TRICIA STEVENS
PERSPECTIVES
NEPAL
Known for the world's highest mountain, Nepal is also home to eight of the world's top 10 highest peaks. The country is covered by 75% mountains offering some of the most rugged land in the world. Nepal has the only flag in the world that is not rectangular and resembles two triangle shapes stacked on top of one another. The colours are red, white, and blue: red for victory in war, surrounded by blue for peace.
ABSOLUTE MUSTS
Swayambhunath
An ancient Buddhist stupa located on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. It’s one of the most iconic sites of Kathmandu, with its white dome, decorative golden spire and painted Buddha eyes. Numerous statues also surround the stupa, in addition to many monkeys which give Swayambhu its nickname of ‘monkey temple’.
Durbar Square
Located in front of the old royal palace, this square houses stunning high temples and popular shrines. Durbar Square means Royal Square in English and consists of several structures dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with some sections from the 12th century. This is the location where several kings were once crowned.
Pokhara
Scenery, adventure, and culture. Pokhara is the ideal destination for some relaxation in nature. With nine lakes in the area, the main attraction is Phewa Lake. Spend some time trekking to Sarangkot hill or through the Annapurna Range to experience the magnificent mountain views.
Climb a Mountain
The mountains are always calling. Climbing a mountain takes time and physical effort, therefore, it can be a challenge for many to take on the task. It will be exhausting and it will be difficult. It will test you both physically and mentally but you will be rewarded with incredible scenery that very few will ever get to see. The end result is guaranteed to be incredible, and best of all, it will teach you to appreciate the small comforts in life that so many take for granted.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is the holiest site (outside of Tibet) for Tibetan Buddhists. Built in the 14th century, it is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is a symbol and reminder of the Buddha’s path towards enlightenment. The base represents earth, the dome represents water, the square tower represents fire, and the golden spire represents air with 13 levels on the spire that symbolize the stages that humans need to pass through to achieve nirvana. The umbrella at the top symbolizes the air beyond the clouds. The giant eyes on all four sides of the tower are known as Buddha eyes and wisdom eyes (the all-seeing ability of the Buddha). Buddhism believes that if we can see beyond material things, we are wise. People are occupied by greed, hatred and ignorance. These thoughts lead us to suffering (depression and anxiety). Wisdom will bring the world out of this darkness. It is considered lucky to walk around the stupa clockwise (called a kora) and to spin the prayer wheels as you go.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s most popular jungle park. It offers the opportunity to spot bird life, crocodiles, deer, elephants, and the famous one-horned rhinoceros. Due to poaching, the rhino population declined to approximately 95 in the 1960’s (from roughly 800). Thankfully, a successful conservation program was introduced and poaching has been dramatically reduced (almost eliminated). The park is now home to over 600 rhinos. Chitwan translates to ”heart of the jungle’.
Pashupatinath Temple
This ceremonial cremation place is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (or Lord Pashupatinath). In Hindu religion, it is said that the dead must be cremated. This incredibly spiritual site is lined with numerous ghats along the Bagmati River where open-air cremations take place. With the temple being so blessed, it is said that if you are cremated here, you will take birth as a human no matter what sins you have done in your past. Only Hindus can access the main temple but anyone else may access the other parts of the building. It is a peaceful site and a must-see (maybe even multiple times!).
