Nepal

Nepal began with an unexpected reunion. Three years earlier, while I was in college, I’d met a guy named Aman at Club Space in Miami. We exchanged Instagram accounts and stayed in touch, and by complete coincidence, he happened to be in Kathmandu, leaving later the same day I arrived. After checking into my hotel and taking a quick shower, I rushed over to meet him before his flight. It was pretty cool catching up with someone I’d met in Miami in such a completely different part of the world.

Early the next morning, I took a scenic flight to see Mount Everest. I didn’t have enough time to complete one of Nepal’s famous trekking routes, so seeing the world’s highest mountain from the air was the next best thing. The skies were clear, and the views of Everest rising above the surrounding Himalayas were unforgettable.

I spent the rest of my time in Nepal exploring Kathmandu and the ancient royal city of Bhaktapur. One of the most memorable places I visited was Pashupatinath Temple, where Hindu cremation ceremonies take place along the banks of the Bagmati River. Watching the ceremonies from across the river offered a fascinating glimpse into Hindu traditions surrounding life and death. While Nepal is best known for its mountains and trekking, the country’s fascinating culture and rich history shouldn’t be overlooked.