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Hiking has emerged as one of the most popular activities in Kathmandu, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic brought life to a standstill. During the lockdown, many residents of the Kathmandu Valley found themselves confined to their homes, with little to do except watch TV or scroll through their phones. This period saw a dramatic rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. As a result, people eagerly awaited the day when the lockdown would be lifted, allowing them to venture outdoors and seek solace in the serene green hills. This longing for nature gave rise to a thriving hiking culture in Kathmandu. Here are five must-visit hiking destinations around the Kathmandu Valley:

Shivapuri

Standing at an elevation of 2,732 meters, Shivapuri Peak is one of the most popular hiking destinations near Kathmandu. The hike begins at Budhanilkantha and takes approximately five to six hours to reach the summit. The trail winds through the dense, biodiverse forests of Shivapuri National Park, leading to Nagi Gumba, a tranquil Buddhist monastery perched atop the hill. Along the way, hikers can enjoy stunning views of the Kathmandu Valley and visit Bagdwar, believed to be the source of the Bagmati River. A large fair is held here every Nepali New Year. From Bagdwar, it takes about an hour to reach Shivapuri Peak, where a large open ground and a statue of Shivapuri Baba await. The peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himalayan ranges. Shivapuri is the second-highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley and can also be accessed via Tarebhir.

Jamacho

For those seeking a shorter hike near Kathmandu, Jamacho is an ideal choice. Located at an altitude of 2,128 meters, the hike begins at the Phulbari gate. As you enter the forest, the serene environment quickly helps you forget the chaos of city life. The hike takes about three to four hours to complete and leads to a sacred Buddhist site with a monastery at the hilltop. From here, you can enjoy clear views of the Manaslu, Ganesh, and Langtang Himalayan ranges, as well as the Kathmandu Valley.

Bhasmasur

Bhasmasur, the third-highest hill in Kathmandu at 2,500 meters, is a fantastic hiking destination in the southern part of the valley. The hike starts from Hattiban and takes around six hours to reach the top. The trail passes through Hattiban Resort and Champadevi, where you can visit the Champadevi Temple and the Padmasambhava Cave. The path winds through dense forests of pine and rhododendron, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

From the summit, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Langtang, Jugal, and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. For those looking to extend their adventure, the hike can continue to Chandragiri.

Kakani-Suryachaur

The Kakani-Suryachaur hike is a short and easy trail located to the north of Kathmandu. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the hike begins in Kakani, a popular picnic spot known for its strawberries and trout fish. The trail takes you through dense forests of pine and rhododendron within Shivapuri National Park. After about three hours, you’ll reach Suryachaur, an open ground offering spectacular sunset views. Local eateries along the way provide opportunities to enjoy a hearty meal amidst nature.

Nagarkot-Sankhu

Nagarkot, a well-known tourist destination, is famous for its sunrise and sunset views. The Nagarkot-Sankhu hike is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Starting from Nagarkot Bazaar, the trail passes through an eco-trail, Kattike Bhangyang, a Tamang village, and Jaharsinghpauwa before reaching Sankhu, a charming Newari village. The hike takes about five hours and is relatively easy, offering majestic views of the Jugal and Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges. Along the way, hikers can explore traditional Tamang villages and immerse themselves in local culture.

Photos: Achitra Thieng

The majestic Himalayas of Nepal are not only celebrated for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It has also led to the creation of one of the world’s rarest and most expensive honeys, known as “Mad Honey.” This unique honey, its medicinal properties, holds a special place in history. Today, it is gradually attracting global markets with its charm and value.

Mad Honey: A Hidden Treasure of Nepal

Cliff Honey, Mad Honey, Bhir Maha, Red Honey, Himalayan Honey—this unique honey is known by many names. It is collected from the steep Himalayan cliffs by the Gurung honey-hunting communities.

Everything about this honey is impeccable: it is produced by the Himalayan giant honeybee (Apis laboriosa), the largest honey bee species in the world. The honey-hunting process itself is a unique and daring tradition that demands exceptional skill, precision, and abundance of courage.

At first glance, the ridiculously high price of mad honey might seem indignant and unreasonable for a small jar. However, as the honey-hunting process unveils, it becomes clear why it demands such a high value.

Honey hunting is not a walk in the garden, it is far from an easy task. Men dangle in the air, between the cliffs, costing their lives, all just to harvest a precious honey. Their efforts serve two purposes: sustaining their livelihood and honouring an ancestral art. In many ways, the art of honey hunting retains their identity, each time they set out on a hunt.

Another factor that sets mad honey apart is the unique compound found within it. While it contains all the nutrients present in regular honey, often with amplified benefits. But what steals the spotlight is the presence of grayanotoxin.

Grayanotoxin is often unfairly misunderstood as a dangerous compound that can jeopardise one's mental and physical state. However, what many don't know is that when consumed in the right amounts, people around the world are fully enjoying the psychoactive and medicinal properties of mad honey.

Though it's still only a small fraction of the global population aware of its benefits, word is slowly spreading about its extraordinary properties.

The tales you hear about the Gurung's and their courage are fascinating. They grew up by  consuming mad honey for generations to treat ailments such as hypertension, arthritis, and anxiety. Its grayanotoxin content also contributes to making it one of the rarest honeys in the world.

Bringing Mad Honey to the World

Among the brands bringing this rare treasure to the world, Medicinal Mad Honey has emerged as a leader. With a strong commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, the brand has not only elevated the status of Mad Honey but also supported the livelihoods of over 80 honey-hunting communities in regions like Lamjung, Jajarkot, and Rukum.

“Our mission is to introduce the world to the wonders of Mad Honey while preserving the traditional practices and environment of Nepal,” says Rashmi Kandel, the founder of Medicinal Mad Honey.  At just 18 years old, Rashmi founded Medicinal Mad Honey, a brand that honours the cultural roots of this rare product while bringing it to global markets.

She came across the mad honey in her hometown, Lamjung only to find it in an unutilized form. Just as honey hunters pay respect to their ancestors by following their path, she hoped to pave a way for her people to the world by showcasing the potential of a Nepalese product like mad honey.

After further looking into it, she found a great market potential for this product. Finally, she came with an idea to bridge the gap between the production and the demand to create economic values.

Ethical and Sustainable Practices

Medicinal Mad Honey stands apart for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Harvesting is conducted responsibly, without compromising the prosperity of the Himalayan giantbees and the fragile ecosystem they reside in.

The brand also invests in community development, offering resources and training for honey hunters. These efforts not only preserve their traditional way of life but also provide them with economic stability.

Global Appeal

Presently, mad honey is a sought-after product in luxury markets across the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Its rarity, combined with the wellness benefits it promises from sustainable origins, resonates with the growing demand for premium, ethically sourced products.

The new world today looks past the product itself, valuing the principles and values it represents. If a product aligns with their values, it gains appeal. There is a growing fascination with organic, cruelty-free products that offer not only unparalleled quality but also ethical integrity.

We are living in a world where a growing number of people are more mindful and selective about what they embrace into their lives.

Beyond honey, Nepal’s hidden treasures like Yarsagumba (caterpillar fungus), Shilajit, rare herbs, and essential oils also carry the essence of the Himalayas and have immense potential in global markets.

A Tribute to Nepal’s Products

This effort to promote mad honey is also a homage to the honey hunters of the past, present, and future. Just as these communities honour their ancestors, the initiative aims to honour them by bringing their craft to the global stage.

Rashmi’s dedication goes beyond mad honey, embracing Nepal’s other natural wonders. This includes its sister brand, Everest Shilajit, a product that speaks volumes of its purity and power of the Himalayas. Her journey is not limited to honey; it is committed to exploring and promoting exceptional products from Nepal, each with its own story and a promise to deliver the best of nature.

A Future of Sustainable Luxury

With innovative entrepreneurs leading the way, Nepal is emerging as a hub for sustainable luxury. Products like Mad Honey redefine luxury as not merely an indulgence but a conscious connection to health, nature and moral and ethical values.

In every golden drop of Mad Honey a reminder that the rarest treasures are those deeply rooted in authenticity and sustainability.

(Rashmi is Founder and Author at Medicinal Mad Honey & Global Export Specialist)

Email- [email protected]

Visit: https://medicinalmadhoney.com/

When was the last time you read a children’s book? To your child at bedtime or just simply by yourself? Most of us don’t pick up a children’s book unless there’s a child involved but reading this genre of literature can have various benefits. First, it’s bite-sized fiction and you won’t have to spend a lot of time with a book when you have a zillion things to do. Second, children’s books are highly imaginative and they really get your creative muscles working. For me, it’s an extremely relaxing activity, one that doesn’t take much mental energy. It instantly uplifts my mood and makes me feel better. I also read children’s books when I’m unwell and find myself unable to concentrate. Here are six of my favorite children’s books that are bound to appeal to you too because of their fun and light-hearted content. Additionally, they will also make you feel better about yourself and life in general, infusing your days with a dash of hope.

Matilda by Roald Dahl

I will never tire of this book or even the brilliantly adapted 1996 movie starring Mara Wilson and Daniel DeVito. About a talented and genius girl who is ignored by her family and learns to fend for herself, Matilda is a heartwarming tale of a steely girl fighting the odds, in hilarious ways, to thrive in a world that seems determined to sideline her. It’s funny. It’s cute. And it’s got a fair bit of suspense as well. I recommend you read the book and watch the movie as well. You won’t regret it.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll

The beginning of the book where Alice is basking in the sun with her sister as she reads a book is a comforting scene. I always find myself reading the first couple of passages over and over again. Then Alice sees a white rabbit in a waistcoat and with a pocket watch rush by, murmuring to himself that he is late and she follows him down a rabbit hole. What happens next is a series of most peculiar events that is sure to delight you. A hallway full of doors, potions that shrink you, cakes that make you grow, and tears that turn into the sea, there are lots of fascinating things in Alice in Wonderland.

Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr Seuss

This is one of my all time favorite books as it’s really inspiring. It will barely take 10 to 15 minutes for you to read it but the message it leaves behind stays forever. It’s an uplifting book full of motivational lines. I really like the layout of the book as well. Each page is marvelously designed and you’ll want to look at it for a while. The book was published in 1990 but it’s a timeless classic. Dr Seuss has many books to his credit and all of them are beautifully written and illustrated but Oh, the Places You’ll Go is enjoyable and important for both children and adults alike.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

I recently came across The Giving Tree and I was bowled over by the simple yet inspiring story. Marketed as a children’s book, I believe this one should be prescribed reading for people of all ages. It was published in 1964 and has been translated into several languages till date. The book conveys a powerful message about unconditional love and the joy of being with your loved ones. The simple story is a masterclass in gratitude and selflessness. Each time you read this book, you’ll be inspired to change your attitude for the better and start seeing the world in a different light.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Published in 1952, Charlotte’s Web is about the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a barn spider named Charlotte. The spider saves the pig from being slaughtered by weaving words about him in her web, thereby convincing the farmer that he is too special to be killed. There are a few other equally endearing characters and the story conveys a message about the power of friendship and love. Fern, who raises Wilbur, is such a sweet character who inspires you to cultivate a child-like innocence—you see there’s so much beauty in it. E.B.White also wrote Stuart Little which is another children’s book that I really enjoy but Charlotte’s Web is the one I pick up when I’m feeling down and need something to cheer me up.

Winnie the Pooh by A.A. Milne

Most of us know the character of Winnie the Pooh because we have seen it on television but how many of us have read the 1926 children’s book that all the movie adaptions are based on? If you haven’t read the book, then you are missing out. There’s a quote in the book that I find comforting: If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. There are many nuggets like this in the book which is an unlikely story of friendship. Milne shows that everyone has a place in the society and that kindness should be valued more than other traits like confidence or intelligence.

If you are a neophyte, at first glance, Tibetan singing bowls look no more than plain bowls you use to store food or even eat things like your morning cereals or soups at dinner.

Tibetan singing bowls, also known as Himalayan Singing Bowls, are not just commonplace. Crafted from pure copper, they resonate like the sacred bells in temples. Their unique blend symbolizes the divine seven Chakras, the energy cores in our body. These Chakras, each associated with specific physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, are believed to be balanced by the sound and vibrations of the bowls. The composition of the bowls and spiritual beliefs has it, resonates with and balances these energy centers, promoting holistic well-being. 

The unique composition of these bowls supposedly channels perceptive energy to nurture your bodily organs, mind, and intellect. Tibetan singing bowls come in various sizes. The smaller the bowls, the higher the pitch; more giant bowls produce low-pitch bass notes. There are nine kinds of bowls, each with their unique shape, size, and sound: Thadobati, Jambati, Manipuri, Mani, Lingam, Pedestal/Naga, Trapezoid, and Ultabati. These bowls, for good measure, are also available in crystal ware, producing better unbroken and sustained sound and vibrations. 

How to make a Tibetan singing bowl sing

The singing bowls available in the many antique shops are either hand-hammered or others that are machine-made. Some hand-hammered bowls also carry the compassion mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, in Tibetan script.  In truth, no two bowls emit the same sound as you might expect. The difference between the hand-hammered and machine-made bowls is the slightly different notes, with the hand-hammered throwing a more resonant pitch. 

Next, place the bowls flat on cotton mats or donut mats woven from straw. You can also use them by placing the bowl in the center of your palm, straightening your hand out, facing upwards. You are not supposed to touch the sides of the bowl with your fingers while playing.

Playing a Tibetan singing bowl is a specific process, a unique ritual that connects you with the instrument and its healing powers. First, place the bowl flat on a cotton or straw mat. Then, hold the wooden mallet, with one end wrapped in leather, suede, or felt (the male end) and the other plain timber (the female end). Gently strike the side of the bowl, then firmly press the mallet against the outward rim of the bowl and move it in a circular motion. This process, when done correctly, produces a continuous, soothing sound. 

As you rotate the mallet around the bowl's rim, a unique, soothing, bright, clear tone fills the air, accompanied by perceptible vibrations and resonance. The friction between the mallet and the bowl’s rim creates a rich and soothing timbre that is truly one-of-a-kind, inducing a sense of calm and tranquility.

Singing bowls emit sound frequencies between 110 Hz and 900 Hz, with variations based on the bowls’ size, weight, and composition.

These bowls are played in an inverted position, with the face upwards, so they are also called standing bells, unlike the conventional bells in temples.  

History of Tibetan singing bowls

Shrouded in the wisdom of antiquity, Tibetan Singing Bowls have served as a gateway to spiritual awakening and healing for time immemorial. Their history, dating back to the era of Buddha Shakyamuni (560–480 BC), adds a layer of mystique and reverence to these sacred instruments, connecting us to a rich cultural heritage. According to Buddhist legends, the great tantric mystic Padmasambhava, or the Guru Rimpoche, one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, brought the bowls from India to Tibet, along with Buddhist teachings, in the 8th century AD. These bowls have been integral to Tibetan and Himalayan culture and used in religious ceremonies, meditation, and healing practices. 

However, the true origin of the Tibetan singing bowl remains an enigma, adding to its allure and fascination. Some theories suggest that, despite their Tibetan name, these bowls originated in Mesopotamia (modern-day Syria) over 5,000 years ago before finding their way to Tibet, Nepal, and India. 

The speculation about the roots of those singing bowls does not end here. Some researchers argue that they originated in the Himalayas of Nepal and India before fanning out to countries like Tibet, China, Japan, Vietnam, and even America. The craftsmanship of the bowls reflects the culture and tradition of the land to which they belong, signifying different spiritual values.

Discover the healing powers of Tibetan Singing Bowls. These ancient instruments are cultural artifacts and tools for sound therapy, offering a unique way to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. 

We know about prescription medication (allopathic medicine), Ayurveda healing, therapeutic healing, and homeopathic treatment. However, in addition to these conventional practices, healing with sound therapy and vibrations has become a norm today in therapy technology. It's also called vibroacoustic sound therapy, which uses audible sound vibrations to alleviate stress and anxiety, enhance relaxation, and improve health.  

Surprisingly, even science today backs the efficacy of sound healing through Tibetan singing bowls. The sounds the singing bowls produce are said to create a kind of energy that may align the frequencies of the body, mind, and soul. This scientific validation adds a layer of credibility to the ancient practice, reassuring those who may be skeptical. 

The therapeutic benefits of Tibetan Singing Bowls are not mere folklore. The sound waves they emit harmonize with the body's vibrations, inducing a profound sense of relaxation and inner peace. This unique process aids in reducing stress, a significant factor in elevated blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar levels, offering hope for those seeking natural healing methods. 

It would help if you were enthusiastic and always cheerful to maintain a healthy life and stick to a nutritious diet. Scientific studies suggest that poor mood and elevated anxiety lead to increased incidence of disease. Tibetan singing bowl meditation has also come in handy in this issue. It has also shown that it helps reduce negativity and boost positivity.  

Listed below are the health benefits of listening to the ethereal note of the Tibetan singing bowl:

*Relieves stress (low self-esteem, worries, fear, anger, anxiety, and depression)

*Maintains a stable blood pressure level

*Enhances sleep (cuts down on insomnia)

*Energizes the immune system

*Improved concentration

*Relieves chronic pain 

*Synchronizes inner harmony 

*Stimulates your alpha and theta waves

The Tibetan singing bowl therapy

Often used, the Tibetan singing bowls also serve as tools for healing in sound therapy and guided meditation sessions. These sessions involve strategically placing bowls of various sizes around the room or on your body. A healing practitioner, often a meditation guru or a sound therapist, then performs the therapy by playing the bowls to produce a variety of notes. The practitioner’s role is to create a harmonious and healing environment through the sounds and vibrations of the bowls. 

Caveat: Regarding such therapy, certain people should avoid it, such as: 

*Individuals who have epilepsy.

*Those who carry metal implants or devices in their body like a pacemaker, artificial heart valves, coronary shunt, or metal pins. 

The bottom line: We have five basic senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, which all make our lives meaningful. In truth, what we experience through those senses is life, offering nourishment like water and food. 

Sound is energy made by vibrations creating movement in surrounding air molecules. These molecules bump into the molecules close to them, causing them to vibrate as well. The resultant sound possesses characteristics that convey emotions in various nuances and subtleties.

History stands firm as a testament to the authenticity of the charismatic Tibetan singing bowls. These bowls have an untold past and, for ages, have been used for spiritual awakening, healing, and transporting us on the emotional and spiritual planes.

Frank Perry, a leading expert in Himalayan singing bowls, a composer, performer, astrologer, artist, and healer, says:

“Listening to the singing bowls of Tibet is like taking a ‘sound- massage’, the sound swells and ebbs away again softly, like the great rhythm of the ocean, conveying the feeling that it is massaging or washing clean the listener’s soul. There is also the sense of a profound spiritual presence living in this world of ringing harmonic overtones.”

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