My experience travelling to Nepal – by Andreia Ventura.
Nepal has been a dream of mine since childhood. From the moment I caught wind of this country I looked at photographs of Kathmandu and its surroundings over and over again and never seemed to get tired of them.
But it wasn’t until I finally set foot on Nepalese soil that I understood the depth of my longing. It felt surreal, like stepping into a living postcard! From the mountains to the city, from the food to the landscapes, everything was just as I imagined, but what truly set Nepal apart was its people: warm, resilient and deeply rooted in tradition.
Nepal didn’t just offer me a vacation; it offered me a profound journey of self-discovery. It challenged me in ways i never expected, pushing me out of my comfort zone and ultimately shaped me into who i am today
To anyone seeking an unique adventure I wholeheartedly recommend Nepal: embrace the unfamiliar and allow this incredible country to leave its mark on your soul.
HIMALAYAS AND IT’S PEOPLE
Nepal is blessed with the most beautiful mountain range in the world: the Himalayas; which makes it a land marked by its stunning scenery and the resilience of its people.
Despite facing ongoing geopolitical and natural challenges, Nepalese communities embody a remarkable ability to bounce back. In a few words: small but mighty!
The country’s rugged landscapes and its people’s perseverance offered me a raw and authentic glimpse into the realities of life in this part of the world. Exploring Nepal goes beyond any trekking or adventure; it’s about understanding and knowing characteristics of ourselves that we didn’t even know we had, offering a humbling perspective on life itself.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Diving deeper into the previous topic, during our journey, we reached the highest point of our adventure at an accommodation overlooking the unique village of Muktinath, nestled 3700 meters above sea level.
Despite the beautiful scenery, I was feeling extremely nervous and uncomfortable, which are emotions fueled by my unfamiliarity with such heights. Yet, amidst my distress, the Nepalese people displayed remarkable calm and expertise in handling such situations, a testament to their familiarity with altitude-related discomfort.
One particularly memorable encounter was with Maytreya, a friend of our tour leader, who welcomed us into his accommodation in Muktinath. Sensing my discomfort, he cooked me a simple yet revitalizing meal provided with his knowledge in herbal medicine: soup with eggs, salt and herbs!
Maytreya’s care and attention ensured my recovery, allowing me to continue our journey the following day feeling so much better. I sensed that locals were very used to my symptoms but they always showed genuine concern for my well-being, leaving and indelible mark of kindness and hospitality
The essence of travel truly lies in the connections we make along the way. It’s said that “it’s the people who make places”, and nowhere is this more evident than in the heartwarming hospitality of Nepal.
PERSONAL IMPACT
Nepal is more than just a destination; It is a trip that leaves a beautiful mark on the soul of each traveler. From the busy streets of Kathmandu to remote mountain villages, each encounter offers a glimpse into the Nepali way of life and their outlook on life.
I recall the funny and long jeep ride from Pokhara to Jomsom, squeezing eight people into a five-seater jeep; the shared bus rides with lots of people, where they even sat in the middle, and there was always room for one more; shared meals at the so called “service stations”; lots of children in the street, running, playing, smiling; locals are always so proud of their homeland and their customs, an incessant desire to show and represent their country with a never ending smile.
Whether it’s sharing a meal with a local family, receiving a heartfelt Namaste from a passing stranger, or finding solace in the laughter of children playing in the streets, Nepal’s personal impact has been profound on me.
The Nepali people are devout, resilient and extremely inspiring. It’s a place we leave but it never really leaves us!
CULINARY DELIGHTS
Just because I’m a big foodie and because I have a big sweet tooth, here’s a bonus topic: food.
Nepali cuisine is a delicious fusion of flavors, but also a reflection of the region’s rich cultural heritage and practical needs. Salt has special significance for Nepal’s mountain dwellers and visitors alike, not only as a flavor enhancer but also for its vital role in replenishing electrolytes lost during high-altitude hiking.
I delighted my taste buds with the momos, tasty dumplings filled with fillings such as meat or vegetables, served with spicy sauces. The warmth of the varied vegetable soups, infused with local herbs and spices and the comforting warmth of the Tsampa and garlic soup, both a calming dish, perfect for cold evenings/mornings in the mountains.
Did I mention Kagbeni’s yak burger and apple pie? Don’t even get me started because they were the most delicious meals I’ve ever eaten!
Nepal’s culinary heritage is a gastronomic adventure that, in addition to being tasty, always has the necessary nutrients for the adversities that travelers face in the different phases or regions of the journey. It’s more than just food; in many situations it is used as a mere medicine.
