3 Most Visited Places in Nepal and My Travel Experience
The first impressions of my long adventure to Nepal could not have been better. I had just completed customs and my heavy travels and emerged from the airport. As soon as I walked outside, I was greeted with a rush of air, a cool breeze, oh, how refreshing! I took a moment and reflected on how I must have looked so different, light and fresh, after having a little bit of earth and incense inhaled. The gentle breeze passing over my body, like soft air blowing off the Himalayas, was like no other. That was the moment I just knew and felt like I was going on the best adventure of my life!
Kathmandu
My travel began in Nepal’s heritage and cultural capital of Kathmandu. The sights and sounds of that bouncing, buzzing city soothed my spirits and put me in a cheerful, happy anticipation in motion. Each element was perfectly place, establishing its own rhythm that welcome me in Kathmandu, and said, “Let’s go explore!”
I started my travels in Kathmandu body and spirit with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa (more popularly known, for comedic relief, as the Monkey Temple). The winds were whipping, and the prayer flags were being vigorously waved. I was in a seemingly extreme level of inner being.
I was stir wake at Pashupatinath Temple by the holy chanting. And felt the resonance process across the Bagmati River and could feel the sound vibrations giving me an awesome chill to go up and down my spine. I also found all of my experiences during my time in Kathmandu to be stunning. Boudhanath Stupa was simply mesmerizing. And to watch the Monks spin prayer wheels in peaceful mindfulness changed time itself for each moment. I loved wandering the streets at night through the masses of bustling Thamel, particularly all of the light-dependent open performers, and tourists at the cafes bursting with excitement. The aroma of a range of authentic Nepali foods and chiya, all for you to enjoy while you wait!
Pokhara
The next day, I woke up even earlier, got going for Sarangkot to witness one of the most magical sunrises of my life. When I was standing there at the bottom of the hill, that was just as the first orange rays of sunlight touched the snow-capped peaks of the mountains. And I could feel the crisp air on my cheek; it was blissful. Standing in front of me now was the Annapurna range in all its grandness, which took my breath away.
I arrived at the World Peace Pagoda, a structure that sits on top of the hill. It stands with silence except for the wind and birds in the distance. I paraglided over the valley, and while hovering there in the air, I could feel the wind catch my shoulders and cheeks. All at once, I had the pure experience of it all. I was given the true feeling of freedom and flying like some eagle in the Himalayas.
Chitwan
Finally, I ascended to Chitwan, where I could revel in the lush jungle conditions and wild experiences. The moment I enter Chitwan National Park. I was envelop in the earthiness of wet grass. However, I felt like it sounded as though I was surrounded by birds, prompting a delay to their distant evening rest. As the jungle safari proceeded. I felt a brief warmth of breeze across my back and overlaying a stillness. To the thrill from the wildlife murmuring through the trees surrounding me
I had an incredibly amazing experience. A first and only experience. I felt very lucky to see a one-horned rhinoceros chomping away and a few endangered birds flying up into the trees. After this, I arrived back at the Tharu cultural village, where I had learned so much about their exotic culture. I think what will be the best memory for me is sitting on the banks of the Rapti River while the sun was setting. With a cool breeze on my skin, elephants bathing behind me. And the sun turning from orange to purple in the sky.
When I think back to my time in Nepal especially Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. I now realise it was pure magic for me. The temples of temples and their rich histories. The beautiful lakes and intriguing jungles were a magic and beauty I have never experienced in my life. Being amongst the cool winds coming down from the Himalayas, and the intangible flowing air, I felt on my body. The wonderful energy of this beautiful country is something that I will carry with me forever.
If you are considering going to Nepal, then make sure that you try to fit in these three most popular destinations. And I can guarantee that every moment, or should I say, every second will be poetry in the wind.