Welcome to Nepal: First Impressions from Kathmandu and Thamel
Next post: Bus to Besisahar (Nepal 2)
Welcome to Nepal! In this personal travel series, I share my solo journey through one of the most spiritual countries in the world. From exploring the chaos of Kathmandu to trekking in the Annapurna region and tasting real Nepali street food—this is my raw and honest first impression. I arrived just days before the 2015 earthquake changed everything.
Landing in Kathmandu
My Turkish Airlines flight arrived with a long delay, touching down around 9:30 PM. The airport felt more like a small bus station than an international hub. Long lines awaited at the visa-on-arrival counters, and like many travelers, I hadn’t applied in advance.
Tip: If you’re planning a trip to Nepal, get your visa from the embassy before arrival. It can save you over an hour of waiting.
First Glimpse of Nepali Time
I waited in line for more than 90 minutes, observing the extremely relaxed pace of the immigration officers. No rush, no stress—just the first taste of “Nepali time.”
Once my passport was stamped, I stepped outside. As expected, a crowd of taxi drivers tried to get my attention. I walked past them and found a fair driver a few hundred meters away. He agreed on a reasonable price to take me to Thamel.
Thamel is the tourist hub of Kathmandu. It’s noisy and full of life—perfect for short stays and organizing treks. For longer visits, quieter areas are better.
My First Night in Thamel
The taxi ride was chaotic, noisy, and very “Asian”—just like I remembered from previous travels. After being dropped in the heart of Thamel, finding the hostel wasn’t easy. Hidden in a small back alley was Fireflies Hostel, a quiet and clean place to rest.
Preparing for Trekking
Despite being tired, I went out again to organize the paperwork for my trek. After asking around, I found the Tourist Office and got all necessary permits for the Annapurna region.
Depending on your trekking route, you might need several permits:
- TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- National Park or Conservation Area Entry
- Special Trekking Permit (for restricted regions)
- Climbing permits (if applicable)
Check immigration.gov.np for updated permit requirements.
Authentic Street Food in Thamel
In the evening, I skipped the tourist traps and searched for real Nepali food. I found a tiny local spot serving amazing Palak Paneer and Butter Masala. Simple, spicy, and incredibly satisfying.
Nepali cuisine is basic but full of flavor. Many dishes are influenced by North Indian cooking, so you’ll enjoy rich spices and hearty meals.
Ready for the Annapurna Circuit
After a long and exciting day, I finally went to bed. Tomorrow begins the real adventure: heading to Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit.
Next post: Bus to Besisahar (Nepal 2)
