Nepal is undeniably beautiful.
The first time I’d seen the Himalayan Range on my way to Pokhara, I couldn’t do anything but just gape at it.
Imagine seeing mountains that are verdant green, and way further in the distance, high up into the clouds, are ranges edged in white. It looked like someone took a crayon and had fun drawing a mountainous shape on the blue skies.
However, it wasn’t just the scenery but also the beautiful people of Nepal that amazed me. They had very different looks; some looked Indian, others looked Chinese, while still others could pass for Westerners.
One guide I met, for example, I thought was Italian. When he began speaking Nepali, it was then I realized he was Nepalese.
The beautiful Annapurna Range seen in Pokhara.
According to friends, Nepalese people indeed don’t all look alike. They are a mix of Aryan and Mongolian people. Some Nepalese groups, for example, include Gurung (Chinese looking), Chhetri and Brahmin (Aryan), Rai (Mongolian), and Newar (mix of Mongolian and Aryan).
I’m not exactly sure which ethnic races the people I’ve photographed belong to, but as you can see, they look different and beautiful!
I was walking away from the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu during the Shivaratri Festival when I saw the kids below. They were walking with their family and one thing I noticed was that they were the only ones who looked different.
I had left them already when I realized that I really wanted to take their picture. Good thing they agreed readily when I asked. The two girls have green eyes. Aren’t they beautiful? The kid hiding behind them is so cute, too.
The following kids I saw near Kathmandu Durbar Square, on their way to somewhere special as we can see from their clothes. Contrast them with the small girl in the next photo who’s carrying a huge sack of empty boxes. Indeed, the gap between the rich and the poor in Nepal can clearly be seen even on the streets.
What I also liked about Nepal is that the gender gap seems to be smaller here, at least compared to India (a recent report says India has one of the biggest gender gap in the world). I saw several women police officers and security guards in Kathmandu, and one in particular (photo below) caught my eye. I was glad she said yes when I asked to take her picture!
I only spent one week in Nepal–four days in Kathmandu and three days in Pokhara. There are so many more places to go there, so many people to meet. I hope in time, I’ll be able to go back and see again the beautiful people and country that is Nepal.
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One of my dream destinations. So envious! From what you said, it seems like Nepal isn’t all about great outdoor scenery but the warmth of its people, too. Kung ganon, I really can’t wait to go there. Sayang, you weren’t able to stay for the Holi Festival. Would’ve loved to read about it. Anyway, there’s always next time. 🙂
Thanks for sharing and kind of bringing us along to Nepal!
Amazing photos 🙂
Must be interesting to just stay on the streets and watch people.
Must go here too!
Hi Aleah! I miss the majestic mountains of Nepal.. as what I shared with you I find it very spiritual. I love it! Thank you for the pictures. I miss the other side of your personhood though – our advocacy for children’s rights.Keep safe and stay blessed!
Tita Nel
Nepal and Tibet would be really close right after Germany for my dream destinations, Aleah! I too do not fair well when differentiating ethnicities but would be fascinated to meet all of the beautiful people and learn more! The picture of the mountains is absolutely awesome. Great comparison of the rich and poor too! Wow on that girl carrying the boxes…talk about getting your chores done, huh? I agree with you that naturally green eyes with darker complexions are absolutely gorgeous! Have you been in touch with your kitties back home? I hope they are doing wonderfully! 🙂
i could only imagine looking at the majestic mountain range. so nice to see photos of people. one of the things i love about traveling is that i could people watch to my heart’s content.
Beautiful pictures! I have an ex boyfriend who is from Nepal, now living in Seattle. We have discussed visiting Nepal a few times. I am still keen to go as we are still friends. I will actually attending his wedding in Nepal soon.
@ Matthew: Loved the food in Nepal. Their dhal bhat is great, and not so expensive too!
The differences are reflected in the range of the cuisine, Aleah. Sadly, I’ve only tried it in a restaurant back in the UK rather than the actual country itself. But I really didn’t expect to experience something that exotic in Reigate.