Cabin crew, please be seated for landing.
That in-flight announcement was made probably about thirty minutes before landing – I can’t remember exactly when. But typically, when that announcement is made, you would expect to see views of the city landscape from above, right?
Not when you’re flying into Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport.
From my window seat, I was a treated to a view of clouds like big balls of cotton. The plane flew right into those clouds just before landing at the airport, as if for a few minutes, we were enveloped in these big cotton balls.
[Click to play the short clip]
The feeling was quite magical and that made me feel excited to land in Nepal but ambivalent at the same time, unsure of what to expect from this trip. The fact that this small country is a melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism, ninety-two languages are spoken in this nation, and has eight of the world’s top ten highest summits including Mount Everest, and among other wonders, give plenty of interesting stories to share and many ways of telling them.
Where and how do I start my stories?
*Also Read: Top Places in Nepal for Non-Adventure Travellers
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Stories of Nepal will, inevitably, mention the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that had hit and devastated Kathmandu and its surrounding areas in 2015. Thousands of lives died in the earthquake, many Nepalis lost their homes and were displaced. A country that is vastly spiritual and very proud of their rich cultural heritage was shaken to its core seeing their ancient temples and monuments brought down to the ground, destroyed.
Some parts of the country were not physically affected by the earthquake but suffered economically because tourism simply stopped. On top of that, Nepal struggles with existing problems related to poverty, high unemployment, a complicated political history of civil war and border skirmishes.
But you know what? All that is old news – negative news that are mentioned time and again. The earthquake and the aftermath of the disaster had been covered extensively.
So, let’s move on and focus on the positive news, shall we?
Positive stories about Nepal. The real stories of Nepal.
And that will be my stories for the next few weeks to share with you the amazing ten-day tour I experienced in Nepal. Here are the highlights:
Visited Hindu and Buddhist temples in Kathmandu

Experienced a homestay with a Nepali family in Panauti village

Spotted wildlife in Chitwan National Park

Visited the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini

Enjoyed forest trails and boating in Pokhara

A fascinating trip it was but it was even more special with the smiles and genteel nature of the Nepali people. Despite their struggles in daily life and post-earthquake recovery efforts, what truly amazed me was their smiles and optimism for the future. No matter where I went, be it in the city or village, life goes on for them, devotion to religion remains.
Therefore, I would urge you, my fellow readers, to ignore concerns about earthquake and safety. Enough with the negative news!
The best time to visit Nepal is NOW for Nepal is back on track, ready to smile and greet you ‘Namaste’. And that’s the real and positive Nepal, for sure.
*My trip in Nepal was part of the Himalayan Travel Mart trip. Opinions expressed in this post are, as always, my own.
*****
Planning a trip to Nepal soon? If so, book your accommodation here:
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*Linking with #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Hi Kat – We’ve wanted to visit Nepal for ages, and this just makes us want to go even more! We love how you’ve given a glimpse of Nepal beyond the Himalayas and Kathmandu, which is just about all the Western World seems to see of the place. We’re looking forward to your posts, and will be pinning and taking notes along the way!
I’m glad that I was given the chance to visit Nepal as a non-adventure traveller because even in Malaysia, most of us assume that Nepal is just Kathmandu and the Himalayas. Hope you make a trip to Nepal soon!
Would love to see Nepal before it changes too much! Glad that not everything was destroyed by the earthquake! I remember hearing about that on the TV! The pictures were just devastating! Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Yeah, it was very unfortunate. Change will happen nevertheless, but sometimes progress is good for a nation which is rebuilding itself after a natural disaster though this means more pollution. Hopefully they strike a balance between conservation and progress.
How great! I would love to visit Nepal and I’ll definitely check out your homestay article. Pinning on Pinterest! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Staci!
Great post and very inspiring. I would love to visit Nepal. Perhaps soon. #
Yes, pls plan a trip to Nepal soon 🙂
I have been hearing a lot of great things about Nepal so it is definitely on my radar. I like the idea of doing a homestay there. Looking forward to reading about your adventures. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Anisa, I will be sharing more Nepal posts in #TheWeeklyPostcard over the next few weeks, so hopefully these posts will inspire you to plan a trip to Nepal 🙂
Sounds great! Inspiring post! We’ve really wanted to go to Nepal for a while now and you’ve just made me want to go even more!
Oh I hope you make plans quickly because Nepal is a great destination to visit, don’t wait too long! 🙂
I love your cloud photos! Such a beautiful country, I’d love to go back. #Theweeklypostcard
Thanks Annabel, I think I left a part of me in Nepal. Will definitely go back to this wonderful country 🙂
I like how you faced the issues surrounding visiting Nepal head on! It admire travelers who talk about the good and bad of any travel situation but focus on making people aware, not afraid. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks Brooke, I’m definitely not one of those bloggers who wax lyrical about everything and everywhere they travel. We all know that not all destinations in the world are perfect, therefore we share the reality and to make people aware of the circumstances but still be able to enjoy themselves on the trip.
Lovely pictures! #Weeklypostcard
Thanks Lydia, glad that you enjoyed the post 🙂
Very nice article Kat, thanks for this ! Combination of Photographs are great as well !
Thanks Mr Suman for your kind words, glad that you enjoyed the post 🙂
I enjoyed your positivity in the post. Good luck to Nepal with their (re)development and tourism uptick.
Your pictures make me want to experience those smiles ☺️
Hi Alok, thank you for your kind words 🙂 You have not visited Nepal before? It’s quite close to your country of origin.
Yes, not been to Nepal. I’ve not even covered India much (yet).
You are most welcome Alok, we have Young People from India coming to do Everest Base Camp Trek in November !
What amazing scenery and great pics
Thank you 🙂
I’d love to visit Nepal! It sounds like such a beautiful country and looks like you had a wonderful experience
Thanks Kirsty! Hope you get the chance to visit Nepal soon, you will definitely love it 🙂
Hey Kat! Great write up, was such an adventure. I like how you included that little video at the beginning. Well done.
Thanks Mike! Yeah, I enjoyed our trip very much. Don’t think you will be going for long bus rides for a while, eh? LOL 🙂
Awesome coverage!
Thanks MJ! Do stay tuned for the next post 🙂
Love the way you animate your travels. It’s full of life & interesting!
Nepal is definitely in the list after this read!
Your blogs are going to be my travel guide
Thanks, Kat!
Yes, Geetha, please put Nepal on your list! Trust me, you will love it 🙂
Such a wonderful country with an amazing and breathtaking scenery! It will be in my list to visit !
Hi Suan, thanks for your comment – yes, it’s indeed a wonderful country. Hope to return again next year to explore more 🙂