley. The unique architecture of Swayambhunath is one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Nepal. From here one can enjoy a spectacular views of the Kathmandu City. Legend says that long long time ago the valley was a lake and it was known as the serpent's lake. The Buddha Vipaswi came to the lake and threw a lotus plant saying, "when this plant brings forth a flower, then Swayambhu, the self existent one shall be revealed as a light."

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Chitwan National Park - Nepal

Established in 1973, the Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest National Park and wildlife reserve in Nepal. the Royal Chitwan National Park is located in the Tarai lowlands of South-Central Nepal. UNESCO designated the park as a World Heritage Site in the year 1984. The park covers an area of around 1000 square kilometers and supports a fragile ecosystem. It contains the Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains of Rapti, Reu, and Narayani Rivers in its circumference.
As far as the flora is concerned, nearly 70% of the Royal Chitwan National Park vegetation comprises Sal forest. The remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%) and Pines (5%). The grasslands have a diverse composition comprising more than 50 species. The Saccharin, popularly known as elephant grass, can reach as high as 8 meters in height. The park also supports a very vivid and distinct fauna. According to a conservative estimate by the UNESCO, the park has at least 43 species of mammals, over 450 species of birds, and more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles. Among animals, one-horned Rhinoceros, Tiger, and Crocodile are given special attention. It is estimated that the current population of the endangered one-horned Rhino is around 400. Apart from that, the park also has a sizeable population of Gaur, Wild Elephant, four-horned Antelope, Striped Hyena, Pangolin, Gangetic Dolphin, Monitor Lizard, Python, Chital, Hog, Deer, Barking Deer, Sloth Deer, Common Leopard, Palm Civet and Rhesus Monkeys. A few of the common birds seen are Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl, and different species of egrets, Herons, Kingfishers, Flycatchers and Woodpeckers.

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