Kathmandu, Nepal. By Shannon Drape.

Firstly, can I just say what a trip of a lifetime this was and how hard it is to summarise briefly. I met three incredible Australians; saw a country that is rich in culture and coated in beauty and had it all paid for me. It was a huge honour to be chosen to experience, explore and report for Travel Scene in Kathmandu, Nepal.

In the beginning I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t sure if to pack for hot, cold or freezing temperatures, or worse if I would have to lug it all around on my with me on the trek! But some research, several quick emails to Travel Scene and a little faith helped settle the nerves.

Meeting the group early Friday morning was a heart-warming experience. Instantly we clicked as our shared excitement for travel and easy going personalities bonded us quickly. Our China Southern Airlines flight was interesting. Food and wine were the highlights; amenities were clean and maintained, however ‘The Artist’ (film) became much less colourful the third time around. Service on the flight occasionally came across cold and flustered, although this may have been just a communication breakdown of sorts.

 The Everest Hotel is a spectacular building standing regally over the busy city streets of New Baneshwor. Warm light spills from its doors, seemingly exempt from the rest of the cities electricity rationing. Staff greeted us with smiles and fruit drinks as we sunk in to the lobby couches. Upstairs, after a full day of flying, the comfort of our rooms was a welcome sight and I gratefully settled in. My first shower became a bath as I struggled to figure the mechanics in my fatigued state while a malfunctioning hairdryer made sure I went to bed with damp hair. The next morning all was forgiven as the sun-bleached streets and colourful rooftops visible from my window took my breath away. The fridge housed my bottled water and an electric jug allowed me to use the ‘Little Tin Drum’ Aeropress Coffee maker I had brought from Australia ensuring my inner Melbourne coffee snob was sufficiently satisfied.

Breakfast included the familiar and the foreign, cooked fresh on the veranda by a friendly chef. The advertised pool was not so desirable as it remained empty except for some stagnant brown water. I do recommend the bar on the seventh floor for the view and the vibe but beware their Happy Hour cocktails pack a punch. 

Adventure World handled our city tour and the trek, including transfers, meals, accommodation and a guide. Our main contact was Anang, a friendly man who worked at a nice and easy pace. The exploration of monuments and temples within the city was largely self-guided and self-funded although an informative pamphlet aided in learning. Large and small, the Buddhist and Hindu stupas are intricate places of worship for their idols and never are far from museums or markets. Kathmandu city is dusty, busy and full of sound but is, at heart a peaceful place. We were never pestered unnecessarily, English was spoken well and a good, fair price could always be reached when bartering. Our traditional Nepalese dining experience offered an enjoyable environment where we were free to sample the traditional food and wine from the region. The service was excellent, a shame it wasn’t a little busier for a Saturday night.

Trekking is undeniably the draw card for Nepal, an activity the tourism industry is well set up for. Shops everywhere sell both real and counterfeit brand clothing and trekking supplies. Our guide Rabindra was a very jolly and easy-going guy who knew the best viewing vistas, lunch spots, along with hundreds of jokes and conundrums to keep us entertained. The first day of trekking offered approximately 22km worth of beautiful pathways from road to the hilltop village of Chisapani. The weather was hot but cooling shade was available throughout most of the day. My CamelBak kept my water fresh and hands free, allowing me to focus entirely on putting one foot in front of the other. Being the only girl on the trek meant I had my work cut out for me in keeping with the pace set by the guys. Evidently, as I am writing this, I survived the ordeal thanks in part to their encouragement and my own competitive determination.

There is honestly no place like Nepal. Its varying landscapes include beautifully cultivated valleys and majestic, snow-capped mountains. We trekked through dusty ravines, shady rainforests, rural villages and more than one “shortcut”. Good footwear was my saviour insuring I was protected from both blisters and rolled ankles.  Chisapani was certainly the quaintest place I’d ever come upon in my 22 years. Their slogan, “come as a tourist, leave as a friend” seemed to say it all. Accommodation was basic; a hard bed, cold shower and a heavy blanket. No locks on the door or toilet paper provided but wholesome food, sweet coffee served hot and a free pair of shower thongs made for an enjoyable stay.

Trekking the next day was long and testing but arrival in Nagarkot was sweet victory not unlike the euphoria associated with the completion of a marathon. Breathtaking views from warm and welcoming rooms where the luxuries of this charming accommodation. We felt so at home we could have stayed there for weeks; exploring, resting and relaxing at this retreat-like village in the misty skies. After witnessing the 5am sunrise we made our way to the pick up spot complete with waiting Jeep. Our guide was more than happy to accommodate our request to shorten the day’s hike to allow for more time spent shopping in Thamel. We found our rupes quickly disappeared as we perused the local crafts and wares offered within the city. Nestled in the centre of the chaos we discovered the Garden of Dreams, an oasis of greenery and fountains, perfect for a cheeky rendezvous by local couples. Still spinning from our whirlwind trip we boarded a late flight back to Sydney and snoozed our way through another rendition of airtime a la China Southern, spicy beef noodles and all. Parting ways came all to suddenly for our tight little group but with assurance of a Kathman-two, we willingly dispersed back to our homes. Laden with gifts, new friends and many crazy memories, not to mention spectacular photos; our magical trip to Nepal was unexpected, unparalleled and unforgettable. Nepal, I will be back!