Hiking in Nepal is a Spiritual Experience
More than a sightseeing expedition, that's for sure
Just when you think that hiking in Nepal is somewhat of a cliché, you hear of celebrities, acquaintances and even close family members who've either done it or plan to do it. Nepal is a land of incredibly diverse terrain and features eight of the fourteen highest mountains in the entire world, including Mt Everest. Nepal captures the imagination of people from all walks of life and with its own rich culture and chequered history, it compels westerners to visit, to immerse themselves in a simpler existence where olden day routine has largely not been infiltrated by modern conveniences.
Many who have gone there claim that hiking in Nepal is an utterly spiritual experience. The awesome scenery, combined with the opportunity to meet with the local population makes for a trip of a lifetime. Meeting up, face to face with people who have lived in remote mountain communities for countless generations is a chance to understand how complicated our own lives have become. Sharing meals and listening to stories is another way of understanding a culture far removed from what we know.
Add to these experiences, the pure mountain air and the pleasantly exhausting exercise you indulge in when hiking in Nepal, and you soon see how a person's outlook can change in a most positive way.
Tours have been operating for years for people wishing to hike in Nepal and they are an excellent way to become familiarized with the lay of the land, the culture and the climate. They are designed to keep you comfortable and safe at all times and include meals, camping equipment and guides who will happily inform you every step of the way.
Where you travel in Nepal will dictate the kind of clothing and equipment you take with you and if you are traveling without a guide, you will surely need to educate yourself on all the necessities. Considering that there is a tropical zone right through to an alpine zone, hiking in Nepal requires that you do your homework and be prepared. The time of year is also an important consideration so read up.
Hikers, once they have been hiking in Nepal, tend to return many times. They report that there is too much to see and experience in a single trip and that the atmosphere can be addictive. Nepal claims to be populated with the world's friendliest people and you won't find many hikers who will disagree. Stories abound about foreigners who have been lost on trails or off the beaten track and who have been located and rescued by locals, expertly familiar with their home terrain.
Known as Buddha's birthplace, Nepal is a country where peace and harmony are not just catch cries. One only has to spend a short time there to understand the spirituality that permeates the pristine environment. Hiking in Nepal is never just about exercise or sightseeing or souvenir-hunting. It's about seeing the world through different eyes, the exhilaration that comes with being at peace with yourself and the joy of reaching out to another culture and coming home wishing you were a part of it.