Things I Love about Nepal

The Top 5 Things I Love about Visiting Nepal (and a few, not so much): One NRN's Perspective

Given the busy nature of our lives in North Americamost of us can only manage a few weeks in Nepal and the idea of “going home” evokes both great anticipation and let's face it, a hearty serving of dread. As a Non-resident Nepali (NRN) or student in the U.S. or Canada, you will likely relate to one or more of the items I've listed below.

So here are the top 5 things I love about visiting Nepal:

Family Gatherings: Whether a wedding, pasni (rice feeding), Tihar, Teej or other celebrations, for a Nepali, there is no greater joy than a gathering. We gather for days at a time, we feast, we do pujas, and we sing, gamble and dance. Where else can we gather like this? Although the exodus of Nepalis from Nepal has resulted in many friends and family scattered the world over, it is great to meet and reconnect with a family member, particularly the older generation. Every time I visit Nepal these faces and the many conversations evoke memories of a time that only

survives in memories.

A Slower Pace: Transitioning to a slower, more relaxed pace of life is such a welcome change from the long work shifts, clockwork schedules and busy lifestyles we lead in North America. Instead of a constant "go-go-go" the shift to "stop-sit-relax" is a welcome change (if not somewhat jarring). However, not enough can be said about waking up to the call of roosters and street vendors, being offered hot chiya in bed and then sitting in the sun until noon while planning the day's events (or simply waiting for something to happen).

Killer Whales, Islands, and Kindred Souls

Every time I head to the island, I am in awe of its natural beauty, calming environment that makes one think that it is another beautiful green paradise, and which coaxes one to slow down and accept its gentle rythms. Giant Douglas Firs, rolling mountains above 7000 ft, wolves, bears, bald eagles, cougars (mountain Lions), salmon, trout amongst a myriad of other beings and a colorful mesh of Aboriginal (native) peoples, the original inhabitants, along with white settlers and more recent immigrants, including a few Nepalis, settled within the past decade, call this Island home. I am talking about Vancouver Island located an hours’ ferry ride west of the city of Vancouver, on Canada’s extreme west coast, across the strait of Georgia. The Island’s landmass is similar to that of Israel.

Also, it is an island that has the provincial (state) capital, Victoria within it, with a fully developed modern infrastructure of highways, towns and cities and everything associated with it; and yet, this island is not connected to the outside world other than by sea i.e. primarily by ship ferries. Basically there is no land connection to the Canadian mainland.

Travel Tips

Book Early and Save!

Here we go again with the same advice to book early and save! But this one is a little bit different, as it is not about summer travels. It is a reminder to save on Dashain & Tihar airfares, by booking early.

Why you should book early?

Reason # 1:
The number one reason always remains the same—people who book early get the cheapest fares offered by the airlines. You can get your ticket for cheaper by booking early or pay higher fares by booking

late on the same flight. The choice is yours!

Reason # 2:
Lower priced fares are expected to sell out quicker this September/October/November as it falls in the highest tourist season of Nepal. This is especially true this year as Nepal is celebrating Nepal Tourism Year 2011, and is targeting a record 700,000 arrivals by air. Last year Nepal received approximately 500,000 visitors by air. Do the math and you will be compelled to book early and save.