Welcome to Nepal!

Yoga and Trekking in Nepal: Annapurna Ways in 2022 
​Part 1: My first impessions, thoughts and life in the cities in Nepal

Disclaimer: This is a personal story about my first visit to Nepal two years ago. I'm sharing my own experiences and memories – there are no affiliate links. I won't go into deep detail about the sights or places we visited, because I believe Nepal is a destination best experienced firsthand. Plus, competing with Google or my amazing friend and guide Sahadev (who has tons of information) would be impossible!

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The Journey Begins
Two years ago, after countless delays due to COVID regulations, I finally landed in Nepal for the very first time! I was part of the Yoga Trekking Nepal community, a group of yoga teachers and trekking enthusiasts led by my friend Lana. Lana was helping Sahadev Rana Magar – a knowledgeable, experienced mountain guide, and all-around amazing person – build his business in Nepal's competitive market.
We all know what happened during the pandemic, right? Travel plans and schedules constantly changed or were put on hold. Lana, unfortunately, suffered an injury and had to shift careers, leaving Yoga Trekking Nepal. (She's now a thriving psychotherapist!)
Fast forward to October 31st, 2022. After 2+ years of waiting, I finally packed my 60L backpack with all the "Nepal essentials" (you know how it goes!). The excitement bubbled over as I spotted Kathmandu from the airplane window, butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Kathmandu:
Sahadev greeted me with a warm smile at the airport – our first meeting! He became an integral part of my trip, always there for us. We headed to the hotel, where we later met Angie, our fellow trekker. Angie had originally booked a different trek, which unfortunately fell through due to the ever-changing regulations.
We had two incredible days exploring Kathmandu with Sahadev. He whisked us to a traditional Nepalese dinner, introducing us to customs from various regions. We soaked up the city's vibrant culture, visiting all the must-sees: Thamel, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Basantapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams, Indra Chowk, Asan Bazar, Kathmandu Guest House, and even explored a Buddhist monastery. We wandered through the streets, observing the unfamiliar sights and sounds – the chaotic traffic, the unique electrical system, the deity paintings deterring public urination (a testament to the locals' respect for their gods!), the thick, polluted air, and the omnipresent smiles. We managed to squeeze in our yoga sessions in the hotel garden, finding our center amidst the bustling city.

The Highway:
On day three, fully immersed in city life, we boarded a tourist bus to Pokhara. The Nepali travel experience deserves a separate blog post (or series!), so I'll just touch on a few highlights. There's only one major highway connecting Kathmandu and Pokhara, stretching 200 km but taking 7-11 hours to navigate. Yes, seriously! The traffic is slow and intense, with the bus making numerous stops for coffee, toilet breaks, and meals. And let's just say some sections of the road are...well, non-existent.
The tourist bus offered perks like reserved seating, comfort, and air conditioning (worth noting for the heat). However, the pace was the same as the local buses, so arrival times were identical. There's also an airport in Pokhara, but a quick Google search might deter you from flying.
If Kathmandu's air was polluted, the highway was almost unbreathable. The palm trees were coated in a thick layer of dust.

Pokhara:
Pokhara, the "mountain pearl" of Nepal, offered a completely different vibe. Think organized, big mountain resort with a stunning lake, breathtaking Himalayan views (including the iconic Fishtail peak), a Japanese pagoda, clean streets, fancy shops, and tempting restaurants. After our 9-hour bus ride, I couldn't wait to explore! After a rejuvenating yoga class on the hotel terrace, I embarked on an evening walk, discovering temples and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere (You will read more about Pokhara and our adventures there in one of the next parts of my story :))).
The next morning, we repacked for our trek – leaving some things in hotel storage since they wouldn't be needed in the mountains. (Most hotels offer this service, allowing you to leave luggage free of charge and pick it back up upon your return.)

Read Part 2, where I'll share all about our exciting trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)!

You can find more pictures, videos and stories about this Yoga and Trekking in Nepal 2022 adventue in PolarSteps - my favorite free app to store my travel memories:

Explore Nepal 2022 in PolarSteps

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Essential Nepal City Info:

​Getting Settled:

• Our Hotel in Kathmandu: https://intguesthouse.com.np/
• Pokhara Hotel: I'm still trying to recall the name!

Staying Connected:

• Electric Sockets: Pack a light adapter/charger – Nepal uses flat plugs on the walls and when you put your charger, it hangs and causes unstable charging. I got 2 chargers and 1 cable destroyed because of this.
• Transportation: Sahadev arranged our airport transfer, but in the city, you have options: taxis, public transport, or walking (my preferred method!).
• Internet & Mobile Networks: A 2-week or 1 month prepaid SIM card from the airport is handy in the city (useless in the mountains – no coverage!). Here you can find more info about the prices, procedures, etc. from 2024

Fueling Your Adventure:

• Restaurants & Cafes: I explored local cafes and restaurants randomly, without overfocusing on hygiene (yet washing hands and using utensils were a-must). No stomach troubles here!
• Food: Kathmandu offers a wide variety of food. I mostly enjoyed local favorites like Dal Bhat.

Money Matters:

• Cash is King: While cities are relatively inexpensive, ATMs and card payments are limited. Bring enough Nepalese Rupees (NPR) for your trek.
• ATM Woes: My Dutch debit card wouldn't withdraw cash. I used my credit card (ouch!), but next trip, I'll be armed with Revolut or TransferWise for a better exchange rate.
• Currency Exchange: Bringing Euros or USD? Sahadev can help you get a better exchange rate than tourist traps!

Safety & Comfort:

• Feeling Safe: I felt incredibly safe in Nepal, with friendly locals everywhere.
• City Attire: October and November are warm. Pack comfortable tops, shorts, sandals/flip-flops, light long pants, sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.
• Respecting Traditions: When visiting temples, covering your shoulders and legs shows respect for local customs.

Hydration:

• Water: Bottled water is readily available and affordable throughout the city.

Get my FREE Ultimate Packing list for Yoga and Trekking in Nepal here.

You still can join our upcoming
​Yoga and Trekking adventure in Himalayas in October 2024:

Due to a last-minute cancelation, there is still one spot on Early Bird Price available. Don't miss it out! Find all details here and don't hesitate to email/WhatsApp me on +316800767090 - Olga

The Langtang Gosaikunda Helambu Trek 2024 - INFO and booking

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