Himalayas-Trekking Path
A series of communities exist throughout the trekking paths to the Everest Base Camp. Their existence is predominantly a derivative of tourism. The local culture consists mainly of foreign trekkers and the local porters, which are generally separated, perhaps due to the language barrier and the general lifestyle differences.
The atmosphere of the trails is mostly courteous despite the hardships, which include negotiating of one-way paths, lack of oxygen, and general fatigue. It’s almost as though the air and the mountains cleanse our souls of the filth that we acquire in our daily modern lives.
Relax to Himalayas Timelapse
Rural Nepal
This ain’t Africa. The towns are lined with ubiquitous third world constructions and the indigenous dance ceremonies are inspired by nature and the local wildlife. It’s very much one of the poorest countries in the world, where its mountains and the other natural wonders are isolated blessings that benefit the few.
The country is cursed with bad roads, unstable power grid, and lack of clean water. It’s a bad thing only when you look at it from global economic perspective. Perhaps it’s better to let them be than to corrupt them with half-ass modern conveniences.
By the way, Buddha was born in Nepal.
Kathmandu & Pokhara
Some parts of the country exist solely for the purpose of serving foreign tourists. Streets lined with gift shops selling same shit. There is a Baskin Robbins for every five money exchangers. Local “government authorized guides” offer tours until you reluctantly give in just to shut them up. Yea, it’s just another third world country, I don’t remember anything that was unique about these cities. The only consolation about Kathmandu was the abundance of festivals and religious ceremonies. No matter how superficial these religions may be, I very much prefer their way of social life over Call of Duty and Counterstrikes in a darkened room.
Overall, Nepal seemed like one of the regions of India that happens to be goody-goody with China. Oh, and the big ass mountains. Its main artery has become overrun with tourism, but its vast mountain range has more room to be explored by adventurous minds.