Beautiful, mysterious Nepal. A wondrous spot on our planet where two worlds collide–the medieval and the modern. Yet strangely enough, while giving no quarter in certain areas, they have cautiously inched towards each other, creating a fantastic holiday destination for the intrepid traveller to venture on a journey of discovery and delights from the known to the unknown.

Steeped in narratives of gods and men, this gorgeous Himalayan wonderland entices us with its enchanting mystique and magic. It’s beguiling myths and legends lure us again and again to discover up-close and personal this mystical powerhouse of spirituality and esoteric pursuits by its ancient links with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Tantrism.

Where Men, Mountains and Gods Meet

While its Himalayan landscapes have long been revered as the earthly homes of gods and goddesses, and attract the devout. It’s not unusual to hear stories of how some climbers experience a near-mystical sense of divinity while slogging up a dangerous mountain trail. Trekking to Everest Base Camp, offers a fantastic, almost spiritual experience. The struggle against the daunting terrain… the thin air… the otherworldly remote landscape seems like nothing–because when you finally reach Base Camp goose bumps jump on your skin as you turn your gaze upon that legendary shining peak–Mt Everest, the world’s highest, most dangerous mountain.

The Buddha Smiles

Buddhism is deeply rooted in Nepal. Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, reminds us of the divine experience his mother, Queen Mahamayadevi, queen of the Sakya clan gave had before his birth, while resting here on a journey from Kapilavastu. It reminds us too of how as a grown man prince Siddhartha Gautama at around 563 BCE became obsessed with mystical matters and set off on a lifelong quest to find the answers to the riddle of life.

The appearance of dawn is broken by chanting, bell ringing and prayers by the resident monks. Present-day Lumbini is an important pilgrimage site, attracting Buddhists from around the world to pay homage. The Emperor Ashoka, who visited in 249 BCE, erected one of his iconic rock edict pillars here. In the sacred garden, a stone marks the spot of Buddha’s birth. Famous Japanese architect Kenzo Tange rebuilt the Maya Devi temple on the site of the original shrine built in 300 BCE. The Monastic Zone houses several monasteries and shrines built by various Buddhist countries.The World Peace Pagoda, one of the world's greatest stupas, was constructed by Japanese Buddhists. Lumbini is its major habitat for the sarus crane, a large non-migratory bird which features in the IUCN Red List of threatened species.

In Kathmandu, spend contemplative moments at the Boudhanath Temple, turn the big wheel and seek the blessing of the Buddha. The Great Stupa at the Swayambhunath Temple attracts streams of devotees from home and abroad. At Namobuddha, unravel the myth and mystery of why the Buddha offered his body to be eaten by a hungry tigress. A clue- Lord Buddha on reaching Namobuddha after receiving enlightenment, told his disciples that he had sacrificed his life at the spot in an earlier incarnation and the remains were housed there. Special arrangements can be made for an exclusive visit to a monastery to spend a day with the monks. Join chanting monks, light butter lamps and receive the blessings of senior monk in a special ceremony.

Tryst with a shaman

Nepal’s medieval spirit is an affable companion of its modern-day world. Deeply rooted in its cultural pursuits is the deep connection of the Nepalese with shamans, who to this day can be approached not only by simple rural folk but even by sophisticated households when the need arises to get rid of evil influences. In the small Himalayan village of Dhulikhel you can get your first up-close and personal interface with the world, or rather otherworld, of shamans, in the vernacular known as jhakaris. Nepal’s Shamans hail from ethnic groups of the Tamang, Magar, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung.

What you will witness, of course, is just the tip of the iceberg, so deeply entrenched is the mystique of shamanism in rural culture. Closely linked with the supernatural world jhakaris are held in awe for the power they wield in traversing both worlds. They are called in to help people in ridding, or curing various diseases and sickness. It’s pretty exceptional what they can do with their powers, which include doing rituals for spirit possession, soul flight and ventriloquism. Steel yourself as you witness an almost hypnotic, animistic ritual conducted here in the village.

So step out of your comfort zone and abandon yourself to the limitless otherworldly adventures that await the visitors in this exotic country of shamans and Boddhisattvas… of virgin goddesses and secret Tantric rituals…and the dark arts and crafts steeped in esoteric symbolism…