There's more to Nepal than the Himalayas

Published July 8, 2014
A spectacular setting of the Himalayan Range and Mount Everest which is more commonly known among Nepalese as ‘Samgarmatha’ – Goddess of the Universe.
A spectacular setting of the Himalayan Range and Mount Everest which is more commonly known among Nepalese as ‘Samgarmatha’ – Goddess of the Universe.
A true exemplification of Tibetan Buddhist symbolism, a walk around this simple yet massive monument will hold you in cosmic wonder.
A true exemplification of Tibetan Buddhist symbolism, a walk around this simple yet massive monument will hold you in cosmic wonder.
Spinning the written form of the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ in a Mani wheel. These are abundantly seen and found everywhere in Nepal.
Spinning the written form of the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ in a Mani wheel. These are abundantly seen and found everywhere in Nepal.
Entrance to a Buddhist temple.  As we climbed up the stairs, the walls were adorned with paintings telling the story of Buddha.
Entrance to a Buddhist temple. As we climbed up the stairs, the walls were adorned with paintings telling the story of Buddha.
A Buddhist monk sits quietly in a chanted prayer in the Stupa grounds.
A Buddhist monk sits quietly in a chanted prayer in the Stupa grounds.
Tiny little artefact shops are located all around the stupa where tourists can buy souvenirs. Most of the shop owners create everything by hand.
Tiny little artefact shops are located all around the stupa where tourists can buy souvenirs. Most of the shop owners create everything by hand.
Buddha eyes follow you everywhere you go. This door is situated near the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most important Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Pashupatinath may have been a Buddhist as well as a Hindu sanctuary.
Buddha eyes follow you everywhere you go. This door is situated near the Pashupatinath temple, one of the most important Hindu temples devoted to Lord Shiva. It is believed that Pashupatinath may have been a Buddhist as well as a Hindu sanctuary.
This old man sitting near one of the temples in Bhaktapur posed happily with each and every tourist.
This old man sitting near one of the temples in Bhaktapur posed happily with each and every tourist.
Buddhist lion statues are seen guarding temples everywhere in Bhaktapur.
Buddhist lion statues are seen guarding temples everywhere in Bhaktapur.
Dark clouds gathered as we walked around Bhaktapur Durbar Square in complete awe.
Dark clouds gathered as we walked around Bhaktapur Durbar Square in complete awe.
All around the Durbar Square, you will see people sitting and watching life go by.
All around the Durbar Square, you will see people sitting and watching life go by.
Just 32 km from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a little piece of heaven on earth. Perfect getaway from the hectic city life.
Just 32 km from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a little piece of heaven on earth. Perfect getaway from the hectic city life.
Breathtaking views await you on these nature trails.  If you are lucky, you might find stray dogs who will follow you like your guard pets all the way through.
Breathtaking views await you on these nature trails. If you are lucky, you might find stray dogs who will follow you like your guard pets all the way through.
Hardly a ten minute walk from our guesthouse, the World Peace Pagoda of Pokhara was built with the intention of spreading peace after the devastation that was caused by the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Hardly a ten minute walk from our guesthouse, the World Peace Pagoda of Pokhara was built with the intention of spreading peace after the devastation that was caused by the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Pokhara will never cease to amaze with its many wonders. As the sun’s rays lit up Fewa Lake, we realised that what we saw was one of the most beautiful sights of our lives.
Pokhara will never cease to amaze with its many wonders. As the sun’s rays lit up Fewa Lake, we realised that what we saw was one of the most beautiful sights of our lives.
This lone tree stands near our guesthouse, plainly visible from the roof with an almost ethereal beauty. The owner mentioned that it was struck by lightning some years ago.
This lone tree stands near our guesthouse, plainly visible from the roof with an almost ethereal beauty. The owner mentioned that it was struck by lightning some years ago.
Jungle walk in Chitwan National Park. This was quite an adventure.
Jungle walk in Chitwan National Park. This was quite an adventure.
Elephants and their riders waiting to take tourists inside the jungle.
Elephants and their riders waiting to take tourists inside the jungle.
A herd of spotted deer roaming in the jungle vary of prying eyes.
A herd of spotted deer roaming in the jungle vary of prying eyes.
Canoeing along the Rapti River Bank, we saw a breeding crocodile and many beautiful species of birds.
Canoeing along the Rapti River Bank, we saw a breeding crocodile and many beautiful species of birds.

The rare wonders that Nepal inhabits are numerous. From the gigantic Himalayas to nature flooding green into your eyes, with all its glory, and a unique religious and cultural heritage that will move you to transcend towards your true existence. — Photos and text by Alifiyah Imani

Opinion

Editorial

New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.
Ceasefire, finally
Updated 26 Mar, 2024

Ceasefire, finally

Palestinian lives matter, and a generation of orphaned Gazan children will be looking to the world community to secure justice for them.
Afghan return
26 Mar, 2024

Afghan return

FOLLOWING a controversial first repatriation phase involving ‘illegal’ Afghan refugees last November, the...
Planes and plans
26 Mar, 2024

Planes and plans

FOR the past many years, PIA has been getting little by way of good press, mostly on account of internal...