13 DECEMBER 2025
Nepal, At Last !
I made it.
After a long night of zero sleep and a morning that began far too early, I finally landed in Nepal.
The flight itself was… entertaining 😅
To my right, a man snored with full confidence. Behind me, a child rhythmically kicked my seat like it was his personal drum. Sleep? Maybe 5–10 minutes, that is if I’m being generous.
Breakfast helped. I chose eggs, sausages
and yoghurt (with great enthusiasm 😂) and because I was still hungry, I finished the remaining bagel and cheese I’d wisely saved. Travel rule: always keep snacks.
As we descended, everything changed.
Mountains. Valleys. And far, far in the distance, snow-capped peaks. They were breathtaking. The kind of view that makes you stop complaining about sore backs and lack of sleep and just stare.
A quiet reminder: you are somewhere special now.
I was glad i was in my Muji long overcoat over a sleeveless inner and baggy jeans that kept me warm (I could feel the cool air) as I stepped out of the plane!
So, after landing, an airport bus took us to the terminal. Immigration was smooth; tourist visa, no fuss, no queues. Baggage claim took a while (apparently checking in first means your luggage arrives last 🤣😂) but soon enough, I was reunited with my bags.
One lift ride down, and there he was! the the hotel driver, holding a card ‘ Hotel Lakhey’! Such a kind man. We shared stories, origins and smiles during the ride. USD20 well spent and a warm welcome already underway.
Chai, Kind Faces & Feeling At Home
At the hotel, the two girls at the front desk greeted me with so much excitement that it instantly melted my travel fatigue. Got my room card and before I went up to my room, they served me chai! I drank it so fast I had to ask for another! 😂It was too good!! 😋
While sipping my second cup, I met a traveller from China. His name - Barren! We exchanged stories, destinations and reasons for being here. Every time I mentioned Vipassana, people looked at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity — like, “You came all this way… to be silent?” 😄
Then came another unexpected gift:
a room upgrade, at no extra cost.
The room’s beautifully designed, cosy, clever and feels like a safe little nest before the silence begins.
Thamel Adventures & Getting Lost
After freshening up, I decided to walk to Thamel; about 10–15 minutes from the hotel.
The streets were alive. I picked some gifts. Mission accomplished early and that felt so good. No last-minute rushing later!
On the way back… I got lost. 😅
Properly lost.
I asked a few people for directions. One guy on a bike even offered to take me, I politely declined (thank you instincts 😂).
After a few extra loops and more asking around, I finally found my way back to the hotel.
Total steps for the day: 9,709 😂🤣
Clearly, Nepal wanted to make sure I earned my dinner.
Spice, Beer & Cold Air
Dinner was at the hotel:
Super spicy ! …with vegetables, a small bowl of rice, and my first local beer,
Gorkha Strong. Delicious. Warming. Exactly what I needed.
I’m sitting outside now in a small garden-like space. It’s cold — brrr — but the heat from the meal is keeping me comfortable. The air feels sharp, clean, and alive.
Tonight, I’ll head up to my room, reorganise my things for the 10 days ahead and finally sleep.
Tomorrow is gentle; waking up late and heading to the city council for pickup Dhamma Shringar.
The silence is getting closer.
And for the first time today… I feel truly settled.
Goodnight from Nepal ❤️
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