The Beauty of Uncharted Nepal

Besides the adventure-seekers, it also offers much to the religious-minded and even those who hate the cold

ABHIJIT MASIH

“G iving up is not in the blood, sir. It’s not in the blood.” The epic line from Netflix’s “14 Peaks” reflects the true spirit of the people of Nepal. The line by Nirmal Purja (Nimsdai) who conquered 14 of the highest peaks in the world over 8,000 meters (26,246 feet) in just seven months. Out of these 14 peaks, eight are in Nepal. These include Annapurna, Lhotse, Kanchenjunga and, of course, Everest.

Whether it be the legendary mountaineer or my beautiful wife from the Kathmandu valley, giving up is not in the blood, more so when it’s an argument.

The Himalayan country has long been a favorite destination for mountaineers as well as regular tourists from the neighboring South Asian countries. For a long time, especially when Nepal was a monarchy, it was the first foreign destination for many Indians, including myself. While the regular and most popular destinations are Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are many lesser-known and even more beautiful hidden gems in Nepal. Not all of them are perched on mountain peaks, the country offering a diverse bouquet of attractions for adventure seekers, the religious-minded and even those who hate the cold. Thanks to the local source at home, here is a list of some of these absolutely stunning destinations in Nepal that should be included in the itinerary.

CHANDRAGIRI HILL

About 10 miles southwest of Kathmandu, is Chandragiri hill. At 8,370 feet, it is one of the four hills that surround Kathmandu valley. Even though anything over 600 meters (1970 feet) is considered a mountain, with peaks rising over 8,000 meters, Nepalese define a mountain differently. Chandragiri hill is one of the best day-trip destinations near Kathmandu. The main attraction is the mountaintop from where you can witness spectacular views of the great Himalayan snow peaks. It also provides great views of the capital city in the valley. There are loads of other activities that can be done, both for kids and adults alike. It also has a hiking trail that lets you appreciate the natural beauty of the area. There is a cable car that can take you to the top in just about 15 minutes. It is a thrilling and fun-filled option to get the best views of Kathmandu and its many historical attractions.

ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP

At 8,091 meters, Annapurna is the 10th highest mountain in the world. Though the Everest Base Camp is more popular among professional hikers and mountaineers, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is easier for anyone. It offers the beautiful natural vistas, cultural experience and, of course, the majestic Himalayan peaks. This is approximately 125 miles west of Everest and can be accessed from Pokhara. From Kathmandu you could either go to

PHOTO CREDIT: GRACE JOSHI

Picturesque sights that provide therapy for the soul

Annapurna Base Camp

Pokhara by road, which would take about six hours, or you could also take a 30-minute flight. The ABC hike is around the same as the EBC but at 4130 meters, the altitude is much lower than that of the EBC. The hike takes you through diverse landscapes and sleepy villages which offer breathtaking views of the snow clad mountains. The hike to the base camp at 4,130 meters is one of the most popular trails in the world. Known as Machapuchhre or the Fishtail mountain in Nepal it attracts seasoned and first-time hikers alike with its unique beauty. Even solo female tourists can venture forth on the trail, as a friend did a couple of years ago. Though not much of a hiker, she managed to complete the trail. Do not compare it to one of the trails in the Appalachians because ABC hike will test your endurance. There are different itineraries for the ABC trek but the most popular is the 14-day hike. Pokhara, which is Nepal’s second largest city, is also a perfect spot for some post-hike relaxation.

MANANG

While on the ABC hike you could also check another must-visit destination in Nepal, Manang. The quaint village is perched into cliffs and is at an elevation of 3,518 meters. The road to the village is tough and meandering but is well worth the ordeal. The village is

: In the shelter of snow capped, majestic mountains.

PHOTO CREDIT: GRACE JOSHI

used by hikers to take a day’s rest and get acclimatized to the thin air. You can also experience the warm hospitality of the people of the hills. It will surely rejuvenate and recharge you for the climb ahead and the best part of the Annapurna Base Camp trail. There are many sites and places to explore in and around Manang and you may decide to extend your stay at this beautiful village to bask in the beauty and the culture on offer. Find a spot to marvel at the beauty of Annapurna III and Gangapurna Peak and get a taste of some local delicacies like Thukpa, Tsampa and Momos. However the locals also cater to Western tastes and easy to feed yourself with a pizza or burgers. However, before you leave Manang behind make sure to complete the experience with some Ghiu Chia, a smoky and buttery tea.

GRACE JOSHI

PHOTO CREDIT: MUKTINATH MANDIR

Not all who want to visit Nepal may be interested in mountains and hikes. It is also home to many religious places worth visiting. In Kathmandu valley there are temples sacred to both the Hindus and the Buddhists. The Pashupatinath temple, the Swyambhunath temple, the Boudhanath Stupa and Kopan monastery are some of the most visited religious places. That said, there are many such sacred temples outside the Kathmandu valley as well. The most important amongst these is the Muktinath mandir, located at an altitude of 3,710 meters. It is also part of the Annapurna Base Camp trek and is just below the Thorong-La Pass. Its architecture reflects similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism. The temple is built in the style of a pagoda and is revered by Hindus as the place Lord Vishnu got salvation from the curse of Brinda. Hence, the name Muktinath, or the lord of salvation.

CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

Besides mountains, Nepal has plains as well, in the form of the Terai region. While in Nepal, you could also do a jungle safari at the Chitwan National Park. The park has gates facing all directions but the most favored is the one from Sauraha. The town is about five hours’ drive from Kathmandu and about four hours’ drive from Pokhara. There are many tour operators in both cities who conduct day trips and even overnight stays at the park. Once at the park you can do an elephant safari, which let you get as close to the wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros. Though there are supposedly Bengal tigers at Chitwan, they are very elusive. Chitwan offers an exciting jungle experience with activities including canoeing and bird watching. It is home to the Asian big five – the one-horned rhino, the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, the spotted leopard and the crocodile.