My Journey to Nepal. Sitting at a Cultural Crossroad

Photos+Words: Javier Colombo

Instagram: @awonderseeker

Nepal is one of my favorite countries to visit in Asia. It hits the sweet spot between chaos and peace, culture and nature, authenticity and convenience.

Nepal sits at a cultural crossroads—part South Asian, part Himalayan. It blends the color and warmth of northern India with the spiritual calm of Tibet, but with less of India’s chaos and far easier access than Tibet. In places like Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll find prayer flags fluttering beside Hindu shrines and monks walking past temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. Buddhism and Hinduism are intertwined, creating a uniquely harmonious spiritual atmosphere. Nepal is a deeply religious country, and it’s interesting to see how it permeates every aspect of daily life. The symbolism throughout is rich and complex, and it holds genuine meaning for the people who live here. One word that could describe Nepal well is authentic: not a museum piece or a show put on for visitors, but a place where traditions are still part of everyday life.

Kathmandu, its bustling capital, is very dynamic and full of life. It’s the perfect place for people-watching—you can sit at the same spot for hours without seeing the same scene twice. It can feel overwhelming at first, but Nepal is one of the most welcoming places I’ve ever visited. Despite the initial sensory overload, it’s incredibly safe, and the people are warm, helpful, and often speak great English. Their genuine friendliness makes you feel at ease pretty quickly.

Pokhara, just 25 minutes by plane from Kathmandu, is the gateway to the Annapurna region, one of the most iconic trekking areas in the world. The city’s laid-back vibe offers a much-needed respite from the chaos of its capital. 

Pokhara is a great base for exploring the Himalayas. The peaceful lakeside setting and mountain views make it a perfect place to unwind before or after a trek. The hotels are affordable, and many offer spa services to help wind down after days in the mountains. The region offers hikes for every difficulty and duration—from challenging multi-day treks like Annapurna Base Camp, to the more moderate and relaxed Mardi Himal route, to shorter scenic hikes.

Tips for Nepal

1. Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. 

Visit the living goddess Kumari at Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. Nepal has the tradition of worshipping a chosen virgin as a manifestation of the divine female energy. It is believed that the girl is possessed by a Hindu goddess. Every day, the Kumari appears on the balcony of her residence to greet visitors.

2. Join a walking tour in Kathmandu. 

The city’s history and religious symbolism are so rich and interesting that you’ll be missing out without hearing the details from a professional guide. Walking tours are affordable and a great way to learn more about Nepal and its culture.

3. Witness a cremation ritual at Pashupatinath

Observing a cremation ceremony along the Bagmati River offers a powerful glimpse into the spiritual heart of Nepali Hinduism. Visitors are welcome, but it’s important to watch quietly and respectfully from the opposite bank.

4. Visit the World Peace Pagoda in Pokhara

One of the most overlooked things to do in Pokhara, the World Peace Pagoda offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Annapurna range.

5. Visit the ancient cities around Kathmandu. 

The historic cities of Patan and Bhaktapur offer a glimpse into Nepal’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. They’re just a short drive from Kathmandu but feel like stepping centuries back in time.

6. Catch the sunset at Boudhanath Stupa. 

As the day winds down, the atmosphere here comes alive—locals circle the stupa in prayer, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras before heading home. Watching the sun dip behind the massive dome and its prayer flags is a remarkable sight.

Travel Tips

1. Don’t Skip Kathmandu! 

Most people travel to Nepal solely for the famous hikes along the Annapurna range, and miss one of the most underrated cities in all of Asia. Kathmandu is worth at least three nights.

2. Bus Versus Plane

You can take a much cheaper bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara instead of a flight, but beware. These overnight buses are far from comfortable, there’s very little leg space, and the roads are in such bad condition that the drive is slow and painfully bumpy. I don’t recommend it at all.

3. Buy Multiple Sim Cards

If you plan on doing one of the longer hikes, it’s a good idea to get both a physical SIM card and an e-SIM. If you get two SIM cards from different companies you’ll maximize the chances of having decent signal in the mountains, which will be sketchy at times. The most popular mobile carriers are Ncell and Nepal Telecom.