My arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport was a thrilling race against time, reminiscent of The Amazing Race. Despite the rush, I checked in and boarded the plane, bound for the ancient Kingdom of Nepal.
After six months in India, the thought of venturing into its northern neighbor, Nepal, filled me with an exhilarating sense of anticipation. I could already envision myself in the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Himalayas. The view from the plane as we descended only served to heighten my excitement.
As I journeyed from the airport to downtown Kathmandu in a cab, I was immediately captivated by its distinct charm, even amidst the dry and dusty streets. I was eager to begin a walking tour, immersing myself in the vibrant daily life of the Nepalese people.
Since I stayed in the city center, places of interest were almost within walking distance. The mall, park, pond, temples, street bazaar, and Durbar Square were nearby, and I started my journey on my first day.
My impression of Kathmandu is that it is a city of warm and kind-hearted people. I recall the welcoming smiles of the hotel staff, the lively banter with the street bazaar salespeople, and the playful interactions with the children in Durbar squares. Even the security personnel at tourist sites, the cab drivers, and the strangers I encountered were all friendly and engaging, making my stay in Kathmandu genuinely memorable.
Since they rely heavily on tourism, they must be congenial and give a great impression to every tourist they meet.
Other cities, like Lalitpur and Bhaktapur, comprise the Kathmandu valley and overlook the heritage site on top of a hill. Swayambhunath offers a breathtaking view of the Kathmandu Valley on a bright sunny day with clear blue skies.
My first stop among the World Heritage sites recommended by my tour guide was Swayambhunath. The ancient structures, some dating back to the 5th century, were a testament to Nepal's rich history. Monkeys everywhere added a unique charm to the place, earning it the nickname 'Monkey Temple '.
I was happy to have visited one of the oldest heritage sites built in the 5th century, long before the birth of Buddhism in Nepal. But then, I knew that Nepal was an old country, just like India, so they had these heritage structures back in the early days of civilization.
Nepal is a great nation that was once ruled by a King as an absolute monarchy. However, in 2008, a constituent assembly created a federal democratic republic.
During my stay, I immersed myself in the rich culture and traditions of the Nepalese people. I learned about their unique festivals, such as Dashain and Tihar, and their reverence for the Himalayas. While Kathmandu may not be as extravagant or developed as other world cities, its natural charm and the warm hospitality of its people make it a must-visit for any tourist.
As much as I wanted to discover more about Nepal, my almost week-long vacation ended, and it was time to re-enter India.
On a short visit, I created meaningful memories that have left a lasting impression on my heart. Nepal is Amazing, and its charm is everlasting.
©️ 2020 Del Cusay
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