Nepal: Back to the Future: Nepalese New Year 2082 in Chitwan and Pokhara

Locals celebrating the New Year

Another highlight was our time near Chitwan National Park, where we stayed at a luxurious resort tucked into the jungle. This park is Nepal’s oldest wildlife reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to over 40 species of mammals, including the one horned rhino and the Bengal tiger, as well as hundreds of species of birds. We were lucky to be there during Nepal’s New Year celebration, marked as the year 2082 locally. The festive spirit added extra joy to the atmosphere and I even won a hat in a raffle. (Nepal uses a different calendar. The Nepali calendar is based on the Bikram Sambat, an ancient Hindu calendar. The calendar is approximately 56 years and 8 months ahead of the Common Era).

While we did not see a Bengal tiger on our safari, we did see rhinos, and Suman made sure we experienced all the beauty and wildlife the park could offer. We were so happy to experience the local dance traditions each evening, and the pool and relaxing view over the East Rapti River fed our road-weary souls.

Below are photos of our village walk.

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After Chitwan, we drove to Pokhara hoping for peaceful lake views and a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas. Sadly, due to rain and haze, we saw neither. But as in many parts of this trip, the gaps left by weather were filled with magical surprises of a different kind. We saw lots of evidence of the devastating earthquake in 2015 that struck the region and many landslides along the road to Pokhara.

our sunrise view. Hmmmmm. sorry no sunrise today

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We fly back to Kathmandu vice driving back which was a relief given the bad conditions of the roads. Kathmandu was unlike anywhere I have ever been. It pulsed with life and energy. The air pollution was serious—so much so that a local newspaper reported even the dogs were lethargic. We wore masks while walking and navigated open ditches and chaotic traffic like a game of survival. Still, there was so much beauty to be found. We discovered quiet escapes in coffee shops, and I quickly became a fan of Himalayan Java, a local chain with excellent coffee. I was thrilled to bring two bags of beans home with me.

Nepal is a place that challenges your expectations. While I never got that perfect postcard view of snow-capped peaks, I found so much more in the people, the food, the quiet wisdom of the monasteries, and the laughter shared with new friends.

If you visit, I recommend spending time outside the capital. The villages were my favorite part. Say yes to unexpected moments like cooking classes. Try every momo you are offered. And if you are lucky, you will travel with a guide like Suman, who helps you feel the heart of Nepal in ways you never expected.

Namaste.

Priests at the Crematory in Kathmandu

our theme song from Chitwan New Years - long story, it involved the raffles

Local Temple in Kathmandu. "Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, is often depicted with a red face and body in traditional idols and temples, particularly in India and Nepal. The red color, often sindoor, represents his unwavering love and devotion to Lord Rama. Another reason is that Hanuman's face is said to be swollen from being struck by a thunderbolt, which caused him to fall from the sky." from Google