While writing this blog post I am in Nepal and it’s my fourth time here. What’s so magical in this small landlocked country that despite my great passion for discovering new lands, I come back here so often? What are the main reasons why you should visit Nepal?
This time is a bit different for me as I am not a tourist anymore. I live here. My initial plan was to come for a 1-month trekking around Annapurna. However due to the coronavirus pandemic and closed borders I have been in Nepal for almost 8 months and I’m very glad for this life opportunity. What’s more interesting, I haven’t even left Nepal yet and I’m already planning my next trip.
Read this blog post to learn about 5 reasons why I love Nepal so much.
What's in this blog post?
#1. The magic of the Himalayas and the highest mountain in the world
The views are stunning!
The views are stunning!
The Himalayas are certainly the most obvious reason why thousands of tourists come to Nepal every year and why you should visit Nepal as well. The highest mountains in the world, sheltered by eternal magic, attract not only all mountain lovers, but also many thrill-seekers. Isn’t every traveler dreaming of seeing with his own eyes the highest mountain in the world? It definitely was for me!
Located on the border with China, proudly rising to 8,848 meters above sea level, Mt. Everest is visible from many places on the very popular and easily accessible route to the Everest Base Camp. Kala Patthar situated near the Everest Base Camp at 5,500m is undoubtedly the best spot for non-climbers to admire its massif from a close distance. Nevertheless, you don’t need to hike that high as you can see Mt. Everest characteristic peak also from a lower altitude (from around 3,500 meters).
There are fourteen mountain peaks standing taller than 8,000 meters on Earth popularly known as the “Crown of the Himalayas”. Eight of them are situated in Nepal: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Kangchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu. And if this is still not enough for you, 80% of Nepal’s entire territory is covered by amazing mountains with an average height of about 6,000 meters above sea level!
To sum up, if you dream about the highest mountains in the world, Nepal is the place to be.
#2. Mountains accessibility and hassle-free trekking experience
It’s easier than you think!
It’s easier than you think!
Not only the unique beauty and charm of the Himalayas, but also their accessibility due to the extremely extensive tourist infrastructure is a great reason why you should visit Nepal. Even though the Himalayas are the highest mountains in the world, trekking preparation in Nepal, compared for example to the Andes in South America, is much easier.
Above all, on the most popular routes, there are plenty of simple but comfortable guesthouses every few kilometers apart. In every village you will come across little shops where you can easily stock up on basic products, cosmetics and snacks. All basic human needs are easily met at high altitudes. While being practically “in the clouds” you will have the chance to try not only delicious local dishes, but also Nepalese versions of pizza, pasta and apple pies. The menus are extremely extensive. Not to mention you will be sleeping in a comfortable bed. The room will be cold though, so you don’t forget that you are in the mountains. Up to 4,000 meters above sea level, a hot shower is usually available. You will often be able to easily connect to the Internet. All in all, you can forget about carrying heavy camping equipment, tent or canned food.
In addition to hotel comfortable amenities, the amazing possibility of going to the mountains independently speaks in favor of trekking in Nepal. There is no obligation to hire an agency or a guide on most of the available trekking routes. All you need to do is to pack your backpack properly, do a thorough acclimatization and altitude sickness research as it is the main danger in high mountains, buy proper permits, which is not a problem at all, and set off for your adventure. Trekking on your own is affordable as during your trek, the accommodation and food daily expenses should oscillate around 2500 NPR (20-25 USD). Before my first Himalayan adventure, I was wondering whether a solo trek in the highest mountains in the world was a good idea. Would it be safe? I learned quickly that the Himalayan trails, if you are well – prepared are for everyone.
Moreover, trekking in the Himalayas does not pose any difficulties as nor technical skills neither special climbing equipment is required. Plus, it’s really hard to get lost! The paths, which are frequented not only by tons of trekkers, but also by herds of yaks and local porters, are well marked. Commercialization of the most popular Himalayan treks makes you rarely feel alone on the trail. This is very encouraging when you go on a solo trek for the first time. In case of any problem, at least on popular routes in the main trekking season, there will always be someone to give you help or advice. Last but not least, Nepal is a very safe country and the Nepalis are very friendly.
To put it short, if you dream about trekking in the highest mountains in the world, do not hesitate too long. It is easier than you think. The Himalayas are for everyone and they are waiting for you!
#3. Meeting the extraordinary people of Nepal
They will remind you what’s important in life
They will remind you what’s important in life
Another important reason why you should visit Nepal is because traveling here is easy even when you are a woman doing it alone. Nepalis respect your personal space. They do not stare at you and do not comment as it often happens in the other countries of the region. In addition, Nepal is a very safe country. To be honest, I have never heard of any acts of violence against foreigners in Nepal. What’s more, I have never felt uncomfortable while wandering alone in the Himalayas or in the streets of Thamel in Kathmandu. But it’s not only about convenience and safety.
There is something incredible about Nepal thanks to its people. Many people who travelled through Asia believe that the uniqueness of Nepal and its inhabitants is due to the country not being yet as saturated with tourism. Therefore, it is not as spoiled as other Asian countries are. Thus, Nepalis managed to keep their authenticity. They are often sincerely interested in your story and not only in your wallet content, as in many other tourist locations these days. In fact, they often just want to have a chat to learn more about you and what brings you to their beloved country. They speak about Nepal with great pride and listen to your stories without jealousy. In brief, their hospitality comes straight from the heart. In small family-run guesthouses, you’ll usually feel like a part of the family. Not like a tourist, who is just a temporary guest.
I won’t deny that Nepalis working in the tourism sector, hotels and restaurants, want to earn money. After all, tourism is one of the most important pillars of this poor country’s economy. Thus, foreign tourists bring money to the country. This is how the entire world works. However, I have this sensation that Nepalis do it in a less intrusive way than in other parts of the region.
What makes them different from the inhabitants of other Asian countries is that they still feel sincere joy not only from the financial profits coming from tourism, but also from the simple possibility of hosting foreign visitors in their country. Nepalese people are often uneducated, but extremely warm-hearted, modest, curious and happy people. While in Nepal, I have never encountered envy, inappropriate behaviour or the desire to show any superiority. What’s more, many of my little random conversations with local people will be remembered forever. Despite the lack of education and no opportunities for a “better life” or exploring the outside world, the Nepalis are known for their life wisdom, inner peace and simple joy of life. These are all the values that we – Westerners – have often lost somewhere along the way in our overcomplicated world.
So, don’t think too much why you should visit Nepal, just come and meet its extraordinary people to remind yourself what really matters in life.
#4. The best dumplings in the world?!
Nepalese Momo addiction guaranteed
Nepalese Momo addiction guaranteed
While traveling around the world, I have come to the conclusion that almost every country has its own version of dumplings, which often is my local favorite. Every time I come back to Poland, I eat pierogies immediately. The mere thought of Italian ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach makes my mouth water. As you can probably guess, Nepal has its own version of dumplings. There wouldn’t be anything particular about it, if not for the fact that this is probably my favorite version of dumplings in the world!Oh yes, things are getting pretty serious here.
Even if you don’t like the mountains, nepalese dumplings, which are gracefully called “momos”, are a reason good enough why you should visit Nepal. They are smaller than Polish dumplings, they more resemble raviolis. Their perfect size makes them great for one tasty bite, which makes eating momos so easy and enjoyable. The filling is usually made with meat (chicken or buffalo), vegetables (my favorite!) or potatoes and cheese. However, you can also come across delicious momos with spinach. If you are lucky you might be able to order dumplings filled with chocolate or bananas as well. The dough made of flour and water is usually very thin.
However, to tell the truth, there are really no set rules like in all aspects of life in Nepal. 🙂 Every momo you are going to eat will have a slightly different appearance and taste. That’s probably what makes them so attractive. No two momos are ever the same. As a result there is always a bit of risk involved with your order which makes life so exciting!
Momos’ shape and folding method vary immensely as well. Furthermore, there are also different modes of preparation. Steamed momos are perhaps the most popular. The taste of filling is never overpowered by the dough. This simplest version is my favourite. <3 Fried momos are usually widely available as well. Kothey momos – half steamed and half fried momos – are an interesting option, which remind me of Japanese gyozas. Momos served in aromatic soup (“jhol momos”) or in a very spicy sauce (“chilly momos”) are less popular but definitely not less tasty.
What’s the secret of good momos? The mix of Nepalese spices makes the filling taste very unique. While the very delicious, slightly spicy tomato-based sauce, always served with Nepalese dumplings, makes the momos experience so flavourful! Despite the large amount of work required in momos preparation, these little beauties are usually very cheap. The price of a portion of momos (10 dumplings usually) depending on the restaurant standard ranges from 1-3 USD on average. The story of Nepalese dumplings is shrouded in mystery. No one knows where they come from. Probably as almost everything they came from China… Besides Nepal, you will come across momos in Tibet, Bhutan and Northern India. Apart from Nepalese momos, I only tried the Tibetan version but they are very different.
In short, if you love food and enjoy eating dumplings, this is why you should visit Nepal! You will fall in love with momos.
#5. Unique Newari architecture and the all-knowing Buddha eyes
There is much more than the mountains
There is much more than the mountains
The first thought of Nepal that comes to people’s mind are the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Hardly anyone knows that not only the mountains, but also the unique Newari architecture and charming white stupas are great reasons why you should visit Nepal.
Newari architecture style, which can be admired only in Nepal, has been propagated by one of the many Nepalese ethnic groups living mainly in the Kathmandu Valley – the Newars. Striking red brick, carved wooden windows and multi-roofed pagodas are the Newari style hallmarks, which can be best seen in the old towns of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. I love the brick and wood combination. The simplicity of these 2 natural materials, contrasting with the intricately carved windows depicting various mythical creatures, gods or animals is very impressive.
In comparison to more modern Nepalese housing, often very colorful and even slightly kitsch to my taste, the old Newari architecture style is so elegant! Although Durbar Squares, which are the central parts of both Kathmandu and Bhaktapur old cities and the heart of Newari architecture, suffered extensively from the 2015 earthquake, they are still a great testimony to the Newar legacy. They are both inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to traditional brick houses, my heart was also stolen by the very characteristic stupas. They are an integral part of the Nepalese landscape and can be found both in cities (larger and more impressive) and in the mountains (smaller but charming). Stupas are Buddhist structures found throughout Asia. So why are those in Nepal so unique then? The unique character of the Nepalese stupas is made of few components: round shape, perfect proportions, snow-white domes and gilded towers. However it is the giant, colorful, omniscient Buddha eyes painted on each of the four sides of the stupa that make them so particular and fascinating, which is another reason why you should visit Nepal.
Boudhanath and Swayambhunath are two of the most beautiful stupas that you just must visit while in Kathmandu. The first one is my favourite. The Boudha Stupa is not only the largest stupa in Nepal, but also the Tibetan refugees major center.
Every time I visit it, it makes the same great impression on me. This happens not only because of its obvious aesthetic values but also by the unique and the very soothing atmosphere of the square around it. The Buddhist pilgrims immersed in prayers circling constantly the stupa, the omnipresent Tibetan colorful flags fluttering in the wind, the relaxing Zen music coming from little shops, the atmospheric restaurants located on the terraces surrounding the stupa. All of these create an extraordinary atmosphere in Boudhanath Square which is an unusual oasis of peace in the crazy capital of Nepal. I really believe that Newari architecture and Buddhist white stupas are good reasons to come to visit Nepal. It is an interesting travel destination not only for the mountain lovers but for all kinds of explorers.
As you probably understood I am totally in love with Nepal as this is where I feel inspired, happy, comfortable and safe at the same time. Firstly, trekking through the Himalayas is what truly brings me joy. However “doing nothing” in Nepal is one of my favourite activities as well. Secondly, I can eat momos every day and never get tired of it. Actually that’s what I did during the 7 months of lockdown. 🙂 Lastly, I feel part of the community that I belong to. I’ve tried to express what I feel and why you should visit Nepal in words but I’m not sure if it’s even possible.
In conclusion, there is something indescribable in the mountainous air or maybe rather in Nepalis warm hearts that, once you learn how to ignore all Third World country daily inconveniences, will make you keep coming back. Namaste.
