As most people around the world are aware, on April 25th 2015, Nepal was shaken by an earthquake that measured over 7.8 magnitude on the Richter scale. This disaster of colossal proportion was then followed by a large aftershock on May 12th, again bringing much of Nepal to a standstill.
Now, just three months after the earthquake struck Nepal, many people are wondering whether it is a good idea to visit Nepal or not. Is it safe? Would it still be wise to travel to such a huge disaster zone? Was the whole country affected?
Well, here are seven great reasons why you should still definitely visit Nepal, and why there really is no time like the present. For more information on things to do in Nepal, check out this post on Top 5 Places To Go White Water Rafting in Nepal.
1. Nepal is still Beautiful
Nepal didn’t lose any of its beauty despite the devastating earthquake. Nepal is still stunningly beautiful with its snow-capped mountains (the most famous being Mount Everest!), beautiful forests, icy waterfalls, and rich flora and fauna. Only one out of ten national parks in the entire country was affected by the earthquake. Nepal’s most famous wildlife safari destination Chitwan National Park(where you can spot extremely rare one-horned Rhinos such as the one’s pictured below), Annapurna Conservation Area ( a popular trekking route), and the beautiful Pokhara city, were least affected by the earthquake and all remain as welcoming as ever to visitors.
2. Not all is gone
While Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Square faced devastation of some of the most important national monuments, Nepal still has 8 world heritage sites enlisted by UNESCO, out of which only these 3 were affected. Famous tourist destinations like Lumbini, the birth place of Gautam Buddha, is still upright and ready to welcome visitors.
3. Trekking in Nepal is still amazing
Only two out of Thirty five trekking routes were affected by the earthquake. Most of the trekking routes, including the most popular treks Everest Base Camp Trek, are opened for trekkers. Many locals and guides are economically dependent on tourism in the region and hoping and praying to welcome the visitors back to Nepal now that things have settled a little. If you’re looking for a fun, and short, trek than check out the amazing Poon Hill Trek which only takes about 4 days and 3 nights to complete.
4. Basic services are still operating
Basic services like electricity and phone lines have not been affected. There was no damage to highways, subways or major bridges. All the national and international airports in Nepal are safe and fully operational. You will not have to worry about a disturbance in transportation or communication caused by the earthquake.
5. Special discounts
Many trekking Agencies, hotels and travel companies are offering attractive offers for visitors coming to Nepal in 2015. With these discounts on hotels and packages, visitors to Nepal will be able to enjoy a lot more, for very less. Nepal is a once in a lifetime experience and with all the discounts on the tourist deals, this may be an ideal time to visit the country.
6. Great volunteering opportunities
This is also a great time to go volunteering in Nepal because now is the time the country will need you the most. You can join to volunteer groups all around Nepal and help the country in any way you can. You can help to rebuild, manage the reconstruction, teach children or provide consultancy while you travel in Nepal. It’s not every day you will be able to travel with a cause.
7. Nepal is calling you
Tourism is very important to the Nepalese Economy. The tourism industry provides employment and income for tens of thousands of people in Nepal. The devastating earthquake has done much harm to human lives, monuments and the countryside. During this time of tragedy, nothing is more comforting than support from a friend. Your visit to Nepal will help Nepal to recover from its wounds in many ways.
Essentially, one of the biggest ways you could actually help Nepal right now is to GO VISIT NEPAL. Don’t wonder anymore and plan your visit to Nepal. Listen to your heart and you can hear the mountains calling you. Nepal is calling you.
Editors note: This is the 3rd article in a series of guest posts I’m running, written by travel bloggers from around the world. I was delighted to hear from Ruashan, an entrepreneur living in kathmandu, and thought it would be a great opportunity for him to tell my readers a little bit about Nepal and to get a great insight into the country, as told my a local. You can follow Raushan Jaiswal on twitter here.