Once, someone asked me, “Would you ever want to travel solo?” I replied, “No, I don’t think so. I’ve never felt the urge.” I didn’t grow up traveling. In fact, I was actually scared of it.
Then, a few years later, I visited one of my best friends in California while preparing for a big medical exam. I was nervous—worried about studying enough, worried about flying home alone from Europe. But I passed the exam, and survived the flight. That trip sparked something inside me. What if I could start traveling more while studying?
During a summer break at the hospital, I suddenly decided to dive headfirst into my first solo trip. I had always dreamed of meditating in the Himalayas with monks, so Nepal became my destination.
Since it was my first solo trip, and basically my first time in Asia, I chose a yoga and meditation retreat. It offered both guidance and the chance to meet other travelers. My journey began in Kathmandu, a city bursting with life and chaos. The driving was wild, the streets filled with honking cars, and the electricity cables hung like a chaotic web. I exposed myself to spicy food for the first time—a challenge at the time, but now I can handle it just fine.
The energy of the city was contagious. We practiced yoga and meditation daily, for longer and longer stretches each day. I had completed a 200-hour Hatha yoga teacher training the year before, and practicing alongside our teacher in Nepal was incredible.
After a few days in Kathmandu, we trekked into the mountains toward a monastery. For several days, we would be completely disconnected from the outside world. As we crossed the national park boundary, our guide sat us down. “As we leave this fence behind,” he said, “leave everything that you are as well. Leave your job, your family, your identity. Welcome whatever arises in the days ahead.”
We walked through dense jungle, and I nearly stepped on a snake—but I felt more alive than ever. My group was made up of travelers from all over the world, each with their own life story. I was fascinated by one man traveling solo across Asia for months. I couldn’t wrap my head around doing that alone with just a backpack—but I learned so much about traveling and backpacking from the people I met.
We arrived at the monastery, Nagi Gumba, nestled in Shivapuri National Park. It was entirely self-sufficient, run by nuns of all ages. The children studied Buddhism at the monastery and helped with daily tasks. What struck me most was their genuine happiness. Many of them had escaped potentially harsher futures in the city and had chosen to join the monastery of their own free will. They were free to leave whenever they wished.
We were the only guests, welcomed with open arms. Each morning began at 5 a.m. with chanting alongside the nuns, followed by warm water in silence. As the sun rose, we practiced yoga on the grass outside—often interrupted by persistent leeches.
I spent hours with the children, who were fascinated by my blonde hair and excited to practice English with me. We explored the monastery grounds together, visited classrooms, and watched monkeys play in the trees. Each day was filled with yoga and meditation sessions, as well as lessons in Buddhist philosophy. I journaled extensively, capturing every detail and insight.
One day, we hiked to the mountaintop in complete silence, surrounded by foggy jungle. The stillness was unlike anything I had experienced before. On the way down, we spoke again, sharing our thoughts and reflections. This preparation led to the final day at the monastery: a full day of silence. No speaking, no writing, no eye contact, no napping. For me, it was bliss—the stillness and presence were overwhelming.
A few days later, my trip came to an end. It was transformative. I returned with newfound confidence, a growing sense of independence, and inspiration from fellow travelers and backpackers I had met along the way.
I still dream of returning to Nepal to explore more of the Himalayas. This trip only touched the roots of the mountains, and I know I will be back one day to experience them fully.
