When planning holidays, it is our mind set to either visit Malaysia, Dubai, Thailand or UK, USA, however having seen the west and orient both, I took the risk of venturing my holiday break at Nepal. It was all suspense in-spite of my internet surfing, but I was amazingly pleased when I actually landed and went out of Khatmandu.
Most of our Pakistanis are unaware that Nepal offers cheapest holiday than west/orient and has lot to offer. The natural beauty and Himalyan views, the culture and tradition, historical monument, art and architecture, Hindu Temple and Budhist Stupas and monasteries, its people and rites, myth, mysteries, which are daily part of the life of Nepalese.
Nepal has geographical extremes from cold highest mountains to the deepest Gorge of the world, hot plains mild hills. Nepal is blessed with eight highest mountains above 8000 meter out of 14, whilst five are in Pakistan and one in China. These eight mountains cover 800 miles of Himalayan range. Natural beauty and cultural identities are its lively and legendary phenomena that makes destination holiday in Nepal spell bound and magically touched. I can sum it up as, "see and touch it once and feel it forever", and those who have hobby of visiting new places will feel that Nepal is one of the places that is to visit at least once before you die.
You may find more what you imagine as one treads on its thrilling trails, snowy slopes, mysterious dens and wonderful beauties of wildlife and flora such as yarchgumba (Himalyan energytic herb known as half animal half plant). I did find fresh scents in air and more challenging paths on the lanes of trekking trails. Khatmandu is the first arrival point surrounded by mountains an old but basic and congested city with five star hotels.
The Darbar Square is the major attraction of the city listed as world heritage site. Nearby places are Patan and Bhaktapur, which according to a Indus Valley Pakistani artist whom I came across described as the hub of artist and sculptures in Asia, whilst Pushupatimath and Swambunath are Hindu / Budhist religious sites.
I must profusely admit that I did not see any crime like mobile snatching etc and the society appeared to be most modern, tolerant and welcoming to tourists as tourists income is more than 40% of its revenue. I was amazed to see no beggars although poverty is visible, but Nepalese are clean, polite, humble and gracious in general, based on my observation in city and countryside both. I recommend visiting Nepal without any fear of harassment, theft or roadside crimes.
Whilst Khatmandu is congested and polluted, but once you are out of the valley, the closest point 2175 meter above sea level is Nagarkot which is popular vintage point to take in expansive mountain range view only 32 km from Khatmandu. The sun rising from behind the Himalayas clothing the snow clapped peaks with a succession of hues is another visual to feast on. Club Himalyan resort is most comfortable hotel for overnight stay. Dulikhel only 30 km from Khatmandu is an ancient town and drive is scenic, full of winding streams and paddy fields.
The most attractive tourist attraction is Pokhra about 200 m West of Khatmandu about 880 m above sea level. The Fish Tail Lodge resort on the island of Phawe Lake is breath taking and exotic, with five star facility and has played host to most of the dignitaries of the world.
If you are early rising bird you can view Fishtail Mountain towering 6997 m high and the sunrise is so fascinating that it can't be described, one has to see and believe it. The lake with Jungle around offers boating facility and city is quite, but David Fall and Mahendra Cave is worth visiting, so is the visit to the Milky River, unique to see.
Having enjoyed Pokhra, we ventured for Chitwan Jungle safari, the 50 km road is not metalled, but the Machan Paradise Hotel is excellent, offering safari in jungle on jeep and elephant. The jungle is full of animals and canoeing in Rapti River is another attraction, including visit to nearby villages. The standard of hotels and meals are good and safe too. The jungle safari is an adventure, which one should enjoy, thereafter we ventured for 8000 feet Daman, which is a treacherous winding road but scenic.
I, must admit that my trip was a good experience, however the worst was awaiting us as we were made to stay 10 hours on Airport as PIA flight to Karachi was delayed due to mismanagement at Karachi and it is poignant memory. Nepal was the cheapest holiday spot, which offers excellent experience of rafting, trekking, canoeing, mountains and above all scenic as all mountains have forest and green look unlike ours denuded. The season is from September to May, but out of season the Nepal was full of tourists of all nationalities. The service provided by our tour operator Yeti was commendable and there was no deviation on our itinerary and they lived to their commitment without any hassle.
There is general liking for Pakistanis amongst masses except I noted discrimination that Indians are given more than 60% discount in all hotels as per government policy, which is not comprehendible. The trade is dominated 80% by Indian merchandise and economy of 28 million people is in virtual control of Indians. I could not find any Pakistani product thus, we must explore the market to introduce Pakistani products and tourists as well. The literary rate is 60% in Nepal, and there is no discrimination based on religion. I did find Nepalese equally dissatisfied with democracy and governance as is the case with us.
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