Swotah travel
1100
12, 09 2022
“You should have been here 10 years ago.” Has anyone said that to you on your travels? Well, I am guilty of saying it many times. And in regard to many different places and countries. And, yeah, I’m that old that I can now say, “You should have been here 30 years ago.”
So don’t miss out on visiting Nepal before it becomes over-run with tourists like, for example, Venice (a friend’s FB page this week showed their trip to Venice as being one long battle with other tourists), or like Bangkok. Although I must admit, Bangkok is better now than it was 30 years ago (less pollution, sky train)! But you aren’t planning to come to Nepal for big shopping malls or easy transport. You are, I am guessing, coming to Nepal for the mountains, nature, and wildlife.
However, like the world over, nature is losing its battle with the rising human population. We are encroaching into animal territory and climate change is taking its toll. So now is the time to visit Nepal while there is still relatively fewer tourists (pre-COVID approx. 1 million annually compared to approx. 6 million annual visitors to the small island of Bali). And while the landscape in the mountain areas is still pristine.
We know that social media promotes many things, including “must-visit” destinations. I guess we should be grateful that many influencers prefer beach and city life to hiking up mountains! Those influences who do come to Nepal are those who are seeking something a bit different and not just wanting to show off the latest fashion trends.
Of course, most of the visitors to Nepal are trekkers or mountaineers, who are more limited in numbers than those who seek a good beach or all inclusive luxury resort.
And there are those in between. You don’t need to be a climber or super fit trekker to come to Nepal. Nepal has something for every age and ability.
So why are we saying come now before it explodes with tourists? Unfortunately, that is the way the world is going – population explosion and as more countries become more affluent, more folks can afford to travel.
If you Google, you will see that Nepal is a beautiful country with friendly people. That is certainly true! Nepal offers adventures such as trekking, white water rafting, jungle safari, and climbing. It can also offer culture experiences ranging from Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries to meditation and yoga. It also offers five-star accommodation right through to homestays and teahouse lodges. Something for everyone.
The most popular thing to do here is trekking, which is what most visitors come for. And yet, there is so much more to see and do: things to do in Pokhara and must sees in Kathmandu. And so very much more! And yes, it is safe to travel in Nepal.
And sure, you want to interact and compare notes in the evening with other tourists but isn’t it nicer to have a bit more space to yourself. A bit more time to talk with locals and a bit more room to take those wonderful photographs?
So, what are you waiting for? This is perhaps the best time to travel to Nepal. Come on over and later you can be the one who says “you should have been here 10 years ago”.
In case you are unsure if Nepal is for you, take a look at some of these top things to do in Nepal.
Rock climbing
Paragliding
Bungy jumping
Zip lining
White water rafting
Jungle safari
Trekking – ranging from day hikes to weeks on the trail
Learning or developing your climbing skills on climbing peaks
Helicopter tours
Mountain flights
Pujas at Muktinath
Holy dip at Gosainkunda Lake
Aarati at Pushupatinath
Kora at Boudha Stupa
Meditation at Kopan Monastery
Yoga retreats
Visit Lumbini, birth place of Buddha
Experiencing the stick dances of the local Tharu tribe in Chitwan National Park
Meeting the Sherpa and Tamang communities on your trek
Living in homestay accommodation to get the feel of village life
Attending festivals in Janakpur, wedding venue of the Gods Ram and Sita
Visiting historic sites such as Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares
Experiencing local cuisine
Learning to make momos
Watching artisans at work
Watching the sun come up at Nagarkot or Sarangkot
Boating on Fewa Lake at Pokhara
Enjoying a massage in a local (or 5 star) spa
Dancing the night away in Thamel or Lakeside
Listening to local musicians – from traditional to rock
Shopping for ethnic souvenirs
Easy walking tours
These lists are not exhaustive, and mountaineering and peak climbing as well!
See you in Nepal!
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