My excursion to Royal Chitwan National Park, one of the country’s most popular, epitomized my typically atypical experiences in Nepal as I joined a gaggle of international travelers riding fifteen rented motorcycles to witness the spectacle of the annual elephant polo match. An early morning departure from the quaint lakeside tourist enclave of Pokhara should have rightfully deposited us in Chitwan by early afternoon. But somewhere along the bumpy butt-numbing roads, we inexplicably began losing riders. Many hours were spent on search and rescue missions as we attempted to locate the remnants of our splintered group. We never actually made it to the polo grounds that day and barely arrived in time for the match the following morning. Surely there are easier ways to reach this expansive national park, but I seemingly am not one prone to simplicity. But as with all travel, the journey is the destination and our journey was indeed eventful. And it didn’t require walking, something I avoid even in a locale renowned for its magnificent trekking opportunities…

From mild day hikes to arduous extended expeditions, most visitors to Nepal take to the trail. Perhaps the most well-trod is the Annapurna circuit, a three-week journey over and around the majestic Himalayan range underscored by sublime vistas and the many indigenous villages peppering the hillsides. At least that’s what I hear as I am perhaps one of the three or four people in history who have voluntarily eschewed this undertaking. You see, I’m a bit lazy when it comes to physical overexertion. “Does trekking involve walking?” I queried the locals. Yes. Hmmm. Well then I think I’ll fly instead. And so I did -- paragliding on the wings of fate over the glistening waters of Lake Pokhara embraced by the jagged arms of the surrounding snow-capped crests. Confronting my fear of heights I was awarded with a matchless panorama and a liberating, albeit slightly nauseating, thrill ride.

From the sky to the sea, I chanced the grade 4 rapids of the Bote Kosi River, one of the numerous world-class rafting channels (including Arun River, Bheri River, Seti Khola River, Sun Kosi River) snaking their way through the country’s lush interior. During that exploit, I proudly hold the distinction of being first (wo)man overboard at a leisurely point in the journey when we were nowhere near a rapid! Okay, so I’m unathletic as well as a bit slothful, so luckily for me, Nepal also offers more leisurely pursuits. Shopping, for instance, is top notch in Khatmandu where one can purchase flamboyantly hued silk-woolen sweaters and scarves, intricately hand painted religious thankas or meticulously crafted silver jewelry. A requisite visit to Bodhnath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and a revered pilgrimage site can be followed by a stroll through the capital’s historical Durbar Square which delights with ancient examples of traditional architecture and numerous landmarks including Hanuman Dhoka, the old Royal Palace. And for those who prefer to put their money where their mouth is, an all night casino will happily take your cash after you’ve wined, dined and danced the early evening away in Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist ghetto.

And depending on the time of year, one of Nepal’s many festivals will likely be on the docket. In October, the preeminent Nepali celebration of Dasain takes place while during November’s Tihar, crows, dogs and cows are venerated and tika marks and food is shared amongst friends and family. Other key Hindu festivals include Holi (the Color Festival) in March, the vibrant Indra Jatra (September) and Chaitra Dasain (April), and the Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra (May-June) which features extravagant chariot parades in honor of Lord Krishna. Shiva devotees celebrate Haribodhini Ekadashi in November and Maha Shivaratri in March. Amongst the notable, but less flamboyant, Buddhist fetes are Losar (Tibetan New Year) which is celebrated with masked chaam dances at Swayambhunath, Bodhnath and Tibetan monasteries across the country and Mani Rimdu in November and Buddha Janati (Buddha’s birthday) in May.

So, whether you are a motivated adrenalin junky, a student of religion and history, an aspiring charity worker (there are many volunteer opportunities here) or simply someone who prefers to serenely saunter through this nation’s rich heritage, Nepal provides the perfect forum for doing so.

In writing this I am reminded how much I did in fact love my time in Nepal. It seems that my return there is long-overdue. And next time I may even consider swapping my dancing shoes for trekking boots!