Author: Saru Khadka

In this captivating case study, we delve into the life of Pemba Ghale, a resilient and determined young man who has faced numerous challenges and seized every opportunity that came his way. From his unexpected journey as a young monk to becoming an enterprising individual, Pemba’s life story is a testament to his unwavering spirit and commitment to pursuing new horizons. This case study explores his experiences, from his early years in a remote village to his present-day ventures as a poultry farmer, wild boar farmer, and collector of valuable medicinal herbs.

Pemba Ghale grew up in the village of Gre, where the education system was lacking. Seeking a better education, he left his family at a young age to study in Guljung. At the age of 13, Pemba encountered a Buddhist preacher who sparked his curiosity and desire to become a monk. With a sense of adventure and conviction, he secretly followed the preacher to Kathmandu, embarking on an unexpected spiritual journey.

Pemba found solace and purpose in the monastery in Darjeeling, where he learned the Tibetan language and immersed himself in the teachings of Buddhism. Surrounded by like-minded individuals and blessed with good friendships, he thrived in this unique environment. However, an unforeseen event would soon bring him back to Nepal.

In 2072 B.S., Nepal was struck by a devastating earthquake, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Around the same time, Pemba was sent back to his homeland from the monastery via helicopter. Reuniting with his family in Gre, Rasuwa, he experienced mixed emotions as he longed to return to the monastery but was held back by a personal tragedy within his family.

Life took an unexpected turn for Pemba when he decided to change his religion and convert to Christianity.He honored the tradition of his Tamang culture by marrying the girl he had been engaged to since childhood. This commitment marked the beginning of a new chapter in Pemba’s life.

Pemba’s entrepreneurial spirit took flight as he ventured into poultry farming and wild boar farming simultaneously. While the poultry farming enterprise faced a setback due to heavy snowfall, Pemba persevered and sustained his licensed wild boar farming business with a smaller population. Notably, he also delved into the collection of valuable medicinal herbs, including Cordyceps sinensis (yarshagumba), paha (Paa liebigii), and red mushrooms.

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, Pemba worked in Kerung, China, broadening his horizons and gaining invaluable experiences. Additionally, he served as a trekking guide, leading adventurers through the mesmerizing landscapes of Langtang, Gosainkunda, and Nagthali in Rasuwa. Pemba’s dedication to his work and his desire for new opportunities exemplify his unwavering determination.

Currently, Pemba’s wife is pursuing employment in Kuwait, while he shoulders the responsibility of caring for their son, Peter. Looking ahead, Pemba plans to embark on a journey to Kerung, China, with his son, in search of new employment prospects. His willingness to explore new avenues reflects his resilience and unwavering work ethic.

It might surprise you to see more cyclists: male, female, kids, students are using bicycles as a means of transport. These days, even online food vendors are using cycles to deliver the food.  It is so fascinating to see the number of cyclists increasing in the trails, highways everywhere in spite of crazy traffic in the city. The Bicycle booms during the lockdown and many people  have started cycling to commute, to maintain their health and for fun. Females are getting into cycling, expanding their career in cycling and sports.

One day I was travelling to Patan by bus and I saw the green lanes in the road. I was wondering what green lanes were for the Pulchowk and Lalitpur area. At the same time the group of female cyclists was cycling through the lane and then I realised the green lane was for just cycling. 

When I was a kid, my parents never taught me or I was inspired to learn cycling.  I used to think Cycling was just for boys as toys and only rich people use it. But I am observing these days the importance of Cycling and a perfect tool to combat climate change. 

Here are my answers for “Why Cycling”?

Breathable Air Quality:

Yes, the use of cycles indeed makes the air quality breathable as now we all are vulnerable to lung diseases due to poor air quality, doubling the number of cycles means that there will be fewer cars producing a low amount of air pollutants. So dear all, let’s begin cycling to breathe good air.

Reduce your carbon footprints:

Are you concerned regarding global warming and you want to do something for the environment? then cycles are the perfect solution for you. According to research led by the University of Oxford, riding cycle for just once in a day reduces an average citizen’s carbon emissions from transport by 67%. And that’s a great way to take this small step towards global warming.

Less Traffic Jam:

Everybody wishes not to face a traffic jam while travelling (I always wish) and it could be real if many people would ride bicycles instead. More people cycling would mean they would take less space on the road, fewer vehicles, and less traffic jams. I hope we all will travel without traffic jams soon only if we opt for cycling.

No Hassle for parking space and charge:

Many people face the space problem to park their wheelers and charge for taking care of them. This hassle will be solved if most of us practice cycling as cycles don’t need much space specially in Kathmandu areas.

Better Health:

Cycling benefits your health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and building your muscles. Your blood fat levels also get reduced. Hence cycling is ideal for your body fitness.

Cycle and SDGs: 

Cycling is not only used for means of transport but it is the strongest tool  to achieve the SDGs 2030. UN states, “Cycling is an affordable and simple mode of transport enabling access to education, jobs, markets, and community activities in both urban and rural areas”  

The world today is fighting an unseen being and trapped inside the four corners of their houses. Because of this travel seems almost impossible. But “hey” as they say,“Where there is will, there is a way.” Let’s plan out the travel that we will do after this is over and after we are back to normal .this is the age of technology.Technology has made our lives so easy and wonderful. Services can be found on the tip of our finger. And Today I am sharing some of my favourite apps that I use before making  my travel plans

1.Couch Surfing

This is my personal favorite. Being a student traveler, finance matters a lot and when getting to pocket friendly travel, couchsurfing trinks my mind. Couchsurfing is a service that connects members to a global community of travelers that helps one find a place to stay or share your home and hometown with new friends. One can themselves host the traveler in their house or catch a meet up and make new traveler friends and also can be hosted by another host during their travel. 

2. Travel Math

Maths is not a cup of tea to many. I declare not mine too, as well. It is very important to manage finance perfectly. If you are not good at it, let Travel Math do all the calculations for you: it’ll measure distances, travel times, budgets–whatever you need to know.

3. PackPoint

Hell yeah, packing is one of the headaches and  the most important part of travel. Don’t you get the fear of missing out on something? I do, always when I start packing. Pack Point helps you decide what to pack depending on where you’re going, what the weather will be like, and what sort of activities you’ll be participating in.

4. Tripadvisor

Just think you are travelling for refreshment from monotonous life and you end up in the hotel with the worst food services and bed bugs as your bed partner. Tripadvisor is a travel website that assists customers in gathering travel information, posting reviews and opinions of travel-related content and engaging in interactive travel forums where we go to praise, criticize and purchase through the inhabited world. It is, at its core, a guestbook, a place where people record the highs and lows of their holiday experiences for the benefit of hotel proprietors and future guests. 

5. Track My Tour

Being safe is always important. This app allows your loved ones to “join” you on a trip from the comfort of their homes. They “follow a breadcrumb trail of your tour by visiting the link you sent them,” while you document the most exciting spots you visit as you go–it’s the easiest way to keep people in the loop and feel more empowered. 

6. MapsMe

There are low chances even to get the signal on phone in different beautiful travel destinations in Nepal. There always remains a fear of getting lost. Mapsme shows you the way at that hard time. What’s most helpful is that you can download them by regions (West Nepal, Eastern Region, Central Region, and Kathmandu), and use the navigation and search functions while offline.

7. Wifi Finder

Often we invest more than necessary to communicate with close ones using data packages. Wifi finder may help you to avoid being charged pricey roaming fees. It finds locations where you can use Wi-Fi for free. It works worldwide, so be sure to download it before your next trip.

 8. Honey Guide

It is Nepal’s first trekking guide app. Pick your trek, then select categories of interest:mountains, flowers, animals, culture, etc. and preview and learn about what you’ll come across. You can also find out which teahouses have wifi and showers, and read about signs of altitude sickness. While the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek content is free to download, you’ll have to pay to access other treks in the Annapurna and Everest regions. A map of the Terai belt of West Nepal, from Nepalgunj to Mahendranagar, is also in the works. These are widely famous among solo travelers to make them feel they are at the right place. 

9. Jet Lag Rooster

I have not personally used this app but one of my friends recommended this for one who travels by air. Jet Lag Rooster will tell you how to shift your sleeping schedule in the days before a trip so you won’t be exhausted once you reach your destination and have happy times.

10. iTranslate

Communication is very important when you are in new places or you want to initiate a conversation with a co-traveller from a different country. You can use iTranslate. It will provide you with “90+ languages in your pocket,” The iTranslate Translator app lets you translate over 100 languages for free. … The paid version lets you use your camera to translate signs, menus, and even images. It also lets you translate over 40 languages when you’re offline.

There are more than 100 travel apps currently functioning. And these are some of my personal favourites. There are more you can explore and suggest. At this time of lockdown you can utilize your time by getting familiar with these apps before you truly use it. I always believe that correct planning helps you recreate beautiful memories. So be prepared and travel like a pro!

 Happy Travelling !!