Nepal

Whenever I travel I try to stay in local places, or fun places… Here is a list of places I stayed in India:

• Kathmandu – Manag – A cool and fun place just off the main street in Kathmandu.  Small but nice rooms overlooking the street.  A little noisy by American standards but I was tired so I don’t remember it too much.
• Chitwan – Maruni Lodge – What a fun place to stay.  A myriad of little huts elevated off the ground serve as rooms with showers and nice beds.  Not the nicest place I’ve ever stayed but one of the most fun.  Only a short walk from town where you can acquire supplies, eat, and enjoy shows.  Also not too far from the Park where Rhinos run wild.
• Namo Buddah –  Tashi Namgay Monastery – A monastery with a guest house!  Pretty amazing place to stay, eat, enjoy, and learn.  A truly unique experience where i was able to interact with, observe, and enjoy Buddhist monks.
• Balthali Village – Balthali Village Resort – Located high above the village below this little resort is fun, has amazing views, and large rooms.  Although not nice by American standards it is clean and the staff is kind and helpful.  I’d stay here again should I be in the area.  The restaurant was good with many different foods to try… if you ask.

I had so much fun in Nepal.  Here is a brief rundown of the things I did:

• Rhino Safari
• Visit amazing historical sites
• Downtown Kathmandu
• Stay in a Buddhist Monastary
• Trekking in the Hymilays
• Interacting with locals in small villages along the trek.
• Canoe safari
• Cultural show put on by locals
• Visit many small shrines.

There are so many amazing places to visit in Nepal.  Here are a few of the ones i saw:

• Himalayas
• Various Buddhist Temples
• Wetlands
• Amazing valleys and mountians

Nepal has so much to offer it is tough to narrow down the things that were amazing.  Here is a short list of things I think you should see while in India:

• Rhino Safari on foot –  This was a 7 mile trek through the wet lands looking for rhinos.  It was awesome.  Crossing a river full of crocodiles by rolling up my pants and wading through was truly an experience that I will never forget.  Seeing a rhino in the wild without glass or fences between us is an awe inspiring experience.
• trekking in the Himalayas – Being on foot in these fabled mountains is something that few people can set claim to.  The sheer ruggedness of these mountains will generate more respect for the people who have come before you.
• My new friend Mark – the tour guide that was more of a friend than a guide.  He made everything more special and amazing by sharing more that just facts, but allowing my a glimpse into the life of a true Nepalese people.
• Canoe ride crocodile safari – This experience was very unique.  In a canoe carved from a single tree you are on the same level as these impressive animals.  My friend Mark was scared to death the whole time, but I thought it was really fun.  The boat rocks back and fourth as the man on the rear of the boat poles you down the river in search of crocodiles.
• Staying in the Buddhist Monastery – I will never forget the kindness shown to me by these people.  Having meals with them was truly a fantastic experience, learning their traditions and history.  Attending a Buddhist prayer is a very haunting experience as the chanting rings though you very soul.

As with every trip there are always things you wish you hadn’t wasted your time doing.  Here are a few:

• Elephant Rhino Safari – I wanted to like this.  I love animals, but I don’t consider myself an animal activist.  I understand that different cultures have different rules and views on animals.  But it was painful to watch the treatment of these truly amazing animals.  I just can’t recommend that anyone do this.

A few parting thoughts:

• Visa – You can apply for a visa upon arrival in Nepal.  It costs $25 cash for a 15 day visa.  More for longer.
• Contact Mark if you want a wonderful tour experience.  I don’t usually recommend guides but this guy truly made all the difference in this country.  He truly is excellent.  Here is a link to the travel agency he works for.  Krishna International Travels & Tours
• The car ride from Kathmandu to Chitwan is long.  If you can afford to fly, it would be much better.
• Get out of your hotel in Kathmandu.  It can be intimidating because it is so busy but you need to experience this town, the sights, the smells, the stores and most of all the people.