Nepal is a good option for tourists from Oman who seek adventure as well as exposure to a new culture and a populace that seldom frowns as the ageing clock seems to stop at 30

A confluence of bright hues and the cacophony of temple sounds alongside pub jazz, conflicting aromas of incense as well as steaming hot momos outside Buddhist stupas, helipad resorts and OYO rooms, traditional attire and music side by side with their western counterparts – you are in Nepal, a land wherein the local identity is undergoing a transformation that leans towards western affluence.

Kathmandu greets you with its ancient temples alongside modern buildings that give the city a busy look, flanked by a range of mountains that are inevitable en route to most destinations. With loads of pedestrians, cars, cows, the city remains decked up with colourful festoons and enthusiastic shop-keepers all around.

Take a closer look and you realise that, interestingly, most of the shops are being run by women. I met the first ever woman butcher in my life who was quite cool and composed about her daily task – slaughter. There are women hairdressers, tailors, cooks, supermarket owners, poultry keepers all over, indicating their enterprising gait in comparison with men.

A few steps from the Grand Regency Hotel, the popular Boudha Stupa stands with its majestic stature. Prayers and selfies are the order of the day at this UNESCO World Heritage Site – a popular tourist hangout in Kathmandu. You can buy mementos – check out the ‘singing bowl’ made from seven metals, Yak fur bags, Hem bags, Yeti masks and many other curios.

Nepal, a landlocked country situated in South Asia is bordered by India and China. The country covers an area of diverse topography, ranging from the high Himalayas in the north to the lush green plains in the south. The populace comprises mainly Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, and you see a melting pot of cultural distinctions concerning attire, food and dialects on the streets.

Nepal is home to the world’s highest mountain – Mount Everest, which stands at 8,848m above sea level. The mountain range also includes other notable peaks such as Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri. However, apart from the mountains, Nepal is also known for its rich cultural heritage, food, diverse ethnic population and is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. So, there’s so much you can do on a quick trip, as not every one aspires to climb Everest.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, some 200km away, lies Pokhara. You pass through sleepy hamlets, small coffee-shops and ascending/descending serpentine roads to reach this second top most tourist destination in Nepal. Bustling with open cafes, hard rock concerts and flee markets all around, Pokhara is surrounded by which reflect the Annapurna mountains.

Everyone in the city appears to be within the age of 30 years as you don’t see age taking a toll on anyone’s complexion – the smiles are petite but genuine, and the expression on every face is one of delight and friendliness.

As the sun sets on the valleys, the sound of bells at Shiva temples herald the prayer time. But within a stone’s throw, you also hear The Beatles or Ed Sheeran rev up the mood at party arenas.

Often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Himalayas’, Pokhara is famous for its beautiful lakes, including Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, and Rupa Lake. Sipping a cup of freshly brewed coffee or paddle-boarding (for the more daring ones), you discover that the sight of the gigantic mountains have a unique power of turning a nerd into a romantic lover or an artist.

The gorgeous Annapurna Himalayan Range is visible from all over the city, it being an ideal location for trekking, hiking, and mountain biking. Some of the excellent adventure activities that popular cliff resorts, like Kusuma, offer include a range of adventure activities such as paragliding, bungee jumping, zip-lining, and white-water rafting. The Cliff is known for world’s second highest bungee diving (228m), world’s longest and highest sky cycling – 600m and 255m, Sky Cafe, Wishing Hands, Giant Ping, and many more interesting activities for daring youth.

Another draw is the ‘ultra flight’ wherein a Russian pilot takes the initially ‘freaked’ out passenger far above the city. It is a once in a lifetime experience to view the landscape from high above from where houses appear like matchboxes and the mighty mountain peaks peep through the clouds. It also sparks introspection about the nothingness of man.

Traditional cuisine, stunning sights

Nepal is also known for its traditional cuisine that’s down to earth yet delicious. One must try the national dish – Daal-Bhaat – which is accompanied with a side of chicken, mutton or river fish. Rice is always served with a garden salad and home made ghee while momos are a very popular starter – made in Tibetan as well as Nepalese versions.

There are many other attractions including the International Mountain Museum and the centuries old caves. And if you seek to encounter the legendary ‘Yeti’, you are told that it is just a myth. I wouldn’t believe my tour guide Saroj (who hasn’t read my favourite edition of Tintin in Tibet) that no one has ever seen this make-believe mountain bear. I kept looking out to prove him wrong.

The caves hold a significant place in every Nepalese emotion. Set within the city, the deep caves houses 600 years old temples and mysterious fountains. Also the bat cave is another spectacular local Gotham City where these mammals sleep retire after dusk.

Amid their humble status, the Nepalese are always brimming with optimism, I realised. During my short trip, I took in a lot but couldn’t quite catch a glimpse of Mt Everest due to the persistent fog. And as Saroj quipped optimistically, “It means you will come back again.”

Halal food for Muslims

Nepal has a significant Muslim community residing in various parts of the country. While halal tourism is not yet widely established in Nepal, efforts are on to promote it to facilitate Muslim travellers.

Nandini Thapa, a senior official from the National Tourism Board (NTB), Nepal said, “Some tour operators and travel agencies in Nepal have started to offer halal tourism packages that cater to the needs of Muslim travellers. These packages typically include halal food, prayer facilities, and accommodations that are in compliance with Islamic principles.”

Bharat Basent, owner of the 100-year-old Bhojan Griha restaurant, said, “We have catered to a lot of Muslim tourists from around the world, also from Arabia,” while Fatima Khatoon, owner of Bismillah Halal Restaurant in Pokhara, added, “Muslim tourists frequently visit us as we value their traditions and beliefs.” Many restaurants in Nepal are also certified by the Halal Certification Board in Nepal.