Now that we got through the serious part our Nagarkot stay, it’s time to focus on the real reason we came to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot is a remote area, at an elevation of 6000-7100 ft!! Approximately 35-45 kilometers from Kathmandu, passing through Bhaktapur. After leaving Bhaktapur we started the ascent up the mountains. The roads got narrower and bumpier the higher we went. Neither words nor pictures can do justice to what we all were blessed enough to witness in this lifetime.
Not only were we surrounded by nature’s majesty, but we also breathed air that was amazingly cool, fresh, and crisp. The hotel grounds were also beautiful, with gorgeous views of the mountains from our cottage’s picture window. A daring person may even choose to enjoy the views from the infinity pool on site—mind you, NOT a heated pool!! Or take advantage of the spa—as did Duffy, for his first ever massage, which was apparently an experience of its own!
As expected, the hospitality and service left nothing to be desired. The food was good, but less variety for the vegetarians in the group. It was more of a Chinese influenced menu. Not sure if it was because of the region, or because of the large group of Chinese tourists who also checked in the same night—that’s what a staff member alluded to.
As I mentioned, Nagarkot is quite remote. The people of this area are known as Tamang people . The language they speak is different than what’s spoken in Kathmandu. The facial features are also more East Asian. (Duff felt like he blended in here more than in Kathmandu and even more than in India). They are described as being a self-sufficient group. They grow all that they consume—produce and meat. And hence do not have a reason to leave the area. We saw many tiered farms. The people here are said to be wealthier than people of Kathmandu—because of all the land that they own. Here also, most families do want to send their children for education—something else we may take for granted back in the states—but some may not have the means.
Aside from the views and the general energy, one of the most memorable times I had here was when all 7 of us shared our thoughts and experiences of Nepal and what really made a strong impression on us, and what we will bring back with us to implement in our daily lives. So much bonding!! This is exactly what I wanted out of this trip for us all!
Nagarkot Photo Dump—in no particular order. Effects on the mountains of sunset and sunrise were captured. (Pics Will come when I have better connection)