TOHELP NEPAL REVIVE
OnApril25, 2015, the world saw Nepal
crumble.The catastrophic earthquake saw
one-thirdof the population lose their lives,
homes or property. As the country battled
to regain its equilibrium, tourism – its
second largest source of foreign exchange –
plummeted overnight. Four years on, as the
country gets back on its feet, Nepal is still one
of the most extraordinary destinations in the
world, and the funds from visitors are critical
to the nation’s recovery.WHAT AWAITS YOU?
l The Pokhara Valley, nestled away in
the Annapurna Himalayas, still boasts
breathtaking views and infrastructure
rebuilt for tourists. Only two of the 35
trekking routes were damaged, and popular
routes such as the Everest Base Camp Trek
remain open for business.
l Seeking great views? The iconic fish-tail
peak of Machhapuchhare and the serene
waters of the Phewa Lake make for
stunning photographs.
l For the adventurers at heart, paragliding
from Sarangkot with unparalleled views of
the mountains and the soaring Himalayan
vultures remains a remarkable experience.
l The capital city of Kathmandu sustained
severe damage, especially popular Durbar
Square. This, however, cannot take away
from the spiritual energy of the city – with the
country’s foremost religious site, Boudha,
being situated here. The riverside ghats at
Pashupatinath also beckon visitors to witness
the sacred Hindu cremation ceremonies that
make for surreal, evocative experiences.
l On safari into Chitwan National Park, home
to diverse flora and fauna, the endangered
Indian rhinoceros is an almost guaranteed
sighting, and you just might be lucky enough
to spot a Royal Bengal Tiger as well.When you travel, find out which
spots are safe to visit and stay
in, and get an update on how
rebuilds are progressing.
People in remote areas rely on
expenditure on sustainable,
locally-run initiatives to restore
their livelihoods. As they work
toward political and economic
stability, the Nepalese embrace
visitors with their warm
hospitality, unbroken spirits,
and with all that their
infrastructure and cultural
heritage has to offer. WORDS: ASTALA YALNAZ PHOTOGRAPHS: DMITRY PICHUGIN, ALEKSANDER TODOROVIC/123RF.COM50
TRAVEL FOR GOOD