Category: Nepal
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Patan: City of Beauty
After Pokhara, we return to Kathmandu for a few final days before our flight home. One of the places we set out to explore is Patan, a city steeped in history and craftsmanship. Also known as Lalitpur, which translates to City of Beauty, Patan was once the capital of a powerful kingdom. Nowadays, it’s essentially…
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Pokhara: Post-Trek Chilling
The next morning, instead of hiking back to Nayapul, we ride a jeep instead. It takes an hour to get to where we started five days ago, and another hour to get to Pokhara. Pokhara is a lakeside city that has great views of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges on a good day. It’s also…
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The Annapurna Panorama Trek, Day 4
In the morning we are treated to another great panorama of the Annapurna Massif, this time as the sun rises over a bed of rhododendron trees. It’s a magical sight that reminds me more of the Swiss alps than the Himalayas. But that’s just a testament to the range of the Nepali environment. After breakfast,…
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The Annapurna Panorama Trek, Day 3
Day 3 starts really early. At 4:30, Rawal meets us at the lobby of the inn, and a few minutes later, we begin a 45-minute uphill climb to the Poon Hill west of Ghorepani. The Poon Hill is a hill station that provides a panoramic view of the Annapurna Massif. Being at the lower part…
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The Annapurna Panorama Trek, Day 2
After breakfast the next day, we start with the next part of the trek. We leave the road behind and traverse a trail that takes us through a forest and some mountain villages, occasionally passing by fellow trekkers and young Nepalis coming from the Holi celebration in a nearby town (I’m assuming Ghorepani). The good…
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The Annapurna Panorama Trek, Day 1
For many travelers, Nepal is synonymous with trekking, with numerous trekking routes in the country. Of course, the most popular routes are the ones to Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Base Camp. But for travelers with limited time, budget, and stamina, there are short moderate treks as well. One of these is the Annapurna…
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Dine In: Third Eye
Part of the joys in exploring Kathmandu is deciding where to eat, especially in the tourist center of Thamel. Thamel is known for its bustling streets and narrow alleyways, which are lined with restaurants, cafes, and eateries. These establishments offer a rich tapestry of flavors, allowing visitors to indulge in global cuisines. Whether you’re craving…
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First Time in Kathmandu: Exploring Thamel, Asan Bazaar & More
I finally mustered the courage to travel internationally again. The idea had been lingering for a while, but it was during my COVID-19 quarantine last year that I made the decision. An ad for Nepal trekking tours popped up on my feed, and something about it stuck with me. I wanted my first post-pandemic trip…
The Tourist Gaze 