Naturally Nepal

We pack our bags and head off to Nepal in search of good food, heritage sights, majestic mountains and culture in the luscious lap of the Himalayas



Kathmandu

The ‘small’ big city of Nepal, Kathmandu is home to both the politics and the economy of the Himalayan nation. Its traffic and air pollution are similar to many metropolitan cities around the world, while its temples and stupas stand in a show of religious harmony, unique to the country. Rich in culture and traditions, the city is an exciting amalgamation of the old and the new and a starting point for great adventures. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Patan Durbar Square has to be seen both during the day for its architecture and at night for the exquisite ritual dances. Head to Thamel for budget hotels, a shopping riot (always remember to haggle), and freshly baked bread. With easy access to WiFi, ATMs and other travel amenities, this neighbourhood makes for a perfect base to explore the rest of Nepal from.

What to order

Grab yourself a ‘momo platter’ at one of the rooftop cafés around Patan Durbar Square. A type of dumpling native to Nepal, ‘momos’ are filled with a variety of ingredients including meat, vegetables and paneer, and are either steamed or fried. Served with a tomato-based chutney, this traditional delicacy will leave you craving for more.



Pokhara

The ‘Lake City’, as it is famously called, is five hours away from bustling Kathmandu and is a base for trekkers to the mighty mountains that rest close to the city. Big and small hotels line the side of Phewa Lake and staying at one of them is an experience in itself. The main tourist attraction is the availability of water sports.  When you are not boating in the serene waters or paragliding from Sarangkot Hill, you should just sit by the lakeside and enjoy the godly reflection of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in the water. The towering majestic mountains might intimidate you but also give you a sense of peace. And if this ignites a deeper desire for solitude, ride up to the World Peace Pagoda – a Buddhist monument on a hilltop, for a panoramic view of the mountains, the city and the lake. It also serves as a reminder of the values Buddha lived by. The white pagoda structure, which stands at a height of 1,100 meters, holds the relic of Siddhartha Gautama and has a tier for tourists to walk around and view the four golden statues of Buddha, which depict important events in his life.

What to order

You must try the ‘pani puri’ from any street vendor. The puris are not served together in a platter; the vendor hands you one after another as you gobble down the spicy delight and lose track of how many you have already had.



Nagarkot

A small village to the east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot amazes visitors for the uninterrupted views it offers of the majestic mountains. It’s a favourite spot for people who like to watch the sky, the clouds, and the sun as you can see it rise over the Everest — thus remaining a popular site for tourists coming from different parts of the world. It had been a fort and a summer escape for the royals in the past, but enjoys the status of an international hill station today. Though just an hour away from the busy capital city, walks into villages and forests around Nagarkot give you a taste of rural Nepal. Beautiful birds, terraced rice fields and lush grasslands make for a striking backdrop as you eat your heart out at the many street food restaurants that dot the area and trek through the green forests, fields, and farmhouses.

What to order

Try ‘thukpa’ from a restaurant overlooking the nearby valleys. This Tibetan noodle-soup is great for lunch to warm up after a winter hike. Simple and aromatic, this dish is a combination of sautéed vegetables cooked in a broth of your choice and served with noodles and fried egg.



Gorkha

Take a long, steep cable car ride to the Manakamana Temple in the country’s Gorkha district for a holy pilgrimage and the thrill that comes with heights. The temple, which is located on a ridge around 4,000 feet above sea level, overlooks green valleys and gushing water. It was accessible only through a three-hour hike in old days but since the late 90s, the cable car has been taking devotees, tourists and sacrificial goats to the holy site in less than 15 minutes.

What to order

Try the ‘dal bhat tarkari’ from a roadside food joint. The thali, which looks like a piece of art when filled, has daal and rice served with seasonal vegetables, achaar, chutneys, salad and pappar.