It was the magnificent images and the strange desire to experience the “abode of snow” in Nepal that made the Himalayas part of my top 5 desired travel destinations. Many travelers go to Nepal for meditation, yoga, astrology, retreats and to merge with the mighty Himalayas. The mighty altitude of the Himalayas is said to be a constant remembrance to the loftiness of the human soul. That is why all sages and prophets have found the Himalayas best for their spiritual pursuits. The Himalayas are home to some of the most enchanting landscapes in the world.

Places to See

Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur , 14 km east of Kathmandu is a completely medieval world and a must in your itinerary. With its well-preserved temples and monuments , the peasants and artisans, the town will take you in its spell. The whole town has almost no concrete buildings, life is buildings are traditional and peaceful.This well preserved city  is the home of medieval art & architecture and still retains its rich medieval aroma. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. Bhaktapur is the most charming and the best preserved of the valleys three cities. The intricately carved temples, alleyways and timeless atmosphere of this place is simply intriguing. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur are The Durbar square , the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of the barking dogs,  5 storied Nyatapole Temple, Bhairavanath Temple, Dattatrya Temple, Pujari Math etc Bhaktapur can be done along with a hike to Changunarayan temple or  a visit to Nagarkot.

Swoyambhunath Stupa
About 45 min of walk from city centre ,atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swayambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley lake. For centuries an important center of Buddhist learning, the painted eyes of the Buddha gaze out from all four sides of the monument. Constructed to specific rules each with a symbolic meaning, the stupa of Swayambhunath is a model of its kind. The whole is hung with multi-colored prayer flags whose every flutter releases holy prayers. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence.

Swoyambhunath commands great view of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayas and a visit around sunset time is said to be highly memorable.

The Himalayas is also the home to many Holy Men, commonly know in Hinduism as sadhu which refers to a mystic, an ascetic, practitioner of yoga (yogi) and/or wandering monks. The sadhu is solely dedicated to achieving the fourth and final Hindu goal of life, moksha (liberation), through meditation and contemplation of Brahman.

Holy Man Image by James McDowell

I would love to be in the company of the sadhu merely to experience their lifestyle. Have you ever experienced a lifestyle extremely different from your own? What did you learn? How did it impact you?