An independent kingdom, landlocked, yet encompassing a diverse yet unique country unified by its simple small population and extremely mild n docile population….this is Nepal for you in a nut-shell. But contradicting myself id like to tell you that kingdom cannot be summed up so easily without mentioning the gigantic mountain ranges, adrenaline driving adventure sports and mouth watering simple but unusual delicacies…
The period from September to November is the most ideal duration to do full justice to your visit. The climate is perfect as the winter breeze is just setting in and despite the cold mountain breeze the bright sun that blazes from between the mountain tips provides a warm blanket. This season also marks the most perfect time to get into your hiking attire and get set go on the mountainous slopes. The Khumbu or Everest areas are the most popular trekking areas. The steep mountain slopes also provide as a passage to gushing rivers that cut steep edges along the sloping sides and serve as an excellent base for adrenaline pumping rafting activities. Among the other must-do’s in Nepal you have Mountain Biking. This is one of the best modes to get in touch with their traditional and cultural roots. For all those who are not yet satisfies with the blood shooting activities watch out for some Bungee Jumping, Hot Air Ballooning, Bird Watching, Mountaineering and a lot more!!!
The safaris especially the one at the Royal Chitwan National Park must not be missed. The varied climate has made the place suitable to shelter endangered species like the one-horned rhino, Bengal tigers, Gharial crocodiles and also a unique blend of butterflies birds and insects amidst the flora and fauna. If you can’t get enough of it during the day you may be the forests guest for the night and camp in well placed self- equipped tents.
Besides these adventurous activities, this geographically assorted country also serves as an excellent pilgrimage destination. The Kathmandu Valley houses the famous Pashupatinath Temple (temple of Lord Shiva) and Swayambhu Stupa besides the others. Nepal is also the Gateway to the mythical abode of Lord Shiva- Kailasha Mansarovar.
Travelling and trekking and exploring did get our hunger pangs more forceful than usual but the place satiates the pangs with no hassle. Rice seems to be their staple food there accompanied by dal (lentil soup), chapattis, spiced vegetables and tsampa, a raw grain eaten by the hill residents, ground and mixed with milk, tea or water.The regional dishes include gurr, a Sherpa invention, a dish of raw potatoes, pounded with spices then grilled like pancakes on a hot, flat stone. Thukba a thick Tibetian soup and Tibetian dumplings, momos – fried, boiled or stuffed are the local specialities. For the non vege appetites pork chicken buffalo and goat is available but beef is prohibited. Jelabi, Laddus and mukhdals provide as excellent deserts.
Your thirst here is replenished by chiya, a tea brewed with milk sugar and spices. In the mountains it is salted with yak butter. This is apparently their national drink, one must give it a try…it is a REAL experience!!! For those whose thirst is not quenched by tea..well…CHANG, a beer made from barley millet rye or maize, potato alcohol called ARAK or wheat or rice spirit, RAKSI may do the needful!!! Good quality local rum, gin, Nepalese beer and vodka are available. The local whisky isn’t too great but imported brands are also available.
Well you’ve been roaming all day and have eaten a sumptuous meal at night and have also given your spirits a high so you guess its time to just plop off to bed and grab a good night’s rest…right??? Well go on…wait a bit…whats it you can hear???? Cheering? Clanking of money? The buzz is right round the corner…or may be it’s a CASINO!!! Well the nightlife out here is astoundingly different…gambling that forms a part of the tradition and culture of the country is the star attraction of the night. And besides where else will you get a chance to gamble so freely and that too so cheap!!! The night is young now, right!!!!
Many of you may still not enjoy the easy inflow and outflow of money…so what the country’s got another bargain for you!!! The cultural evenings consisting of folk dances, musical performances accompanied by the village gathering and various celebrations always offer an extremely entertaining and relaxed evening.
Money is never a big deal in this country. Their currency is the cheapest and the place extremely affordable. Wee obviously you have had a lovely time here and need to take back remembrances of this trip to sustain the flaour of the trip all your life…handicrafts including woodworks, metalworks, carpets, shawls, embroidery rice paper and the likes are an ideal souvenirs.
Nepal that was originally a part of Indian sub-continent is very accessible. Acquiring a Visa is not much of a trouble, in fact you may also be provided visas at entry point provided you have carried all the necessary documents!!!! So what are you waiting for..??? Get your other folks to read up some more and gear up coz this Autumn you are in for an elevating and pulsating experience…at NEPAL!!!