NEPAL: A Journey That Awakens the Heart
By Parul Kesari, Safari Plus
Some destinations entertain you... A few educate you... But only rare places transform you... Nepal is one of them.
It doesn’t demand your attention — it earns it.
It doesn’t overpower you — it embraces you.
And it doesn’t just show you beauty — it makes you feel it.
What began as a FAM trip across Kathmandu, Pokhara, Sarangkot and Chitwan slowly unfolded into a spiritual and sensory awakening — stitched together with warmth, hospitality, and the unspoken magic of the Himalayas. This is the Nepal we experienced… not as tourists, not as planners — but as travellers rediscovering themselves.
From the moment we touched down in Kathmandu, the air felt different — lighter, calmer, wiser. Hosted by Ravine Trek (Mumbai) in collaboration with Fishtail Tours & Travels (Nepal) and NTB Treks and covered by Safari Plus as media partner, this FAM was much more than a familiarisation trip.
DAY 1 — KATHMANDU WELCOMES US WITH WARMTH & WISDOM
The journey began with a gracious welcome from the Fishtail Tours & Travels team at Tribhuvan International Airport. Without delay, we were escorted to Hotel Tibet International for a warm cup of Hi-Tea — the perfect introduction to Nepal’s gentle hospitality.
Boudhanath Stupa — Where Silence Speaks
Our first stop was the majestic Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest in the world. Prayer flags fluttered in the wind, monks circled the kora path, and the golden spire reflected the evening sun. It felt less like sightseeing, and more like stepping into an ancient blessing.
Check-in: The Dwarika’s Hotel — A Living Museum
There are hotels, and then there is Dwarika’s Kathmandu, an institution in itself. A masterpiece of Newari architecture, this heritage property is carved with centuries-old inspiration:
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Courtyards filled with traditional wooden windows
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Suites that feel like royal chambers
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Stone pathways leading to award-winning restaurants
Every corner of Dwarika’s narrates a story — of preservation, artistry, and Nepal’s cultural heartbeat.
Dinner at Khohang – Taste of Thakali
The day ended with a feast at Khohang, where we relished the authentic Thakali Thali, paired with Nepal’s handcrafted local beer. A delicious initiation into the flavours of the Himalayas.
Retiring to the cozy bed at Dwarika’s, the room felt like a warm embrace after a day dipped in culture.
DAY 2 — EVEREST FROM THE SKY & THE TRANQUILITY OF NAGARKOT
Buddha Air Everest Flight — A Window to the Unthinkable
“One hour. A lifetime of memories.” The Everest View Mountain Flight by Buddha Air was nothing short of extraordinary. Face-to-face with the Himalayas, the experience reminded us: Some views don’t need filters… They need altitude.
Everest isn’t just a mountain — it is a moment.
Breakfast at Dwarika’s - A lavish breakfast spread in the sunlit courtyard prepared us for the next leg of the journey.
Nagarkot — Where the Mountains Whisper
Driving to Nagarkot, we reached a realm where clouds lift slowly from the peaks, and silence becomes a form of beauty.
Hotel Kavya Resort & Spa welcomed us with an intimate showcase of their villas — each inspired by the five elements of nature. Meditation corners and sound healing rooms reflected their wellness-forward identity.
Lunch at Hotel Mystic Mountain, another premium retreat overlooking the valleys, extended the mountain serenity.
DAY 3 — MAGICAL POKHARA: SUNRISES, MOUNTAINS & A LAKESIDE DREAM
A quick Kathmandu–Pokhara flight transported us to a different world.
Check-in: Hotel Barahi Pokhara
Located right on the vibrant Lakeside Marg, Hotel Barahi placed us in the heart of Pokhara’s energy — restaurants, cafes, shops, live music bars, massage parlours, boat docks… everything steps away.
Dinner at Byanjan
Byanjan Restaurant, known for its Nepali, Indian, and international mix, served a comforting Indian spread — perfect for the group.
A relaxing foot massage at Lakeside ended the night on a tranquil note.
DAY 4 — SARANGKOT SUNRISE & POKHARA’S HIMALAYAN GEMS
Sarangkot Sunrise — A Moment Beyond Words
We rode the Annapurna Cable Car to the Sarangkot viewpoint before dawn. Witnessing the first light touch the mighty peaks felt like a celestial event.
We also visited:
48-ft Panchmukhi Ganesha Statue - The towering 48-ft Panchmukhi Ganesha Statue was truly breathtaking—an architectural and spiritual marvel that inspires awe the moment you stand before it.
Mahadev Temple - At the Mahadev Temple, the powerful presence of Lord Shiva could be felt in every corner, making it a profound stop that beautifully showcased Nepal’s rich Shaivite culture.
Breakfast at Sarangkot Mountain Lodge
After a short hike, a lavish breakfast awaited us at Azalea Restaurant, overlooking the Himalayan panorama. Their suite — with a bathtub facing the mountains — was a highlight.
Hotel Inspections
We reviewed three premium properties:
✔ Hotel Aabas – modern, stylish, with a rooftop pool.
✔ Temple Himalaya Resort & Spa – serene, charming, spa-focused.
✔ Hotel White Pearl – value-driven with superb location.
Lunch at The Beach Bar & Lodge - Located on the quieter side of Fewa Lake, this lakeside retreat offered serenity, great food, and a breezy ambience away from Lakeside’s bustle.
Pokhara Sightseeing
We explored:
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World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda stands as Pokhara’s finest panoramic viewpoint, offering sweeping views of Phewa Lake, the Annapurna range, and the entire valley. Its serene ambience and pristine white dome create the perfect blend of spirituality and scenic beauty. -
Pumdikot Shiva Statue
The Pumdikot Shiva Statue, Nepal’s second tallest, is an awe-inspiring sight. Standing grand and majestic atop the hill, it offers a divine atmosphere along with breathtaking vistas, making it one of Pokhara’s most powerful and memorable spiritual landmarks.
Check-in: Fishtail Lodge
Accessible via a short boat ride, Fishtail Lodge instantly became a group favourite. "Luxury has an address — and it is across the lake." With wooden chalets, lakeside decks, and sunset views reflecting on still waters, the lodge felt like a poem written for travellers.
DAY 5 — CHITWAN: INTO THE WILD HEART OF NEPAL
After breakfast, we departed for Chitwan.
Enroute Visits
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Soaltee Westend Resort – upscale, peaceful, modern
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River Bank Jungle Resort – wildlife viewing right from the property
Lunch at Jagatpur Lodge by Annapurna
A luxury jungle lodge with river decks, wildlife viewing points, and impeccable service.
Check-in: Barahi Jungle Lodge
At Barahi Jungle Lodge, luxury doesn’t shout — it quietly reveals itself in the colours, sounds, and soul of the jungle. If luxury could wear jungle shades, this is exactly how it would look and feel. Every moment came with a surprise that elevated the experience: a serene dinner by the lake, an intimate dinner inside the bushes, and a stunning hi-tea during sunset that painted the sky in gold. Evenings came alive with cultural performances, blending local heritage with heartfelt storytelling. But what truly set Barahi Jungle Lodge apart was its people — the warmth of the staff, their ever-present smiles, and their genuine passion to serve made us feel not like guests, but like family. This is not just a stay; it is hospitality understood at its deepest, most thoughtful level.
DAY 6 — JUNGLE SAFARI & THE CALL OF THE WILDERNESS
A leisurely jungle morning at Barahi Jungle Lodge began with a serene village walk, giving us a glimpse into the local way of life, followed by a thrilling five-hour jungle safari through the heart of Chitwan. Along the way, we were fortunate to spot the majestic One-Horned Rhino, graceful Spotted Deer, vibrant migratory birds, and even crocodiles resting by the riverbanks.
As the sun dipped, the evening unfolded with yet another beautiful cultural showcase, ending in a magical bush dinner that felt straight out of a storybook. What truly elevated the experience was Barahi’s incredible team — their warmth, attentiveness, and passion made every guest feel genuinely special. And the best part? They extend this same heartfelt hospitality to everyone who walks through their doors.
DAY 7 — KATHMANDU, BHALESHWOR MAHADEV & PASHUPATINATH AARTI
After breakfast, we left Chitwan, carrying a suitcase full of memories.
Chandragiri Hill & Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple
A scenic cable-car ascent brought us to this sacred site — believed to be where Sati Devi’s forehead (Bhala) fell. A spiritually powerful place with sweeping Himalayan views.
After exploring Chandragiri Resort, we continued to Kathmandu.
Check-in: Mercure Kathmandu
A modern, international-standard stay, perfect for comfort and connectivity.
Evening Aarti at Pashupatinath Temple
The Evening Aarti at Pashupatinath Temple is a moment where devotion, music, light, and emotion come together in perfect harmony. As the lamps sway to the rhythm of sacred chants and the Bagmati River glows in the flickering light, the atmosphere turns deeply spiritual and almost timeless. It’s an experience that moves you from within — a feeling that lingers long after the aarti ends, staying with you as a quiet, powerful memory of Nepal’s divine soul.
Thamel Shopping & Dinner at Zaika
Our final night in Nepal was spent exploring Thamel’s souvenir lanes and enjoying a specially curated Mughlai dinner with live ghazals at Mercure.
DAY 8 — A MEANINGFUL FAREWELL
Our final morning began with a warm breakfast meeting with Mr. Narayan, Ms. Ranju, and Mr. Suman from Fishtail Tours & Travels. They shared insights on their upcoming Mount Kailash Yatra packages, scheduled to begin in May 2026, giving the agents valuable knowledge and inspiration for the season ahead. As we prepared to depart, we were presented with a thoughtful, innovative gift — a tangible piece of Nepal to carry home in our hearts.
We left with a heartfelt, innovative gift — a piece of Nepal to take home.
