PAWANA SHRESTHA
Be it up to the Himalayas, or the lowlands, or into the woods and wildlife, the story of travelers describing their journey to Nepal is mesmerizing. In every travel story, you surely will come across the paths leading to beautiful valleys and giving them a chance to experience the local lifestyle of different cultures of Nepal.
Apart from topography variance, Nepal is also known for its diversity in culture and tradition. If you travel across the various parts of Nepal and add different destinations to your itinerary, you can experience the diversity yourself and get to know more about the cultural aspect of Nepal.
If you are a person who loves to meet new people, listen to their stories, taste various dishes and wrap oneself in colorful traditional outfits, then you surely need to set aside, a few days, just to indulge in this traditional aspect of the Nepalese lifestyle. Various travelers do enjoy these activities while on their trek or hike to other destinations, along with the stops they make, in rural areas. However, to get to experience the real diversity, there are various locations and activities set aside. Therefore, for travelers who want to capture more stories and memories, here are some local ways you can enjoy the local Nepalese lifestyle.
Various valleys like Nagarkot, Panauti, Chitwan, Palpa, and more offer homestay facilities. So, instead of booking expensive hotels, homestay can give you a ride into the local lifestyle of rural people. From homely people serving you local-style dishes to late-night entertainment with cultural dance and some chit-chats, homestays help you to know more about the culture of Nepalese people. Since different valleys are influenced by a different culture, the homestay vibe also is different. While in the newar community area, you are welcomed into their culture while in the Gurung community you will experience the same welcoming vibe in a completely different way.
Be it the major festival Dashain and Tihar or a one-day festival like Indra Jatra, Lhosar, or Chhatt, the festival of a different culture will give you a different unique experience. Even domestic people, while indulging in the festival of the other culture, learn more about other cultures while enjoying themselves with a completely new experience. Therefore, visiting Nepal during the festive season is an added advantage.
The various cultural art in Nepal, like pottery, local cooking style, painting, mandala, and such, are no longer only limited to display for travelers. Therefore, to experience more of it and help people learn about ancient cultural arts, there are many local institutions providing classes. Be it pottery making in Bhaktapur or handicraft classes in local areas, with the help of local artists you get the experience of Nepalese culture.
Many national and international students travel across various rural regions of Nepal to contribute to a social cause. And it is one of the best ways to reach the heart of the local lifestyle of Nepal. While working with a cause, you not only contribute but gather experience and memories for your lifetime. Be it among rural students, women community, local farmers or between old aged people, the journey gives you a ride into the typical life of Nepal with always welcoming smiles of the residents of the areas.
ALSO READ