The Magic of Nepal - Part II
Exploring this small but humble nation, the gravity of this macrocosm hits all your senses; from the magnificent highlands to the diverse hills and lowland. Nepal has something to offer for every genre of travellers. We explore further the magic of Nepal and what makes it truly a lifetime experience.
Natures Grandeur
The most inviting element of Nepal is its glorious natural diversity. As one climbs up from the lowland s/he gets to experience the environments of the world. It is rare to find a nation which begins close to sea level and reaches for the stars. Over the years some sites have become Nepal’s marquee such as Mt. Everest and Sagarmatha National Park; Chitwan National Park; Shey Phoksundo National Park; Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve; The Annapurna Circuit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. These are just a highlight of what Nepal has to offer in terms of nature tourism.
Over the years, national and international interests have enabled Nepal to become successful in environmental conservation. It has allowed populations of endangered species to climb up, forests to rekindle and wetlands to expand.
This grandeur makes Nepal enticing for all the right reasons; from bird watching and sightseeing, trekking and ultra running; landscape photography to adventure sports. Nepal still has not been able to tap its full potential in this regard, but its evident possibilities are endless.
The majority of tourists that flock to Nepal every year are mostly trekkers and backpackers. They indulge in the charming mountains and enchanting hills, breathing in clean mountain air and experience awe at every step. Coupled with great hospitality, they leave with not just glorious tales; a calmer mind and gallery full of pictures but also with an unforgettable experience.
Culinary Delights
Time and again debates on Nepal’s potential to become a culinary destination are raised. The ethnic diversity of this nation is indigenous and migratory. Over the years, it has created a diverse culture and also a delightful spread of cuisines.
From the influence of the Trans-Himalaya, multifariousness of Newari cuisine to the delicious flavours of Tharu in the south, Nepal's potential to become a culinary destination is endless. The flavours of Thak Khola (Thakali) has become a much-loved symbol of Nepal's taste. These are quite frankly just a few cuisines which have garnered spotlight, many lie in the shadows. A detailed study spanning the entirety of Nepal led by culinary masters would help bring them to light.
A dish is not just a combination of ingredients but also a symbol of one’s culture. Each region has its native ingredients, methods and utensils; this helps create the unique symphony of flavours. If not recorded in time, they shall fade away like everything else and just be tales.
An Appreciation of Hospitality
The hospitality industry experienced a boom after 1950 AD; especially in the Kathmandu valley, which had a strong foundation. A general typology to understand Nepal is to divide it into Ancient, Medieval and Modern. Ancient and Medieval Nepal did not span more than this valley. Thus it was called the valley kingdom of Nepal. Much of its development occurred during the Lichhavi Era and second Malla Dynasty. The Gurkha conquest led by King Prithvi Narayan Shah created Nepal’s new fold. Modern Nepal expanded even after his death with campaigns led by his successors.
The strong foundation of Kathmandu was its background in mercantilism. It played a valuable role in trade and exchange in the Indian sub-continent. It over the years made Kathmandu valley a melting pot of cultures. We developed an appreciation of hospitality, as traders flocked this vale and at times had to call it home for a long duration.
This appreciation is not native to this valley, but something wired in Nepalese. I have heard many travellers say, “ This love and hospitality feels surreal. I wish I could stay here forever.”
The Always Smiling People
The takeaway of most travellers to Nepal is this beautiful phrase, “ The always smiling people.” No matter the hardship, we never fail to welcome guests with a beautiful smile and cater them with the utmost hospitality.
Exploring Nepal even I have experienced this humble smile that makes me feel at home. A universal symbol showing one's happiness and delight exemplified in the diverse faces of Nepal. So many ethnicities but one commonality, a beautiful smile. The emotions, at times, feel unexplainable, but some things are best unexplained.
I am also a Nepali, and it is my pride to welcome you to this beautiful nation. I might not speak your language, the idioms and phrases, but I know a smile makes you feel right at home. When you smile back, it is a hint that what I have done is right, and I, along with all the Nepalese, will do everything to make sure that smile stays on your beautiful face.