As summer is approaching, many of you might have started to plan how you are going to spend your vacation. Some of you might be taking classes or going to visit your family. For me, an ideal vacation would be spending time with your loved ones in a foreign country. You get to explore new cultures and gain a new perspective of life. Being from Nepal, I personally think Nepal is a perfect vacation destination. So, here are some of the reasons Nepal should be on your list this summer!
1. Perfect weather!
May through July is the beginning of summer in Nepal and it is really a great time of the year. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, falls in the temperate zone and you won't have to worry about wearing your fur coats or getting sunburnt. Just make sure you have your sunglasses! The other good time to visit would be October through November as well but it starts to get cold if you want to head north.
2. Rich culture
Did you know that Nepal is the home of more than 120 ethnic groups? Though being a small country, it has a very diverse group of people. The main language being Nepali, more than a hundred dialects are spoken. The Kathmandu valley is also the home to the living goddess 'Kumari'. You can learn the various folk songs and dances and that will truly add to your understanding of the people in Nepal.
3. Friendly people
The people in Nepal are known for their hospitality, bravery and kind nature. There is a saying in Nepal that translates to 'Guests are Gods'. So, you will be welcomed wholeheartedly into their homes. No matter what ethnicity they belong to, you will always be greeted with a smile on their faces. You wouldn't want to miss meeting one of the world's loveliest people!
4. Fooooood!!
The food in Nepal is finger-licking delicious! The most popular and undoubtedly the tastiest food here is 'Mo:mo'. It is basically Nepali style dumpling with rich dipping sauce. Believe me, you are missing out on one of the best foods in the world. Also, don't forget to try the 'Thakali Khana Set', 'Gundruk and Dhindo' and the mouth-watering street foods. You wouldn't want to return to America unless you try those foods!
5. Unlimited adventures
Nepal has a diverse geography. Being a mountainous country, there are endless adventures you could indulge in. Seven out of the ten highest peaks in the world lie in Nepal. Make sure you go trekking to the 'Mustang' and 'Everest Base Camp'. You can go paragliding in 'Pokhara' and bungee-jumping in the 'Bhote-Koshi River'. The rivers are also well-suited for kayaking and rafting. Get ready to feel that adrenaline rush!
6. Awesome places to visit
Kathmandu is known as the city of temples. There are so many temples throughout the country, the primary reason being the majority of Hindus. They are built in 'Gajur-style' that will overwhelm you. You can also visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. There are more than 6,000 rivers and rivulets, glaciers, and lakes that you should really visit. Home to so many rare animals like the Royal Bengal Tiger and One-horned Rhinoceros, the national parks are one of the major tourist attractions.
7. Lastly, Nepal fits your budget!
You can probably get a round-trip to Nepal starting at around 800 bucks. One dollar in the US is approximately equal to Rs.100 in Nepal. For $10, you can have a really great lunch and can travel around the valley for the whole day! So it really is an ideal vacation destination for the summer!
I would really recommend you guys visiting Nepal for one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You are going to understand a whole new perspective of peoples' lives and I tell you, you are going to love me for this suggestion!
