It all started on March 28, 2024, when a lovely Spanish family of four landed in Nepal, ready for a Nepal Tour 2024 across the country. They planned to explore the seven of Nepal’s most treasured old heritage sites located within Kathmandu Valley, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, the three Darbar Squares (Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur), and Changunarayan. Additionally, they aimed to discover Nagarkot, Bandipur, Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan National Park.
These seven sites, undergoing reconstruction since the devastating earthquake in 2015, are nearing completion. They are now more appealing than ever, boasting cleanliness, improved management, and careful restoration. With reduced traffic and well-managed, roaming around these sites is much more comfortable. Each site showcases extraordinary craftsmanship, leaving visitors in awe.
Kathmandu was a bustling city, filled with life despite its busy streets and crowded spots. People were lively and cheerful, adding to the vibrant vibe of the streets. Everywhere they looked, there was something fascinating to uncover, making it tough to see it all in just a short time. Still, the family was happy with their visit to all seven heritage spots.
Their journey kicked off in Kathmandu, where they first explored Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, a glorious Buddhist stupa on a hill in the Kathmandu Valley’s west. Bouddhanath Stupa was another highlight, standing tall and grand as one of the biggest Buddhist stupas globally, attracting countless tourists with its white and golden beauty. Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu site dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a holy and important pilgrimage for the Hindu community. The three Darbar Squares displayed medieval art and architecture, giving a peek into Nepal’s rich culture and historical background. Changunarayan Temple, an ancient Hindu temple devoted to Lord Vishnu, stands as a testament to the country’s architectural and religious heritage, dating back to the 4th century.
Nagarkot, situated east of the Kathmandu Valley at 2175m above sea level, offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, on clear days. Although the weather didn’t fully cooperate during their visit, the family still caught glimpses of its magnificence. They enjoyed the surrounding views of hills and villages as well as a peaceful sunrise from their hotel’s poolside. Their time in Nagarkot was unforgettable.
Their journey continued through the picturesque village of Bandipur and the charming city of Pokhara, traveling by road. Despite the breathtaking scenery of river valleys, terraced fields, mountain hills, and river gorges, the road was bumpy and dusty due to ongoing construction projects on Nepal’s main highways. But their time in Bandipur was delightful, offering a spectacular sunset view. The old traditional Bandipur town was incredibly beautiful, with visitor-friendly streets offering delicious food and drinks. Every house had been turned into a lodge or hotel, and they enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Old House restaurant. The area was peaceful, allowing them to soak in the local life.
In Pokhara, they had a fantastic time. On arrival day, they visited the International Mountain Museum, which showcases the history of mountains and mountaineering activities worldwide, including those of Nepal. The following day, their tour included the Pomdhikot Shiva Statue, Nepal’s second tallest statue of Lord Shiva, standing at 108 feet tall. The Japanese Peace Stupa, a monument symbolizing harmony and tranquility, offered breathtaking views of the Himalayas and Pokhara City. Devi’s Fall and Gupteswar Cave are situated on the southwestern side of the Pokhara Valley. Devi’s Fall is named after a tragic incident involving a tourist named Dave. The waterfall cascades into an underground tunnel, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Gupteswar Cave is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and is known for its religious significance. They also enjoyed a memorable boat ride on Fewa Lake in the late afternoon, witnessing a stunning sunset.
Although the sky wasn’t clear enough to see the grand Annapurna and other mountain ranges from Pokhara and Bandipur, they still caught glimpses of the mountains, though not clear enough for good videos and photos. Their trip to Bandipur and Pokhara was excellent nonetheless.
Their visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and the Chitwan Jungle Safari were fantastic despite the challenging rough road journey from Lumbini to Chitwan and the hot weather, with temperatures soaring up to 37 degrees Celsius. Nevertheless, they successfully explored all the significant sites and attractions in Lumbini. Lumbini holds great importance for Buddhist followers worldwide, being the birthplace of Lord Buddha in the 6th century B.C. It ranks among the top four pilgrimage sites for Buddhist communities and is a must-visit once in a lifetime. However, Lumbini is not only for Buddhists; it is a place of peace and reverence for people of all faiths.
Their tour included the Mayadevi Temple, situated at the heart of Lumbini Garden, where archaeologists discovered the Birthmark Stone of Prince Siddhartha Gautam in 1996. There were also different monasteries built by various countries within the garden. Tilaurakot, located outside Lumbini Garden, served as the capital of the ancient Kapilvastu Kingdom, housing the palace of King Suddhodhan, the father of Buddha. Prince Siddhartha Gautam lived there for 29 years. Kudan, situated 4.5km south of Tilaurakot, is a significant place where King Suddhodhan met Shakyamuni Buddha for the first time after his enlightenment.
The road journey from Lumbini to Chitwan was quite rough, especially between Lumbini and Chitwan. An area called “Daunne” had horrible road conditions. In about an 11km stretch, they drove through a dust cloud, making it impossible to see ahead. In some places, they had to stop on the side until visibility improved. Despite the rough journey, they arrived in Chitwan on time.
They were fortunate to observe a variety of wildlife during their Chitwan Jungle Safari, including the One-Horned Rhinoceros, Gharial, and Gaur (wild cow), as well as numerous deer and birds. The Tharu village tour was quite interesting, providing insight into the Tharu people, the largest indigenous group in the Tarai region of Nepal. They also enjoyed a beautiful cultural show one evening.
Unfortunately, there was a bushfire in Chitwan National Park to promote new grass growth, making the atmosphere smokier, especially during the Jeep safari when they crossed several fire areas, causing discomfort and irritation to their eyes from the smoke. The combination of the intense sun and the additional heat from the fire made for a bit of an unpleasant experience on the safari.
However, overall, their tour was excellent. This 11-day escapade through Nepal offers a taste of everything the country has to offer – rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the lives of its people. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply seeking an adventure, Nepal promises an unforgettable experience, just like it did for this Spanish family.
Please don’t forget Blossom Expeditions when planning your unforgettable tour or trekking in Nepal.
Further Details
Blossom Expeditions
P.O. Box No. 21101, Kathmandu, Nepal.
blossomexpeditions@gmail.com
info@blossomexpeditions.com
www.blossomexpeditions.com
Tel: 977-01-4810388
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