SHEHUB MUNAWAR WAHID

For me, travelling is not simply about visiting a new place; it is an opportunity to rediscover myself. When I step away from the monotony of a busy life, work pressure and the artificiality of everyday surroundings and spend some time in nature, I realise how beautiful life truly is. Recently, I travelled to Nepal, and Pokhara impressed me the most. With its mountains, clouds, blue skies and tranquil surroundings, Pokhara has carved out a special place in my heart.

From the moment I arrived in Nepal, I was drawn to the surrounding natural beauty. But that feeling became even stronger after reaching Pokhara. There are city streets, busy people and tourists everywhere, yet the entire place carries a sense of tranquillity. With mountains in the distance, blue skies overhead and fresh air all around, I felt as though I had travelled far away from my familiar, hectic life.

I love the sea, but I am equally drawn to the silence of the mountains. In Pokhara, I had the opportunity to experience the mountains from much closer. Sometimes clouds would cover the peaks, only to clear a short while later and reveal them again. I could watch that scene over and over without getting tired of it.

Standing in front of the mountains made me realise how often we become restless over small things in life. Yet when you stand before the vastness of nature, your own worries suddenly seem so insignificant. Mountains have always reminded me of patience and stillness. The mornings in Pokhara were also something special.

Soft light outside the window, a cool breeze and mountains in the distance—such mornings are not easy to experience in urban life. When I travel, I do not want to see only the tourist attractions. I also want to learn about the local people, culture, food and way of life. I particularly liked the simple and natural behaviour of the people in Pokhara. Despite the constant flow of tourists, there is a genuine warmth among them. Their way of life also has much to teach us.

Phewa Lake in Pokhara particularly fascinated me. The vast blue water, mountains all around and the reflection of the sky on the lake created a magical atmosphere. I sat beside the lake for a long time simply taking in the surroundings. Boats moved slowly across the water, creating small ripples in the breeze. Everything together made it feel as though time had briefly come to a standstill.

I truly enjoy such moments. There is no rush, no pressure—just being surrounded by nature. At times like that, I feel that we do not always need to have more in life. Sometimes, simply sitting quietly in front of a beautiful view is enough.

Pokhara looked even more beautiful in the afternoon. The colour of the sky was changing, light and shadows played across the mountains, and their reflections appeared on the waters of Phewa Lake. I tried to capture those moments with my camera. Photographs can preserve memories, but the feelings you experience while standing before nature can never be fully captured in a picture.

My trip to Nepal reminded me once again that the world is vast. Beyond the boundaries of our familiar lives, there are countless people, cultures and natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

Without travelling, we would not have the opportunity to experience them. As I left Pokhara, I felt that I was not simply returning from a trip. I was taking with me the silence of the mountains, the calm waters of Phewa Lake, the cloud-covered skies and a collection of beautiful memories.

I have always believed that the more people travel, the more they learn and the more they grow. Travelling not only introduces us to new places but also teaches us to look at our own lives from a fresh perspective. Nepal gave me that feeling once again.