Our trip to Nepal had been on our minds for months before we finally got there. Just thinking about it conjured up images of epic adventures, especially since Nepal is the gateway to Mount Everest and home to some of the world’s tallest mountains. The idea was filled with mystery and a sense of exotic adventure.
Once you arrive, though, you quickly realize there’s so much more to Nepal than you imagined. Landing in Kathmandu, we’re greeted by intense tropical heat. I had packed a winter jacket just in case, since we were traveling across the country over nearly two weeks, expecting a range of weather conditions. And then, there’s the dust everywhere—a few days without rain and Kathmandu gets quite dusty, something you don’t immediately notice amidst the vibrant city life. It’s exciting, and I wish I had my camera ready to capture it.
Our hotel, The Traditional Comfort, was just about 30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic. It was a cozy spot, probably because of the blast of the AC as soon as you walk in. The place even had a rooftop garden and bar.
In Nepal, we planned to explore the country with a larger group, many of whom we’d meet for the first time over dinner. So, after a quick shower, we made our way to Utsav Authentic Nepali Restaurant, just a few streets away.
Utsav is quite the spot for tourists, complete with traditional dancing and music while you eat. This is common in local eateries here since Nepali locals usually dine at home. So, when picking a place to eat, the key is how good the food is, and Utsav’s food is pretty nice but not the best we’d have in Nepal.
We tried momos, which are delicious dumplings filled with meat and veggies, and dal bhat, a combination of rice, lentil soup, meats, spinach, and more vegetables. All this was washed down with some Nepali beers and a very strong rice wine.
The next morning, we were up early, around 5 a.m., for our long drive to Chitwan, traveling in our private bus for the next two weeks, thankfully with air conditioning. The drive wasn’t super long, but morning traffic can be quite heavy. We aimed to cross a road under construction before they closed it for work, which could leave us waiting for hours.
It’s worth mentioning that Nepal experienced a major earthquake in April 2015, disrupting the country and leading to extensive rebuilding efforts, which include road works and all the dust in the air. Keeping that in mind, you gain a deeper appreciation for the surroundings. Nepal was already a country with limited wealth and depended heavily on tourism, a lot of which declined after the earthquake but is starting to return, though recovery is slower compared to richer nations.
Our route mostly followed the Trishuli River from Tibet, with several stops along the way to stretch, have a drink, and explore certain spots more closely. One memorable stop was the longest suspension bridge across the river. While not a typical tourist spot, we all wanted to see it. The height and length, connecting mountains, were captivating. Our guide, Suman, suggested we stop at this bridge.
Walking on the bridge is nerve-wracking if you’re afraid of heights. It sways a bit but feels secure since it’s new and well-built, helping you overcome your fear quickly. With not much to see on the other side, we soon hopped back on the bus and napped our way to Chitwan—a hot and fascinating destination in Nepal.
More about Chitwan in the next post!