Mo-Mos and Mountain Bikes in Nepal

Well everyone, I'm back from two weeks in India and Nepal, and although I'm covered in bug bites and henna, I made it back in one piece.

This wasn't my first time in India, but even my previous trip couldn't fully prepare me for this experience. While I think I've seen enough of India for a lifetime (stay tuned for a follow-up blog on that adventure), I absolutely want to go back to Nepal some day soon.

We stayed in Kathmandu, Nepal for almost a week. Kathmandu is a bustling city with an interesting blend of commerce, spirtuality and tourism--walking through the Thamel area, you will find blends of Nepalis going about their daily lives and backpackers headed to Mt. Everest. 

If you go, I highly recommend staying in the Kathmandu Guest House. It has a beautiful inner courtyard area that shields you from the bustling Thamel shopping district, and a pretty good restaurant. It's in a central location and only about $20 per night. 

We got out of the city smog one day and did an afternoon bike ride through Nepali farmlands. It was picturesque and I'm glad I did it, but no matter what any tour guide tells you, mountain biking through Nepal isn't easy. We started early and had to start our journey in the city, which was unnerving. You share the road with cattle, people, autorickshaws, taxis and enormous potholes. I can't even remember the last time I rode a bike, so I was scared. But I only hit one person (and apologized profusely) and sustained only minor cuts, but huge bruises. 

Luckily, Kathmandu has a plethora of spas and good restaurants to help ease my aches and pains after the trek. I spent the rest of the trip sightseeing at places like the Monkey Temple and Walled City, eating mo-mos (delicious Nepali dumplings) and haggling in the market for prayer flags, Himalayan tea and Buddha statues.

If I could do the trip over again, I would definitely spend more time in Nepal. We didn't see Mt. Everest or bathe with elephants in the Chitwan National Rainforest--two things I really hoped we could squeeze in on this trip but couldn't. I've also heard Pokhara is beautiful and would like to return one day.

Until then, I will dedicate myself to finding those beloved mo-mos here the South Puget Sound. If you know of a good restaurant that serves them, please let me know! I will be forever thankful.