Off the beaten track gems in Nepal

People often tell us that they want to experience the “real” rural Nepal, but when faced with the realities of life in off the beaten track villages, they want to get straight in a taxi and back to their Kathmandu hotel! Of course, experiencing a vastly different and often challenging way of life in Nepali villages can be incredibly valuable and eye-opening, but we believe that small-scale high quality tourism can contribute to sustainable rural development. The accommodation options that we have discovered in rural Nepal are real gems, providing excellent food, hospitality and comfort whilst aiding village economies through employment and the other benefits of a small-scale tourism industry.

Kathmandu, Pokhara and the better known trekking areas have long reaped the benefits of foreign tourists, but with these areas becoming overcrowded and sometimes polluted, we see an urgency to direct tourism into other parts of Nepal. Due to a lack of jobs in rural areas, people leave their villages in search of work in the cities, contributing to a downward spiral of rural depopulation that is currently causing shutdowns of schools and other facilities in rural villages. Any way that people can be employed in their own home villages will help negate this pattern, keeping small village economies thriving.

The properties we have found in Bandipur, Nuwakot and Namo Buddha all employ local people, allowing them to remain in their homes with their families rather than being forced to move to the overcrowded cities to find work. Even for locals who aren’t employed as waiters, receptionists or cleaners, tourism brings new foot traffic to shops, restaurants and other small businesses in villages.

Environmental sustainability is extremely important to us, and we ensure that our guests have the opportunity to learn how measures are being taken to improve the environment in rural Nepal. The places we use feature organic farming, composting systems and one hotel even has a natural biogas production system that powers their kitchen. At the properties we have found, you can enjoy delicious meals prepared using fresh vegetables from the garden, jams made with their own fruits and even French cheese made in a local dairy in one location!

We truly believe in encouraging guests to experience the off the beaten track rural Nepal, and the places we have selected allow anyone to do so in complete comfort. Avoiding the crowds is crucial to truly experience the peace and serenity of the Nepali countryside, and these places allow that whilst not being off the beaten track enough to lack running water or flushing toilets! It is fantastic that initiatives have been taken to encourage a different, more sustainable, approach to tourism in Nepal, and we are excited to support these places in their endeavours to support economic development in rural Nepal.

Our Discover Nepal journeys are also perfect for anyone who wants to experience rural Nepal without going on a trek, or want to add on a few nights of peace and quiet after the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu and Pokhara. Or, add a few nights in Nepal to your Bhutan tour and experience a different side of Nepal than just Kathmandu city. Participants on our new Visit The Projects journey also get to stay in these excellent places whilst gaining a real insight into our work to improve early years education in the company of our directors. We at Beyond The Clouds are always available to help you plan your perfect trip to the rural Himalayas!

The Dwarika's Hotel: Stay in a living museum!

The Dwarika’s Hotel in Kathmandu is not simply a place to stay; it’s an immersion into Nepal’s cultural heritage.

The hotel began as a passion project by the late Dwarika Das Shrestha who, one morning in 1952, came across a torn-down old building in Kathmandu Durbar Square, the intricately carved wooden pillars being carted away for firewood. This incident sparked a lifelong mission to preserve the artefacts of Nepal’s ancient culture, and the brick building that housed Dwarika’s personal collection would eventually become Dwarika’s Hotel in 1977. This way, the conservation of Nepal’s precious heritage could be financed whilst also showcasing its unique splendour.

Dwarika's origins as a heritage restoration project are clearly reflected throughout the hotel. Intricate wooden carvings, treasures of the Kathmandu Valley’s Newari heritage, remain at the heart of the hotel. The experience of an authentic “Living Museum” makes Dwarika’s a truly special hotel in Nepal. This immersion into history continues throughout the rooms, which are beautifully decorated in a traditional Nepali style. With handcrafted furniture made in Dwarika’s own workshop and organic handwoven linen, every detail in each room is carefully thought through to provide character and charm without compromising comfort. 

Thanks to its stunning courtyards filled with lush greenery, Dwarika’s is a true oasis away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. After a day of sightseeing in the city, it’s hard to imagine a more ideal place to relax.

To enquire or make a booking:

contact info@beyondtheclouds.org.nz, www.beyondtheclouds.org.nz

Bhutan’s rich culture

One of the most unique and fascinating places in the world, there simply is no other destination like Bhutan. Blending extraordinary natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and plenty of surprising quirks, Bhutan is rightfully placed at the top of many keen travellers’ bucket lists.

To maintain a low volume, sustainable model of tourism, the Bhutanese government charges a daily fee to tourists, making Bhutan appear to be one of the pricier Asian destinations. But did you know that for 2023 and beyond, travel to this Himalayan kingdom just got a whole lot less expensive?

Often referred to as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, Bhutan’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in Buddhism. Monasteries, dzongs (fortified monasteries) and chortens (memorial stupas) are scattered all over the country, as well as vibrant festivals that take place at these sites.

Jakar festival, Bumthang, Central Bhutan is a wonderful opportunity to experience Bhutan’s cullture.

Thanks to significant efforts of the government, the Bhutanese Royal Family and the people of Bhutan, this cultural and religious heritage has been magnificently preserved and upheld in day-to-day life.

One of the more colourful characters in Bhutan’s history is Lama Drukpa Kunley, a Tibetan monk known as “The Divine Madman” due to his unorthodox ways of teaching and deviance from social conventions. Phallic symbols, most notably flying ones painted on the walls of houses are symbols of luck derived from Lama Drukpa Kunley’s teaching. Although startling at first, the prevalence of these phalluses adds to Bhutan’s endearing, if not humorous, charm. It is quirks like this that showcase Bhutan’s character and uniqueness.

Bhutanese people consider the phallus a symbol of fertility, offering protection from evil and bringing good fortune. Phallic symbols adorn houses all over Bhutan.

Souvenirs with a difference!

Bhutan has an innovative and unique approach to social development and environmental conservation. Famously, Bhutan holds its Gross National Happiness (GNH) over its GDP. GNH is a holistic model of development that focusses on the well-being of people as well as their harmony with nature. GNH has become a guiding philosophy for the Bhutanese government since 2008, when it was enacted into the Constitution of Bhutan. This prioritisation of national happiness over economic margins truly sets Bhutan apart internationally and increases its appeal as a fascinating location to visit.

Gross National Happiness is more important than GDP in Bhutan.

The warm hospitality in Bhutan is truly remarkable.

Bhutan also has an admirable approach to environmental protection. The government has pledged to remain a carbon neutral country, and is actually currently carbon negative as it emits around two million tonnes of carbon whilst absorbing roughly seven million. This is aided by the fact that 71% of Bhutan is covered in forest, as the constitution stipulates that national forest coverage must be at a minimum of 60%.

Bhutanese forests are abundant with mosses and lichens.

Walk or trek in Bhutan’s pristine natural environment.

Therefore, Bhutan maintains a level of magnificent  natural beauty that can be enjoyed by visitors. The dense forests and clean air make the perfect surroundings for walking and trekking, or even just to enjoy when driving through the country. 

Mount Jichu Drake

For more information contact: info@beyondtheclouds.org.nz (www.beyondtheclouds.org.nz)

The fabled Shangri-la

Off the beaten path for most Western tourists, the city of Shangri-la offers a truly special Tibetan experience. This is, of course, reflective of its namesake: Shangri-la was the fabled utopian monastery located high in the Himalayan mountains of James Hilton’s 1933 novel “Lost Horizon”. Nestled in peaceful green valleys and surrounded by majestic mountains, Shangri-la remains true to its mythical roots. The city's remote location adds to its allure, as it has preserved its authentic Tibetan charm and traditions. 

The centrepiece of Shangri-la is the Songzalin Monastery, which is often referred to as the “Little Potala Palace”. Modelled after the famous Lhasa landmark, it is one of the most important monasteries in southwest China. Originally built in 1679 by the 5th Dalai Lama, Songzalin Monstery, like many cultural sites in Tibet, was severely damaged during China’s Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 70s. However, it was rebuilt in 1983 with meticulous care and attention to detail, preserving its architectural splendour and spiritual significance. Perched on a hilltop slightly away from the city centre, Songzalin Monastery is home to around 700 monks.

A visit to Songzalin is a truly captivating experience. The chants of monks echo through the monastery’s corridors and the fragrant smell of burning incense guides you as you explore the intricate courtyards and stairways, all whilst taking in the magnificent views of the rolling landscape surrounding Shangri-la. 

Entrance to the monastery complex

Monks debating at the monastery

After a journey over the mountains and through the buckwheat fields that encompass the city, entering Shangri-la feels like stepping into an oasis. Steeped in history, strolling through the winding streets of the city’s old Tibetan town is a particularly special experience. The old town showcases authentic Tibetan architecture and is home to restaurants and small shops selling traditional handicrafts.

Close to the old town is a giant prayer wheel, proclaimed to be one of the largest in the world. Standing 21 metres tall, this bronze-plated marvel is difficult to miss on its hilltop above the old town. Another unmissable experience in Shangri-la is the daily community dance, which occurs at 7 pm daily in the old town’s square. For dancers of any level this is one of the most fun and uplifting experiences of the city, allowing for a true immersion into the vibrant local culture.

Giant prayer wheel

Evening dance in the main square

Shangri-la offers a unique and remarkable Tibetan experience that transports visitors back to the fabled utopia that it was named after. Its remote location has preserved the city's authentic charm and traditions, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural heritage of the naturally spectacular region. 

For more information on visiting Shangri-la click here