Nepal – Spiritual and Natural Breath of Fresh Air
My first trip to Nepal was as a tour leader, and the tour was an extension of a trip to India.
After arriving from the dusty plains and organised chaos of the city of Varanasi, stepping off the plane into the rather polluted city of Kathmandu wasn’t technically a breath of fresh air, but the feel of the country was.
The Nepalese border guards treated us with a courtesy not experienced in the Indian cities we had flown through. And, despite the country’s obvious problems with poverty and air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley, the locals seemed less stressed and more at ease with life than their larger neighbour to the south. Why was this I wondered?
The answer, I think, is perhaps in the country’s long history of independence and a national pride in the wealth of treasures it contains – both natural and cultural. But there is also another kind of wealth in Nepal and something deeply spiritual and undefinable which struck a chord, on my first visit, and on every visit thereafter.
So although I can describe some of the various elements which make a trip to Nepal special, you ultimately have to visit yourself to experience that ‘je ne sais quoi’
So what to expect in Nepal…
You should prepare for a poor country economically, but which is incredibly rich in heritage, scenery, air quality (outside of he smoggy Kathmandu Valley*). Although the country is far from wealthy in material terms, it has vast amounts of natural and aesthetic treasures, and its citizens are incredibly proud and welcoming.
See the blog on pollution in Kathmandu and Northern India
Spirituality is a part of everyday Life
Religion and belief are everywhere, from the ubiquitous prayer wheels, flags and stupas to personal village shrines, and the existence of Kumari or ‘living Goddesses’. For a westerner with few ingrained beliefs and even those shunted usually to an hour or so on a Sunday, it is refreshing to view beliefs being practised in such a casual manner on an everyday basis. The air of spirituality is infectious. The chanting and spinning of the prayer wheels is calming and meditative.
The food is healthy and delicious
From the day to day national dish of Dal Bhat, lentils and rice, often served with an assortment of pickles and vegetables, to the Newari dishes of Yomari and Newari Khaja, colourful Momo dumplings, and the Sherpa potato based stews. The Nepali food is fresh, healthy and great for sustaining you on your trekking and sightseeing (there’s a local saying “Dal bhat power, twenty-four hours.”! There are some fabulous restaurants specialising in different regional dishes in Kathmandu for those who are keen on exploring Nepalese cuisine, plus many Tibetan and Chinese restaurants due to the proximity of both.
The Scenery is Stupendous.
The tracks and trails, even in the foothills, are fabulous – running through traditional villages and farms – through lush rhododendron covered foothills and rushing mountain streams. The best way to explore the country is indeed on foot. With the word’s greatest mountain range as a backdrop around every corner. No need to follow the crowds as there are trails aplenty.
Unique Architecture and Artisan Work
The buildings and architecture is quite simply incredible and unique to Nepal – ornately carved wooden eaves, windows and shutters – artisan crafts are alive and well and the old city centres of Katmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are a fascinating mix of ancient and modern.
Wildlife
Chitwan National Park is the country’s main park with both tiger and rhino along with other wildlife. Although it is hard to view a tiger here, there is a chance, and the excitement of just being on safari in the park’s jungle is a big draw. The bird life is also wonderful.
My Favourite Nepalese Experiences:
- The dramatic clash of modern living and chaos, with the ancient otherworldly architecture and temples in the cities of Patan and Kathmandu.
- My first glimpse of the Himalayas and the snow peaked caps of the world’s tallest mountains.
- My first view of Everest.
- Trekking through villages, and terraces, and just clearing your head as you walk through landscapes so beautiful they take your breath away.
- The friendliness of the Nepali people.
- Walking around a Stupa and spinning the prayer wheels.
- Sharing a Dal Bhat with friends on a rooftop terrace.
- The thrill of hunting for tigers in Chitwan National Park.
- A boat ride on Phewa Lake and lakeside retreat in Pokhara.
- Finding a clearing overlooking the mountains and practising yoga and meditation at sunrise or sunset.
- A post-trek cocktail in the famous ‘Rumdoodle’ Cafe in Kathmandu.
