About Anutara
When asked to choose between mountains and beaches, I’m the type whose heart consistently gravitates toward the rugged charm and tranquil majesty of the mountains. Having been born and raised in the bustling city of Kathmandu, I only got to breathe-in the crisp mountain air at the age of 25. But after that, I was hooked! And there was no turning back... I find solace and inspiration in the towering peaks and serene landscapes of the great outdoors, and what better place to explore this than at the lap of the highest peaks on earth! Trekking is not just a passion but a pathway to reconnecting with nature, and my ultimate dream is to conquer all the major Himalayan trails. Alongside this love for trekking, wildlife safaris excite my adventurous spirit, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty and untamed life of the wild.
Anutara's unique travel experience
My friends and I decided to trek a recently discovered trail of Khumai Danda in Pokhara. It was a short, weekend trek that could be completed within 2 days. But we happened to underestimate the trail! We went on impulse so we were under resourced and underdressed. Since it was a new trail, there were hardly any tea shops on the way. And that is how we reached the trail end, hungry, thirsty and cold from the unexpected showers. Nevertheless, it was a trek to remember as we got the best views of the Machhapuchhre peak and got to experience a virgin trail!
Latest travel articles and insights by Anutara Shakya
Madagascar may be a forest paradise, in the veritable heart of Africa, and that makes it a perfect holiday destination all year round. Madagascar is known for its lush forests, varied wildlife, rich history and cultural heritage. Visit the Rova forts of Tana, the plantations of Domaine Aavyland or the presidential palace, and have a blast doing so. Madagascar definitely has something for everyone! As with most countries, it may be critical to find out the weather in Madagascar so you can visit when it’s just right. Want to know when to visit Madagascar? Read on to find out!
With bustling cities, flawless beaches, and some of the best food in the world, Vietnam deserves a place on every person’s bucket list. One of the greatest gems of Southeast Asia, you could come back a dozen times and never have the same experience.
Soak in the idyllic countryside as you trek through the scenic rice paddies in Sapa and admire the Buddhist pagodas. Learn about the history and culture in the dynamic cities like Hanoi in the north and Ho Chi Minh City in the south. Set sail through the otherworldly beauty of the Halong bay before docking to soak in the sun at the stunning beaches of Da Nang. Planning to visit Vietnam? This travel guide provides everything you need to know before heading out on a trip to Vietnam.
Sapa, a mist-shrouded town in Lào Cai province, is one of Vietnam’s most astonishing destinations. Resting at the foot of the country’s highest mountain, the town overlooks a vast green valley covered in maze-like rice terraces. Trekking and hiking here are popular activities, and the landscape is crisscrossed by a network of trails. A highlight of any Sapa tour is encountering local people who inhabit nearby villages.
Unless you’re lucky enough to travel first-class, there’s nothing luxurious about a long-haul flight. In no other situation are you forced to sit in a confined space with strangers, eat something pre-cooked, reheated and plastic-wrapped, and conduct bowel movements in a germ-infested cupboard. If you’re unable to sleep, the experience becomes an ordeal. It's no surprise then that the art of nodding off on a flight is something many travelers are obsessed with, so we’ve created a definitive guide to how to sleep on a plane. If you’re wondering what the best sleep aid for flying is or pondering over whether to sink the free booze, read on.
Costa Rica may be small, but it packs quite a punch. It's home to nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity despite covering only 0.03% of Earth's surface. With 10 days in Costa Rica, you can explore the country's remarkable biodiversity and partake in various adventure activities. Encounter wildlife, go on a volcano hike, surf, sail, or snorkel with reckless abandon during your Costa Rica trip. Travel from the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and the sun-soaked shores of Manuel Antonio to the volcanic landscapes of Arenal and the vibrant coral reefs of the Caribbean coast all in the matter of 10 days.