After touring India for eight days, I flew from Delhi to Kathmandu. As the flight neared Nepal, the Himalayan Mountains could be seen in the distance. The mountains were created when India crashed into the Asian mainland. When we left the airport, I noticed immediately that Nepal was a Buddhist country, whereas India was mainly Hindu - there were Buddhist temples located throughout Kathmandu. The temples have prayer wheels that the faithful are to rotate as they walk around the building. As you look at the photo of the temple below, you will notice that at the top, the eye of Buddha, is omnipresent and no matter which side of the temple you are on it is always there: A reminder that in the living of your life, someone is watching.

The highest point on earth is Mount Everest (29,029’) and it was a site that I always wanted to see, so I signed up for a plane ride that flies by the mountain. The plane is set up so that every passenger has a window seat and flies one direction and then turns to come back giving the other side their view. It was a spectacular view of both Mount Everest and the Himalayan Mountains. The video below gives you the view.

When I was eating at a local restaurant in Kathmandu, I saw a sign which I think has a lot of meaning- “Life is like riding a bike, to keep your balance, you need to keep moving.” In Kathmandu you have no choice but to keep moving whether it is up and down hills or trying to cross busy streets.

The people of Nepal are so nice and very welcoming, and there are many unique customs and traditions that add so much to their lives. I was walking down a street and heard a band. I stopped and coming toward me was a procession with numerous band members playing the drums, cymbals, and fifes. Following the band was a group of 25 women dressed in white and red who were throwing out rice, and behind them in a golden cart was the reason for the todo: a woman who just turned 100 years old. In addition, the rest of her family numbering around 75 all wearing the same style hat followed behind the procession. It is all about family in Nepal.

I learned so much in India and Nepal and I hope that you will join me next year on GVG Tours’ Mysteries of India and Nepal.