Navin Shakya

Travel Stories

  • Tedious traffic jam

    If you’re traveling in or out of Nagdhunga, the main entrance to Kathmandu, getting stuck in traffic is almost a given. If you don’t hit traffic, consider yourself lucky. While there are…

  • Overlooked cleanliness

    Overlooked cleanliness

    Bhoto Jatra marks the final day of the festival of Bungadya (Rato Machhendranath), one of the most important cultural events in the city of Lalitpur. On this special day, thousands of people…

  • A near death experience

    A near death experience

    This visit remains etched in my memory for the worst possible reason. It was the day I almost lost my life.

  • Life on instant noodles

    This time, work took us to the remote northern part of Sankhuwasabha district for feasibility study of a hydroelectric project. As I remember, there are only very few sites as rugged and…

  • Scariest flight

    Tumlingtar Airport was blanketed in thick fog all morning, and as the hours passed, our hopes of catching a flight began to fade. We were eager to leave Sankhuwasabha after completing one…

  • Road in village

    This photo was taken in 2011 in the southeastern part of Rolpa during our fieldwork, where a new road had just reached the village. The whole community was excited and hopeful, looking…

  • Budhigandaki trek

    Over the course of three days, we walked roughly 50 kilometers to reach our project site—a trek that turned out to be the most scenic and enjoyable route I’ve ever taken for…

  • In and around Jumla

    Jumla (Khalanga) is one of the most remote and beautiful places in the country. It’s a small, scenic town located in the flat valley of the Tila River, surrounded by hills and…

  • Crossing the Arun River

    A permanent bridge is under construction at present at Dobhan near Num that connects Khandbari, the district headquarters of Sankhuwasabha with the remote northern parts of the district. Track has been opened…

  • In and around Kalinchowk Temple

    Kalinchowk Temple in Dolakha is an awesome spot for killer views, a bit of a hike, and some spiritual vibes. The temple, dedicated to the goddess Kalinchowk Bhagwati, is perched at around…