As some of you may know, I am on a quest to travel to all 197 UN-recognized countries in the world. When I finally hit country #108, it happened to coincide with my 10th anniversary of solo traveling. To honor this decade of independence, I knew I had to return to the country where it all started. I flew into Kathmandu, the city I was born in, but with a heart full of the same “first-trip” jitters I had ten years ago. The challenge of solo traveling your own country When I first contemplated visiting Nepal after so long, I was filled with uncertainty. I
Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Review
Ten years is a long time to stay away from the Himalayas, but I returned with a clear mission: a solo trek to Mardi Himal followed by Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and catching up with family and friends. By the time I descended, my legs were heavy, my lungs were tired, and I was craving a very specific kind of restoration. I didn’t just want a hotel; I needed a place where the transition back to reality felt as sacred as the trek itself. While the “Lakeside” of Pokhara is famous for its vibrant cafes and backpacker energy, I was looking for something higher—both
Top 5 things to do for Valentines day in Nepal
If you are wondering if Nepalese celebrate the month of love and looking for ideas for things to do for Valentines day in Nepal. You are in the right place. Valentine’s Day in Nepali is called “Prem Diwas” प्रेम दिवस. It is not traditionally celebrated in Nepal but youngsters have adopted this holiday as their own and traces of teddy bears, love related greeting cards, chocolate hearts, dinner for twos and inflated expectations can be spotted all around the capital city. If you are reading this, I assume you already know what this day means to you. So, without boring you with
Hidden places in Nepal you must see
Today I would like to share with you the hidden places in Nepal. Since I was born and grew up in Nepal (although I believe we are always growing) and lived decades there, this article comes out of my personal experience. I hope this article gives you an insight into the unexplored places in Nepal. I am also giving out free travel tips to Nepal, so read till the end. Nepal is one of the beautiful and sought after destinations in the world. Particularly well known for Everest Base camp trek, Island peak climbing, and Annapurna Base Camp. It is
Things to do in Chongqing itinerary China
As a solo female traveler on a quest to visit all 197 UN-recognized countries in the world, I have gone on countless adventures across the globe. With 108 countries already explored, my journey recently brought me back to China. As some of you know, I went solo backpacking from Vietnam to China first time back in 2016 in an overnight train and wrote about backpacking in China. Almost 10 years later, I got invited to visit China! I must be doing something right 🙂 and luckily this time to a different city I hadn’t visited before but heard a lot about: Chongqing –
2 days in Bahrain travel blog
On my journey to visit all the UN recognised countries in the world after 3 days in Doha, it was time to visit my 99th country—Bahrain! This 2 days in Bahrain travel blog will guide you through the best cultural landmarks, modern attractions, and hidden gems of this fascinating island nation. Obviously one could stay longer but it is true there is not much tourist attachtions however that means it offers the time and opportunity to perhaps get to know the locals and deeper dive into the culture. With that said, I only had 2 days in Bahrain because right
3 days in Doha itinerary
After 5 days in Oman, it was time to visit my country number 98—Qatar! Most people know Doha for the giant yellow teddy bear at Hamad International Airport, but there is so much more to explore beyond the airport. This 3-day Doha itinerary covers the city’s must-see attractions, making it perfect for first-time visitors. Qatar, a small yet influential country on the Arabian Peninsula, is known for its remarkable blend of tradition and modernity. Bordered by Saudi Arabia and surrounded by the Persian Gulf, Qatar has rapidly transformed from a pearl-diving hub into one of the wealthiest nations in the
5 Days in Oman Itinerary for first timers
After battling the pollution in Dhaka and the sickness in Bhutan, I craved a serene escape. The thought of scorching Middle Eastern heat wasn’t appealing, but Oman 🇴🇲 (my country #97) surprised me in the best way possible. This 5-day Oman itinerary takes you from Muscat’s cultural heart to the golden dunes of the Wahiba Sands and the turquoise waters of Wadi Shab. Perfect for first-time visitors, this guide ensures you experience the best of Oman. Oman, located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is a country known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Bordered
3 Days Kuwait Travel Blog – my 100th country!
Looking to spend a weekend in Kuwait? This Gulf nation was my 100th country around the world after 2 days in Bahrain travel blog and as you can imagine it was a HUGE accomplishment for me! This 3 days Kuwait travel blog will help you explore the Gulf nation’s fascinating blend of modern architecture, rich culture, and coastal beauty. I started solo travelling the world in 2015, visited 7 continents, lived in 7 countries, and ended up aiming to gradually visit every UN-recognized country. It’s been a journey filled with lots of memories, fun, stress, ups and downs, and countless
5 Days in Jordan: A Comprehensive Itinerary
As a solo female traveler on a journey to visit all 195 UN-recognized countries, I’ve embarked on countless adventures around the world. With 100 countries already explored, my journey has now brought me to Jordan, country #101! This comprehensive 5 days in Jordan itinerary captures my excitement and the highlights of my solo travels across this fascinating country. Jordan is a land of unforgettable deserts, ancient wonders, and a welcoming culture, making it a dream destination for any traveler. Whether you’re planning to explore the mysterious Rose City of Petra, float in the Dead Sea, or stargaze in the Wadi