by Stephanie Fisher, Luxury Travel Advisor

While I have lived and traveled all over the world, I was unprepared for the beauty and mysticism within the Kingdom of Nepal . I discovered many things; there is more than just summiting Everest; the food is divine and the Nepalese people are truly wonderful. Once thought of as a back-packers paradise and the entry to Everest, Nepal is an incredible destination for yoga, nature, spiritualism, and explorations on many levels. Nepal is nestled in the Himalayas between India and China.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to Nepal in January by one of our global partners and here I sit, finding myself anxious to plan my return journey back to “The Kingdom”. As a ‘soft’ adventure girl, I thoroughly loved my time hiking in the Annapurna range, which enjoys incredible 360° views of the mountains. Mala Lodge allowed us spectacular vistas of the alpine panorama and left me feeling as if I was actually on ‘top of the world’.

The night sky features stars for miles and the beauty of a sunrise is not to be missed either. The hikes throughout the region wound by small villages. One witnesses local children hiking to school and adults working the fields and sweeping their front steps. On one special day the Mothers Trust Group invited us to a lunch prepared in their home. How that simple kitchen created such a delicious lunch will forever bemuse me! In fact, the level of freshness surprised me more with each meal. This is true farm to table cuisine. The flavors of the mo mo dumplings, curries, stir fries, and other Nepalese specialties were a delight in both presentation and quality.

Venturing away from the mountains, you will be surprised to know that Nepal is where one will find Bengal tiger, leopard, rhino, and crocodile - in addition to other amazing wildlife.

There are a multitude of jungle safaris to choose from, but my personal favorite was the jeep safari. The safari jeeps on hand at Kasara Resort made the ride quite cozy despite our early morning start times. Hot water bottles, blankets and extra jackets were on hand when necessary, making it the perfect ‘luxe adventure’! One of my favorite experiences during this part of the trip was a ride in a dugout canoe through crocodile infested waters. The spectacular sunset only added to the thrill of the moment! After this full day of jungle exploration, Kasara Resort welcomed us back with a fireside meal and a narrated dance performance by a local village school. We danced the night away with these incredible girls!

The true highlight of my Nepalese adventure was the spiritual experience of Mustang (pronounced Moostung) in the Kingdom of Lo. This haven sheltered the Dalai Lama while he was in exile for 20 years and access is quite limited. In fact, it is one of the most remote corners of Nepal and remains virtually unchanged since the 15th century. The simple beauty of prayer flags floating in the wind, the winding paths of the people who live within the peaceful, rustic village and the perfectly preserved monasteries enhanced with exquisite Buddhas created a magical day for us. My favorite moment was meditating in a monastery with a young, Buddhist monk. The feeling of energy and focus found within that ancient building (and being told that perhaps I was a Buddhist in a previous life) is one I will never forget. Although we were at high altitude, our limited time on the ground made this entirely possible for anyone! Getting to Mustang has its challenges, but we made it easy by taking a helicopter. This exclusive access took us through valleys and gorges where you watch the landscape change from mountains to farmlands to desert - a jaw-dropping sight for sure! I hope to someday return to the Caves of Mustang, reputed to be one of the Himalayas’ best secrets. These multi-room caves were carved thousands of years ago and are found over 155 feet up the walls of gorges that dwarf the Grand Canyon. One would need wings to enter the front door.

Kathmandu is the entry and exit to beautiful Nepal and there is much to do and experience. Not to be missed is the famous Stupa at Bodhnath, where worshipers are found chanting and meditating with their prayer beads while walking clockwise around the base that is ringed in golden prayer wheels. Another ‘must see’ is Bhaktapur, founded in the 9th century and known for medieval art and architecture, and temples abound with stone carvings. The Pottery Square and Village Art School, which teaches the ancient craft of the Mandala, should also be explored and enjoyed!

Also of interest; a little time at Camp Hope, a tented village that was established by the Dwarika Foundation for three villages destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. Within the camp are families of different caste levels, abilities, and backgrounds that share a common thread. Loss. In order to live at Camp Hope, you must forget the old ways of the caste system, the former ‘untouchables’ will eat, cook wash, and live among those of the former ‘highest level’. I’m pleased to say that this effort appears to be working. The children must learn English and treasure simple gifts of books, paper, and pencils as the adults learn new trades. It was inspiring to spend time with the children taking their lessons and practicing English. Their excitement for learning is contagious. This foundation will send students to college and offers everyone access to medical care.

Finally, when you are invited to brunch on ‘top of the world’ with your new friend, Mt. Everest, the only answer must be YES. One morning, we boarded the helicopter that whisked us to the Kongde Lodge, which has the perfect overlook of Everest and all its glory. The view was incredible, the brunch delicious, and the champagne we enjoyed was the icing on the cake. In a word; unforgettable. If you have never been to Nepal and you crave inspiration, it is time to go and explore this magical and mystical place!