Top 5 must do's in Nepal

COUNTRY: Nepal
PROGRAM: UniBreak
PROJECT: Physiotherapy
WRITTEN BY:  Tessa Rawolle

Before I get to the top 5 must do's in Nepal, here's a brief update on our progress here.

Now well and truly into our placement, most of us have have settled into our different sites. We are split into groups and placed at different hospitals in the city. At our various hospitals we are completing a variety of tasks and learning something new every day. Between us all we are independently doing physiotherapy treatment with patients, assisting and offering our personal ideas, performing nursing ward rounds, observing in the emergency department, and taking initiative in seeing our own patients. Some of us deal with difficult cases of children with disabilities, which is confronting, challenges our skills, and opens our eyes to the different way of healthcare in Nepal.

We all enjoyed a weekend in Chitwan together, including ensuring the bus driver didn’t leave us stranded 20 minutes from home on the way back! Three of the group trekked to Nagarkot as they are visiting Chitwan later in their stay. This left them with very sore legs but amazing memories of the mountains.

Now without further ado, here are our top 5 must do's in Nepal so far:

   1.   Shopping in Thamel

The streets are lined with endless stores selling everything you can think of- scarfs in numerous materials, bags, beanies, and gloves in a rainbow of colours. There's also hiking shops selling all your trekking needs and shops with small statues, souvenirs, and basic supermarket items. Here you can pick up all your presents to take home in the tourist centre of Nepal. Make sure you bargain to get the lowest prices. And if you get hungry stop at one of the restaurants for a meal with Thamel House, Utse Restaurant and Yak Restaurant our top picks for delicious Nepalese or Tibetan food at bargain prices. Don’t leave Kathmandu without a stop here! 

   2.   Chitwan National Park

This is a must for a weekend trip. Take the bus on Friday morning and arrive in the afternoon for a village tour and sunset view by the river. After dinner attend the Tharu cultural dance for a traditional evening of entertainment and to see some amazing skills. The next morning wake up early for breakfast before heading out for a canoe ride along the river. The fog makes for a peaceful and beautiful trip to start the chilly morning. A walking safari through the forest is a great way to see the animals and explore the midst of the jungle on foot.

Next up, don’t miss the elephant bathing. You get to sit directly on the elephants as they wash both themselves and you, before tipping you off. Make sure to take bathers or clothes that can get wet! Head back for a warm shower before lunch, then definitely pay the extra for a 4hr jeep safari ride through the park. Take warm clothes as the wind picks up in the late afternoon, but this is the best way to cover a great distance in the park and get up close with animals.

On the final morning, wake up early once again for an elephant safari. I think this is the most authentic way to see the forest. The bumpy ride is both enjoyable and memorable as you sit atop an elephant to venture through the park. This way you get the closest to animals such as rhinos, peacocks, deer, wild boar, monkeys, and birds. The jam-packed weekend is one not to miss as the beautiful scenery and fresh air is one of Nepal’s treasures.

   3.   Boudha Stupa

This is a short bus ride or 1-1.5hr walk from Thamel. As Asia’s largest stupa it really is a sight not to miss, as many pilgrims gather daily for a clockwise walk of the dome below the watchful eyes of Buddha, spinning the many prayer wheels with (or course) your right hand. The monument is magnificent, and the best time to visit is in the afternoon when it really comes to life.

   4.   Durbar Square in Kathmandu

This is the palace where the city’s kings were once crowned. The square remains the heart of the old town and a place to see traditional architecture. There are many sights throughout the square, with three loosely linked squares and many shops lining the streets. This is only a short walk from Thamel. You can even walk up the steps of one of the many amazing temples.

   5.   Walking the streets

To really experience the Nepali life, simply wander through the streets. Many little shops line the roads, from basic snacks to fresh produce and personal care items. You will also see bicycles selling in-season fruit as well as popcorn and roasted peanuts. In the morning there are many people awake and starting the day, however by late afternoon the streets begin to fill up. From beeping horns to people greeting you, there is never a quiet moment!

Other things to do in Nepal which we are yet to experience:

• Pokhara – for a trek atop the mountain for sunrise, paragliding, and for a peaceful location beside a lake. Here is the place to see Himalayan peaks.
• Swayambhunath – the ‘Monkey Temple’
• Trekking – from one-day hikes to the trek to Everest Base Camp, you can’t leave Nepal without a trek in some form or another!

Tessa Rawolle