David Awoyode
In my 20s, I hiked the Inca Trail, trekked Patagonia, and visited Angel Falls with my best friends. We had little money but endless energy, booking budget hiking tours that brought us unforgettable experiences — and instant “travel besties.”
Now, in my 50s, I often travel with my husband and teenage sons. While I love family trips, I longed for the carefree adventures of my youth — the kind where you meet strangers, bond overnight, and share unforgettable journeys.
Choosing Nepal for a Solo Adventure
Long fascinated by Nepal, I booked a 12-day “Solo-ish” package with G Adventures, costing about $1,500. I wanted a solo trip but also a ready-made group of like-minded travelers.
It was the monsoon season — hot, humid, and rainy — but that didn’t stop me from embarking on one of the best trips of my life.
A Motley Crew of Travelers
Our group of eight ranged from a 19-year-old college student to a 64-year-old retired police officer. We came from different backgrounds: a nurse from Norway, a geometry teacher, a Fulbright scholar, an art teacher, and a Trader Joe’s employee.
Despite the age gaps, everyone bonded quickly. Politics and differences didn’t matter; we were simply fellow adventurers ready to explore Nepal together.
Bonding Over Dumplings
On day one, we joined a momo cooking class. I hate cooking, but making dumplings gave us something to do while swapping stories about our lives.
The chef tried to teach us momo history, but we were too busy laughing and connecting. By the time we left, soaked in the pouring rain, we were already travel besties.
Exploring Nepal’s Beauty
We moved every two nights, starting in Kathmandu, then Bhaktapur, Pharping, and finally Chitwan National Park.
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We visited Durbar and Dattatreya Squares in Bhaktapur.
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We hiked Champa Devi for views of the Himalayas, learning Nepal is home to 8 of the 10 tallest mountains.
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In Pharping, we visited the Asura Cave and Vajrayogini Temple.
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At Chitwan National Park, we biked through villages and watched the sunset by the river.
Rolling with the Hiccups
Like any trip, there were challenges — heat, humidity, and traveler’s diarrhea. But we turned even setbacks into bonding moments, sharing medicine, laughter, and toilet paper runs.
Why This Trip Stands Out
When I returned home, my family asked why I loved it so much. After all, it was sweaty, rainy, and far from luxurious. But that was the point.
Nepal was a lifelong dream, and sharing it with a group of adventurous, down-to-earth strangers made it one of my best trips ever
Charles Esther