Stepping out of Tribhuvan International Airport in Nepal, we got into the battered rusting taxi filled with anticipation. What was this country,
that had been so high on our list of places to visit for so long, going to offer me? Had we built it up too much? Been so sure that we'd love it
that we were going to be disappointed?
The Bollywood music was blaring, and our driver put his hand on the horn, not letting go for the entire journey. We weaved in and out of
other similarly battered taxis, tempos, motorbikes, buses, children, goats, women holding impossible loads on their head, chickens,
Tibetans counting their prayer beads, whizzing past Maoist graffiti, past the stench of the river, through the petrol fumes, up steep hills
and through dusty streets too small for two way traffic. All at full speed.
Twenty minutes later and we were getting out of the taxi with quivering knees, hearts pounding with massive smiles across our faces.
Kathmandu, love at first sight.
Many visitors to Nepal head there for the world class trekking but the country has so much more to offer. The Kathmandu Valley is jam
packed with people and incredible Newari architecture displayed in the Durbar Squares. It is especially good for becoming acquainted with
Tibetan culture as you walk around the enormous pagodas spinning the prayer wheels.
Head out of the Valley to Pokhara along the terrifying mountain road and you will be rewarded with views that will take your breath away as
you take in the wonders of the Annapurna Range. Pokhara also offers opportunities for paragliding, an exhilarating and, paradoxically, calming
way to marvel at the incredible topography of the land.
Another hair raising bus journey later and you can get to Chitwan National Park and embark on an variety of different safaris, either on foot,
by jeep or even better, on elephant back. Look carefully and you may just be lucky enough to spot wild one horned Rhino and for those lucky
few, maybe even a tiger!
Nepal is a small friendly country with a lot of soul that offers so much to those willing to explore it. One could easily stay for two months and
be busy every day.
Without a doubt we will be back there soon. We've not yet had a fill of this deliciously culture rich country.
that had been so high on our list of places to visit for so long, going to offer me? Had we built it up too much? Been so sure that we'd love it
that we were going to be disappointed?
The Bollywood music was blaring, and our driver put his hand on the horn, not letting go for the entire journey. We weaved in and out of
other similarly battered taxis, tempos, motorbikes, buses, children, goats, women holding impossible loads on their head, chickens,
Tibetans counting their prayer beads, whizzing past Maoist graffiti, past the stench of the river, through the petrol fumes, up steep hills
and through dusty streets too small for two way traffic. All at full speed.
Twenty minutes later and we were getting out of the taxi with quivering knees, hearts pounding with massive smiles across our faces.
Kathmandu, love at first sight.
Many visitors to Nepal head there for the world class trekking but the country has so much more to offer. The Kathmandu Valley is jam
packed with people and incredible Newari architecture displayed in the Durbar Squares. It is especially good for becoming acquainted with
Tibetan culture as you walk around the enormous pagodas spinning the prayer wheels.
Head out of the Valley to Pokhara along the terrifying mountain road and you will be rewarded with views that will take your breath away as
you take in the wonders of the Annapurna Range. Pokhara also offers opportunities for paragliding, an exhilarating and, paradoxically, calming
way to marvel at the incredible topography of the land.
Another hair raising bus journey later and you can get to Chitwan National Park and embark on an variety of different safaris, either on foot,
by jeep or even better, on elephant back. Look carefully and you may just be lucky enough to spot wild one horned Rhino and for those lucky
few, maybe even a tiger!
Nepal is a small friendly country with a lot of soul that offers so much to those willing to explore it. One could easily stay for two months and
be busy every day.
Without a doubt we will be back there soon. We've not yet had a fill of this deliciously culture rich country.
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