Greetings, fellow travelers and seekers of adventure! Join me as I reflect on my recent humanitarian expedition to the breathtaking and serene land of Nepal. With a population of over 29 million people, including around 4% Muslims, Nepal is a country of mesmerizing natural beauty, rugged terrain, and the majestic Himalayas, home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, attracting thousands of tourists from across the globe.
During my visit, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the warmth of the Nepali people and gaining firsthand insight into their way of life, especially in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck the country on April 25, 2015, which left behind significant human and material losses. I traversed numerous villages along the Indian and Chinese borders, as well as settlements nestled in the Himalayan highlands, witnessing various relief efforts in areas such as housing, water supply, education, livelihoods, and protection. Despite the profound poverty, I encountered resilient and joyful people determined to overcome adversity.
The capital city, while charmingly simple, grapples with traffic congestion, noise pollution from excessive use of horns, and significant air pollution due to vehicular emissions. Yet, amidst these challenges, the spirit of tolerance thrives, with places of worship dotting the landscape, representing the diverse religious fabric of the nation.
One of the most striking aspects of Nepal is its remarkable safety record. Despite widespread poverty, instances of armed assaults, robberies, or roadblocks are virtually unheard of. Even the phenomenon of begging is nearly nonexistent here. It’s a place where you can leave your belongings, including laptops and phones, in an unlocked car without fear of theft—a testament to the integrity of its people.
The country’s roads, particularly outside the capital, are often in poor condition, with many winding through mountainous terrain, making travel from one city to another a physically taxing endeavor.
Nepal’s topography is characterized by its mountainous terrain, with numerous freshwater springs feeding valleys and rivers that traverse villages and towns, serving as hubs for fishing, swimming, agriculture, and laundry. Suspension bridges, often erected through community or humanitarian organization efforts, span these waterways, facilitating connectivity in remote areas.
However, the country’s infrastructure and services, particularly in healthcare and education, remain inadequate, with high unemployment rates and meager salaries, even for senior officials.
A significant portion of Nepalis seek employment abroad, mainly in Gulf countries, Malaysia, and India, where despite modest incomes, they find better opportunities compared to their homeland.
Numerous international humanitarian organizations have been active in Nepal, especially following the massive earthquake that struck the country with a magnitude of 7.8 on April 25, 2015.
The country’s political landscape has stabilized since the crisis of the early 2000s, when the monarchy was replaced with a republican system.
In a bizarre and tragic turn of events on June 1, 2001, the Nepalese crown prince, aged 29 at the time, committed regicide, killing 10 members of the royal family, including his father, the king, mother, and other relatives, before turning the gun on himself—a haunting incident that left the nation in shock.
My journey to Nepal has been an enriching experience, adding to my reservoir of humanity and introducing me to new friends in this gracious land. As I bid farewell, I eagerly anticipate embarking on another humanitarian adventure in a different corner of the globe. Until then, may you be under the watchful care of the Almighty.
Warm regards,
