Oliver Bennett — United Kingdom
My journey to Nepal with Leaf Travels and Tours was an experience I will always remember. As it was my first visit to Nepal, I was naturally a little unsure about how everything would be organized. However, from the moment I arrived at Kathmandu airport, the team made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. They welcomed me, assisted with my luggage, arranged my transfer to the hotel, and clearly explained the itinerary. Having transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, and other arrangements properly managed allowed me to relax and enjoy the journey from the very beginning.
First days in Kathmandu
My first introduction to Kathmandu was fascinating. The Kathmandu Valley has a unique character where modern city life exists alongside centuries-old temples, courtyards, shrines, and traditional neighborhoods. I visited Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath, and having a knowledgeable local guide made these visits much more meaningful. Instead of simply visiting the sites and taking photographs, I learned about their history, religious importance, architecture, and the traditions practiced by local people.
Thamel by day and night
I also had the opportunity to explore Thamel, one of the most lively areas of Kathmandu. During the day, I enjoyed walking through its narrow streets and discovering cafés, restaurants, trekking shops, handicraft stores, and small local businesses. What I especially enjoyed was experiencing Thamel at night. The streets come alive with lights, music, restaurants, cafés, and people from different countries. There is a wonderful mix of local culture and international atmosphere. Even though it can be busy and energetic, I found it enjoyable to simply walk around, have dinner, listen to live music, and experience Kathmandu’s nightlife.
Pokhara
From Kathmandu, I travelled to Pokhara, and the change in atmosphere was remarkable. The journey itself was beautiful, with green hills, rivers, villages, and mountain scenery along the way. Pokhara felt much more relaxed and peaceful. Staying around Lakeside, walking beside Phewa Lake, enjoying a boat ride, and visiting Sarangkot for sunrise were some of the highlights of my trip. Watching the first sunlight reach the mountains was truly mesmerizing. I also visited the World Peace Pagoda, where the views of Phewa Lake, the surrounding hills, and the mountains created a very peaceful experience.
What I appreciated about Leaf Travels and Tours was the balance between organized travel and personal freedom. Everything was arranged properly, but I never felt rushed. I had enough time to stop, enjoy the scenery, take photographs, talk with local people, and simply appreciate the places I was visiting.
Chitwan
After Pokhara, I travelled to Chitwan, which gave me another completely different experience of Nepal. The warmer climate, dense greenery, forests, and wildlife created a completely different environment from Kathmandu and Pokhara. I enjoyed the jungle safari, observed different birds and wildlife, and learned about conservation and the importance of Chitwan National Park. Experiencing Tharu culture was another memorable part of the visit. Their traditional lifestyle, music, food, and cultural traditions gave me a deeper understanding of the diversity of Nepal.
Back to Kathmandu
Later in the journey, I returned to Kathmandu, and it was interesting to see the city again after experiencing other parts of Nepal. By this point, Kathmandu felt much more familiar. I spent time exploring the surrounding streets, visiting local areas, and returning to Thamel. This was also when I had more time for shopping and discovering local products. I found many interesting handmade items, including traditional handicrafts, singing bowls, prayer flags, wooden carvings, pashmina and woolen products, paintings, jewellery, handmade bags, traditional clothing, souvenirs, and other local artwork. There were so many different things available that choosing what to take home was not easy. The Leaf Travels team also gave me useful suggestions about local products and where to shop, which made the experience much easier.
My final evenings in Kathmandu were particularly enjoyable. I spent time walking around Thamel at night, enjoying the restaurants, cafés, lights, music, and lively streets. After travelling through Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan, it was nice to return to the city and reflect on everything I had experienced.
Looking back
Throughout the entire journey, the team at Leaf Travels and Tours remained supportive and professional. Whenever I had a question or needed assistance with transportation, accommodation, or sightseeing, they were available to help. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and I appreciated being able to talk with them not only about tourist attractions but also about Nepali food, traditions, history, and everyday life.
My Nepal journey was about much more than visiting famous destinations. I remember the ancient temples of Kathmandu, the peaceful atmosphere of Boudhanath, the lively nights of Thamel, the mountains of Pokhara, the calm waters of Phewa Lake, the sunrise from Sarangkot, the wildlife and Tharu culture of Chitwan, and the many conversations and experiences along the way.
I came to Nepal expecting to see beautiful landscapes, but I left with a much deeper appreciation for its people, culture, history, nature, and way of life. Leaf Travels and Tours made the entire experience comfortable, organized, and enjoyable while still giving me the freedom to experience Nepal at my own pace. It was a journey I will always remember, and I would be very happy to travel with Leaf Travels and Tours again on my next visit to Nepal.
