Nepal Now / Stories / Archive 2015
Visit Nepal Now
By Isha Balla ·
Published· Stories
Before writing about my epic trek to Everest Base Camp, I would like to inform everyone that Nepal is completely safe!! I think it is very important to convey accurate message globally. During our three week trip, there was not even a single second when we felt uncomfortable or in danger. I want to tell everyone that don’t stop yourself from travelling this beautiful country. After the earthquake that struck Nepal on April 25, a lot has been said regarding safety of Nepal. But everything that has been said is not true. Through this blog, I hope to encourage fellow travelers to (still) consider Nepal for a visit and to take away some of the worries that future travelers may have.
The earthquake has caused a lot of damage but it isn’t as bad as we were described. The areas where we went to were not as damaged as it was described to us. The only real damage was in Kathmandu Durbar Square and walking through the Basantapur street saddened me. The heritages were affected severely and I felt helpless and powerless. However, I was at least happy because by paying entrance fee and buying few goodies, I was able to contribute in nation’s economy even in the smallest scale possible. Other than Durbar Square, we visited Thamel, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple) and the Garden of Dreams, which are all a bit damaged yet still accessible and pretty enough to pay a visit to.
Honestly speaking, there were damaged houses on the trail to Everest Base Camp but we have seen worse. Trust me! We have seen more damaged houses in the other parts of the world and things were messy even messier than it was in Nepal. Even though all the tea houses were not open due to reconstruction works, the one that we stayed at was fully restored and I felt entirely safe. If I wouldn’t have known, I’d not have even noticed there had been an earthquake. Call me stupid or blind, but I’ve learned to look beyond something that first meets the eye.
Talking about the medication and health services, we had to visit two different pharmacies to get what we need in Kathmandu but that wasn’t too much of a problem. We didn’t even use the half of it eventually so we left behind the medication for future use.
The tourism industry which is also the backbone of Nation’s economy dropped down heavily after the earthquake. I just don’t understand why people don’t want to travel Nepal anymore? I mean what is stopping them behind? Has anyone stopped travelling to Japan or New Zealand after the earthquake? Why are people still residing in San Francisco or even visiting there despite of knowing the fact that there is bound to be a massive shock sometime soon? Natural disasters are imminent and we can’t help it. Earthquakes can hit anywhere in any part of the world. I would like to appeal all of you to stop being scared of something which cannot be controlled. Life is too short to live in fear.
Fuel Crisis?
The fuel crisis is a completely different story. Nepal is facing fuel crisis since September 2015 due to Indian blockade to Nepal. Yes, we were affected by the crisis but very less. Few restaurants had set a different menu due to unavailability of supplies and well that is it. Everything was pre-planned in our trip. So, we had no issues regarding transportation.
Nepal needs you more than ever before. The only way you can contribute to this country is by visiting this country. Seeing empty teahouses, restaurants and shops was sorrowful.
Nepalese are very welcoming and friendly. But above all, I was absolutely touched by their courageousness. Despite of facing a worst nightmare, the smile on their faces never waver. Instead of crying over spilt milk, they are looking forward to a better tomorrow. Unfortunately, when you decide to go, I cannot prevent another force of nature to hit the country nor can I guarantee that the fuel crisis will be over. However, the only thing I can assure you is that a trip to Nepal will alter your life forever. It will plant positivity in you and will bring out the best in you.