With My মানিকজোড়, bestie
A Magical Nepal Trip
For a long long time, we’ve dreamed of embarking on this journey together, and then, there amidst the majestic Himalayan range, we were finally living that dream. Alhamdulillah. It’s a deeply humbling experience that makes us feel connected to the universe itself. Truly, when you desire something with all your heart, the entire universe conspires to help you find that joy. So here it is! I want to tell the story of Two Friends’ Magical trip to Nepal
But first tell me, how can one person be so much organized? And how does she care so much for her loved ones? My bestie, Jamia, is just like that, thoughtful, meticulous, and always looking out for others
Whenever she takes me out somewhere, it becomes a big task for her because she has to look after me. She’s always reminding me, “Shima, did you drink water? You’ll get dehydrated! Why are you doing that now? Go to sleep. Oh, you’re so forgetful. How will this work!? No, no, we’re not spending a penny on this task. Now drink water. Why do you keep taking pictures all the time? Let’s stand still for a moment, just the two of us. Listen, finish this task first so I can do the final bit. Okay, here, drink some water and eat this orange” and the list is long ….
I mean, I travel a lot too, and when I’m alone, I take care of myself. But when I’m with my loved ones, I somehow become more careless, forgetful, and carefree. All my disorganized habits come out, and they naturally take over the responsibilities for me. And I happily embrace both their care and their scolding. They guide me and make my journey easier
That’s what Jamia does
I still remember so clearly, years ago, I was wandering alone in the school corridor, searching for my class but hesitating to enter any room. Then, with her radiant smile and bright, flowing hair, Jamia stepped out of a classroom, took my hand, and led me inside. As a child, I was incredibly introverted, struggling to connect with people, while Jamia was the exact opposite, effortlessly friendly with everyone. Yet, despite our differences, I found myself always following her, and she, with her warmth, never let go of my hand. She held it in Grade 1, and even after all these years, she still does
For years, we talked about celebrating our friendship with a trip, just the two of us, traveling somewhere new. Finally, we chose majestic Nepal, drawn by its serene mountains and breathtaking landscapes. Little did I know, this trip would not only mark our first adventure together but also coincide with a milestone in my artistic journey, my first-ever regional exhibition. It felt as if the universe had aligned everything perfectly. Traveling to Nepal with her, sharing these unforgettable days, made them some of the happiest of my life. I cherish my exhibition experience even more because she was there with me. I don’t know how the Almighty was so generous to us, but we felt humbled, enriched, and deeply grateful, as if we had already lived a lifetime together
From the moment we arrived, Nepal welcomed us with open arms. We explored vibrant Kathmandu and picturesque Nagarkot, weaving through the wonders of majestic Chandragiri Hills, the sacred Maheswari Temple, the spiritual Pashupatinath Temple, the enchanting Garden of Dreams, the historic streets of Bhaktapur, the peaceful Shanti Danda, the breathtaking Buddha Peace Nagarkot Suspension Bridge, the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, and the awe-inspiring Swayambhunath Temple. Shopping in bustling Thamel was an adventure in itself, filled with laughter and endless discoveries. Despite losing our way a few times, we wandered excitedly, knowing that getting lost was part of the fun
Our stay at Kathmandu Guest House for five days was an experience in itself. Nestled in the heart of Thamel, it had the perfect mix of charm, history, and tranquility. Jamia loved it from the very first moment, its peaceful courtyards, vintage decor, and the warm hospitality instantly made her feel at home. She would often say, “Let’s stay here forever!” And I could see why, our mornings started with quiet breakfasts, and our evenings ended with conversations under the soft glow of lanterns. It felt like a world within a world, a little sanctuary amidst the city’s energy
Our stay at charming Club Himalaya was equally unforgettable. We welcomed the sunrise from our balcony, its golden glow painting the sky, just as we had witnessed the surreal sunset the night before. It felt as if the entire majestic Himalayas were embracing us
I must share a beautiful story of an antique kettle. Jamia saw a beautiful antique kettle at the souvenir shop at the Club Himalaya hotel, and she bought it, and I had my eye on it too. So I was asking for another one. Unfortunately, there was only one piece, and Jamia felt genuinely sorry that I couldn’t have it. Determined to make it right, she promised that she would search for another similar kettle somewhere in Kathmandu
On our way back from Nagarkot, wherever she went, she kept looking for that kettle. Finally, luck was on our side, she found it in one of the antique shops near Boudha Stupa. She was beyond happy, almost as if she had accomplished a personal mission. Though I ended up buying a smaller version because the larger one had a slight defect, her joy was in knowing that she had found me the same kettle she had taken from Club Himalaya
And that’s the beauty of true friendship, it’s the satisfaction of a friend who selflessly thinks of you, even in the smallest things. Isn’t it?
However, no trip is complete without a few amusing mishaps! On our very first day, everything seemed to be going hilariously wrong, Jamia’s struggles at immigration, my painting almost being left at the boarding area, my dramatic lassi spill at Dechenling Garden Restaurant, and our accidental detour to Babar Mahal, which turned into an unexpected delight. At Babar Mahal, I found myself feeling slightly uneasy at the sight of the regal statues and portraits. And there was Jamia, calm and amused, watching me with that knowing smile!
Despite her love for exploring, Jamia wasn’t particularly drawn to temples, so we kept our visits to Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur brief. Even so, she was patient, giving me time to take in their beauty. But when it came to the Nagarkot Suspension Bridge, it was an entirely different story, there, we both found pure exhilaration, experiencing the thrill of crossing together
Thamel’s lively streets became our playground. Jamia quickly mastered the routes, while I struggled to navigate. What amazed me most was her shopping, she wasn’t buying for herself but for everyone else. “And what about you?” I asked. She just smiled. But together, we did buy one special thing, a Sarangi, a traditional musical instrument. One day, we’ll play it together
And then, there was the most magical moment of all, seeing Mount Everest. From the plane, we caught a distant glimpse when the captain announced its presence. But nothing compared to the awe of witnessing it from Chandragiri Hills. And again, on our way to Nagarkot, the sky was so clear that we saw Everest’s peak shining in the distance. We hadn’t expected it, yet there it was, a dream fulfilled in the most unexpected, beautiful way
This trip gave us countless memories, some planned, many surprises, all unforgettable. It was more than just a journey; it was a celebration of friendship, of the moments that shape us, of the peace and joy that come from being with someone who truly understands you
I always say, I don’t just seek inspiration; I create it, with all my heart and soul, wherever I am. This journey, with Jamia beside me, became one of the most inspiring moments of my life. And for that, I know, we have to plan another trip together! I’ve already decided, and now she knows too
“A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.”
This is what our friendship means to me. Jamia was there when I hesitated to step into a classroom years ago, and she’s still here, holding my hand through life’s adventures. No matter where we go, no matter what we do, she always stays. And that, to me, is the truest kind of friendship
As lifelong ‘friends forever’ we don’t believe in matching outfits; we believe in matching thoughts, aspirations, dreams, understanding, and mutual respect.
Sharing some beautiful glimpses of our
‘Two Friends’ Magical Nepal Trip’
Enjoy, and bless us with prayers for good health and a great spirit to create many more trips like this. Ameen
23rd – 27th January, 2025
Nepal
Jhim Jhimaune Aankha – Fav Nepalese Folk Song
I♥️
This is one of my favorite Nepalese folk songs, Jhim Jhimaune Aankha. I’ve been listening to it on loop! Its melody and lyrics evoke deep emotions, making it a truly beautiful piece. “The blinking eyes have tangled my heart”
Also let me know which places or pictures you’ve liked from all of these!
Thank you
Nepal, until we meet again
Roksana Tales 