East & West – Nepal At Its Best

Long were we isolated as we were rarely connected to the nature. This pandemic gifted me opportunity to get connected to the nature and witness different aspects of my country Nepal. I always loved to present myself with pride that I had traveled to most of the parts of my country among my friends and colleagues. However, this travel was an unprecedented one. The itinerary of travelling to the tourism capital “Pokhara” from Kathmandu and heading to Meghauli followed by Surkhet – Dang-Nepalgunj-Dhangadi-Mahendranagar-Thakurdwara-Swargadwari-Butwal-Sauraha-Simara-Bhedetaar-Dharan-Biratnagar-Kakarbhitta-Janakpur and finally to Kathmandu on 16th day was not only an adventurous and exciting journey but was also beautiful learning as it offered me opportunities of practical classes of the geography of my country. With very few traffic on the road, the drive was easier than before which made the journey possible within two weeks.

Nepal, though occupies very minimal percentage (0.03 %) of the world’s land, is a perfect demonstration of diversities – be it geographical or ethnic or biological. During my journey, few hours of drive from flatland would take us to the chilled weather of hills and the window was like a screen displaying different kind of vegetation. Thakurdwara, Bardiya which otherwise would have been packed during this season was yet looking for visitors. Swargadwari Temple where we would have seen thousands of pilgrims was waiting for praying hands. The borders which would have been busy in transiting visitors and people of two countries was quiet. While everything usual seemed to decrease, there was increase in feeling of wilderness in Bardiya, increase in feeling of selflessness and spirituality in Swargadwari, increase in the warmness of Gabhar Valley and chilled weather in Bhedetaar. Every experience of the destinations could be referred to storm after the silence. We experienced everything at its best.

Obviously, I was also worried about the health and security during my travel. However, food and accommodation were not problems as hotels have started their services ensuring strict compliance on Health and Hygiene Protocols. So, how about travelling in the new normal??