Posted by: Nevada October 7, 2014
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Congratulations! Just by reading your post, I can say that I am excited for you! Going back home after a decade and half is truly very special - no matter what your reason is for not going or not being able to go back for a visit - you will find significant changes in Nepal. I first visited Nepal after about 8.5 years here in the US and even then I found drastic changes than when I had left in 1999 (you must have left Nepal around the same time).
First things first, on your last leg of flight to Kathmandu, make sure you get a window seat on the left side of the aircraft (this would be seat row 'A'). If possible, try to get a seat on the front side of the aircraft so that you will not have an obstructed view because of the wings. When the aircraft descends in Kathmandu from the southern hills of the valley, just seeing the hills, rivers, farm lands of your motherland after ages will be a special moment - it was for me. As you are in final approach for landing, on the left side of the aircraft, you will see so many new constructions, houses, sky scrapper apartment buildings, shopping complexes, and the traffic that did not exist when you left - your first glimpse of the big change that Nepal and especially Kathmandu has encountered over the decade.
After landing and deplaning the aircraft a bus will take you to the airport terminal where you will be directed towards the immigration area. There you will see a long line of people rushing to be first in the line to be inspected at the immigration counter, and they will be standing so close and almost touching one another. When your turn comes to be inspected, there is no please or thank you and definitely no smile. One might mistake this for a rude behavior but am sure you will not take it personally, as culturally and traditionally we are not very good at expressing friendliness.
When you exit the airport you will feel as if you're in a different planet - you will not escape the busy traffic with its noises and honks, which is perfectly normal there. Anyways, turning to food, DO try the variety of restaurants and eateries that have emerged (even I do not have a good knowledge of these restaurants but am sure your family & friends will pour in some great ideas). My suggestion is start your day with 'Jeri & Swari' and then hunt for other delicacies. Don't miss 'Baje ko Sekuwa'; some places I like are Tamas, Thakali Kitchen (behind Narayanhiti), Fire & Ice; Machan; and I forgot the names of others. There are a bunch of selection of restaurants on Durbar Marg as well. Also, don't forget to check out the western style coffee houses for coffee and pastries that have opened up around the city. For a upscale fine dinning, I could recommend Hotel Dwarika's Krishnarpan restaurant that serve authentic Nepali cuisine, meals from 6 to 22 courses depending on your selection.
For places to visit in the valley, do visit the durbar squares of all three cities, and inquire about tourist guide to give you a tour of the squares (highly recommended). Usually, there are green booths in these squares that are tourist information centers. They are not very expensive (anywhere from Rs. 500 - 1000) and they will give you a very comprehensive tour of the square describing the historical, cultural and religious significance of the temples, palaces and monuments, and how they have impacted generations of Nepali people. In Kathmandu durbar square, don;t forget to tour the Kumari house and Hanuman Dhoka museum and the courtyard where coronation of all Shah kings have taken place staring from King Prithvi Narayan Shah (as the king of Nepal after conquering Kathmandu on Indra Jatra day in 1768, as Kathmandu was called back then) till the last monarch, Gyanandra. Also, there are oher musesums to visit if you are really interested in Nepali cultural and political history from pre Rana era till the recent past: Chaunni museum, Military museum (Chaunni), Narayanhiti museum. Garden of Dreams would be another good place, especially in this weather.
If you want to take a tour out side of the city, Gokarna resort or resorts in Dhulikhel and Nagarkot could be good choices. Gokarna offers you a out-in-the-woods composure where as you will find hill top and mountain viewing serenity in Nagarkot or Dhulikhel, away from the city's lively environment. Pokhara and Chitwan would also be other good options to consider if you're up for a trip out of the valley. In interested in trekking, I like the Ghandruk, Tatopani, Jomsom, Upper Mustang trek (about 2 weeks) - untouched part of the world with its intact natural serenity and beauty - unlike anywhere else in the world.
I am sure, you will be offered a magnitude of options and suggestions here to make your visit to Nepal a joyous filled with ever lasting memory. Good Luck to you, have a lot of fun and do share with us your experience of your visit after 15 years!
NOTE: be very careful with water. Always drink boiled or good quality bottled water or you will fall sick. Period.
NOTE: be very careful with water. Always drink boiled or good quality bottled water or you will fall sick. Period.
Last edited: 07-Oct-14 12:44 PM
Last edited: 07-Oct-14 12:50 PM