My holiday this year brimmed with recreation and cultural discoveries! From my headquarters in Delhi I treated myself to eight days of discovery, excitement and relaxation in the Himalayan land of Nepal, the abode of the mighty Mount Everest. Although Nepal is like the mother ship for trekkers, hikers and mountaineers, my holiday in Nepal was essentially a non-trekking vacation. During my travels, I came up with a list of the top 5 things to do in Nepal, primarily Kathmandu for non-trekkers.
Top 5 Activities to do in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal
My itinerary in Nepal included visiting the Hindu and Buddhist temples, strolling through the various villages in the valley of Kathmandu, a trip to Pokhara and shopping in the small shops crammed with thousands of small trinkets, statues, jewelry, drawings, souvenirs and gifts! This is a list of the top 5 things to do in Kathmandu for a non-trekker.
Visit the Boudhanath
In the heart of Kathmandu, one can find one of the largest stupas in the world in the temple complex of the Buddhist retreat of Boudhanath. This dates back to the 14th Century! Despite the influx of tourists, this site is peaceful and serene. Buddhists turn the prayer wheels and walk around the stupa while enjoying the peaceful and pleasant environment. The beauty of the Buddhist statues is unparalleled.
A trip to the village of Bungamati
Immerse yourself in this artisan village where the numerous sculptors will show you their finest works. The village lies on a hill surrounded by rice fields. The kindness and the smiles of the villagers will make this an unforgettable trip!
Bhaktapur
About fifteen kilometers from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur puts you in the middle of an amazing medieval atmosphere, almost as if you were in a different era! The doors, windows and the wooden pillars are carved with impressive subtlety.
Pashupatinath
For those who know the Indian city of Varanasi, Pashupatinath will recreate that vision and sounds. Prayers and incense sticks on the banks of the river, religion will resonate from every nook and corner. Sad and beautiful at the same time, for a few minutes the Hindu faith is convinced that the soul of the deceased will return to a new life.
Paragliding in Pokhara
Enjoy a literal leap of faith into nothingness! Jump into the void and then gradually ascend to the clouds to see a mesmerizing view of the mountains, the lake and the city. 30 minutes of pure happiness where the world seems to converge around you!
To book your tailor made package to Nepal, visit http://www.shantitravel.com/en/the-nepal/