Others: "What did you like most about Nepal?"
Me: "It's not the majestic mountains or the stunning skies, but the warmth and kindness of the people that made me awestruck."
It's been a week since I returned from Nepal, and I am still in awe of the incredible hospitality I experienced there. It was my first visit to Kathmandu. I landed on the 26th evening, with a colleague from India, Aditya. We were warmly welcomed by our team members, Nisha, Saugat, and Mehendi, and headed straight to the Pashupatinath Temple from the airport.
What a surreal experience it was to finally visit Pashupatinath, a place I've longed to see for years and heard countless stories about. Even though it was my first time there, it felt oddly familiar and deeply comforting.
We then went to eat momo at Basantpur with my whole communications team, and I was amazed to witness the traditional way of enjoying momo. It was heartening to see that my whole team gathered there to meet us. Afterward, we walked down Thamel Road through Basantpur, marveling at the vibrant Kathmandu Durbar Square. We saw numerous temples, each with its own significance, Kaal Bhairav, and the Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess Kumari. We also passed by the jail where the infamous Charles Sobhraj was held. I bought a fridge magnet as a souvenir from a shop in Sigal. Thamel Road was full of charming little shops, cozy cafes, and colorful local crafts, making it a delightful experience.
The best part? While everything that day was remarkable and meaningful, what stands out most in my memory is our walk along the Thamel road. Not once did I feel like I was in a foreign country surrounded by unfamiliar people. From the shopkeepers to random passersby, everyone had one thing in common—their warm smiles. Additionally, as we strolled, I had the chance to spend time with each team member individually, which made me feel even more at ease with them.
The following morning, I had a memorable experience sitting at a rooftop café with a breathtaking hilltop view, accompanied by my friend, Bidhya. We strolled along the road for about 30 minutes, and as we headed back to my hotel, I tried to capture the stunning scenery but found it difficult. My friend then suggested that if I wanted to see the view, I could visit any rooftop café in Kathmandu. On our way back, she took me to the Himalayan Hotel, and she was right—the view was unimaginably mesmerizing.
Then finally the moment arrived on the same day—Spiralogics' 15th anniversary celebration. From the warm welcome and delightful drinks to the tasty snacks, delicious food, and memorable performances, every detail was meticulously crafted to create an exceptional experience. The atmosphere was incredibly wholesome, and even though I was meeting everyone for the first time, it felt surprisingly familiar. The warmth of the people made me feel instantly at home and gave me a genuine sense of belonging.
The highlight of the evening was connecting with our CEO, Samir Upadhyay, for the first time in two years. It was a heartfelt interaction; he introduced me to his family, and we had an engaging conversation about India. It was a truly enriching experience that added a personal touch to the celebration.
We then moved to a different location where our colleagues and CEO were staying for the night—an informal after-party of sorts. The evening was filled with great vibes as we sang, danced, and laughed in the rain, which only added to the magic of the night.
What a beautiful way to end my awesome trip to Kathmandu with a desire to return soon!
About Harshita:
Harshita Mathur is our dedicated Content Writer. She has a deep appreciation for literature, which informs and enhances her writing. Her words aim to inspire, inform, and connect with readers.