Nepal, so breathtaking and full of surprises. Before arriving I had imagined a dry mountainous terrain similar to that of Tibet and a country that is predominately Buddhist, perhaps because it so close to China and Tibet. Oh how the reality is so far from my preconceived notion. Nepal is a warm lush, green, mostly forested, jungle landscape, and is the second largest fresh water supplier in the world, behind Brazil. Also surprising, it does not snow in a large part of the country including Kathmandu. Secondly, the majority of Nepal is Hindu, most likely influenced by India, their large neighbor to the south. The Buddhist in Nepal are mainly the Tamang group, also called Sherpas, whom traditionally hail from the northern regions close to Tibet; the remainder being mostly the large Tibetan refugee population.
In Nepal, we were always greeted with warm and friendly welcomes that felt genuine and heartfelt. We were openly invited into homes, on our trek and on organized homestays, in both Rupa Tal, near Pokhara, and Battedanda, near Dhulikhel. Perched on hill tops revealing expansive mountain, lake, and valley views, these simple accommodations provided delicious meals grown from their local gardens, prepared fresh with love and care. Sitting with the family we are served an all you can eat platter of Dahl bhat; rice, Dahl( lentils) soup, steamed greens (mostly spinach or mustard greens), a curry of veggies and potatoes plus an always revolving and amazing spicy pickle or chutney. Plus our most favorite dish in Nepal, MOMOS, which we got a new twist upon at our homestay in Battedanda with a Tamang family. Tamang momos were large deep fried dough stuffed with potatoes and veggies and accompanied with another fine spicy pickle chutney.
Trekking near the Annapurna Range was an amazing experience physically, mentally, and spiritually. Physically tiring to climb thousands of vertical feet a day at elevations of five to nine thousand feet. Climbing up stone steps, terraced paddies, or up hill sides for what feels like hours,to "just over the next ridge" our guide shiva would say. You start to gain the mental fortitude to ignore the heat, strenuous climbing, and the tales of when the day will end, and focus on each step and breath enjoying all that is around you. An insight into unspoilt village hill life of self sustaining farming, where everything is "organic" with no need for pesticides or Monsanto seeds, farm animals consisting of mainly water buffalo, goats, and chickens. Each night they come home to a village community to unwind with friends, family, and Raksi after a long hard days work. During our trek, the Nepalese were celebrating their major festival of Dashain, a time to sacrifice and feast and drink, which made the community feel of the villages and homes that much more friendly and inviting. After the physical and mentally tiring days, we were rewarded with spectacular views, and peace and quiet at night. In awe of the peaks surrounding us, touching the sky around 24,000 feet- close to double that of the mountains of home in the Colorado Rockies. Each night the darkness rolls in opening up the sparkling sky. Away from the bright lights and so high up, the celestial dust of the Milky Way showered down upon us. It was at these times that my thoughts drifted to the life we live, and the lives of those around us- so simple, sustainable, and surrounded by natural beauty. This is why we search the world- and we are so deeply rewarded for our efforts in doing so.
Now we have progressed from the stoic mountain heights to the sun bathed, crystal blue waters of the sea and Thailand. The relaxing beach rejuvenates us after the long hours, days, months, and years of work. Now the time has come to relax the body and mind after two months surviving India and trekking Nepal. Soaking up the sand and sea with all that it has to offer, before we continue back on to the trail north toward bangkok and the jungle hills of inland Thailand.
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