Terai, Pokhara and Kathmandu!

Hi everyone!!!! I am writing from Kathmandu, where I have only three more days before (hopefully...) traveling to Jordan. Our trip to the Terai, the southernmost area of Nepal, was absolutely incredible. After two days of panels and site visits with different grassroots organizations and provincial officials, we had a free day on Thursday to explore the beautiful Chitwan National Park! We took a safari into the forest and saw rhinos, peacocks, white spotted deer, mongooses, and so many other amazing creatures and plants. The safari was an incredible way to explore the stark and rolling plains in this area, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. We even saw birds that migrate to Nepal and India all the way from Siberia, which was astonishing to me.

After returning from Terai, we spent our free weekend traveling to Pokhara, which is a city that is situated north and west of Kathmandu. We stopped for delicious dhal baat and roti on the side of the road, and then finally arrived on Friday evening! Pokhara was one of the most naturally stunning cities I have ever visited. We stayed in the lakeside area, right next to Lake Phewa, and began to adventure on Saturday! We set out on a trek around the lake, up the ridge opposite Pokhara, and towards the World Peace Pagoda. We trekked to the Pagoda, walked clockwise around, and saw the most stunning views of the Himalayas! Then, we continued on to the Pumdikot Shiva Statue (only the second tallest statue of Shiva in Nepal...) and stopped for lassis and a lot of water! From the ridgeline, we had incredibly clear views of the Annapurna range, with Macchapuchare (the fishtail mountain) sticking out of the range. Not to state the obvious, but these mountains were the most immense things I have ever seen-- such a bucket list goal! We hiked back down to Lake Phewa and took a rowboat back across to the waterfront near our hotel. It was an absolutely perfect day! On Sunday, we woke up very early for a sunrise hike to Sarangkot Lookout. We caught the sunrise over the Himalayas, with Machhapuchhre highlighted in all its glory! I already cannot wait to come back here for some trekking!

This past week, I have been back in Kathmandu and focused on completing all of my essays and assignments for the Nepal portion of this semester. We have a large load of work, which may or may not have snuck up on me... But, I have been working in some gorgeous cafés in Patan city, and taking long walks around my neighborhood of Patan and Lalitpur.

My highlight of the week was a Momo-making party with my host family! My host parents, Shila and Sudarshan, celebrated their 32nd anniversary and invited us to join them for momos, cake, and dancing! The momos I made did not look professional, but they were delicious all the same. It was so special to celebrate this anniversary with their family. Today, I checked a few more activities off of my Kathmandu bucket list! I went to an outdoor rock climbing gym in the heart of Thamel, and did some fun bouldering and top-rope climbing. I haven't climbed in forever, but it was so much fun! After wandering around Thamel for a bit, I then visited the Monkey Temple near Bhaktapur. The temple hosts a massive stupa that is decorated with the watchful eyes of the Buddha on all four sides. I avoided getting anything stolen by the monkeys that roam around the temple, thankfully.

I can't believe I am leaving Kathmandu in only a few days. I already am planning to come back to this incredible country, and return to all the amazing people and places that I have found. Feeling so very grateful! Miss you all tons and tons.

The Monkey Temple (Swayambhu Mahachaitya)

Chitwan National Forest

Hike to the Pumdikot Shiva Statue

32 years! (post Momo party)