Monday, May 15, 2017

Naturally Nepal

After half my life (at least I hope), I've finally stepped into Nepal, the country most associated with the mighty Himalayas. Done Ladakh before, and this was very different, though also beautiful in its own way. Mighty peaks, cool mountain air, pristine forests covered with flowering trees (particularly bright red or pink Rhododendron - It's springtime), the nature here is so mesmerizing that for the most part, the supposedly arduous treks during the 4-5 days didn't seem to bother me much. The Kathmandu Valley, on the other hand, I could enjoy for just a couple of days. Never a big city person, and Kathmandu is about as chaotic and frenetic as it can get; whatever I can use to describe Mumbai or Delhi, this is a notch up. Nevertheless, the cultural sites are really interesting, and I must say it was still a pretty entertaining couple of days. Lots of stuff in this beautiful land that I've not seen yet, Chitwan national park, the other mountain ranges, etc., I'll be back for sure!



Quaint little Gurung village of Ghandruk


View from Poon Hill - Highlight of Ghorepani Trek


Dhaulagiri Range extending to the Annapurnas


Accompaniment of music created by nature 


Serene Phewa lake in Pokhara


Splendid vistas from the Domestic flights


Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu


View of the sprawling city from Swayabhunath Temple


Peaceful moment at dawn on the rooftops of the city


Peaceful spot in Patan Durbar Square


Ancient city of Lalipur