Today, I'm excited to share several of my stories from Nepal, which first appeared here on Go Backpacking in 2008 and are included in a new book, To Nepal With Love: A Travel Guide for the Connoisseur.
Nepal was one of the highlights of my trip around the world, and more than five years later, the country and its rich mix of cultures and scenery continue to hold a special place in my heart.
It's a similar sentiment shared by everyone who's spent time there.
In early 2010, I was contacted by Kim Fay, Editor of the To Asia With Love guidebook series, about contributing several stories.
Together with her help, we revised and improved two of them, the first about my experience at a weekend meditation retreat in Pokhara and the second about my decision to leave the hectic tourist hub of Thamel in Kathmandu for the more spiritual and peaceful Boudha.
Until I arrived in Florida last week, I had no idea who else was featured in the book.
Therefore it was a fun surprise to see two friends and fellow travel bloggers, Shannon O'Donnell and Sherry Ott, also contributed.
Shannon's story is about her time in Pokhara, while Sherry has several related to her trek in the Annapurna mountains.
Plus, there are dozens more stories from other authors, as well as commentary from the editors and color photos, all of which come together to paint a beautiful portrait of a country we all know to be unique and wonderful.
If you're looking for inspiration to visit Nepal or simply want to experience the country as an armchair traveler, To Nepal With Love is the book for you.
Unlike traditional guidebooks filled with maps and detailed lists of hostels and restaurants, this guide and series aim to inform and entertain you through storytelling.
In this respect, it serves to complement, not replace, guidebooks from companies like Lonely Planet.
Book Giveaway
To celebrate the release of To Nepal With Love, which represents the first time my stories have appeared in a printed book, I'm giving away four copies ($20 value each).
Participation is limited to residents of the continental United States.
To enter, share a comment below about 1) why you want to go to Nepal, or 2), if you've already been, what was your fondest memory.
Terms and Conditions
The contest ends at 11:59 pm (EST), Friday, December 27, 2013.
Winners will be chosen at random and notified on December 28, at which point I'll request a shipping address. Books will be mailed on December 30.
The prize is transferable as long as the shipping address is within the continental USA.
Jay Snyder says
Nepal is calling me to its mountains and culture.
Dave says
Hi Jay, congrats on winning a copy of the book! Please check your email :)
Misti says
Why do I want to go to Nepal? The trekking is incredible...
Shelly S says
To be honest, I just want to go everywhere. Nepal sound so exotic compared to my life in Canada
Chanel Currey says
I want to go to Nepal with my godfather purely for the treks. We traveled to Spain and did the Camino de Compostela and even since then we have had our hearts set on Nepal.
Alex Yates says
During my recent travels in Thailand, I met two friendly guys from Israel who I traveled with for a couple days and they told me about their month-long trekking journey in the north of Nepal, which sounded incredible. It is exactly the kind of place I'd love to get lost in while experiencing authentic, almost untouched culture from that region. I will be planning a trip there once I have the funds and would love to have this book as a sort of guide away from the touristy environment into the raw beauty of the country.
Neha says
I want to go to Nepal with my travel mates to experience The Himalayas.
Dave says
Congrats Neha, you're one of the winners. Please check your email! :)
Merylin Granger says
Don't live in the USA but would still like to leave a comment....I was intrigued when our tour Guide led us down a dirt road beside a river with rows and rows of orange marigold garlands strung together to watch a cremation take place from start - to almost finish! We were not warned of our itinerary for the day so had little option in the matter. He also told us that women were not allowed at cremations as we are far too emotional!!
Maia says
One of my favorite memories of Nepal was visiting the Royal Chitwan National Park. It was just so peaceful and beautiful. Nepal was one of my favorite countries to visit.
bhisham toolsie says
I'm a Buddhist , born and raised in the caribbean. it is my dream to visit lumbini and then go up to pokhara and sip chai while looking at the majestic himalayas . nepal is a dream. i am planning my first trip to nepal soon and i wish to have this book to guide me.
Laura says
So cool you were featured in this book! Visiting Nepal and trekking to Everest Base Camp has been high on my bucket list for years!
Dave says
Hi Laura, congrats on winning a copy of the book! Please check your email :)
Gustavo Junqueira says
Because I'm sure after reading this book and Dave's stories I'll be looking (much more) forward to make the dream of visiting Nepal come true.
RenegadePilgrim says
I want to go to Nepal to celebrate my 40th birthday in 2014. My sister and I are planning our trip at the moment so this was kinda cool to read about. I'd love a copy to help in our preparations. Nothing like reading good travel narrative...better than any guidebook if you ask me!
Sara Chouinard says
Congrats to you! I'm going to Nepal in February to see Mount Everest. So excited!
Dave says
Congrats to you too, you won one a copy of the book! Please check your email :)
Katie says
Nepal is at the top of my list because of its rich cultural heritage, friendly people, and breathtaking scenery. What more could someone want from a travel experience?
Sam says
I want to go to Nepal to see the jungles and to see something so different and off the traditional destinations
Orestes says
Nepal is on my bucket list
Brittany says
I want to go to Nepal so that I can experience the essence of their deeply rooted spirituality and dance to the backdrop of the most amazing mountains on eARTh!!
Mayra Henry says
Love trekking and love the mountains. Nepal is perfect for both.
Emily says
I'm starting my round the world trip the end of this year and Nepal is one of the places that is non-negotiable. Everest base camp had been on my to-do list for so long. Spending a month trekking through the Himalayan mountains sounds like the perfect way to spend my Christmas. Also I have a family friend who lives in Kathmandu and can't wait to visit her!