Summary

The author, Gurpreet Dhariwal, shares their enriching final day experiences in Nepal, visiting Kopan Monastery, Budhanilkantha Temple, and the National Botanical Garden, capturing the essence of the country through photography and personal interactions.

Abstract

On the last day of their journey in Nepal, Gurpreet Dhariwal visited the Kopan Monastery, despite initial doubts due to road conditions, and was captivated by the serene environment and the dedication of a monk who had resided there since childhood. The author then explored the Budhanilkantha Temple from its exterior, adhering to visitor guidelines, and concluded the day at the National Botanical Garden, where they were guided through diverse flora and tranquil landscapes. The visit included a meaningful encounter with a girl who informed them about the Spiritual Theme Garden. Gurpreet's narrative is interwoven with reflective quotes and personal insights, inviting readers to consider the transformative power of travel as they view the accompanying photographs.

Opinions

The author believes that travel is not always comfortable or pretty but is a profound experience that changes you, leaving lasting impressions on your memory, consciousness, and heart.
Gurpreet is impressed by the monk's commitment to celibacy and monastic life, perceiving the monastery as a heavenly abode and the monk's choice as the right one for his life.
The author respects and follows the rules of the Budhanilkantha Temple, emphasizing the importance of adhering to cultural norms while traveling.
Gurpreet expresses a deep appreciation for nature, as evidenced by their admiration for the National Botanical Garden's beauty and the positive vibes it emanates.
The author values personal connections made during their travels, such as the conversation with the girl in the Spiritual Theme Garden, which enhanced their experience and understanding of the place.
Gurpreet encourages readers to visit Nepal, suggesting that the country offers unique and soul-enriching adventures.

Glimpses From My Last Day In Nepal

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” –Saint Augustine

Kopan Monastery, Kathmandu, Nepal, 2023.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” — Anthony Bourdain

I wanted to explore Kopan Monastery on the third day of travel but then cab drivers I interacted with suggested that it wouldn’t be a nice idea to visit this monastery as roads were not clear. But I still wanted to visit it once before coming back to India as I read great reviews of this place and also witnessed some amazing scenery.

So, on the last day in Nepal, I finally visited this monastery and clicked lots of pictures. I talked to one monk there who has been residing in the monastery for 22 years and he has been there since his childhood. I asked him ‘Do you practice celibacy?” to which he replied, “Yes, I do”. While walking from pillar to post in the monastery I could feel that he was living in heaven and made the right choice for this life.

That’s how the monastery looked from the front.

This was on the right side of the monastery as you enter from the front gate.

They had quotes placed at various spots within the premises of the monastery.

This was another spot which I liked the most in the monastery.

This was the view of the Kathmandu city from the monastery.

My next spot for the day was Budhanilkantha Temple and I visited it on the suggestion of my cab driver.

Picture clicked from the outside premises as I wasn’t allowed to go inside.

I followed the rules as stated on this wall in the temple.

My third spot of the day was National Botanical Garden surrounded by beautiful forests and positive vibes.

That’s from where I started my journey to walk in the garden.

They had different variety of plants, flowers and gardens there.

I really liked the touch of river flowing in the middle of the garden.

The entire view of the garden and from the garden was quite amazing.

This was one of the resting places in the garden.

That was another spot that I liked while walking in the garden.

I almost spent two hours at this place first for my lunch and then covering the entire garden. When I visited the Spiritual Theme Garden, I met a girl who guided me about this garden and since then it was on my visiting list. And later in the evening, I catched up with Kerstin Krause and that special post is coming soon too.

I hope you enjoy my journey to Nepal and make your plans to visit this exquisite place soon.

“Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.” — Lovelle Drachman

Nepali People Have Won My Heart And Soul

“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” — Jennifer Lee

medium.com

Visiting Hanuman Dhoka Darbar Square In Nepal

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — Andre Gide

medium.com

What All I Explored On The Third Day Of The Nepal Trip?

“You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” ~ Eugene Fodor

medium.com

Gurpreet Dhariwal is the author of four books. Her books are available on Amazon, Flipkart, and BlueRose. Connect with Gurpreet at www.gurpreetdhariwal.com