Exploring the Richness and Friendliness of Nepal: A Conversation with Dr. Tonia Cochran, Australian Tourism Entrepreneur

Dr. Tonia Cochran, Australian Tourism Entrepreneur. She runs Inala Nature Tours in Australia which is based in Tasmania. She is the owner, managing director, principal specialist guide, and tour leader. She has over 30 years of experience in ecotourism. Dr. Tonia recently visited Nepal for 10 days. Here are some highlights of her experiences shared with Anita Gurung, Creative Editor of Highlights Tourism:

How were you involved in the tourism sector?

In the tourism sector, I’ve been at the helm of Inala Nature Tours for over 30 years. Located in Inala, Tasmania, a small island off the coast of Australia, our company specializes in organizing birding, wildlife, and nature tours both domestically and abroad. Our location spans 1500 acres of land, boasting a sprawling botanical garden teeming with a diverse array of plants and birds. Open every day of the week, our botanical sanctuary primarily consists of untouched natural forests, with a significant portion dedicated to conservation efforts. Additionally, we provide accommodation options tailored to families, groups, and couples. Guests staying at Inala have the unique opportunity to explore our exclusive 1500-acre property, offering unforgettable experiences immersed in nature.

What are the highlights of your visit and how was your experience in Nepal?

I want to extend my gratitude to the Nepal Tourism Board for making our 10-day trip possible. Thanks to their sponsorship and organization, everything fell into place seamlessly, almost like a miracle, despite the busy schedules we all had.

Speaking of highlights, the experience has been absolutely amazing. I’ve just been astounded by the friendliness of the people and the immersion in the culture. Meeting folks from various ethnic backgrounds, learning about their cultures, and discovering the diverse bird and wildlife species have been the real gems of this journey. Before this trip, Nepal was just a name we knew, with Kathmandu and the Himalayas standing out, especially Mt. Everest. But now, I feel a bit embarrassed that we knew so little about this incredible place. I’m eager to share what I’ve learned with others who, like us, may not know much about Nepal.

Nepal has so much more to offer beyond its famous mountains. While my focus is on natural history tourism, there’s a whole world of cultural tourism waiting to be explored here.

What surprised you the most?

I found the food to be absolutely delightful, and overall, everything surprised me during my visit to Nepal. From the warm welcome I received at the airport by the officials to the hospitality extended throughout my stay, every aspect exceeded my expectations.

How many places did you visit and did you get a chance to observe any festival or cultural event?

In Kathmandu we visited a couple of temples and immersed ourselves in the local culture, providing a fantastic introduction to our trip. Additionally, we ventured to three other destinations: Pokhara, Lumbini, and Chitwan. In Chitwan, we had the opportunity to stay at the Tharu community lodge, experiencing authentic homestay hospitality. We were treated to a captivating performance by the locals, in which we enthusiastically participated, including some traditional dancing. Despite being tiring, it was a truly memorable experience, culminating in a beautiful flower presentation. This marked a special conclusion to our journey before returning to Kathmandu, wrapping up the tour on a high note.

How did you find the food and cuisine in Nepal? Any favorite dishes?

The food and cuisine in Nepal exceeded my expectations right from the first meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and flavor of the dishes. While I initially anticipated simple fare consisting mainly of rice and vegetables, I was delighted to discover the diverse array of spices and flavors incorporated into each dish. The ability to blend these different elements together resulted in truly delicious meals. One standout for me was the mandarins (oranges), which I can confidently say are the best I’ve ever tasted. We must have consumed several kilograms of them during our stay, enjoying 4 or 5 each day. I have never tasted such good ones.

How was your experience with transportation within Nepal? Any tips for future travelers?

Our experience with transportation within Nepal primarily involved traveling by vehicle. While some parts of the journey presented challenges due to ongoing road construction, particularly the route from Chitwan back to Kathmandu, where we encountered significant difficulties, other sections were more manageable. We have discussed the possibility of flying that section in the future to mitigate long travel times and road conditions. However, despite these challenges, we found that there was always something to see along the way, allowing us to break up the journey with sightseeing and food stops, which made the experience more enjoyable.

As for traffic, coming from a small island at the bottom of Tasmania, the bustling streets of Kathmandu were certainly busier than what I am accustomed to. However, having witnessed the growing congestion in cities like Melbourne and Sydney, I was impressed by the orderly and cooperative driving culture in Nepal. Unlike in my home country where road rage is common, I observed a remarkable level of politeness and cooperation among drivers in Nepal. Despite the chaotic traffic, everyone seemed to navigate the roads with patience and courtesy, which left a positive impression on me.

Did you achieve everything you had hoped for during your time in Nepal?

I think my experience in Nepal far exceeded my expectations. I am genuinely thrilled about the prospect of returning and collaborating with Rajendra to organize tours and invite more people to experience this incredible destination. I’m eager to share my enthusiasm with our clients and encourage them to join me on future journeys to Nepal.

What advice would you like to give to someone planning their first trip to Nepal?

My advice to someone planning their first trip to Nepal would be to simply come and experience it. Nepal offers a diverse range of experiences, from its rich natural history to its cultural and trekking opportunities. There truly is something for everyone here. So, don’t hesitate—take the plunge and embark on your adventure in Nepal.

How do you find the women involved in tourism?

In Australia, women play a significant role in the tourism industry, often found in positions within hotels and hospitality. However, in specialized fields such as bird guiding, the representation of women is relatively low. Among the bird guides I’m familiar with, there are likely less than 10, and I employ over half of them. Gender isn’t a determining factor in my hiring process; rather, I prioritize individuals who are best suited for the job. I’m pleased to note that there was a female bird guide in Chitwan National Park, which was fantastic to see. In general, women are heavily involved in the hospitality and accommodation aspects of the tourism business, primarily as employees rather than employers.

Are there any specific souvenirs or items you are bringing back from Nepal?

Yes, I’ve acquired singing bowls and beautiful Thangka paintings during my time in Nepal. I am already imagining my company working through some of those side street shops, full of wonderful things.

Can we expect that you would be considering coming back to Nepal in the future?

Yes, without a doubt, I plan to return to Nepal in the future. In fact, I’m already in discussions about potentially returning as early as next year. We’re in the process of finalizing dates and refining the itinerary to ensure an even more enriching experience for our travelers. I’m eager to share my enthusiasm for Nepal with our regular clients and have already begun extending personal invitations to them. We’re aiming for a trip in February or March of next year.

For me, selecting international destinations involves several criteria that must be met. Firstly, there needs to be a strong personal connection with the local partners I work with. Secondly, it’s essential to immerse ourselves in the culture while also providing tangible benefits to the local community, such as supporting conservation efforts. Nepal excels in meeting all of these criteria, making it an ideal destination for our future tours.

Additionally, we’re considering the possibility of extending our itinerary to include other regions of Nepal, particularly exploring the Far East and Far West. This expansion would offer our travelers even more opportunities to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures that Nepal has to offer.

Are there any suggestions for us for the betterment of our tourism sector?

One suggestion for the betterment of the tourism sector would be to ensure continued access to clean and well-maintained public toilets. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the availability of public toilets throughout my journey in Nepal, and it’s crucial to maintain this standard as it greatly enhances the overall experience for travelers. Additionally, the provision of facilities such as rest stops where travelers can purchase snacks, fruits, and other food items along the way is appreciated and should be continued.

Furthermore, once the road infrastructure is fully developed, it will significantly ease travel within the country, further enhancing the overall tourism experience. Therefore, prioritizing the completion and maintenance of road networks is vital for the future growth and development of the tourism sector in Nepal.

How about the repackaging of the tourism products, such as combining?

Absolutely, combining various tourism products is key. It would be a missed opportunity to visit Nepal solely for bird watching without experiencing the broader cultural and natural richness of the country. Repackaging tourism products to cater to different interest groups and emphasizing different aspects of Nepal’s offerings would be highly beneficial. The diversity of experiences available in Nepal presents numerous opportunities for tourism development, catering to a wide range of interests and preferences.

How was your experience of bird tourism in Nepal?

My experience of bird tourism in Nepal was truly remarkable. It’s true that not many international companies currently offer Nepal as a destination for bird tourism, so I see it as an opportunity to offer something new and exciting. Personally, I found the experience to be fantastic. In just 10 days, we managed to spot nearly 270 bird species, which is quite impressive. Luckily, we got an opportunity to observe Spiny Babbler, which only found in Nepal. It felt like we were on a military expedition, constantly on the move around the clock. In addition to birds, we also encountered a variety of mammals, and plants, and had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culture and cuisine.

What astounded me the most was the sheer diversity of bird species present in Nepal, many of which I had never encountered before. The country’s varied habitats, spanning different altitudes, offer endless opportunities for exploration. While our focus primarily centered on the lower areas during this trip, there is still so much more to discover in the higher altitudes as well. Overall, my experience of bird tourism in Nepal was unforgettable, and I hope to see more people and companies exploring this incredible destination in the future.