Colombia is a country that truly has it all. Easily traveling from one region to another, we can find a very distinct offering in terms of tourism, culture, and gastronomy. Therefore, it is very easy for Colombians to enjoy a broad tourist offering without leaving Colombia. However, the world is much broader still, and there are many countries with great beauty to discover. As Colombians are naturally curious and explorative, we have brought you a quite unique tourist destination to explore: Nepal.
Upon hearing the name "Nepal," the first thing that comes to mind is the Himalayas and Mount Everest, which is undoubtedly an incredible place filled with adventure and challenges. However, Nepal offers much more. This country, located in South Asia and bordered to the north by China (Tibet) and to the south, east, and west by India, is a land of natural wonders and rich culture.
Below, we will provide a series of places you can enjoy during your visit to Nepal:
Mount Everest: The Roof of the World
Of course, we had to start with the magnificent Mount Everest. Many people think that visiting Everest is only possible if you aim to climb it. Beyond mountaineering, the region offers treks which allow you to admire its majesty without needing to climb. The trek to Everest Base Camp is a truly unique experience, as it not only allows you to admire the beautiful views but also provides a close encounter with Sherpa culture, whose stories and hospitality enrich the journey.
Lumbini: In the Footsteps of Buddha
Lumbini is considered the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), making it not just an archaeological site but a whole spiritual experience as you delve into the origins of Buddhism. This place provides an atmosphere conducive to reflection and self-knowledge. Strolling through the gardens and monasteries, some donated by different countries, is like taking a global spiritual tour in one place.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Among Temples and Palaces
One of the most impressive places in Nepal is in the heart of Kathmandu. This historic square is dotted with palaces and temples dating back centuries, which are a living testimony to the vibrant life and culture of Nepal, despite the earthquake of 2015 that caused damage. This site stands as a testament to the resilience of the Nepalese.
Bhaktapur: The Jewel of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Want to step back in time? Walking through Bhaktapur gives you the opportunity to live that experience. Its beautiful brick streets and ancient architecture offer the most authentic experience of being in the past. This place preserves the beauty of a glorious past and, together with its renowned ceramics and intricate textiles, offers a truly special cultural experience.
Chitwan National Park
If, on the other hand, architectural tourism isn't for you but nature tourism is, then you must visit Chitwan National Park. This place offers a jungle nature adventure. Observing rhinos, tigers, and elephants in their natural habitat is an exhilarating experience and a perfect counterpoint to the mountains and temples.
Pokhara: Tranquility by the Lake
Lastly, we bring you a destination for those who like two emotions: tranquility and adventure. Yes, we know this sounds contradictory, but this place offers precisely that. Phewa Lake, with the reflection of the Annapurna peaks at sunset, provides a moment of unparalleled peace, while activities like paragliding add a very interesting touch of adventure.
Recommendations if You Wish to Travel to Nepal
If Nepal is the tourist destination you have chosen to explore a new corner of this vast and beautiful world, we would like to give you some recommendations to fully enjoy this trip. The first thing you should know is that the official language in Nepal is Nepali, so we recommend finding a tour guide who speaks both Spanish and Nepali well. You can also get by with English, but it is always good to have a guide, to, redundantly, guide us through the cultural richness that we often miss when trying to explore alone.
Another thing to keep in mind is that There is no Colombian embassy in Nepal, but there is a consulate. The Colombian consulate in Kathmandu, Nepal, is located on Jhamsikhel Main Road, Lalitpur. You can contact them by phone at 1 552 7223 and 98510 64800 or by email at [email protected]. It is also good to have noted and well-recognized the emergency numbers of the country. For 2024, these are the official emergency numbers: Police: 100, Ambulance: 102 and Tourist Police: 1144. Also, for communicating with someone who does not speak Spanish or English, you can use the mobile translator. If you do not have it, it is good to have learned or written down some phrases in Nepali to ask for help if you get lost, such as: "I am a foreigner and do not speak Nepali, can you please take me to the police?", "Could you please help me? I do not speak the language."
It is also very important when traveling abroad to inform a friend about the details of the hotel where you are staying or the places you will visit, so you can react quickly in case of any emergency. These recommendations are, of course, for when you travel to any country.
We hope that if you decide to explore this wonderful planet, Nepal will be one of those destinations you choose to discover.
