Nepal

Nepal is a landlocked sovereign nation located in South Asia. With an area of 147,181 square kilometres (56,827 sq mi) and a population of approximately 27 million. Nepal is the world's 93rd largest country by land mass and the 41st most populous country. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India.
The mountainous north of Nepal has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest, called Sagarmatha.  

The landscape of Nepal was a stark contrast to arid Tibet as the first two pictures show. Our guide told us that Nepal is focused on two economic goals, increase tourism and develop hydroelectric power for Nepal and to export.

Kathmandu is the capitol of Nepal. Our guide said that during the 60's and 70's it was a popular place for flower children. Marijuana was legal and plentiful. Our guide showed us marijuana growing along the side of a road we were traveling. He said the psychedelic patterns on vehicles we saw originated during this time.

In Kathmandu we saw many children in school uniforms. We were told those in uniform go to private schools. Other children attend public schools. Sadly, many children do not attend school at all.

One of the highlights of the trip for me was seeing Rotary in action, as shown by this sign in Kathmandu.

These students were waiting to attend the school sponsored by the Rotary Club.

I have not been to India, but Nepal had the feel of the India I have seen in the media.

There are many Hindu and Buddhist sites in Nepal. Our guide told us that Nepal is 90% Buddhist and 90% Hindu, meaning the two religions get along in Nepal.

Cows are sacred here. We did not see beef on the menu. 

Monkeys were as plentiful as stray dogs in some areas.

Women obtaining and carrying off water from a public water source.


We left Nepal with gratitude for our own circumstances and more respect for other cultures.

Tibet

Tibet is a region governed by China. Before we went to Tibet, we were told about the symptoms of being at high altitudes, shortness of breath and headaches, to name two. One of our Chinese friends obtained a prescription for us to take before our journey that was supposed to lessen the symptoms. With our experience living at what we thought we high altitudes in the Mountain West and our Chinese prescription, we flew to Lhasa the capital of Tibet, whose elevation is over 11,000 feet. The prescription and experience were no match for altitudes that in some areas where we traveled exceeded 15,000 feet.

We are standing in front of one of the most sacred places for Buddhists, the largest Buddhist temple in Lhasa. Many people who had made a pilgrimage to to this site were walking around and around the temple when we arrived. Many brought offering for the temple, including yak butter that was fuel for candle-like light in the temple.

 It is probably difficult to overestimate the significance of the temple at Lhasa to many who worship there.

This view gives a better idea of the size and complexity of the structure. We are standing in a large square. While we were there,  two soldiers asked to have their picture taken with me.  This was a real surprise because everywhere we have been in China we have not been allowed to take pictures of the military.

Tibetan women that we saw were in there traditional dress. The men often wore western clothes.

 We saw many yaks along the way. We had yak to eat and it tastes like beef.

Here it is! Mount Everest on the Tibetan side. It is a breathtaking view, literally. Altitude symptoms are real. I had shortness of breath and Marilyn had headaches. But all that we saw and experienced eclipsed a little discomfort.

On the way back from the base camp of Mount Everest we happened on a local festival. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.

The northern side of the Himalayas is desolate. We saw very little wild life. 

 As we crossed the summit on our way to Nepal the vegetation became lush and the waterfalls sere stunning.

 We say good-by to our guide, center, our driver, and Tibet before crossing the border to Nepal.