The Other Side of Kathmandu-II
Kathmandu is a cosmopolitan city, a big city with an ever growing multitude of people from all over the nation making it their home. Life is hectic, traffic is unruly. Amidst all this are pockets of serenity and calm, particularly in the splendid premises of grand hotels, with their landscaped gardens endowing a refreshing ambience. There are also, amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city, pockets of hope and optimism and hard struggle, particularly in the many shelters run by non-governmental organizations for the disadvantaged sector of society. It is natural for glamour and glitz to be always in the limelight, and for others to remain in the shadows. That is why much of what is so good and noteworthy about Kathmandu is out of most people’s view. Here are some examples of the same that could be eye-openers for those seeking to understand Nepalis better, and provide a fuller picture of Nepal.
The Other Side of Kathmandu-I
Kathmandu is a cosmopolitan city, a big city with an ever growing multitude of people from all over the nation making it their home. Life is hectic, traffic is unruly. Amidst all this are pockets of serenity and calm, particularly in the splendid premises of grand hotels, with their landscaped gardens endowing a refreshing ambience. There are also, amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy city, pockets of hope and optimism and hard struggle, particularly in the many shelters run by non-governmental organizations for the disadvantaged sector of society. It is natural for glamour and glitz to be always in the limelight, and for others to remain in the shadows. That is why much of what is so good and noteworthy about Kathmandu is out of most people’s view. Here are some examples of the same that could be eye-openers for those seeking to understand Nepalis better, and provide a fuller picture of Nepal.
It’s just a 45-minute-drive for the capital, but worlds away in terms of calm, peace, and tranquility.
Nagarkot is surely one of the most favored destinations of all tourists visiting Nepal, and why shouldn’t it be? After all, it is blessed with nature’s bounties, and is just 32 km from Kathmandu.
Its other name is “City of the Lakes”, and its guardian angel is Machhapuchchhre Himal, a.k.a. Fishtail Mountain, one of the loveliest of all Himalayan peaks. Welcome to Pokhara, where you’ll find a veritable paradise.
There’s no better way than to get close and personal with the people and experience the lifestyle of Nepali villagers than by pedaling around the valley at your own pace.
Cat Stevens wrote a song about ‘Katmandu’ while having chai and pie and hashish in one of its numerous ‘chai and pie’ shops. And, some say that Charles Sobhraj plotted a few of his murders when living in one of its many cheap guesthouses.
Nepal’s rich wildlife does justice to its claim as being an Asian Safari Destination.
Someone once said that if we do not learn from history, then it will repeat itself. There’s much to learn from Nepal’s history.
Nepal’s history shows long periods of progress and prosperity, and equally long periods of tyrannical rule; and some moments that were momentous in nature.
In light of the current chaotic state of affairs, when new history is being created, it would be interesting to revisit this small nation’s journey through the ages.
Among a number of short and pleasant treks in the Annapurna region, none is more fulfilling than the trek to Ghalegaun, a lovely village in the Nepal hills.
