For the first time in my life, I discovered a truthful and genuine smile in the poor areas of Nepal and India. From a distance you may only see men, women, and children who live in squatter areas or even on the streetsides, but when you get closer, you see a special kind of joy in the occasional smiles of these people. These smiles may not last forever, but when they appear, they’re as genuine as they can be. I call this the magic of Nepal and India.

It takes months, maybe years to understand and feel the essence of humanity here. Perhaps this the difference between a traveller and a tourist. Most tourists only have a superficial understanding of a place and its people, but travellers experience a part of their lives.

This is a photo of a massive mask in the shape of gods…

Masks in the shape of Gods and Devils. These masks are used in Nepal during a celebration ceremony for fourteen mountains, which are over 8000 meters high. The celebration lasts for eight days. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of people lighting fire for their temple in Kathmandu

Peace and thoughtfulness is what Buddhists acquire after each day of work. This peace is achieved in the temple by lighting fire and participating in the corresponding ceremonies. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of four children living in Kthmandu.

The kids are getting ready to take a picture in the temple of the Hindu God Vishnu. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of two Kathmandu girls with dirty faces.

For the first time in my life, I discovered a truthful and genuine smile in the poor areas of Nepal and India. From a distance you may only see men, women, and children who live in squatter areas or even on the streetsides, but when you get closer, you see a special kind of joy in the occasional smiles of these people. These smiles may not last forever, but when they appear, they’re as genuine as they can be. I call this the magic of Nepal and India. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of a women dyeing a customer’s hair in on the sidewalk.

You can’t help but smile seeing these women dyeing their hair and coloring their nails at the edge of the sidewalk. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of a young boy in Kathmandu selling goods.

It takes months, maybe years to understand and feel the essence of humanity here. Perhaps this the difference between a traveller and a tourist. Most tourists only have a superficial understanding of a place and its people, but travellers experience a part of their lives. Yellow and orange flowers are a sign of respect for buddhists. This boy is happy to sell flowers and serve the temple in this way. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of a dog and two women in Shangri la.

Shangri la is an earthly paradise. It’s long been known that this is the place where people rest in comfort and peace. If you are worthy and capable of finding it, you will receive all of its intellectual largess. Nepal is one of the best choices for finding your earthly paradise, Shangri-La. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of a women holding a bowl of food on her head.

In October and November, women bring fruits and other food to the temple of the Hindu God Vishnu for eleven consecutive days. This allows them to serve their Gods, and acts as a way for these women to cleanse themselves spiritually. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of a man in Kathmandu begging for money.

Nepal is a poor and untouched country. Its people, ranging from young to old, are pure of heart. They’re real people with honest emotions and expressions. Sometimes you can stare directly into their souls and predict what’s within them. © Anahita Ahmadi

This is a photo of a temple in Nepal

A monkey temple, also referred to as a stupa, in Kathmandu, Nepal. © Anahita Ahmadi