I always tell everyone to grab every opportunity they get to travel within Nepal because it’s a country that will surprise you at every bend with its astonishingly diverse array of attractions and landscapes. Even if getting to some places will not be about just hopping on a plane, there is so much to see and marvel at once you reach there. It’s worth the time and effort. 

I’m been fortunate enough to have a job that allows me to travel. As a photojournalist, my job gives me access to places that I would have otherwise never explored on my own. But over the years I have also made a conscious effort to travel to places without being on an assignment. It’s quite another thing that I start taking photos once I get there.

Traveling in Nepal can be a fascinating and eye-opening experience. The landscapes will amaze you, the people are helpful and kind, and, the moment you leave congested Kathmandu, the lush hills, vegetation, and the gurgling rivers will leave you soothed. But that is not all. You will also come across different people with various dialects and cultures. And the livelihoods and lifestyles at villages will teach you to appreciate life and its small wonders. 

Nepal, over the years, has been the ultimate goal for mountain lovers. Tourists come from all over to trek the rugged trails to Everest and Annapurna. Nepal is also a good destination for adventure sports lovers, from canyoning and kayaking to paragliding and mountain biking against the backdrop of dramatic landscapes. But as popular as it might be among the foreign crowd, Nepalis have been largely guilty of ignoring all their own country has to offer and choosing instead to travel internationally every holiday they get. I presume it will be no different during this Dashain and Tihar holidays. 

However, in the recent times, youths have shown quite a bit of interest in traveling within the country and going on hikes and treks. But, more often than not, the trips are limited to popular places like Pokhara and Chitwan. Through this photo feature I want to request people to travel to places they haven’t been to before and try to acquaint themselves with new landscapes and cultures. From the Rani Mahal and Tansen Bazaar in Palpa to places like Khotang and Bajura, there is just so much to see and explore in Nepal. 

bijay.gajmer@gmail.com

 
• travel