Nepal 2.0: A Journey of Natural Wonders and Urban Transformation

As I conclude my 5-day trip to Nepal, visiting Pokhara and Kathmandu, I can’t help but reflect on how much this beautiful country has evolved since my last visit in 2019. Back then, I trekked to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and while the raw beauty of Nepal left a deep impression, the progress over the last six to seven years is remarkable.

Pokhara: A Town Transforming for the Better

Pokhara has seen significant improvements, with a brand-new airport and a notable focus on cleanliness. The town feels more organized and welcoming, and it was a joy to explore its charm once again. One of the highlights of our stay was visiting ABC by helicopter. Although the lack of snow—much of it having melted—was a bit disappointing, the divine ambiance of the place made up for it. My son Abel was especially thrilled by the experience, making it even more special.

Another unforgettable moment was witnessing the sunrise from Sarangkot. Braving the near-zero temperatures and arriving by 5:30 AM, we watched the mountains transform from black to red, red to orange, and finally orange to white. It was a sight that words can hardly do justice to.

We also tried paragliding in Pokhara, which was an exhilarating adventure. I was so proud to see Abel confidently take on the challenge, despite his earlier reluctance to try cycling back home in Bangalore. It was a moment of pure joy for both of us.

Kathmandu: A City Heritage

Spending the next two days in Kathmandu, I was struck by the city's cleanliness. While the infrastructure and roads are similar to those of any bustling Indian city, the cleanliness was noteworthy. Streets and public spaces were clean, thanks to early morning cleaning routines, even in the cold temperatures. This stood out in stark contrast to my home city, Bangalore, where such efforts are often lacking. Perhaps it’s time for our city officials to take a leaf out of Kathmandu's book and adopt similar practices.

Our visit to Chandragiri Hills, at an altitude of 2,130 meters, was another highlight. The cable car ride up to the hilltop was thrilling, and the panoramic views of the Himalayas, from Annapurna to the mighty Everest, were simply breathtaking.

During our interactions with locals, I learned something that stood out: Nepal follows a 6-day work week, with only Saturdays as holidays. This applies to both government and private sectors. Our driver explained how this approach aligns with Nepal’s developing economy and its heavy dependence on tourism. It’s a reminder of the dedication required to drive growth in a developing country, and it’s evident that Nepalis take this responsibility seriously.

A Memorable Mountain Flight

The most unforgettable experience of this trip was the mountain flight to Everest. Seeing the world's tallest peak up close filled me with awe and ecstasy. The image of Everest, along with the equally stunning Gauri Shankar, has been etched in my mind ever since. I even found myself asking the pilot if we could fly closer, only to learn that China’s ATC regulations restrict flights from nearing the border.

Adding to this incredible experience, we were presented with certificates for completing the Everest flight. It was a wonderful souvenir to commemorate a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and made the experience feel even more special.

Key Takeaways from Nepal

1. Hospitality and Humility: The people of Nepal are incredibly humble and hospitable across all segments of society. From city workers to those in the tourism industry, their kindness and warmth were a constant throughout our trip.
2. Manual Labour with Dignity: Despite economic challenges and difficult terrain, manual labor is still prevalent in Nepal. What’s admirable is the humility and acceptance with which people go about their work, including cleaning the streets. It’s a stark contrast to the attitude seen in some parts of India, where entitlement and demands for freebies often overshadow effort.
3. Cleanliness Despite Challenges: Nepal may be a developing country, but its cities are far cleaner than many in India. Kathmandu, in particular, stands out as an example of what can be achieved with dedication and community effort.
4. Dedication to Development: The 6-day work week reflects Nepal’s commitment to economic progress and tourism. It’s inspiring to see how the nation balances hard work and resilience in its journey towards growth.

Nepal remains a land of incredible beauty, where nature, culture, and human spirit blend harmoniously. This trip has only deepened my admiration for this remarkable country, and I look forward to returning someday to explore even more of its wonders.