What is it like to live in Nepal?

Arvind Bhatnagar

A Personal Introduction to Nepal

I remember vividly the day I got a text from my best friend. She was exclaiming, excitedly, that she was about to embark on a trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. I caught myself, my heart pumping, my mouth agape. I had heard of Nepal. Sure, we all had at some point, given its stance as the home of the tallest mountain on this tiny planet of ours. But in that moment, it ceased to become just a name, a stop on the Wanderlust Express, and transformed into a destination of true interest for me. "What is it like to live in Nepal?", I found myself wondering. Little did I know how that curiosity would blossom into something more.

The melody of Nature in Nepal

Nature in Nepal sings a melodious tune that's on repeat. From the towering snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, the sensation of standing at the top of the world, to the verdant jungles brimming with rare and exotic wildlife, including the elusive Bengal Tiger and the mighty Asian Elephant, the reassuring hum of nature’s soundtrack is a constant lot in the life of a resident in Nepal. Close your eyes, lean in, this is a symphony that words can hardly justify.

The Colorful Culture that Breathes Life into Nepal

Living in Nepal is like being in one long, incredibly vibrant, sometimes dizzyingly so, celebration of culture. Diverse ethnic groups, each with their own unique customs, festivals, languages, and cuisines, coexist harmoniously. Their unity in diversity is what truly defines the country’s rich heritage. Picture this: a leisurely Sunday morning, strolling through Kathmandu’s alleyways and being drawn in by the mouthwatering aroma of Momo (traditional Tibetan dumplings), coming from a nearby roadside vendor or the colorful sights of people in their traditional Newari attires.

Imagine the dance of the locals in synchronized harmony, as the rhythm of Madal drums echoing around the hills during the festival of Tihar. Or perhaps, being a spectator to the grandeur of the chariot procession during the Rato Machhendranath Jatra in Patan, a sight you don't simply observe but soak in, every last joyful dazzle of it. Nepal’s culture is not just lived; it’s experienced, a spectacle that constantly demands your attendance, and trust me, you would not want a front-row seat to this party.

The Power of Faith and Spiritual Inspiration

Living in Nepal, one cannot ignore the overwhelming power of faith. Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, is a beacon of spirituality, attracting Buddhists from far and wide. Walking around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, and soaking in the soulful chants of 'Om Mani Padme Hum definitely adds a profound calm to the everyday hustle-bustle.

Likewise, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, witnesses a regular influx of devotees thronging to pay their respects. Nepal is dotted with temples, monasteries, and spiritual sites that exude a sense of peace and tranquility. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you'll find living in a spiritually charged country like Nepal holds an undercurrent of serenity that seeps into every facet of life.

From Serenity to Adventure: The Sporting Station!

Nepal isn't just about harmonious cultural symphonies or spiritual peace. It's also one heck of an adrenaline-pumping nation. The tall, daunting mountain ranges don't just serve as peaceful natural mementos; they beckon adventure seekers from around the world. From mountain climbing, paragliding, white water rafting, bungee jumping, to mountain biking and trail running, living in Nepal is like living in an adrenaline junkie's paradise. And let me tell you about Nepali people's love for Cricket... it's infectious! The national games get everyone more pumped up than a whirlwind adventure spree.

There’s also this allure for the world's most extreme airport, Lukla Airport (officially the Tenzing-Hilary Airport) where the surge of adventure begins for most trekkers. Add to that the thrill of being at the gateway to Mount Everest, and you're looking at a heady concoction of thrill and elation that only living in Nepal can offer.

So, what is it like to live in Nepal? Intriguingly rich? Unapologetically vibrant? Thrilling to the core? Or a seeking soul's safe haven? It's all of these and so much more! It's like living out a dynamic opera that changes its tune according to your needs and whims, with the country's warm heart and the people's inviting smiles being constant reminders of just how lucky you are to call it home.