Finally, I achieved a long-time dream by visiting Nepal, a country that had been high on my travel list for ages.
I was surprised to find that when I told people about my trip, they only associated Nepal with trekking and Mount Everest. However, Nepal is so much more than just the Himalayan Mountain ranges that many adventure seekers see as their ultimate challenge.
Himalayan Mountains Ranges
Nepal is a treasure trove of ancient traditions and rich culture. Kathmandu, historically known as Nepal Mandala, has long been the home of the Newar people. This region was once divided into three sister kingdoms: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, which were unified in the late 17th century. While travellers from neighbouring Asian countries of the Hindu and Buddhist faith often visit, it's rare to see Caucasian visitors, except for adventure enthusiasts aiming to reach the Everest base camp or the peak itself.
Boudhanath Stupa Kathmandu
Our small group of seven travellers often felt like the odd ones out. However, the lack of large tourist crowds allowed us to explore at our own pace and delve deeply into Kathmandu's religious monuments, including stupas, monasteries, temples, ancient palaces, and the tradition of the living goddess. We even had the incredible experience of meeting and receiving blessings from The Living Goddess Kumari of Patan. We witnessed the chariot procession through Patan, part of Nepal's longest-running pre-monsoon festival, a tradition believed to bring rain and prosperity.
Shopping at Boudha Stupa.Our trip wasn’t all about culture, we also sprinkled in some fun activities. We took a rickshaw ride through the backstreets of Thamel, a vibrant and visitor-friendly area known for its amazing nightlife. Here, you can find the 50th Best Club in the World (a nightclub), along with a variety of eateries, markets, and stores selling everything from jewellery and handicrafts to trekking gear.
MoMo - Famous Nepalese DumplingsNepal’s food scene is equally impressive. It blends Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian cuisines, featuring spices like turmeric, masala, ginger, garlic, and chilli for a burst of flavour. I have to say, Momos are the best food around—they're like Dim Sum dumplings, usually filled with chicken, buffalo, or vegetables, and can be steamed, fried, or served in a soup base with a creamy chilli tomato dipping sauce. As a special treat, our group was invited to a private home to learn how to make Momos. Now, I’m excited to replicate this delicacy at home.
Hands-on pottery lessonAnother highlight of our Kathmandu exploration was Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a former royal palace complex. The beautiful pagoda-style temples with intricately carved wooden structures showcase the incredible skills of the Newari people. Just a few alleyways away, we discovered a smaller pottery square, where we not only admired the potters’ skills but also got some hands-on training on the pottery wheel. Let’s just say, I have a long way to go to create a decent piece of pottery from a wheel.
Rhinocerous at Chitwan National Park.After thoroughly exploring Kathmandu, our next stop was Chitwan National Park, just a short 20-minute flight away. Staying in one of the many river lodges immersed us right in the heart of the park. A canoe ride down the river and a safari drive to spot fish-eating crocodiles, rhinos, various types of deer, sloth bears, and the elusive Bengal tiger is an absolute must. The sunset along the river, accompanied by drinks, is also an unforgettable experience. It almost feels like sitting along the river in the African Maasai Mara.
Bandipur Main StreetWhile an overland drive of 8 hours might not sound like fun to everyone, I can almost recount every pothole, but it turned out to be one of our best experiences, despite the rough roads. This journey led us to Bandipur, a hidden gem with a preserved old-world cultural atmosphere.
After another 3 hours of being shaken and rattled, we arrived in Pokhara, known as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit. It's worth waking up early to see the sunrise over the Annapurna Ranges (featured in the main image above), just magical! While many people start their treks from here, the town’s Lakeside district offers plenty of yoga centres and restaurants. It’s worth spending a few days here to relax and enjoy the wellness aspect of Pokhara and fit in a little shopping too.
In conclusion, Nepal is an amazing country to explore. While the adrenaline adventure experiences are incredible, it’s equally important to take some time to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of this beautiful country. Nepal offers a perfect blend of adventure and cultural discovery, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
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