Nepal is a country of extremes. It’s got the biggest mountains, the wildest rivers, and the oldest cities we’ve seen on the trip. Mixed with the most vibrant colors and charismatic people, this little country packs a lot of punch. Though it’s a place full of pleasant surprises, you still know you’re in Nepal when…
– Your country claims eight of the top 10 tallest mountains in the world and the other 192 countries share the other two.
– The country is so Hindu that even pets sport bindis.
– There are so many 11th- and 12th-century buildings even the corner deli is a UNESCO world heritage site.
– You are afraid to pick up the telephone receiver for fear you might contract something.
– The tourist touts are so good, they even get their tchotckes to do the talking.
– Dal bhat (bottomless lentil soup and chutneys) is the meal of choice for breakfast lunch and dinner…and you (almost) never get sick of it.
– Your mountains are so big and nasty you need to clear 10 days on your calendar before you even think of hiking them.
– You see the most ornate wooden wall sculpture and it turns out to be a window frame.
– You can get the tastiest and most colorful meal in town for under 30 cents
– Volleyball is finally more popular than soccer (because building a footie field on the side of mountain just isn’t going to happen).
– Your rivers are the playground to the world’s kayaking elite…when they are even safe enough to open.
– Prayer pit stops add 15 minutes to any walk across town.
– Paths are too steep and narrow for a pickup truck or even a dolly to haul things….determination, a cloth strap and a strong forehead are the only way.
Have you ever been to Nepal: have any to add? Never been to Nepal: any of those make you laugh?
It is just incredible. Boy and all the different foods you have tasted. What are your favorite new dishes?
Chat was definitely our favorite dish in Nepal. Though hot pot all through China was fantastic and anything involving eggplant was amazing. And after all this time in Asia, I walk up craving noodle soup for breakfast!
Taking photos while on a raft in white water? It’s confirmed, you guys are a little crazy.
LOL. yeah that was with our Lumix point and shoot waterproof joby. it was a bit nerve racking, and our guide was none to pleased with me not following his paddle holding technique….but hey when you need to get the shot, you need to get the shot 🙂
You’re afraid to use the phone for fear of what you’ll catch but you eat anything and everything you encounter? Huh!
haha..did you see the phone sign said “STD” ?
Preciously. I’d let him eat a scorpion before picking that up.
Heck yeah we did. Had to capture that one. It was a running joke the whole hike. “Great way to advertise your phone”….”who’s gonna pick up that receiver”…and it went on and on 🙂
Have you been able to play any pickup volleyball games during your journey?
(It seems like the beaches of Brazil are a popular place for pickup volleyball games – at least, on the images I’ve seen on TV).
Actually we just played a great pickup game in the Mekong Delta. We were watching these wicked good guys play and after we stayed and cheered them on for a while they called us in to play. We threw off our flipflops and stormed the concrete court with bare feet, trying to show our best skills despite our months without playing. Whenever there is a game to be had, we usually try and work our way in.
Looks like everything is amazing about Nepal!!! The street food looks incredible!! Yum!! Did you guys buy any souvenirs?
Oooo we did buy some amazing souvenirs in Nepal–perhaps our best antiques of the whole RTW! We got an old leather Tibetan belt purse, a rough sculpted bronze statue, and an carved wood vermilion box for bindis still stained with red!
You are 100% correct. Everything about Nepal is amazing. It is an absolute must. Let me know when you book your flight 🙂
Exciting way of life! I am jealous of… 🙂 Hey guys, don’t you work at all?! 😛 🙂
LMAO, too funny Naxos….well we did make a life choice, we saved for many years, then decided to spend our money on experiences rather than a new car and stock portfolio. and it has been paying HUGE dividends so far 🙂 – work, yeah we will do that when we get home….plenty of years left for that task.
Awesome post! I love it. Can’t wait to get to Nepal sometime in 2013!
Thanks so much for the comment Stephen! (We just followed you on Twitter actually!). Nepal was by far one of our favorite countries of the whole trip…such amazing history paired with the most ridiculous mountains….and quite cheap to boot. What a combo!
Ah I love this post! First time on HoneyTrek but loving this… recently returned from Nepal and it is without a doubt my favourite country I’ve visited yet! Those STD phone signs always made me laugh too, they were everywhere. Lovely, funny, and very true post…
Susanna x http://travellingstudentteacher.wordpress.com
@0c5eee909340faafebbcfa05457f720f:disqus thank you SO much for the love, so glad to have you over at HoneyTrek. Nepal was freaking amazinging wasn’t it? I want to go back already. Hey if you are interested in following along throw your email address over here https://www.honeytrek.com/Subscribe and/or click LIKE over here http://Facebook.com/HoneyTrek …. a big huge welcome!
HAHA, Love it! so true! If you ever miss the food be sure to check out my youtube channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yE2cdxUrq8
The religious dog was the funniest… haha.
So glad you could relate. Nepal is amazing, as is their food. Your recipes look delicious!
lmao. great video. thanks for sharing.
all true except the volleyball one…
lol. you don’t play volleyball @raj?
you guys are doing a far better job at promoting this amazing country than our Nepal Tourism Board could ever dream of doing. they should be using guys like you to get more visitors here for all the obvious reasons..no?
in fact, a walking museum encapsulates the essence of Kathmandu.
thanks so much for the love @anilbans! we had such an amazing time in Nepal, the food, the people and the mountains….WOW. we tell everyone they need to go there!
What an amazing post and article! This destination looks so beautiful and you captured literally awesome pictures on your trip. Want to visit this place as soon. Keep posting!
Thank you so much for the kind words Shanti! Nepal is truly a magical and beautiful country. We’ve already been there and it is STILL on top of our bucket list for a return visit!
It is great when you have already been there and now you read somebody’s blog and relive the journey from a whole new perspective.
SO glad you made it to Nepal Shreya! Hands down one of the coolest and most beautiful landscapes of any country in the world. Oh and the food. YUM! Bottomless Dal Bhat for everyone!
This travel blog post is a breath of fresh air! Your storytelling skills and attention to detail truly brought the destination to life. The way you described the local culture, the vibrant markets, and the breathtaking landscapes painted a vivid picture in my mind. The photographs you shared are absolutely stunning and perfectly complement your narrative. Your passion for travel and exploration is evident in every word, and it’s infectious! Thank you for sharing your experiences and inspiring others to embark on their own travel adventures. I’m eagerly looking forward to your next blog post!
Man, your comments have been awesome. So thoughtful and full of passion. Glad you enjoyed our Nepal blogs so much!