Namaste

We hope you are all well and healthy and are slowly being allowed to safely get back to a more balanced life that includes friends, family and the great outdoors.

Life here in Nepal has been very slow as we have been under strict lockdown since the 24th March and only now, on day 81 is our Government releasing a three phase plan to bring the country back to a new normal, kick start the economy and allow us to start moving about once again. Although they haven’t released all the details of their plan, it is hoped that the country will be back up and running again, with its international borders open from mid August at the latest. We are still waiting for new protocols and requirements to be released for those arriving into the country, as well as for new industry rules and regs/best practice guidance etc. but we are hopeful this shall come over the next few months.

Although much of the time granted by the early lockdown period has been wasted, many infrastructure projects have been happening and most importantly the airport has had a big upgrade, which hopefully should make your arrival and departure experience a whole lot more pleasant.

Despite the ongoing crisis and all its restrictions, there have been many upsides to the long lockdown – clean air across the country, but especially noticeable here in Kathmandu; near silence of all man-made noises in a city that is renowned for its noise pollution; non stop bird song from dawn to dusk; re- greening of many areas usually covered in dust and time to breathe, reflect,
recharge and spend time with family.

As we move into the monsoon season, we hope and pray that the rains bring growth and good crops and not floods and landslides, and that the powers that be focus on what is needed to get the tourism industry, an industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people and that the country relies so heavily on for income, back up and running in time for the fall season.

Sending you love, light and positivity

Amrit, Kate & the HQ Team.

Views of sleepy Kathmandu 

Adopting a new normal. Offering lights to Kala Bhairab who represents human ignorance, while maintaining social distance. Kala Bhairab is an angry manifestation of Lord Shiva.