It was September 20, 2018—one of those long weekends in Bahrain, a three-day holiday where we were torn between taking it easy or diving into another adventure. With no concrete plans, we found ourselves wondering, "Should we go somewhere? And if so, where?" At first, we considered visiting another GCC country for convenience. But then, out of nowhere, Kathmandu popped into our heads! As soon as Jason started playing Kathmandu by Bob Seger, we knew it was meant to be. And just like that, Nepal it was!
I could hardly believe it—we were really doing this. It was the most spontaneous trip we had ever taken. Without overthinking, we booked our tickets and packed our bags, set to travel just a few hours later. While waiting at the airport, I quickly booked a hotel, and we couldn’t stop laughing at how last-minute everything was. The thrill of spontaneity was exhilarating!
Welcome to Nepal
One of the funniest moments of our trip happened on a bus ride at the airport when a fellow tourist asked us what brought us to Nepal. Jason, ever the joker and channeling his inner Tony Stark, replied in his most serious voice, “I’m going to see my good friend, Dr. Strange.” The reference was spot on, considering parts of Doctor Strange were filmed in Nepal. The tourist looked completely puzzled while Jason flashed his mischievous grin. We couldn’t stop laughing.
Our home for the next few days was Hotel Shambala, a charming little retreat tucked in the midst of Kathmandu’s bustling streets. The hotel had a stunning rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views of the mountains, and after a day of exploring, I treated myself to a soothing massage at their spa—pure bliss!
Exploring Kathmandu
Our first stop was Thamel, the heartbeat of Kathmandu’s tourism scene. The vibrant streets were lined with shops, cafes, and colorful prayer flags swaying in the wind. I usually love trying local cuisine, but Jason has this quirky travel tradition—he has to try pizza in every country we visit. So, naturally, our first meal was at a pizza joint with a spectacular view of Naxal Bhagwati Temple. I just had to laugh—travel and pizza are inseparable for Jason!
As we wandered through the lively streets of Thamel, we stumbled upon Mandala Street, a haven for art lovers. Intricately designed Mandalas adorned shop windows, each painting telling a story of balance and spirituality. We couldn’t resist bringing one home as a souvenir. Taking a ride in a tuk-tuk was another adventure on its own—zipping through chaotic streets while getting a glimpse of everyday Nepali life was an experience like no other.
A Glimpse of the Mountains
The next day, we set off for Nagarkot, hoping to catch a taste of Nepal’s famed mountain views. While we didn’t have time for Everest, standing at the Nagarkot View Tower gave us a brief but stunning encounter with the Himalayan range. Climbing the tower left me breathless—literally! But the view from the top made every step worth it.
Our next stop was Bhaktapur, a place that felt like stepping into a different era. The ancient city, with its intricately carved temples and traditional squares, seemed untouched by time. I was fascinated by the women working as construction workers, an uncommon sight in many places.
Seeing elderly men gathered together, engaged in deep conversations about life, felt like watching a scene from a documentary. Bhaktapur had this sepia-toned beauty—like a snapshot from the past frozen in time.
Immersing in Nepalese Culture
We wrapped up the day with a traditional dinner festival, where we were welcomed with Tika, a red mark on the forehead symbolizing blessings. While indulging in authentic Nepali cuisine, we watched an enchanting cultural performance. It was the perfect way to immerse ourselves in Nepal’s rich traditions.
The Beautiful Chaos of Kathmandu
Navigating the streets of Kathmandu was an adventure in itself. The roads were pure chaos—cars, motorbikes, pedestrians, and even animals moving in every direction without clear lanes. Yet, somehow, everything worked. The drivers seemed to have an unspoken understanding of the rhythm of the city, maneuvering through the chaos like seasoned pros.
Looking back, I’m so glad we embraced the spontaneity of this trip. Nepal turned out to be an unforgettable experience, filled with culture, adventure, and beautiful moments of discovery. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you don’t plan—just pack your bags, go with the flow, and let the journey surprise you!
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