The face of tourism is changing. Once seen solely as a reprieve from the mundane day-to-day life, individuals are now taking vacation opportunities to explore destinations aligned with their spiritual journeys. Whether that be a pilgrimage to holy sites or simply to connect with the spiritual side of nature, there’s one destination that should be at the top of every spiritual traveler’s list: Nepal.

Home to multiple religions, the country is ripe to intake those looking intrinsically for deeper connections. The topic was even discussed during the last Himalayan Travel Mart, an international B2B conference for business leaders promoting travel in the Himalayas. While there is an abundance of holy sites in the country, we’ve round up a must-visit list below:

Lumbini, the birth of Buddhism

Situated in the Terai lowlands and bordered by India, Lumbini is where Buddha was born in 623 BCE. Today, it is home to numerous monasteries represented by a plethora of countries to showcase how widespread Buddhism is around the world, it has also become a pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists. Continue reading →

Most travel professionals know the ins and outs of travel, but can they identify what truly makes for an unforgettable experience? While it’s most likely a combination of things, we’ve discovered a core component: a connection to locals.

The natural beauty of our planet can be found all over the world, but the unique culture and traditions of each destination are what makes a place unique. Take the town of Tansen in the Palpa district as an example, the hidden gem is a remarkable stop for travelers. Most who visit stop by to enjoy the sweeping views for a day, but those who end up spending the night with Community Homestay experience something different – a connection to the destination itself. Continue reading →

Impress your friends or clients by sharing Nepali recipes or bringing an exotic home-cooked dish to your next potluck. Below, a round up of recipes from our hospitable employees:

Alu ko Achar

Arzoo Pokharel’s favorite dish to make is Alu ko Achar. A fitting meal for all kinds of occasions it combines ingredients that are rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals that manifests into a savory addition for your next gathering. “Every time I’ve had this dish, I feel energized and it puts me in a pleasant mood,” said Arzoo.

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There are numerous factors for an unforgettable travel experience and most of these are unique to each traveller. Whether it is adventure or relaxation that your client is looking for, there is almost always a single factor that can transcend their experience: authenticity. Travellers, now more than ever, aren’t just looking for any type of vacation. They are looking for authentic experiences that pave the way for a connection to the local destination – travel that is transformative and meaningful. Lucky for us, that is exactly what we specialize in at Royal Mountain Travel. Continue reading →

Nepal is a country of nuances – just when you think you know it all, it surprises you. From the underrated wildlife to the incredible concentration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, it’s a country that can’t be conventionally categorized because there truly is something for every type of traveler. Below, a round-up of interesting facts to share with your clients: Continue reading →

photo via Himalayan Times

Nepal is full of rich cultural history that manifests into celebrations that we cherish with family and friends. One of the largest festivals celebrated in Nepal is Tihar (also known as Deepawali, or the festival of lights). The five-day Hindu celebration in November is held to give thanks to the contributions of the gods, people and animals; it’s slotted time for us to be reminded of the community that adds richness in our lives. During Tihar, the towns are illuminated with lit diyas and homes are decorated with patterns of colored rice and flower petals as a sacred welcoming – this makes it one of the most beautiful times for travelers to visit and join in the celebrations with us. Continue reading →