A heartfelt travel diary from a Maya Trips guide about a spiritual morning in Kathmandu
At Maya Trips, we believe travel is about human stories – those spontaneous, heartwarming moments that turn ordinary days into lasting memories. In this post, our new travel guide, Aarya Bhandari, shares a serene morning at ISKCON Kathmandu that began with a rush and ended with grace.
A Late Start, A Gentle Welcome
As Kathmandu slowly stirred awake, I realized I was running late. As a tour guide for Maya Trips, punctuality means everything – and being ten minutes past our 6:15 AM pickup was enough to set my heart racing. I braced myself for annoyed faces waiting on the curb.
Instead, I was greeted with warm smiles and a friendly wave. The couple’s calm and gracious energy instantly eased my nerves. They were kind, understanding, and the perfect guests to start the day with.
As we settled into the van, conversation flowed easily. To break the ice, I jokingly asked if they were traveling as a couple – and they laughed before sharing something beautiful: they were expecting a baby. This spiritual morning tour was a surprise gift from the husband to his wife. Their joy was contagious, and the journey already felt special.
Stories in Stone and Scripture
Our destination was ISKCON, a serene spiritual retreat dedicated to Lord Krishna and inspired by the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Known worldwide as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, ISKCON welcomes people of all backgrounds to explore devotion through chanting, prayer, and community.
The moment we arrived, the peaceful atmosphere washed over us. We began exploring the temple grounds, admiring intricate sculptures that tell timeless stories from Hindu mythology.
One statue in particular caught the husband’s eye – Lord Shiva, with a snake coiled around his neck. “Why the snake?” he asked curiously.
It was the perfect moment to share a story. I told them about the Samudra Manthan, the great churning of the cosmic ocean, and how Shiva drank the world’s poison to save humanity – turning his throat blue. They listened intently, connecting the legend to the sculpture before them. It was a simple yet powerful exchange of curiosity and wonder.
The Rhythms of Devotion
When we reached the main temple, it was temporarily closed. What could have been a delay turned into a peaceful pause. A friendly monk approached us, offering each of us prayer beads and showing how to chant. The couple picked it up quickly, smiling as they learned each mantra.
When the temple doors finally opened, the energy shifted. We joined devotees walking kora – circling the temple in reverence. The couple joined in, fully present. Soon, the rhythmic bhajans began, filling the air with music and devotion. People started dancing freely. My guests, shy at first, soon joined in – laughing, clapping, and moving with pure joy.
After prayers, we were offered panchamrit – a sweet, sacred blend of five ingredients. “This is quite yummy,” the wife smiled, savoring the moment.
A Monk’s Blessing and a Baby’s Name
Before leaving, the monk who had given us the beads invited us for a short private conversation. He spoke gently about ISKCON’s message of peace, joy, and devotion.
When the couple mentioned their pregnancy, his face lit up. With a warm smile, he suggested a name for their baby girl – Radha. They exchanged a happy look and said they’d seriously consider it.
Before we departed, the monk gifted each of us books and small pictures of Radha and Krishna – blessings we carried home with quiet gratitude.
Reflections on the Road Back
As we drove back through the awakening city, I realized how far away that morning’s stress now felt. What began in worry had turned into a journey of warmth, laughter, and unexpected grace.
It reminded me that travel is never just about places – it’s about the people we meet, the stories we share, and the moments that connect us in ways we never plan.
If you’d like to explore more spiritual or cultural experiences like this, browse our Kathmandu day tours or join one of our local experiences designed to connect travelers with Nepal’s living traditions.
Traveler Testimonial
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tim – United Kingdom
October 24, 2025 – Verified booking via GetYourGuide
“Aarya, our tour guide, was kind, knowledgeable, and friendly. The experience at the temple was full of noise, colour, and joy. We had the opportunity to speak with one of the monks, which was interesting – definitely a tour that is both rewarding and memorable.”
Experience It Yourself
Join our ISKCON Morning Experience with Maya Trips and discover the spiritual calm of Kathmandu through the eyes of local guides who love what they do.
Story by Aarya Bhandari, New Travel Guide at Maya Trips
Aarya is one of Maya Trips’ new generation of travel guides, passionate about sharing Nepal’s culture through personal stories and meaningful moments.
