Our third day began early as we checked out of Hotel Yak & Yeti around 6:30 AM, ready to begin our road journey from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. The morning was cool and quiet, and soon a gentle drizzle started to fall. Noticing the rain, our driver carefully covered the luggage to protect it for the long ride ahead. It was a small but thoughtful act that set the tone for a journey filled with care, patience, and unforgettable moments.

Our first stop was Dhulikhel, a peaceful hill town known for its fresh air and beautiful mountain views. We enjoyed a warm breakfast while looking out at the misty hills, feeling grateful for the calm before the long drive.

From there, we continued along the famous Sindhuli Road (BP Highway), one of Nepal’s most important routes connecting Kathmandu to the eastern part of the country. The winding roads took us through lush green hills, flowing rivers, forests, and small villages that reflected the simple yet rich beauty of rural Nepal.

While many of our family members, including my son, nephew, and a few others, chose to fly for comfort and convenience, my wife and I made a different choice. We decided to travel by an off-road SUV, fully knowing the journey would be long and not very comfortable. But we weren’t looking for comfort. We were looking for experience, memories, and connection with the land.

I have visited Nepal many times before and almost always traveled by air. This time, we wanted to explore the road, appreciate the changing landscapes, and truly feel the journey.

And indeed, it was not an easy ride.

Near the Roshi River, recent floods had badly damaged the highway. In some places, the river had completely washed away the road, forcing vehicles to drive slowly through rough terrain and shallow flowing water. For almost two hours, we traveled without a proper road.

This region often suffers from severe flooding during the monsoon season. Roads, homes, farmland, and bridges are frequently swept away, leaving many families struggling to rebuild their lives again and again. Seeing this firsthand was both heartbreaking and humbling. It reminded us of the strength of the people who live with these challenges and the powerful force of nature.

Despite the difficulties, the beauty of the journey never faded. Waterfalls formed by the rain flowed down hillsides, green valleys stretched far into the distance, and quiet villages greeted us along the way.

When we reached Sindhuli, we stopped for lunch, but not at a typical roadside restaurant. Before the trip, we had told our driver we wanted to eat somewhere that felt like home, not a fancy or crowded place.

He smiled and said there was a special spot he always trusted for authentic food. It wasn’t meant for regular travelers, and it didn’t even have a menu. He explained we needed to order at least an hour in advance. So while still on the road, he called ahead and placed our order.

When we arrived, a warm lady welcomed us like family. Soon, she served hot, freshly prepared rural Nepali food made from seasonal ingredients. She told us she had just picked fresh mustard greens and vegetables from her backyard to cook for us. Along with that, we enjoyed local fish and fresh poultry. It was a true farm-to-table experience, simple yet incredibly rich in taste and love.

That meal was not just food. It was a reflection of Nepali hospitality, culture, and connection with nature.

After lunch, we continued our journey and later stopped in Gaighat for tea, refreshing ourselves for the long road ahead.

A little later, we paused briefly near Chatara, a sacred place along the Koshi River. Stepping out for a moment, feeling the peaceful spiritual atmosphere, brought calm to our hearts before the final stretch.

Before reaching Biratnagar, we dropped some family members at Itahari, and then continued as the sky slowly darkened.

After nearly 12 hours and 45 minutes on the road, we finally arrived in Biratnagar.

My wife’s mom, dad, and other family members were already waiting for us. It had been many years since we had all been together like this. The moment we met, emotions overflowed. There were hugs, tears, smiles, and pure happiness. Soon after, we sat together sharing stories of the journey, laughing, and reconnecting like no time had passed.

Ama  gently asked my wife and mee,
“Did you feel tired after such a long trip?”

I smiled and replied,
“Yes Aama , I was tired on the way, but now I’m not tired anymore. All the fatigue is gone after meeting our loved ones.”

That moment said everything. my wife added I didn’t feel at all as I was excited to be home and see the changes of Nepal. That simple exchange captured the true essence of family love. No matter how long or difficult the journey is, being reunited with loved ones makes every hardship fade away.

We were then welcomed with warm, home-cooked food, filled with love and care. After such a long, emotional day, we went to bed around 10 PM, feeling peaceful and grateful.

Early this morning, around 4 AM, I woke up quietly. I noticed my wife and her parents were already awake, sitting together and chatting warmly. Watching them brought tears to my eyes once again.

I softly opened my laptop and began writing this post, not wanting to disturb their precious family time.

As I wrote, I reflected on the deep values of Nepali family, culture, and tradition. In our culture, family is everything. It is about respect for elders, love for the younger generation, togetherness, and unconditional support. No matter how far we travel or how busy life becomes, the bond of family always calls us back home.

Living abroad for many years teaches us independence and hard work, but coming back home teaches us the true meaning of life.

This journey was not just about traveling from Kathmandu to Biratnagar. It was about reconnecting with our roots, understanding the struggles and beauty of our land, and feeling the warmth of family love once again.

I hope this story touches the hearts of many Nepalis living abroad and inspires them to return home, reconnect with loved ones, and cherish our beautiful culture and traditions.

Because in the end, no matter where we go in the world, home will always be where the heart finds peace.

Nepal is not just a country we come from.
It is a feeling we carry forever.

More stories coming soon stay tune!