New reality

Kathmandu: Where Temples and Traffic Collide

First up was Kathmandu, a city that’s like a blender of sacred sites, honking motorbikes, and street vendors. It’s a sensory overload that grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. I roamed Durbar Square, marveling at ancient pagodas while dodging selfie-stick-wielding tourists. “This place is alive in a way I’ve never felt,” I thought, weaving through Thamel’s bustling alleys. The mix of Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas sparked big thoughts—like how to balance chaos and peace, both in life and my tracks.

A memory that captures the magic: me, perched on a ledge at Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, staring at a stupa as monkeys scamper nearby. That moment felt electric, like the prayer flags were carrying my thoughts to the sky. It taught me to find stillness amid the storm, a lesson I lean into when I’m mixing beats.

Pokhara: Lakes, Peaks, and Inner Peace

Next stop was Pokhara, Nepal’s lakeside haven framed by the Annapurna peaks. If Kathmandu was a whirlwind, Pokhara was a deep breath. I tried meditation by Lake Phewa, dabbled in yoga, and probably mumbled some mantras wrong. “I thought I knew calm, but Pokhara’s on another level,” I grinned, wincing from a botched yoga pose. The mirror-like lake and towering mountains were the perfect stage for digging into my own head.

Few things in my life were soulful like sitting cross-legged by Lake Phewa, pretending I’m a zen master despite my creaky joints. My body wasn’t thrilled, but my mind was soaring. Pokhara’s tranquility helped me ditch the digital noise and focus on the moment, a habit I now bring to my studio sessions.

Lumbini: Where Buddha’s Roots Hit Deep

No Nepal trip skips Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Walking through the Maya Devi Temple, I felt the weight of history and peace. “This isn’t just a spot on a map; it’s a vibe,” I scribbled in my notebook, sketching the Peace Pagoda. Lumbini’s global monasteries and quiet gardens got me thinking about connection—how my music, like these sacred spaces, can bridge people across borders.

My friend called me right when I was at the Ashoka Pillar, lost in thought about legacy and purpose. It made me question what mark my tracks will leave. Lumbini showed me that true art, whether spiritual or sonic, flows from authenticity.

Connecting with Locals: Laughter and Mountain Tales

I didn’t just chase sights—I bonded with Nepal’s people, from monks to village kids. Near Pokhara, I caught a group of locals jamming with a damaru drum, their rhythms echoing the mountains. “This is music that feels alive,” I thought, mesmerized. While my electronic sound doesn’t mimic Nepali tunes, those earthy beats added a new layer to my creative palette.

Here I was, beaming with village kids, their giggles lighting up my day. Those kids had little but shared everything—pure joy. Another shot shows me sipping tea with a Sherpa, hanging on his every word about Himalayan treks. Nepal’s warmth showed me the power of simple human bonds.

Food Adventures: Momos and Chili Regrets

Nepal’s cuisine was a journey of its own. From soul-warming dal bhat to momos that I’d sell my synths for, I ate like a king—until a spicy chutney in Bhaktapur had me guzzling lassi in panic. “I thought I was tough, but Nepal’s spices laughed in my face,” I wheezed. Still, I fell hard for Pokhara’s momos, dreaming of them back home.

I grin over a steaming plate of momos by the lake, in foodie heaven. Nepali food isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory, and every flavor pushed me to embrace the unexpected in my art.

Tackling the Madness: Embracing the Unplanned

Nepal’s no walk in the park, especially for a guy used to European order. I dealt with Kathmandu’s traffic jams, freezing mountain nights, and a wrong turn in Bhaktapur’s labyrinthine streets. “I was lost, cold, and my phone was useless,” I recall from one fiasco. But a kind monk guided me back, turning stress into a heartfelt moment.

Those hiccups taught me to let go. “Nepal’s like, ‘You’ve got plans? That’s adorable,’” I smirked. The generosity of strangers and the art of winging it became lessons I took home, making me more adaptable and open to life’s surprises.

How Nepal Shifted My Core

Beyond the trails and temples, Nepal was a masterclass in finding myself. It pushed me to confront my limits and drop my baggage. Meditation became my daily anchor, cutting through mental static. The mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and local traditions widened my perspective, making me more open and compassionate.

I started valuing the little things—a kid’s laugh, a quiet sunrise. “Nepal’s intensity has this way of centering you,” I realized. These shifts changed how I approach life, keeping me grounded and mindful.

Back in Slovakia: A Deeper Sound

When I returned to Slovakia, I was a different guy. “Nepal rewrote my inner code,” I said, tweaking a new track. My music, still ambient electronica, now carries a richer, more heartfelt vibe. Tracks like Celestial Tree or Awakening (Darmos Official Page) pulse with Nepal’s quiet power.

I’ve stuck with meditation and yoga, kicking off each day with a clear head. “It’s like calibrating my soul before my gear,” I joke. Nepal’s diverse cultures also inspired me to make music that resonates universally, no matter the listener’s roots.

The Last Chord: Nepal’s Lasting Pulse

My Nepali quest was more than a journey; it was a dive into what makes us human. I hope you have enjoyed  this article, the story of a guy reshaped by a land of peaks and peace. I went searching for a spark and found a piece of my soul.

If you’re tempted to follow my trail, here’s my tip: dive in with an open mind. Let Nepal shake you up and steal your heart. As I shape new tracks infused with depth, one thing’s certain: Nepal’s pulse will keep beating in my music and spirit.