It is a country whose other parts also offer their own distinctive culture and rich traditions, yet share nature’s abundance collectively. No matter what your expectations, Nepal will surprise you with its warm hospitality and the ocular feast of its mountains and plains, its serene hills and its untamed gushing rivers.
Nepal has a great many World Heritage Sites that speak of its glorious history, its ancient bazaars still bustling with people and vendors alike, its beautiful cafeterias and the sound of jazz from almost all of them. It also entertains your spirit of adventure and your curiosity on this journey deep into this intriguing and ancient land. As they say, there are a million reasons to visit Nepal. For now, let’s talk about five.
Adventure
Nepal is a land of enormous adventure opportunities. Across the length and breadth of the country, one is able to find numerous opportunities to undertake activities that not only activate adrenaline rush but also transcend one to the world of fearlessness and a sense of achievement. You can take up White Water Rafting, Bungy Jumping, Paragliding, Ultra Light Flight, just to name a few. Nepal has one of the highest Bungy jumping locations which has the ability to challenge your spirit of adventure. You can also embark upon Extreme Mountain Biking, Zip Lines, Trekking but the most important adventure in Nepal is, mountaineering. To climb any peak in the Nepal Himalayas is a mighty task. While the taller mountains in Nepal (including Everest) requires a very skilled and experienced climber, a novice mountaineer can climb small peaks and the activity is aptly titled “Peak Climbing” in travel itineraries.
Spirituality
Nepal is the birthplace of Buddhism and also home to spiritual Hinduism along with various folk religions like Shamanism. Many people visit Nepal not for the tourist attractions, but to rediscover their spiritual self. Yogis and Sages have visited Nepal for many centuries and it is only in the Himalayas that even the most revered Hindu sages meditate and find Nirvana. Ever since the song of Cat Stevens and Bob Seger talked of Kathmandu, spiritual calling has attracted a huge number of tourists from the world over. A visit to the various beautiful wooden temples, can provide a deeper insight into Nepal’s culture, and will certainly refresh your sense of spirituality.
Cultural Interactions
Although on the surface, every Nepali looks the same but within the framework of a Nepali society, there are various tribes which constitute the Nepali population and all of them have a distinctive culture and language. Sometimes a single tribe is further divided into sub-tribes with a different language and then that language is further divided into dialects. UNESCO lists a total of 71 different ethnic languages in Nepal. You can encounter the living style, religions, festivals, rituals, music and traditions of all these rich Tribes of Nepal that can be found nowhere else on earth.
Leisure
Nepal is often thought of as a backpacker destination with tiny hotel rooms or dormitories and weed smoking foreigners everywhere. That’s far from reality. Nepal is a destination where you can travel inexpensively as well as with all the luxury that any other country has to offer. The country has an amazing range of accommodations and travel vehicles, while you can also enjoy staying at a quiet home stay or just go camping. There are various luxury destinations in Nepal and if you are not seeking any adventure, it is a perfect place for a leisurely holiday. The weather is always moderate and a wonderful holiday in the shadow of the majestic Himalayas is always a treat!
History & Architecture
In the city of Kathmandu alone there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have got to do with the country’s rich history and architecture. The Newari temples of Nepal are a sight to behold. Nowhere in the world will you see such intricate wood work. Nepal is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. While the subcontinent has imbibed architectural influences from the world over, Nepal has always remained traditional and has had the influence of the various dynasties and civilizations that have flourished in the region. The, palaces, monasteries, traditional houses and temples in Nepal are often characterized by some of the most striking architectural designs and display the artistic prowess of the various communities of Nepal.
