Nepal was hit by a catastrophic earthquake of 7.8 Richter scale taking lives of around 8000 people, leaving many homeless and destroying some important heritages. But major part of Nepal is still left untouched by the earthquake and is completely safe to visit.
If you are a well wisher or somebody who had planned a trip to Nepal but cancelled in between due to the tremors or someone searching a thread to help Nepal then this could be the right time to visit Nepal and its resilient, ever smiling people.
1.Trekking
Nepal is trekkers paradise. Annapurna Circuit or commonly known as Apple Pie Trek has always been the first choice for any adrenaline seeker. Everest, Langtang and Manaslu Circuit hold its distinct reputation among trekkers and if these trails don't get your juices pumping then how about Great Himalaya Trail running along Eastern part to the Western part of Nepal with total length of 1600 miles which takes minimum of 150 days to complete.
Since many have cancelled their trip, the routes will be less crowded so there will be an extra space for you to explore more.
Note: Only Langtang and Manaslu Circuit is affected by the earthquake.
2.Yaks and Yetis
Nepal is a land of yaks and yetis. Yaks are still found in Himalayan regions but there are only myths and stories about local people, mountaineers and trekkers spotting Yetis. Who knows you may encounter a Yeti during your next trip to Annapurna or Everest region and live through it to tell a tale. So good luck!!
3.Himalayas
Major part of Himalayas lie in Nepal. Among 10 highest peaks 8 lie in Nepal including Mt. Everest.There are 1913 peaks that are above 5500 meters(yeah you heard it right!) and among them 17 are above 8000 meters.
4.Food
Nepal's official food is daalbhaat and momo(not officially 'official' though). You can take a bite of sellroti dipped in milk tea at any local tea shop or take a taste of mouth watering Newari delicacies like samayabaji, choila, alu tama to name few in any Newari khaja ghars located in the medieval parts of modern town.
5.Culture and its people
Nepal has a diverse population of different ethnicity, casts and religion. From living goddess Kumari to Raute tribes living nomadic life wandering jungles in Western part of Nepal. You would be surprised to know that this tiny country holds about 102 ethnic groups with their unique language and culture.
6.Adventure sports
From bungee jumping above Bhotekoshi to paddling your raft in world's extreme white water rivers Trishuli and Karnali. Paraglide over the skies of Fewa lake or feel the mountains up close in a small ultralight plane or zip fly at a speed of 100 miles per hour. From cross country mountain biking through the hills to canyoning down cold streams, Nepal has every thing to offer for adrenaline junkies.
Note: The Last Resort is affected by the earthquake, so your bad luck you can't bungee jump this time but there is an artificial location for bungee in Pokhara.
8.Diverse Wildlife
If you are the Animal Planet guy then Nepal is the right place for you. Go for a jungle safari in Chitwan or Bardiya National Park to capture a copy of endangered one horned rhinoceros or Bengal tiger in your digital device or take a refreshing bath with elephant after a hectic jungle safari or trek to Kanchanjungha Conservation Area to get a rare glimpse of red panda and wild leopard. Nepal is home to 181 species of mammal, 900 bird species and recently a wild yak was spotted in the Western part of Nepal that was supposed to have been extinct half a century ago.
Note : Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area are the only affected ones.
9.Value for money
Searching for a cheap destination to bag pack or planning a stay in a 5 star hotel you will get best value for every cent you spend. Nepal is one of the cheapest travel destination. Kathmandu is ranked as
4th cheapest city and 19th rising travel destination by
Tripadviser in the world. So this time money shouldn't be an excuse for your trip to Nepal.
Note: Hotels and restaurants are currently providing an extra discounts for the tourists this autumn.
10.Hippie Trails
Explore the remaining of hippie trails in Kathmandu. Visit Freak street named after hippies that started to arrive in early 1950s. Catch up with some locals to hear about freaking hippie tales and if you are lucky enough you can catch up with few modern days hippies for a selfie. For your kind information marijuana was legal until 1960s in Nepal and on the occasion of Shivaratri Festival ban on marijuana is lifted for a day in the name of Lord Shiva. Jay Shambo!!
11. Its Resilient People
Nepalese are known for their ever glowing smile and determined courage amidst the hard times and this earthquake has proven so.
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| A women praying in a temple destroyed by earthquake |
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| A old women collecting remaining of her house |
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A father kisses his son after the reunion in hospital
12.Disaster Tourism
Many people may be curious to see the remaining of the heritages that once stood tall against the time.
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