Embedded deep in your memory bank, your holiday in Nepal of years ago can resurface any time…. A glimpses of Mt Everest on a movie about mountain climbing…a swanky brochure on the 100 Best Places to Visit Around the Globe in the Next 10 Years… momos selling at a roadside stall… in a popular market a backpackers rucksuck with Nepal emblazoned upon it.
This ancient Hindu kingdom nestling amongst the vistas of the mighty Himalayas is a magnet for its exotic offerings. From high mountain grandeur, amongst the world’s highest mountains, to lush green meadows where yaks lunch to provide rich milk and cheeses to the populace. From gorgeous places showcasing ancient crafting skills… to thrilling country trails that are perfect for biking tours to explore centuries-old village cultures and communities.
Reliving the Past Scene by Scene
Walk the streets of Kathmandu and steep yourself in the unique buzz of the cross-cultural marriage of the past and present. Mingle with locals as they shop, stand around gossiping over tumblers of buttered tea and piping hot momos or just go about their daily routines. Trawl the streets to gaze upon the graffiti and wall art left behind by the new wave of artists in the city to lend voice to their take on current affairs. Delight in the international crowd summoned here by the lure of adventure—climbing Mt Everest and other great peaks…exploring Nature’s more tame trails, diving into local cuisine at eateries and spiffy restaurants.
The hustle and bustle of Durbar Square, a stunning UNESCO-acclaimed World Heritage Site, nags your attention. Gazing up at the window of the shrine where the Kumari, the living Virgin Goddess lives, you recall that swift glimpse of her as she sent out a silent benediction to the reverential devotees waiting below. Reaching the workshop of the master thangka maker, the spiritual mood hangs heavy upon you. There is a unique joy in learning to create your own thangka, under his guidance.
A 12 km drive from Kathmandu brings you to the medieval world of Bhakatapur or Bhadgaon, ‘the City of Devotees’ The city captivates you with slow-mo ambience, authentic archiotecture and superb centuries-old traditions of crafts.
In Bhakatapur, home of the highly skilled and accomplished Newar community, colourful vignettes start rolling out one after the other. The stunning workmanship of handcrafted wood work adorning the architectural marvels from the 13th to the 18th century, at Durbar Square, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pride of place is taken by the stunning work in the 15th century Palace of 55 windows, or the Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar. Unmissable here too is the Golden Gate - a masterpiece in repoussé art. The fabulous detailing of the stone carvings at the Batsala Devi Temple will enrapture you with their finesse. At the Dattaraya Square the peacock window at the Dattatreya Temple, raised to the Hindu trinity has grabbed the attention of visitors for decades.
There are so many treasured moments that crowd your mind about that first visit to Nepal, don’t be surprised if you find yourself calling your agents to help firm up plans for you to create many more exciting memories to enjoy for years to come.