A Tryst with the Living Goddess

Kathmandu’s amazing Durbar Square is a UNESCO -acclaimed World Heritage Site. This fantastic spiritual and cultural hub is the home of Kumari, the Living Goddess. She is truly unique to Nepal’s Hindu roots. The spot around Kumari Ghar, her earthly home, is thronged all day long by her devotees just waiting for a glimpse of the beloved deity. By tradition since the 17th century the Kumari is a Newari pre-pubescent girl, deeply venerated as an incarnation of the Goddess Taleju, the tutelary deity of the Malla and Shah rulers of Nepal. The deity also has earthly homes dedicated to her in the Dubar Square (s) of the medieval town of Bhaktapur and Patan, which is also known as Lalitpur, famous for its artisanal heritage.

Trek to Everest Base Camp

Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquered the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest, in 1953. Don’t worry if you can’t match that fantastic feat, as many climbers after them from around the globe have done since. You can sign in for a thrilling trek to Everest Base Camp, to sample the kind of terrain, climate and local culture of the region. You’ll also get to learn a lot about the Sherpa community which is one of the strongest pillars holding aloft the Everest expedition adventure.

Or else do a helicopter flypast of the major peaks in the Eastern Himalaya including the world’s highest — Mt Everest, of course! This thrilling ride takes you over the trekking trails to the legendary mountain peak located in Nepal’s fantastic Sagarmatha National Park.

You should also pencil in a trip to the National Park itself as its legend for its amazing wildlife and botanical splendour. The shy snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bear steal the show here!

Exploring Nepal’s Shamanic Culture

Plan ahead for a visit to the remote village in Dhulikhel which continues to keep alive Nepal’s deep connection with Shamanism. You will get to see firsthand how the shamans, known locally as jhakris, shape the everyday world of the village community with their awesome mystical powers and connection with the supernatural world. These religious practitioners also help treat the sick and ailing in many parts of Nepal.

Wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park

Centered in the vast reaches of the lush Terai region in the foothills of the mighty Himalaya this fantastic game park is dream come true for wildlife buffs. It is the old stamping ground for the endangered Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger. There are multiple way of enjoying this precious green landscape, remarkable for its grand pristine habitats for its fabulous faunal, avifaunal and botanical wealth. Apart from a wonderful jeep/elephant safari, jungle walk, birding, canoeing and elephant bathing, you can also enjoy a unique culture connection with Tharu community, who has made this region their home.

Encounters with Nepal’s rich and varied artisanal heritage

Nepal arts and crafts traditions have long been shaped by its Hindu and Buddhist culture. There are very few areas in the artisanal world where the Nepalese have restrained themselves from showcasing their native skills in creating the most wondrous arts and crafts. On a tour of the country, you will discover this creative spirit amply illustrated in their religious and secular architecture, sculpture and painting, weaving, woodwork, metal work, pottery and even their weaponry. The Durbar Squares, the abode of the living goddess Kumari, in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan hold deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Nepalese. But you would be remiss if you didn’t take a closer look at their amazing work in the palaces, temples, the idols, the imagery and the architectural details. In the place, the Patan Durbar Square Museum, noted for the superb bronze statues, wood carvings and ancient and religious objects, stands out as one of the best museums in Asia. An unmissable spot is the three inter-connected golden windows Lord Bhimsen’s temple.

In Bhaktapur discover the Shilpakars one of Nepal’s oldest clans renowned for their woodcarving skills for centuries. A wander around Pottery Square will reveals to you why Bhaktapur is also famed for its excellent pottery.

There are hosts of thrilling experiences awaiting the adventurer in this ancient Himalayan kingdom. The saying ‘Small is Beautiful’ is amply showcased by Nepal time and again.