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Iconic Eyes of Nepal i.e. Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu always fascinated me for deserving a holiday. I took the instant decision with a modest plan to fly on the first day of 2011 with my family. For us, it has a port entry. In the chilly afternoon, we landed in the Himalayan Kingdom with awestruck. Window shopping around Thamel during evening time and meeting ex-colleague while inviting us for a dinner with family at the Turkish Restaurant was a good moment to spend. Having diverse types of Momos (dried and boiled) with soup, Turkish kebabs were mouth-watering experience in the very cold winter night in Kathmandu. Wow, I just loved the way 2011 started.
Day 2: Exploring Iconic Nepal – My Signature Morning Tour
The following day, 2nd January, I had my custom made early morning tour. Normally I do this research by asking local people while I’m out for the day time. Also, I plan at night time. by surfing information from the net. So, I did all my R&D on 1st January. This is my Signature Morning Tour where I’m the only person helping myself for a couple of hours. I prefer walking however if I get bi-cycle then I hire that for couple of hours. In Nepal, I opted to explore on foot. And this is the best time for me to explore the city.
Consequently, we had a city tour with a local guide all day long by hiring a taxi. Visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Nagarkot (Mt. Everest Peak is seen) and Bhaktapur in and around Kathmandu were such an experience. I had seen all these places in movies, magazines, and travel shows. But to see all these in own eyes, it’s totally different experience altogether. Buying souvenirs from Thamel was a great experience. Thamel is the most happening place for tourists in Kathmandu. We enjoyed shopping for local showpieces there for ourselves and near ones.
Day 3: Visiting Natural Pokhara
On the 3rd and 4th day, we have visited 3rd largest city of Nepal called Pokhara in the western part which is located approximately 200 km west of the country’s capital. We have decided to visit Pokhara on a road trip. Natural beauty was too mesmerizing. It has everything to offer for adventure lovers. On the way to Pokhara, we halted for an hour in Manakamana. It is the sacred place of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati. The Manakamana Cable Car was worth visiting mountain ride over the distance of 2.8 kilometers in 10 minutes more or less. After reaching Pokhara, we took an early dinner and went to bed.
Day 4: Visiting Sarangkot
On the 4th morning, it was an absolutely mind-blowing experience for me because Annapurna (Machhapuchhre in Nepali language) was seen clearly from Sarangkot watchpoint. I had to wake up at 4.30 am for that memorable outing with other tourists. The view of the Annapurna peak of Himalayas was breathtaking and unforgettable. After breakfast, we visited Phewa Lake and worth seeing Davi’s Fall. There were many caves seen in Davi’s Fall which were spectacular to watch for different natural forms made from limestone deposits. Another of Pokhara’s natural wonders that draw tourists’ attention was the Seti River. Most importantly, river flows right through the city.
Day 5: Seeing the most iconic eyes of Nepal
On the fifth morning, our journey came to an end with little shopping around in Thamel. In our return flight in the afternoon, the entire Himalayan Range especially Mount Everest was clearly visible. Above all, it was a great moment to cherish for a long time!! The proverb says all well that ends well.