Dixya Poudel

Travelling is rewarding. We travel to explore new terrains, sites, vistas and experience new cultures. Recently, I went on a tour to eastern Nepal with my mother and aunt. We trekked to Pathivara temple which is at a height of nearly 4,000 metres in Taplejung district.
On the first day of the tour, we departed from Kathmandu to our destination which was Chatara Dham. We crossed Khurkot and then Bardibas and Siraha till we finally reached Chatara. On the second day we visited Baraha Chhettra where we bathed in the holy river known to wash away our impurities. It is a beautiful riverside which is a fusion of two rivers. The early sunrays hit the waters forming a simmering glow in this sacred place.
On the third day we travelled the entire day on bus till we reached Taplejung. The next day was allocated for trekking to the Pathivara temple. It was a steep trek and since I am unaccustomed to trekking, it was a new and daunting experience. We started walking the stone steps at about six in the morning and we reached the top of the hill at noon. We offered our prayers to the Goddess Pathivara who is known to grant all our deepest wishes. After worshipping at the temple we descended the steep hill. On the following day, we headed back to Chatara Dham from where we departed to Kathmandu. Thus our short trip, organised by Chatara Dham, concluded.
Our visit to Pathivara was a religious one. And the view on the trek was stupendous. The rows of hills towered majestically as they reached the clear, blue sky. Even the mountains were on view. Devotees flocked to this temple to extend their prayers to the Goddess Pathivara as well as to enjoy the trek.
Soon after our trek to the eastern Nepal, my mom, aunt and I travelled to the west. Our destination was Pokhara where we were to celebrate Tihar. Pokhara is a valley nestled between hills and the weather was perfect to celebrate Tihar. It was an occasion of festivity and celebrations. Our relatives in Pokhara gathered as we participated in various traditions and rituals of Tihar.
Internal tourism is a way to explore Nepal. I had been to the far-west Nepal several years ago. Now, I can gladly say that I have been to the eastern Nepal as well. Through my journeys, I have come to acknowledge the hospitality of Nepalis that contributes to the overall tourism industry.
Travelling expands our horizon making us more knowledgeable and open minded. However, travelling also upends our routine which might be disconcerting for a few. Yet, it is necessary to travel to both urban and rural destinations. Travelling to new places enables us to experience new cultures, hospitalities and goodwill. I have been to quite a few tourist sites in Nepal. And I have come to realize that though human nature is universal, there are either subtle or vast differences in socio-cultural norms, traditions and overall ambience of the new places that we visit.
After travelling, we eventually return home but with an enriched and rejuvenated mind and soul. It is through our travels that we can connect to nature and to different cultures cultivating meaningful souvenirs of emotions and faith.