Intro to Nepal
Referred to by many as the “Land of the Gods,” Nepal has called travelers to its majestic peaks for decades. This tiny country, home to the world’s tallest mountain and the birthplace of the Buddha, is nestled within the heart of the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountain range. This makes it the perfect destination for avid trekkers looking for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge as well as those seeking a rich cultural (and often spiritual) adventure.
First Impressions
From the moment I stepped off the plane in Kathmandu, I knew immediately that I had entered a special place. The hustle and bustle of the capital city’s narrow streets, lined with colorful prayer flags, maroon-robed monks, and delicious smells wafting from what felt like every direction made me instantly giddy. Glimpses of the immense snowy peaks that lay in the distance added to my sense of excitement for what lay ahead as I began my journey through this incredible country.
The Himalayas & UNESCO Sites
Known primarily for its iconic peaks, Nepal is a paradise for mountain lovers. Whether it’s a lodge-to-lodge trek to Everest Base Camp or exploring the Annapurna range and nearby Chitwan National Park, the Florida-sized country has more bucket-list trips than many people can check off in a lifetime!
Alongside its stellar mountains, Nepal is also a cultural hub. You can visit seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites without even leaving Kathmandu! Among these, Swayambhunath Stupa, known to many visitors as the “Monkey Temple” due to its long-tailed inhabitants, who have lived there for centuries, is a must-see.
This impressive stupa clocks in at just under 2,600 years old, making it one of the oldest Buddhist monuments in Nepal. Legend has it that Swayambhunath sprang from a lotus flower, which bloomed in the middle of a lake, where the Kathmandu valley originated. And the best part, this amazing UNESCO site offers stunning panoramic views of Kathmandu, which you can enjoy while lighting a candle in remembrance of a loved one or spinning one of the many prayer wheels.
Durbar Square
Next on the UNESCO list is Durbar Square. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, this stunning complex, brimming with beautiful temples, museums, as well as numerous Hindu and Buddhist monuments, is the historic palace of the former Malla kings. Although the 2015 Gorkha earthquakes caused significant damage to many structures in Durbar Square, a multi-national restoration project has restored much of what had previously been off-limits to visitors.
Lumbini
The final two UNESCO World Heritage Sites that should be a part of every Nepalese adventure are Lumbini, home to Siddhartha Gautama (later known as the Buddha) and Chitwan National Park.
Lumbini is one of the holiest places in the world, and its remains contain important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centers dating back as early as the 3rd century BCE.
Chitwan National Park
Located in the grassy plains on the India-Nepal border, Chitwan was Nepal’s first national park. Established in 1973, the park is home to some of the last one-horned Asian rhinos on earth and the endangered Bengal tiger. In addition to land safaris, visitors can also board dugout canoes for a thrilling ride down the Rapti River, home to crocodiles and numerous bird species, including the giant hornbill.
Local People & Culture
Upon your return to civilization, a world of warmth and friendly smiles awaits you. Whether you are shopping amid the chaotic local markets of Kathmandu or sipping a steaming cup of milk tea in a mountain hut high up in the Himalayas, the people of Nepal are some of the most hospitable on the planet.
Taxi drivers, bellhops, and restaurant staff will almost always greet you with a smile, hands clasped in prayer followed by the word “Namaste.” In all my travels, this unique greeting (which translates to “I greet the god within you”) struck me as one of the most intimate, as I often felt an immediate connection with people who had been complete strangers just moments before.
Sherpas
And when it comes to mountain guides, the sherpas of Nepal are second to none! Extremely experienced, tough as nails, and almost always sporting a sheepish grin, this affable group of mountain-climbing wizards are an integral part of this magical country. Serving as the backbone of many hiking expeditions, Nepalese sherpas do everything from guiding climbers through challenging terrain to setting up deluxe glamping camps, which often include carrying heavy loads at extremely high altitude, all with a smile on their face.
Sherpas, many of whom practice Tibetan Buddhism, also have a deep connection to the mighty Himalayan mountains, which make up the majority of Nepal. Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mt. Everest, is considered a sacred landscape for local sherpas.
Consequently, before each trip, sherpas often perform a sacred ceremony to ask the mountain gods for safe passage. Ceremonies normally include a lama (or Tibetan Buddhist monk) chanting mantras, making offerings and burning incense and juniper branches. Those preparing to hike then place their equipment beside the platform to be blessed. The ritual typically ends with a ceremonial dance and the raising of a pole with prayer flags strung from it.
Hiking Highlights
When trying to describe my time hiking along the Annapurna Circuit to others, I am often lost for words. Just making it to the foothills of Nepal’s sacred Annapurna range was a dream come true. Following the seemingly never-ending ridgelines and valley paths to secluded hamlets, crossing suspension bridges with fluttering prayer flags, and inhaling the sweet scent of orchid trees and magnolias each day often brought tears to my eyes.
Final Thoughts & Reflections
While reflecting by the fire in one of my cozy mountain lodges, I was struck by how my time in Nepal was truly enlightening, as it illustrated a few (hard-earned) insights on how to be a better trekker.
Here are a couple helpful tips that I gleaned during my time in the Land of the Gods.
- Make sure to pack breathable hiking layers. Although nights and mornings in the mountains can be chilly, Nepal’s up and down terrain will quickly make you sweat. To avoid getting stiff and catching cold whenever you stop for a snack, pack breathable rain jackets and warmer, insulating layers (like down vests or snugger fitting thermals) so that you can add or subtract layers depending on whether you’re climbing or descending.
- Bring an insulated water bottle. One of my favorite parts about hiking in Nepal was constant access to sweet, milky tea. This black tea, made fresh every day by our sherpas, could be customized to each hiker’s specific tastes with a splash of milk and a spoonful (or three) of honey. A secret trick I learned from one of our local guides was to fill up my regular Nalgene with cold water and then fill my insulated water bottle with some of my delicious, hot elixir at the start of each day. That way, depending on whether I needed to warm up or cool down, I was covered!
Wildlife in the Mountains
My favorite thing to do while in hiking in Nepal (second only behind gazing at the eye-popping mountain vistas), was to look for wildlife. The black kite was one of my favorite animals that I crossed paths with. Similar to a falcon, these large birds of prey could often be seen gliding on the updrafts throughout the Annapurna region. I spent many an hour, camera in hand, resting my tired (but happy) legs while trying to snap the perfect shot of one of these beautiful creatures!
Eating in Nepal
If you only eat one thing during your time in Nepal, it should be momos (dumplings). Made of all-purpose flour and filled with either meat or vegetables, momos are served in batches of six to twelve and always served steaming hot. Inspired by Tibetan dumplings, this dish is a very popular Nepali street food and can be safely (and happily) enjoyed at most of the restaurants you will visit during your time in Nepal. Just remember that “buff” momos— the most popular variety— are indeed filled with buffalo!
Once in a Lifetime
As you consider your next grand mountain adventure, remember to put Nepal at the top of your list! This country, filled with wonderous mountains and even more wonderful people, is a perfect combination of awe-inspiring hiking, delicious food, and a plethora of incredible culture.
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