Kodari lies on the Nepal-China border. Besides being a place of stunning natural beauty, it has an exotic history going back to ancient times as the starting point of the trans- Himalayan caravan route, the Nepalese equivalent of silk road. Merchants bound for Lhasa would head north from Kodari and cross the Kuti pass before turning east to begin the perilous journey over the Tibetan plateau. This border village is still an important trading center between Tibet and Nepal. The 144 km Arniko Highway connecting Kathmandu with Kodari passes through magnificent river gorges and splendid mountain scenery.
Kodari lies on the Nepal-China border. Besides being a place of stunning natural beauty, it has an exotic history going back to ancient times as the starting point of the trans- Himalayan caravan route, the Nepalese equivalent of silk road. Merchants bound for Lhasa would head north from Kodari and cross the Kuti pass before turning east to begin the perilous journey over the Tibetan plateau. This border village is still an important trading center between Tibet and Nepal. The 144 km Arniko Highway connecting Kathmandu with Kodari passes through magnificent river gorges and splendid mountain scenery.
Arniko Highway to Tibet:
The Arniko Highway provides Nepal's overland link with Tibet and China. Beyond Barabise, the road is particularly vulnerable to landslides and sections are likely to be closed temporarily during the monsoon months (May - August). Even which the highway is open it's of limited use in breaking India's commercial stranglehold on Nepal, as it's still cheaper to ship Chinese goods via Kolkata (Calcutta) than to truk them through Tibet.
Barabise:
Strung out along the Arniko Highway, Barabise is the region's main bazaar town but there's no real season to visit except to change buses. If you get stuck overnight, there are several guest houses along the main road.
Borderlands Resort:
Tucked away in a bend of the Bhote Koshi RIver, 97km from Kathmandu, the Superb Borderlands Resort is one of Nepal's top adventure resorts. Adrenaline-charged activities include rafting, trekking and canyoning but you can also just kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet. The resort is centered on an attractive bar and dining area, surrounded by luxury thatch-roofed safari tents dotted around a lush tropical garden. Most people visit on a package that included activities, accommodation, meals and transport from Kathmnadu - drop in to the resort's Kathmandu office next to the Northfield Cafe in Thamel to discuss the options.
Last Resort:
Thrill - seekers also drop off the Kodari road quite literally - at the Last Resort. Set in a gorgeous spot on a ridge above the Bhote Koshi River, 12 km from the Tiberan border, the resort is reached by a vertiginous suspension bridge that acts as a launch pad for Nepal's only bungee jump. Accommodation at the resort is in comfortable standard (four person) or deluxe (two person) safari tents, set around a soaring stone - and - slate dining hall and bar. Most people visit on all-inclusive adventure packages as well as swinging from a giant elastic band, you can go rafting, trekking, mountain biking, canyoning, rock climbing, abseiling, rafting and kayaking. For less endorphin-motivated travellers, there are gas-heated showers, a plunge pool and a sauna and spa. Package rates include activities, accommodation, meals and transport to and from Kathmandu - drop in to the Kathmandu office near the Kathmandu Guest House.
Tatopani:
About 4 km downhill from the border, Tatopani is famous for its natural hot springs, hence the name - tato (hot) pani (water). The springs have been quite tastefully developed, with a riverside restaurant and clean concrete bathhouses for men and women with running hot showers. There is a small gompa on the southern edge of town and a large mani lhakhang (shrine with a prayer wheel) on the rocky bluff above the village.
No accomodation Available....
Just before the Friendship Bridge, the immigration office can provide you with a visa on arrival at the usual rates, but you should pay in US dollars and you'll need one photo. You can change cash and travellers cheques at the near by banks about 20m before the immigration office.
