You’re in Nepal. The country of flying Himalayan mountains, ancient temples, colorful and bustling streets. Your schedule is full of the vows: ascending to Annapurna Base Camp, hunting rhinos in Chitwan, losing the direction in the Medieval streets of Bhaktapur.
Perhaps it is finally the jet lag that has struck you. Perhaps the incessant industrial clatter of horns and motorbikes has smothered your ears. Or perhaps because of no reason whatsoever, your internal battery is flashing red.
First, I want to say this: It is quite alright.
Travel isn’t a highlight reel. It’s not about being “on” 24/7. It is the most authentic travel experiences that occur when you are not climbing a mountain and just letting a place be.
You are on the right track when you are looking to do things in Nepal that are relaxing since you feel overpowered. This is your leave to take your time and explore the more peaceful, and softer, Nepal.
Find Your Peace: Calming and Relaxing Things in Nepal
Forget the to-do list. You have nothing on your schedule today but to unwind. These suit well in the inclusion of slow traveling in your journey.
Explore a Rooftop Café: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur have rooftop cafes that are hidden. To do one of the most soothing activities in Kathmandu, get a pot of warm milk tea (chiya) or an entitled cup of Nepali coffee, get a book and sit back and enjoy the city breathing beneath. You will find pigeons circling around the stupas and the call to prayer heard several miles away.
Get Lost in a Garden: Forget the city in the Garden of Dreams Kathmandu. Through a small entrance fee you will have a quiet, neo-classical garden to get a bench and simply be. It is a tranquil oasis that is a million miles off the Thamel scuffle.
Go to a serene Monastery: You do not require a guide to enjoy the serene calmness of a monastery. Go to Boudhanath Stupa or Swayambhunath, but do not hurry, get a place in the outskirts. Listening to the chanted prayers of the monks, turning the prayer wheels slowly round and round and feeling the calmness of the whole country. It is one of the best rest days in Nepal.
Nourish Your Soul: A Guide to Nepali Comfort Food
A day off is the ideal opportunity to treat oneself to the amazing comfort food of Nepal. It is among the most effective means of relating to the culture without using a lot of energy.
Become a Momos Connoisseur: Momos are the Nepali comfort food. On a daily basis, take the initiative to prepare your own meals as opposed to taking a fast bite. Sample steamed momos, fried momos, buff (water buffalo) momos and veg momos in the various local kitchens. Find the spot you love best.
Take a Hearty helping of Thukpa: When you are a little tired, you could use no better medicine than a hot, wholesome bowl of Thukpa. This soup is a Tibetan noodle soup which is warm, delicious and restorative. It is a bowl of a hug and a staple to anyone who is left wondering what to do in Nepal when they are tired.
Savor the Ritual of Dal Bhat: You do not need to be a trekker to savor the national food in Nepal. Take a plate of Dal Bhat and have it in the traditional manner: using your right hand. Take your time. It is an eat-as-much-as-you-wish affair and so there is no hurry. You can enjoy the lentils and vegetables as well as the pickles that comprise this ideal, balanced meal.
Budget Travel: Nepal on a Low-Key Exploration
When you have some steam in your engine and you are not too fatigued to go on a journey, the following are low-impact exercises.
Make a Local Market Tour: See the souvenir shops, never again. Therefore, go to some local markets such as Asan Bazaar in Kathmandu. You don’t need to buy anything. All one needs is to take a leisurely stroll and experience the sensory overload: the colorfulness of spices, the smell of fresh produce, and the words of sellers. It’s a feast for the senses.
Get a Traditional Massage: Indulge your sore muscles to a traditional Nepalese massage or a Tibetan massage. It is a cheap and most powerful means of getting rid of stress, circulation, and re-setting your mind and body. Just ideal to spend a day with easy recuperation.
Have an Interview: The most efficient connection may be the easiest one. Chair down with the owner of your guesthouse or whoever prepared your coffee. Ask them about their day. It is sufficient to learn how to say several words in Nepali, such as Namaste (hello) and Dhanyabad (thank you).
The Most Noteworthy Advice: Pay attention to your body
At times not feeling like delving is your body telling you that it needs something quite a bit: rest. This is of particular concern in Nepal. Higher altitude may be experienced by any person and a queasy stomach is a frequent traveling companion.
Do not work when you are tired. Water, sleep and have the grace to heal thyself. Rest to-day means increased energy to-morrow in the way of adventures.
Therefore, when you find yourself in Nepal the next time and feel like another temple or hike is too much, take a break. Order that second pot of tea. Find that quiet bench. Allow the gentle Nepalese beat to fall upon you.
Sometimes, the most profound exploration happens when you stop looking for it.
