I Love Exploration But Can’t Walk!
What activities can one do while visiting Nepal? When one thinks of Nepal, most people think of tough, long trekking paths with a pack and walking for a few days to reach snow-capped peaks. I pictured that too. For many years, my belief was that Nepal was a home for those with trekking, climbing, and stamina, and unwillingly, that ruled Nepal out as a possible journey. The concern to travel to a place so closely associated with trekking was genuine; if walking simply wasn’t going to happen for me, could I really experience a country steeped in trekking?
I learned the answer to that question is a definite yes! Nepal is not simply a land for trekkers; it is a land for all types of explorers. From the full cultural immersion of ancient squares in Kathmandu, to epic hill drives, to quiet afternoons at Pokhara lakeside, to exhilarating flights over the mountains. I learned you do not have to walk for miles to experience the magic of Nepal.
Although this is my own experience, it reflects guidance for anyone who enjoys adventures but has some difficulty walking. Nepal has a special place for you, too!
Kathmandu: A Place to Experience; No Trekking Allowed.
When I first went to Kathmandu, I was nervous; I was just worried whether I would feel excluded. My concern evaporated within just minutes of arriving in the city. Besides, you don’t even need trekking boots (or even hiking shoes) when you explore the city. The city walks you into your experience of the city. It’s a virtually living museum.
For instance, when I stepped into Patan Durbar Square, I just knew I was having the ultimate experience of Nepal utmost experience. No trekking experience, not even too much walking!. I will admit, even sitting at my local quiet cafe (one looking straight across from the temple) was plenty of experience. I observed the quotidian tapestry of lively events happening around me. Monks in maroon robes walked past me, shopkeepers positioned brass deities, and children chased pigeons. Every nook and cranny became active with its own experience.
I experienced a similar situation in Bhaktapur Durbar Square, with red-brick temples standing in rows on the square that felt much like sentinels keeping the record of time. Rickshaws and taxis diluted the burden of visiting the historic sites, and the natives were always quick to provide assistance, even when walking through narrow paths. It did not take me long to figure out in Kathmandu: distance is not the true measure of exploration, but connection.
Scenic Drives: Roads that Replace Hiking
In Nepal, roads in their own right are a type of adventure. One day, I took a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Nagarkot and began a trip throughout the hills, passing terraced fields and small villages unknowingly, and out of nowhere, saw the snowcapped Himalayas on the far distant skyline like a painting spread across the sky. I did not hike, although I saw the sunrise that I knew thousands of trekkers dream of seeing.
On another route, I drove to Dhulikhel, where the locations for temples are on rounds of small hills, and while being there, all I did was stand and look. Standing (or sitting) while looking is just as peaceful as uninterrupted gazing over the mountainous plains without minimal energy exertion from hiking. The joy of Nepal is that so many places that are remarkably picturesque can be reached by vehicle.
In Pokhara, the drives further captivated me: the roads curve around Phewa Lake, then curve up towards the World Peace pagoda, all the while never losing sight of Machapuchare, the sacred “Fishtail” mountain. When in Pokhara, a taxi ride is in itself a mini-adventure, with the curves of the road constructing new scenes from nature.
Mountain Flights: My Everest Without Trekking.
The highlight of the entire trip for me was seeing Everest. I wasn’t seeing Everest through a postcard; I was seeing it with my own eyes. For those unable to trek or hike down to paradise, mountain flights are a great alternative. One morning, I found myself in Kathmandu airport hopping on a small plane – the next thing I knew, minutes later, I was looking out the window at thousands of mountains, the grand sense of mean feeling towards distant massive mountains. Langtang, Gauri Shankar, and Makalu, to name just a few.
Then, Everest. The first mountain to emerge from the Earth, reading right from the mountain with your balance on tall hills, with the mountain glowing in the early sun. I didn’t have to trek for days; I didn’t need an oxygen tank or a local guide; just a window seat and a pair of wide-open and alert eyes to feel like I was one step closer to the heavens.
Even better are helicopter tours that land at places trekkers would take weeks to reach. Some helicopter tours take you to Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp, or Gokyo Lakes. I remember that I had the thought that Nepal not only opened itself up to the walkers of the world, but also to daydreamers like myself.
Pokhara: A Refuge for Gadabouts
Pokhara became a refuge for me; unlike chaotic Kathmandu, things seemed slightly slower there, and so did I. I made Phew Lake my daily playground. Instead of circumambulating, I would hire a boatman who would row me across the still waters while I contemplated the reflection of Machapuchare on the nearby glassy lake. It was hypnotizing. It would settle in little cafes and restaurants along Phew lake for the stunning view of the sun setting & illuminating the sky with golden, violet-like tones.
For a taste of thrill, I went to Mahendra Cave and Gupteshwor Cave. I was able to approach some short passages, which unveiled an intimate experience with limestone and deity-filled shrines. But what I will be left with in my long-term memory, honestly, are the small things: paragliders soaring above the valley, hearing live bands perform folk Nepali music, and having tea while mountains defined the horizon. Pokhara reminded me – you do not need to rush. Beauty comes when you slow down.
Culture as Experience: Festivals and Workshops,
Nepal is more than mountains. It is a culture that has a pulse on every street. Even not taking long walks, found myself in tradition.
I took part in a pottery workshop in Bhaktapur, experience my hands in wet clay and following the guide of a local artisan. The square was bustling with energy: tourists trying to make pottery; locals negotiating prices for types of vegetables, older timers engaged in social conversations over cups of tea. Just that singular moment of molding clay felt like touching the history of Nepal.
Festivals brought even more color. During Indra Jatra in Kathmandu, the streets overflowed with music, dance, and processions. I didn’t need to move much. Simply standing at a corner gave me a flood of sights and sounds: masked dancers leaping, drums beating, crowds cheering.
Exploration here wasn’t measured in steps. It was measured in how much of my heart I gave to the experience.
Accessible Experiences in Nepal.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
Rickshaws in Kathmandu Valley: A great way to get around back streets without walking!
Jeep safari at Chitwan National Park: I saw rhinos, deer, and even saw an elephant (this didn’t require walking through the jungle).
Cable car: At least a ride on the Chandragiri Hills cable car gave me great views over the Himalaya and the Kathmandu Valley; plus, if someone is looking for the more spiritual side of Nepalism, the Manakamana Temple has a cable car that someone can spiritually/effectively experience Nepal with no hiking at all.
Lakeside in Pokhara: You can literally just sit in one of the lakeside or waterfront cafés and eat and watch the day go by.
Cooking classes: Learning how to make momos or dal bhat in someone’s home was an experience in and of itself in terms of culture.
These all reiterated the suggestion that Nepal is not only for hikers, but can be experienced by anyone who wants to experience Nepal and its people within the land.
Tips for Travelers Who Can’t Walk Much.
In addition, I acquired some useful strategies that improved my experience:
Organize transport in advance: Taxis, jeeps, and private vehicles are cheap compared to the West, so hiring them conserves energy and gets you to stunning places with ease.
Make good decisions on accommodation: A number of hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara now have wheelchair accessible rooms and elevators.
Ask for assistance: Nepali people were extraordinarily kind. Whether it was getting my chair lifted, crossing the main street with me, or simply pointing me in the direction, I was never alone.
Take regular time out: Nepal can be overwhelming with its noise and its colour. Taking time out at cafes and gardens helped to reach equilibrium.
Think beyond trekking: Examine the festivals, cuisine, culture, and natural beauty available by road. Trekking may get all the press, but it is only one slice of the Nepali experience.
The Soul of Nepal Beyond Walking.
At first, I feared Nepal would exclude me. Rather, it extended a warm embrace. The mountains loomed large, the towns teemed with tales, and people shared their hearts. As a traveler we discovered that it is not measured in kilometers that your legs take you, but it is really measured in how open your heart is.
When I did the Everest view from the sky, when bobbled around Phewa Lake, when I molded with clay in Bhaktapur, I was exploring as well as a human can while hauling gear. Nepal taught me that exploration is not measured in distance; it is measured in meaning.
So, if you crave exploration and travel like I do but simply cannot walk far, do not feel shy. Nepal was awaiting you, not just for athletes, but for dreamers, culture fans, beauty lovers, and travelers who travel differently and just enjoy it just as much.
The mountains do not care how you came. They will welcome you no matter what.