Our take on the ever popular The Hype Paro Taktsang (also known as the Tiger’s Nest) is the most popular site in all of Bhutan. Most itineraries to Bhutan save the best for last and end with a 4 to 5 hour hike to Tiger’s Nest. As legend has it, Guru Padmasambhava flew to …
From mountains to valleys to lakes to jungles, Nepal has it all. We set out to explore the country’s cultural and natural diversity and initially wanted an adventure that went beyond trekking. We worked with Earthbound Expeditions to put together an itinerary that included the “highlights of Nepal” – Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan in addition …
Without a doubt, Nepal is home to the best trekking in the world. This small, landlocked country the size of Illinois contains 8 of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. Pre-trip, Ben gave me the option of either Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp, but not both. I’ve been dreaming about climbing Kilimanjaro for almost …
The quality of a guide can make or break a trip. For our 7 months, we’ve only booked a guide in three places (Northern India, Nepal, and Bhutan). We came to India with limited knowledge of the place and really wanted to dive into its history, traditions, and culture. Hiring India Personal Tours was the …
We rounded out India Part 1 with a visit to the Udaipur. But before reaching the “City of Lakes,” we stopped at Ranakpur Jain Temple, the most exquisite temple we visited. Constructed out of white marble, the architectural masterpiece boasts 1,444 intricately carved pillars, no two alike. Followers of Jainism practice three main principles, non-violence, …
We continued our tour through Rajasthan with a stopover in Jodhpur, the Blue City. After the long drive from Jaipur, RAAS was a sight for sore (and hungover) eyes. The perfect blend between modern and traditional architecture, the boutique hotel sits within the Walled City with the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort as its backdrop. We got a …
Next up on our Indian adventure: Jaipur, the gateway to Rajasthan! Rajasthan literally means “Land of Kings” and rightfully rules as “the jewel in India’s crown.” India’s largest state boasts massive forts, fairytale palaces, stunning handicrafts (jewelry! rugs!), and a history rich in pride and tradition, making it our favorite part of India. Caste …
We were abruptly hurried out of our hotel at 6:27 AM on Sunday morning after discovering that the bus from Pokhara to Chitwan was scheduled to depart at 6:30 AM (we were originally told 7:00 AM). We jumped in a cab and zipped through traffic to the bus station. Luckily, the bus was waiting for …
Where do I get my best travel inspiration? Instagram, of course. I fell into Instagram black hole one day and came across a photo of a Bengal tiger in Ranthambore National Park. I quickly researched the park and discovered that you can go on safaris to see them! Safaris in India? How did I not …
Our take on the ever popular The Hype The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most well-known and iconic architectural masterpieces. It’s also the world’s greatest symbol of love, built in memory of Shah Jahan’s (favorite) wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The Reality We met our main guide for the trip, Nirmal, and …