An explorer arrives in the land of Nepal with only two known facts about this country, the home of Mt Everest and the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. This is the case when a person is either just arrived here in Nepal or planning to visit it for the first time soon. But, if you ask a traveler who has completed the visit and just landed home, he will say “there are many things I wish I knew before going to Nepal”. He meant to say good things about Nepal that he never thought of that they really exist in Nepal or get to experience there.
Nepal is a naturally and culturally rich country. It has everything on its side from the world’s highest peaks to the world’s deepest valley. It is the land of mighty Sherpa, Gurkhas. There is so, so, so much to explore out of this small landlocked country of South-Asia. You’ll get surprised by the natural and cultural happenings of this country. And because of all its possessions, Nepal stands as the best place for cultural and adventurous ventures.
While in Nepal you can feel like you are in a whole other setting that you have never been or experienced. Some parts will be already experienced ones and some can be totally new for your eyes and mind. Thus, to make you aware of some things about Nepal. Here is the list of things I wish I knew before going to Nepal, shared by the recent first-time explorer of Nepal.
Things I wish I knew before going to Nepal
Social and Traditional Norms in Nepal
Nepal is a culturally diversified country with a whole full package of traditional norms. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two major following religions and hence the understanding of masses of this country is very traditional and innocent. For instance, “Namaskar”, “Namaste” is a more popular way to greet and welcome people which involves joining palms together and lowering your head slightly.
Likewise, more revealing clothes and people wearing them are uncomfortably accepted by the locals here. If you are thinking of too-short clothes, please leave them at your home to avoid locals staring at you. There are several other things that you need to be careful of like, Cow is the sacred animal of Hindu Community and the national animal of Nepal also. Therefore, don’t think of beef ever to come as a meal in Nepal rather expect mutton and chicken items.
Adventure Experiences in Nepal
Home to some of the world’s top 10 highest peaks including Mt Everest and Mt Kanchenjunga, it’s too normal to expect a whole lot of adventure experiences in Nepal. With peaks in the north, hills in the middle, and lowlands in the south, Nepal is a deal when it comes to experiencing something adventurous. Nepal is renowned for its mountaineering and trekking spots along with paragliding, mountain biking, bungee jumping, skydives, city tours, trekkings, helicopter tour in Nepal, skiing in 6000m above peaks etc.
If you are enticed by trekking and helicopter charter, then you should do the Everest Base Camp Trek Luxury Trek once while in Nepal. This escape gives you the chance to explore the beauty of the Everest region and its peaks through trekking and air ride. Moreover, you can find abundant trekking trails, climbing peaks, rafting rivers, etc, it is quite easy to find one adventurous thing to do as there are many.
Nepal is more than just Mountains
Most of the people around the globe think that Nepal is only about mountains. This is totally because of the lack of proper communication and publicity. Nepal has so many things for its visitors either its cultural heritages, or fast rivers, or pristine lakes, or trekking trails, or eye-starting terrains, and so many. To explore the entire Nepal without leaving one single major explorative thing is a long stay in Nepal. If you are in the mood to explore every important thing of Nepal then it’s better you come on a long vacation or else you can keep it for another time.
Many Off The Beaten Trails
When people think of doing trekking in Nepal they either pick Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) or Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek. But there are many trails other than just these two trekking trails. The other trails of Nepal are identical or even better than those most popular trails. There are unfrequented and untouched trekking trails beautiful since ever waiting for the trekking to hit them. One trekking in these trials will enjoy the serenity in peace surrounding without any crowd. If you are a peace admirer, you should do these treks as alternatives to the ABC and EBC Trek. Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek etc are the best options available.
Food is organic and diverse too
The food that you get on your plate when in Nepal is from various countries. You can dine foods from Chinese, Indian, Continental, and local menus. And as you go rural and rural, you can taste the organic food made by the locals. Don’t miss Dal-Bhat, the most popular local menu made of steamed rice, fried lentils, well-cooked vegetables, and mouth-watering pickle. It’s delicious on one side and energy provides on the other side. The other menus are equally delicious and organic. However, there can be non-availability of some of the food items as you leave rural places.
Roads are bumpy and dusty
Never expect concrete roads everywhere in Nepal. There are times when you have to travel on the earthen and bumpy roads which are dusty too. Urban areas like Kathmandu and Pokhara are linked with concrete and pitched roads. But after it has been some good time that your bus has left urban areas, then you should expect some off-road. Therefore, make yourself comfortable with the roads of Nepal. Plus, if you are thinking of walking along the roads of Nepal, the dust is always there after some bus passes away. So, make sure you have a mask as well.
Water Availability in Nepal
Water is not a problem in Nepal as it’s one of the richest countries in water resources. The water is easily available but the problem is not all of the water is drinkable. There are plenty of water taps around rural and urban areas of Nepal which are good for the locals but not for you. Therefore, don’t just run there to sip water from the taps. Rather carry some water purification tablets and use it whenever you fill the water from taps. If you have enough cash go for the mineral bottled waters.
Don’t expect fast Internet everywhere
If you are expecting reliable and fast Internet all the time in Nepal then it’s better you should not. Yes, there is a satisfying Internet service while you are in the town areas of Nepal. The hotels, restaurants of such places are equipped with good Internet. But as you leave urban life for some time around rural Nepal, then you have to either forgive the Internet for a couple of days or adjust with slow and inconsistent Internet.
