Archive for the ‘Nepal’ Category
Some of our Sodha Travelers have been inquiring about the safety in Nepal. Political violence has occurred sporadically throughout the country in the past, including protests, demonstrations, and localized vandalism. Currently, we have not canceled any tours that include Nepal and we will continue to process reservations for upcoming tours. However, we do not recommend hiking alone, particularly in Pokhara, Chitwan, and the Northern trails. Our team in Kathmandu continues to monitor the situation and we will notify you of any changes. More travel information and a detailed synopsis of the political disturbance can be found on the U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory.
As with any international travel, we urge travelers to exercise caution when visiting an unfamiliar area. Here are a few suggestions to stay safe during your journey:
- Ask your guide or hotel staff about the safe/unsafe areas of town. Do not venture out alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
- Do not wear expensive or excessive jewelry.
- Dress appropriately in public and pay attention to local customs.
- Make a copy of your passport/visa and keep it in a separate place, in the event your purse or bag is stolen.
- Keep your purse latched and closed, especially when visiting markets and commercial districts. Also, make sure wallets are not in an open back pocket.
Safety is our priority and an important part of the travel experience. We want our clients to feel prepared and comfortable. As the saying goes, “Over-prepare and under-pack. Not the other way around.”
Mother and Motherland are dearer than the heavens. This is the motto of the enchanting country of Nepal. This month, we are featuring our Legends of Nepal tour. Spend 9 days/9 nights in Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Chitwan and Dhulikhel. Nepalese culture is similar to the neighboring countries of China and India and the folklore is often illustrated in dance and music. For a small territory, Nepal also boasts an uncommonly diverse terrain, including eight of the world’s top ten highest mountains. In addition to spectacular views, this allows adventure travelers to climb, cycle, and trek throughout the country and engage with the locals in the hillside villages.
Jonathan and Liz Smalls from Denver, Colorado recently returned from our Legends of Nepal tour and sent the following note:
“Nepal is a beautiful country and the people are some of the friendliest in the world. We had a wonderful time exploring the towns, meeting the villagers, and learning about the rich history. Our highlights were the flight over Mt. Everest, safari in Chitwan National Park, and cooking lesson in Kathmandu. We also appreciated your restaurant and shop recommendations. Thank you for spending so much time on our itinerary. You really listened to our preferences and added personal touches, including the private cooking lesson. What a treat to spend time with a local family and learn new recipes! Our objective for this trip was to be immersed in the culture and be travelers and not tourists. You coordinated a well-balanced package that kept us safe, comfortable, and engaged. Thanks again!”
Thank you, Liz and Jonathan! And for those of you interested in sampling the Nepalese traditions: Reserve this tour in the month of June and receive $200 per person!
It is almost time for Holi, the Festival of Colors! Holi is a Hindu celebration that occurs at the end of the winter season on the last full day of the lunar month Phalguna. As bonfires are lit to signify a devotion to Lord Vishnu, the God of Preservation, people gather and throw colored powder and water at each other. Depending on the region, the festival can last up to sixteen days. This year, the main day of Holi is on March 1.
Holi received its title as the ‘Festival of Colors’ from the Hindu God Krishna, who is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Krishna enjoyed playing pranks, including using colored powder and water on the villagers. Here is a local bin of powder in Delhi:
Many travelers are not sure what to expect during Holi, and for good reason. Many kids make a game out of throwing powder on the foreigners – even hiding in the trees to sprinkle handfuls of red, green, blue, and gold powder on the heads of unsuspecting tourists. Some people also mix bhang in the food and drinks. The celebration is truly a spectacle in the streets, as people come together to remove sorrow and make life more colorful.
Happy Holi!
We often receive questions from our clients about Ganesha: Just who is this elephant-headed deity and what is its significance?
Ganesha, also known as Ganesh and Ganapati, is one of the most recognized and widely worshipped deities in Hinduism. Although the image is commonly found throughout India, Nepal and other areas of South Asia, many people worldwide have a particular fondness for Ganesha, regardless of religious affiliation.
Most recognized by his elephant head, Ganesha is revered as the Remover of Obstacles and God of Luck and Good Fortune. Therefore, he is honored at the beginning of rituals and ceremonies and worshipped on many religious and secular occasions. Ancient texts state that Ganesha was born with a human head to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. When Ganesha came between his father and mother during a dispute, Shiva beheaded his son. Shiva then replaced his head with that if an elephant. There are numerous variations to this story, though the above is commonly narrated.
In India, images of Ganesha are everywhere. One of our clients recently returned with over 200 pictures of the deity! She was captivated by its placement in the homes and hillsides throughout the country. Please send your own travel images to travel@sodhatravel.com
We recently returned home after visiting friends and family in Delhi. As always, it took us about 7-10 days to readjust to the life and energy of the Western world.
We are often contacted by clients after their return home from India and Nepal, asking us if it is normal to feel so emotionally jolted. They feel “transformed” or “rejuvenated” or even “melancholy” – all associated with what we term the Indian Energy. It is a common sentiment that India changes people. I once wrote an article for Little India magazine titled It Was Only Meant As A Vacation: How India Sends Tourists On An Unexpected Journey Of Self-Discovery. In it, I questioned the source of this shift: “So what ultimately causes this change? Coincidence? Divine Intervention? Karma? Wisdom? Destiny? I like to think it is an entity that encapsulates every possibility: Mother India. She penetrates the spirit with simplicity and realism. Then again, perhaps I should refrain from labeling the phenomenon and just cherish its mystery. Defining its essence may damage the true nature of its existence.”
Yes, even we feel differently after each time returning home from the Indian Subcontinent. It never ceases to amaze us how each of you have a powerful story or experience from your Indian journey and we appreciate you taking the time to share it with us. After all, this is why we do what we do – it gives us joy to coordinate travel to a place that creates more than memories.