“Heaven is a myth, Nepal is real.”
Nepal, the nation where the Earth meets the heavens, boasts of being home to eight of the ten biggest mountains on the planet. However, Nepal has so much more to offer beyond the world-famous Mount Everest and its fellow Himalayans. This South Asian country is blessed with fertile plains, subalpine forest hills, and tranquil village settlements, which collectively contribute to its breathtaking beauty.
Nepal’s unique charm has made it one of the most spiritual locations in the world, serving as a hub for Buddhism and Hinduism. Here, ancient cultures and customs seamlessly blend with modern travellers seeking self-discovery and exploration of the world around them. To stoke your wanderlust and help plan your next visit to this stunning country, be sure to check out the best Nepal travel books here at What We Reading!
Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya – Bradley Mayhew, Lindsay Brown, Stuart Butler
From Lonely Planet, Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya offers a comprehensive and unparalleled experience for those embarking on a trek across one of Asia’s most diverse countries. Authored by Bradley Mayhew, Lindsay Brown, and Stuart Butler, this guidebook takes readers on an unforgettable journey from the bustling backstreet courtyards of Kathmandu to the awe-inspiring base of the tallest mountain on the planet.
Packed with colourful maps, expert insights, and detailed itineraries, this book is the ultimate travel companion for any adventurer seeking to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time visitor, Trekking in the Nepal Himalayas provides all the information you need to make your journey an unforgettable one!
The Living Goddess – Isabella Tree
Isabella Tree’s enchanting book, The Living Goddess, invites readers on a spellbinding journey into the mystical world of a legendary deity, hidden within a small medieval palace on Kathmandu’s Durbar Square. This compelling story delves into the ancient legend of a young girl chosen to be the guardian of Nepal and its people. Tree masterfully explores the spiritual heartland of Nepal, unravelling the intricate web of beliefs that have shaped the country’s tumultuous history.
Drawing on her extensive travels spanning over a decade, Tree presents an emotional and compassionate tale that interweaves religion, modern politics, and myth in a seamless narrative. The Living Goddess sheds light on the complex and profound cultural heritage of Nepal, offering readers a profound insight into the country’s rich tapestry of traditions and customs.
Thamel – Rabi Thapa
Thamel, once a quiet rural area, has now transformed into the bustling epicentre of Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Boasting a vibrant array of bars, bookshops, cafes, and temples, this cultural and commercial hub has become the go-to destination for visitors to the country. However, in Rabi Thapa’s captivating book, Thamel, the neighbourhood is seen through an entirely different lens. Thamel is a travel memoir that vividly illustrates the diverse and fascinating layers of Nepal’s history that have converged in this part of the city.
Thapa’s account is a riveting blend of intimate personal tales and meticulously documented historical facts, making it the ultimate guide for understanding Nepal’s past and present. Thamel takes readers on a journey through time, revealing how this once-sleepy enclave has evolved into the bustling hub it is today. From its early days as a trading post to its role in shaping modern Nepal, Thamel captures the essence of this dynamic neighbourhood.
Thamel is more than just a guidebook; it is a love letter to a place that has captured the hearts of countless visitors over the years.
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Culture Smart! – Tessa Feller
Culture Smart by Tessa Feller is an indispensable guide for those seeking to understand the intricacies of Nepalese society. With its comprehensive coverage of the country’s cultures, customs, and etiquette, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to navigate the nuances of Nepalese social interactions with finesse.
Feller’s aim is to provide readers with invaluable tips on the diverse beliefs and behaviours found across Nepal, ensuring that common courtesies and sensitivities are observed to avoid any embarrassing missteps. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, Culture Smart equips you with the knowledge to navigate various social settings with confidence.
Yak Girl – Dorje Dolma
Dorje Dolma’s memoir, Yak Girl: Growing Up in the Remote Dolpo Region of Nepal, offers an intimate and captivating account of her experiences growing up in one of the most remote and awe-inspiring regions on Earth. Nestled near Nepal’s border with Tibet, the Dolpo region is characterized by its breathtaking snow-capped peaks and hand-irrigated green pastures. However, life in this rugged terrain was often a precarious balancing act between survival and peril.
From encountering wild predatory creatures on treacherous mountaintops to taking care of her younger siblings, Dolma’s journey in Yak Girl is filled with gripping and heartwarming anecdotes. The memoir follows Dolma’s transition from the remoteness of Dolpo to the bustling streets of Kathmandu, and then to the jarring surroundings of the United States.
Yak Girl is a compelling blend of humour and eye-opening revelations as Dolma reflects on her self-discovery and personal journeys. Along the way, the memoir sheds light on the erosion of ancient traditions and ways of living in the face of Western influence and the influx of travellers.
While The Gods Were Sleeping – Elizabeth Enslin
Elizabeth Enslin’s travel memoir, While the Gods Were Sleeping, chronicles her journey to the remote plains of Nepal, where she moved with her husband’s family to start a new life. Despite facing numerous obstacles in raising a family in a foreign country, Enslin’s story is one of resilience, courage, and self-discovery. Against the backdrop of political unrest and violence in the country, the book is a powerful account of local women finding their place in Nepalese society and standing up to have their voices heard.
The Mountain: My Time on Everest – Ed Viesturs, David Roberts
In his national bestselling memoir/biography, The Mountain, renowned high-altitude mountaineer Ed Viesturs shares his gripping experiences of scaling the world’s tallest mountain. As the only American to have successfully climbed all fourteen of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, Viesturs’s seven ascents of Mount Everest are particularly riveting.
In this captivating book, he delves into his personal relationship with the mountain, while also exploring humanity’s wider history with Everest. From the mysterious disappearance of Mallory and Irvine in 1924 to the tragic tale of Rob Hall and Scott Fischer’s final days, The Mountain vividly brings the awe-inspiring might of Everest to life.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
