Nagarkot, Oct 2017

Looking at my old photos 4 years ago (it’s thought to be that long, but felt like a blink of an eye), I realized that many traveling skills have sunk into oblivion. The pandemic is tough. It’s strange to feel more experienced back then than now.

The First Stroll

For every trip I will choose one location for resort-like days which feature good weather, chilling vibes and exquisite sightings, with relaxing pace most of the time. Nagarkot is that one for my Nepal trip.

The ride from Kathmandu right after my landing in Nepal was arduous, however, once reached Nagarkot, the highland atmosphere instantly hit me with a refreshing gust. Take a quick late breakfast buffet at my generous hotel Peaceful Cottage & Café du Mont, sip a cup of coffee and enjoy the mist on its terrace, truly wonderful.

The first thing I would do was to leisurely (but actually not) walk southwards to see Nagarkot Geodic Survey Tower. It’s a 5km walk with ups and downs so not easy at all, but what’s achieved throughout would boost your adrenaline. I could see local vendors selling hand-crafted ornaments, carefree children and the singing pines. Some parts were covered with pine shades, and some uncovered the valley beneath.

All the encounters on the road felt familiar and friendly, yet mesmerizing to the sightseer.

Watching the colorful flying prayer flags like a rainbow in the midst of azure sky brings up your hope and inner tranquillity.

I dropped by a food stall on the road to quench my thirst, enjoyed the simple silence as I was the only guest there and happily brought back home one of the shots of all time:

Reached the Survey Tower and had wonderful time interacting with the locals. And the fried curry finger food was an unforgettable comforting lunch treat after that long journey.

The way back was much easier, and as you know, the same road will always look different when you travel back and forth. There I had a chance to meet those carefree kids selling postcards that I still keep in my vault as a token of memoir from Nepal.

Actually you can rent a motorbike and experience the hair-rising ride on this path; I don’t know how the road condition has changed at the time of writing, but in 2017 most of the rural roads were unpaved and dusty.

A Chillin’ Afternoon

Remember Nagarkot was meant to be my resort days? I spent the whole afternoon sleeping, bathing and relaxing on the hotel terrace, with the songs by Joakim Karud echoing in my head. The sunset shone over Himalayas from afar, radiating a smooth curtain of purple - orange colors.

Nagarkot Panoramic Hiking Trail

I was back to the road on the second day with an awesome trek along Nagarkot Hiking Trail. From my hotel going a bit up north and started the trek by crossing the jungle towards Kartike, and went north east, then closed the loop by walking south on the Nagarkot main road (Nagarkot Dandagoan Highway).

But foremost, just enjoy the vibes of morning first.

The trek was pretty easy, it seemed that I was the only one on the route that day but when noon approached I could hear more locals’ or backpackers’ voice.

When it’s near Kartike, the space opened up and what’s shown ahead was like the surprising gift to the patient solo backpacker: the lusty green terrace fields, the lonesome tree atop the hill…, all were wrapped up in one panoramic camera shot.

I actually spent an hour sitting by the road, taking off my shoes, putting down the trekking pole, contemplating the meaning of existence. I felt lonely, but happily lonely.

As the sun was ascending, the fog was cleared to reveal the breathtaking shape of ridges and the spectacular life in miniature down the valley.

Now back to the road! After the traveler had been pampered by the feast for his eyes, the road ahead was a breeze more or less. Now I could see other trekkers on the same path and the appearance of local activities.

For now I feel surprised at my past self that I could navigate back safely as the Google Maps provided modest information for rural area. I could appreciate my own effort a little bit more, but at the same time wonder when I could do that again.

The Last Resort Night

A big take when being in the countryside is majestic sceneries never get blocked by nasty city buildings. To achieve this special feeling, try glueing your eyes at the desktop wallpaper from a very short distance.

The same as first day, I spent long hours on the terrace, enjoyed a hearty meal, climbed up and down the stairs to hunt the golden moment of sunset.

…last but not least, Nagarkot was the place I first tried taking long-exposure photos, the photos of our marvelous starry night.