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Nepal is blessed with endless natural beauty, from its jaw-dropping scenery to its awe-inspiring mountains and tranquil and shimmering lakes, making it truly special. Whenever I wish to add new memories by exploring the limitless possibilities of life, I venture into new corners of nature with backpacks eager to see the unseen views and uncover the untold stories, beautifying life and renewing my inner selves. 

This time I along with other enthusiastic trekkers and a guide from the WalkNepalWalk team, a hiking and trekking group, travelled to a beautiful and soul-soothing place, which has gained immense popularity in recent times, where nature connects the soul to serenity. This is the journey to North Annapurna Base Camp situated at an altitude of 4,190 meters from sea level.

As per the itinerary, a team of 18 people, gathered at Gongabu Bus Park at 5 in the evening. Though we boarded a bus at 6 pm, we crossed Kalanki, which is around 20 minutes from Gongabu, at 8 pm because of a heavy traffic jam. After passing Thankot, we took our first break of the journey at Naubise, where we paused for a while to have some light snacks. As we were travelling at night, the lights of the moon and stars were making the journey absolutely magical. But the sad part is that the highway has not been upgraded yet.

With fun and laughter, we did not even realize that we had reached Abu khaireni, stop for dinner that night. The dinner made us all sleepy and everyone drifted off to sleep. It was around 8 am, when we reached Tatopani, where the jeeps booked in advance were already waiting for us. We had breakfast and left for Humkhola. The jeep journey was thrilling, bumpy and unforgettable as well. Thanks to WalkNepalWalk, everything from transportation to our hotel arrangements was completely hassle-free. This felt even more reassuring when we saw the recent chaos in North ABC due to overcrowding, with many exhausted trekkers forced to spend nights outside in the freezing cold.

Situated at an elevation of 2,840 meters, Humkhola is popular for hydropower projects. There are around five hydel projects currently in operation in Humkhola and two are under construction. It is a good example that if we use natural resources in a good way, it can be useful for many other purposes.

After two hours of off-road travel, we reached Humkhola. Without wasting time, we started the hike at around 11:30 am as we were already two to three hours late then as planned. The more we moved ahead, the more it felt that we were going back to the old days, when we used to walk freely without any worries.  Life was simple and full of warmth.

After treading for around two hours along the trail carved by the Nilgiri River, which originated from melting glaciers of Nilgiri Himal, we reached Phutphute Waterfall, one of the highlights of this trek. Walking by the river, hearing the sound of water flowing and birds chirping encouraged us to move forward. The official name of this trail is the Maurice Herzog Trail, named after the French mountaineer, late Maurice Herzog, along with his teammate Louis Lachenal, made first ascent to Mount Annapurna I which stands at an altitude of 8,091 meters.

The trail, however, recently became popular among the travelers as the North Annapurna Base Camp Trek. We spent some time enjoying the waterfall taking photos and videos to recount the memory. In addition to the beautiful surroundings, we also had some mouthwatering dishes there. After walking uphill for around half-an-hour, we reached Sandikharka. The view ahead was astonishing. The forest was alive with vibrant colors and fresh earthy smell of damp soil and fallen leaves made the environment more attractive.

We then walked past Gufaphant (3,319 meters) and reached Busket Mela (3,530 meters), the first station of our jaunt. We stayed in the tents which were surprisingly cozy and warm. We crossed numerous bridges in this trek which were connecting people with nature.  

On the next day, we woke up at around 4 am and headed towards Panchakunda Lake guided by headlights. We could see the clear sky with no trace of clouds and the majestic snow-capped mountains standing tall and smiling in front of us, as if she knew the answer to all the questions. She knows what people want and time of blooming and fading. We felt that we were travelling beyond the world with the inner self.

The trail to the base camp is gradually being developed. The problem arises when people go to the untamed pristine areas and leave litter everywhere. Travelling is not only about enjoying the views and taking photos, we should also take the responsibility to protect the environment. After a 45-minute walk, we reached Dharmashala. We could find a hut constructed by ACAP for the travelers to take rest.

The trail ahead was challenging as many sections were frozen as we were travelling in November.  We had to walk very carefully. But still some of the friends fell down. Fortunately, no one sustained serious injuries. Walking continuously for around three hours led us finally to Panchakunda Lake.

The lake situated in Myagadi district was established as a tourist destination recently. The lake remained hidden among the Nepalis living in the country and abroad for years as only mountaineers used to come here for expeditions. Nestled at the foot of Mt Annapurna, it reminds us of the serene beauty of Shey Phoksundo Lake.

It has been said that the lake splits into five ponds when it freezes and reunites into one when the snow melts and that’s how the lake got its name. When we reached the lake, half of it was frozen while half remained unfrozen. The unfrozen part of the lake was turquoise in color. It felt like witnessing a piece of heaven on earth.

Since it was freezing cold. We could hardly stand outside for five minutes. Hence, we stayed at the tea house sipping hot tea until the sun rose. We left for the base camp at around 8 am. The North Annapurna Base Camp is not that far from Panchakunda Lake. We could reach the base camp in around a 30-minute walk.

The view from the base camp was priceless and unreal. We could clearly see Mt Annapurna I (8,091 meters) and Tilcho Peak (7,134 meters) standing tall in front of us while Mt Nilgiri rose just opposite to it. That is why, Panchakunda Lake holds a unique significance. After feasting our eyes on nature's splendor, we came back to Panchakunda Lake to have lunch. We then descended directly to Busket Mela and then to Gufaphant to spend that night.

The following day, we hiked towards Humkhola at around 8 am from where we took jeeps to Tatopani. Then we had delicious Thakali khana, dipped into a natural hot spring and wrapped up our journey. Though the trek ended, we came back home with countless memories which will stay with us forever.

Today, digital technologies have become an integral part of nearly every aspect of human life. People now communicate, express identity, build relationships, and even seek emotional comfort through digital platforms. These changes, however, are not accidental; they reflect deeper theories about how technology influences society and how humans construct meaning in digital spaces. Concepts such as techno-determinism, parasocial relationships, and digital sociology help us understand these transformations more critically. While these ideas were developed in Western intellectual contexts, their significance and relevance have grown dramatically in countries like Nepal, where technological adoption has accelerated faster than the development of digital literacy and critical awareness. Examining these concepts together allows Nepali readers to recognize how technology subtly shapes everyday life and social norms, including social behavior, identity, and public culture.

Techno-determinism: Technology as the driver of social change

The roots of technological determinism, commonly known as techno-determinism, lie in the works of American economist and sociologist Thorstein Veblen in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Veblen argued that machines and technological tools evolve according to their own internal logic and that society is compelled to reorganize itself to accommodate these technological developments. In his early works, such as The Theory of the Leisure Class (1899) and The Instinct of Workmanship (1914), he suggested that technology holds such transformative power that social institutions, including the economy, culture, labor, and even human relationships, must adapt to it.

Later, Marshall McLuhan, a prominent communication and media scholar, reinforced this idea by famously asserting that “the medium is the message,” implying that the structure of technology itself, not merely its content, forms human thought and social behavior. The popularity of the term “technological determinism” rose significantly during the mid-twentieth century as societies confronted the accelerating force of industrialization and media innovation.

In the Nepali context, techno-determinism becomes evident in the rapid transformation of social life through smartphones and social media. Within just a decade or so, digital platforms have redefined political activism, romantic relationships, daily communication, and youth identity. Even in rural Nepal, the intervention of smartphones has changed agricultural practices, migration decisions, and educational aspirations. Simply put, technological change has pushed social change faster than Nepali institutions can keep up with—exactly what Veblen predicted more than a century ago. The widespread belief that “technology will modernize Nepal” also reflects a deterministic mindset where society is seen as following the path set by digital innovation.

Parasocial relationships: Intimacy at a distance

While techno-determinism focuses on how technology shapes society at a structural level, parasocial relationships explain how media shapes emotions and personal connections. The concept was introduced in 1956 by Donald Horton and R. Richard Wohl in their seminal article “Mass Communication and Para-Social Interaction: Observations on Intimacy at a Distance.” They observed that television hosts, radio presenters, and entertainers often addressed viewers directly, creating an illusion of personal friendship. Nonetheless, the viewer felt emotionally close; the relationship was fundamentally one-sided; the media figures did not know them.

This concept has grown theatrically with the rise of social media platforms. Unlike television personalities of the 1950s, today’s influencers share their daily routines, insecurities, celebrations, and personal struggles. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram create deliberate intimacy via close-up camera angles, direct eye contact, and daily life vlogs. As a result, viewers often feel bonded to people they have never met.

Nepal has recently seen an explosion of parasocial relationships. TikTok celebrities, vloggers, and social media influencers enjoy loyal follower bases who track their emotional ups and downs as if they were relatives or close friends. Many young Nepalis express attachment to influencers’ marriages, breakups, and grudges, reinforcing Horton and Wohl’s idea of “intimacy at a distance.” Furthermore, the digital migration trend, where family members live abroad, relies on the appeal of such relationships. For many left behind at home, online personalities offer a surrogate form of emotional companionship. This demonstrates how emotional life in Nepal is being reshaped by digital media in ways that earlier generations never anticipated.

Digital sociology: A new Lens for understanding digital society

As digital technology has increasingly structured everyday life, scholars have begun developing new approaches to study these transformations. The field of digital sociology emerged in the early twenty-first century and is widely associated with Professor Deborah Lupton, whose book Digital Sociology (2014) provided one of the first comprehensive frameworks in this discipline. Digital sociology examines how digital technologies shape human interaction, identity formation, power relations, cultural practices, and social institutions. Likewise, digital sociology recognizes that online and offline lives are inseparable; digital spaces have now become genuine social arenas where power, identity, and inequality are negotiated.

In Nepal, digital sociology helps explain phenomena such as the rise of influencer culture, political mobilization through social media, the digital divide between urban and rural populations, and the growing impact of algorithmic platforms on public opinion. For instance, political debates and movements in Nepal increasingly unfold through Twitter and TikTok, creating new forms of public discourse while amplifying misinformation and polarization. Similarly, Facebook’s dominance in Nepali digital life has created a reliance on a single platform for news, communication, and even business, shaping how people access information and construct truth.

Organized evolution: How the three concepts reinforce each other

When examined together, techno-determinism, parasocial relationships, and digital sociology form a coherent framework for understanding contemporary society. Techno-determinism explains the structural forces: how technology drives social and institutional transformation. Parasocial relationships explain the emotional and psychological dimension: how digital platforms shape personal bonds and intimacy. Digital sociology, meanwhile, provides analytical tools for studying how these processes interact within broader systems of power and culture.

In Nepal, these three forces intersect vividly. Technological platforms introduce new forms of communication; these platforms then foster parasocial relationships between influencers and audiences, and digital sociology helps us understand how these relationships influence identity, politics, consumer culture, and mental health. In this way, the three concepts evolve together, forming a layered explanation of how technology reorganizes society.

Stepping ahead toward digital future

Techno-determinism, parasocial relationships, and digital sociology, though debatable topics, offer valuable frameworks for interpreting the rapid social changes driven by digital technology. For Nepal, a country still developing its digital literacy, infrastructure, and regulatory systems, these concepts provide critical insights. They remind us that technology is not neutral: it shapes emotions, restructures institutions, and reorganizes power. As Nepal continues its digital transformation, it must develop stronger critical awareness, ethical guidelines, and educational systems that equip people to navigate the complexities of digital life.

Therefore, Nepal stands at a critical juncture where digital awareness must grow alongside digital access. Nepali society needs to recognize that technology can not only empower but also manipulate; it can connect but also isolate. Understanding these concepts lets us become more conscious digital citizens who use technology without being controlled by it. Only through such awareness can Nepal build a digital future that is both socially responsible and emotionally healthy.

In today’s fast-paced world with a hustle culture, stress feels almost unavoidable and almost everyone is struggling to maintain complete health—both mentally and physically.  We’re constantly racing to perform better, achieve more, and keep up with life’s demands. But all this pressure often leaves us mentally exhausted and physically drained. This constant pressure leads to stress, which ultimately affects our mental well-being.

Mental health is not simply the absence of illness; rather, it means being healthy in every aspect of life. It encompasses emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Many mental health issues arise from environmental factors such as stress, workload, lifestyle changes, and social pressures. To safeguard mental health, both physical and psychological care are vital since mental and physical health are deeply connected. Taking care of our body, mind, and soul, therefore, becomes crucial.

One natural and feasible way to nurture mental health is massage therapy—a practice that relaxes the body, calms the mind, and soothes the soul.

What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a professional process involving hands-on rubbing and kneading of the body, either dry or using therapeutic oils. Its primary goal is to relax the body and relieve muscle tension. While it is a physical treatment, its effects go far beyond the body, reaching into mental and emotional well-being.

Massage therapy is usually performed in a carefully designed environment that caters to all five senses:

• Ears: Soothing, healing music
• Eyes: Aesthetically pleasing and calming surroundings
• Skin: Warm, comforting touch
• Taste: Herbal teas for your taste buds
• Nose: Therapeutic and aromatic fragrances

This holistic approach provides a safe and nurturing space that benefits both body and mind.

Why massage isn’t just a luxury

Sure, massages feel amazing. But beyond relaxation, they do something deeper. Massage therapy reduces stress hormones, boosts “feel-good” chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and helps release built-up muscle tension. That means less anxiety, better sleep, and a calmer mind.

Massage therapy and mental health

The association between massage therapy and mental health is both deep and scientific. Stress, if left unchecked, can develop into chronic physical and mental health problems. Massage therapy helps prevent this progression by:

• Improving blood circulation, which detoxifies the body
• Releasing muscle knots and relieving physical tension
• Reducing stress hormones like cortisol
• Increasing “feel-good” hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins

These effects collectively reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood, relaxation, and sleep quality. The physical touch of massage fosters a sense of relief, safety, and empowerment, allowing individuals to process emotions more easily.

Preventive health benefits

Massage therapy is not a treatment for illnesses, nor is it a diagnostic process. Instead, it serves as a preventive therapy, aligning with the saying “prevention is better than cure.” By reducing daily stress and preventing the buildup of chronic tension, massage therapy helps individuals maintain balance in their physical and mental health.

Various methods used in massage therapy—such as stretching, heat therapy, hydrothermal therapy, and relaxation techniques—not only reduce muscle stiffness but also improve mental clarity. This strengthens the mind-body connection and promotes self-care, self-compassion, and overall well-being.

Maintaining mental health in today’s demanding world requires conscious effort and holistic care. Massage therapy offers a natural, preventive approach to achieving this balance. By relieving stress, enhancing relaxation, and promoting positive mental states, it becomes an essential practice for nurturing the body, mind, and soul.

To achieve and sustain mental health, routinely practicing massage therapy is recommended for everyone. It is more than a luxury—it is a much-needed preventive measure for complete well-being.

The author is L&D Manager at Tranquility Spa Nepal

Growing up in Dharan-18, Sunsari, in a community where many women were financially dependent on their male counterparts, Sushma Rai always felt the urge to challenge that cycle. She believed that women could be equally capable of earning, leading, and inspiring others. With a deep interest in clothing design and a vision to create change, she migrated from Dharan to Kathmandu, convincing her family to let her follow her passion for fashion and entrepreneurship.

Her turning point came when she discovered the Nabil School of Social Entrepreneurship (Nabil SSE) Fellowship Program—a platform she describes as the most transformative chapter of her entrepreneurial journey.

The Nabil SSE Fellowship, initiated under Nabil Bank Limited’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, was designed to empower aspiring and existing social entrepreneurs by equipping them with practical skills, mentorship, and access to financial opportunities. Through interactive training, peer learning, and guidance from experienced mentors, Rai gained valuable insights into market research, business planning, financial management, and brand development. These lessons helped her transform her boutique into a structured, sustainable enterprise.

Established in 2018, Tayami Boutique has grown into a women-led social enterprise producing high-quality women’s wear and baby clothes using locally sourced materials. Beyond fashion, Tayami embodies empowerment—offering hands-on training, dignified employment, and financial independence to local women. From two staff members, Rai now leads a team of 25 women, many of whom were once confined to household responsibilities. Tayami has since developed its own identity, specializing in maternity wear, baby clothing, and women’s apparel that blends comfort, culture, and creativity.

The Nabil SSE Fellowship Program, organized in collaboration with the School of Management, Tribhuvan University (SOMTU), is a six-month residential and field-based initiative. It provides modules on business strategy, leadership, impact measurement, and sustainability while connecting fellows with expert mentors and networks. To date, the program has trained 76 fellows, leading to the establishment of 62 enterprises and the creation of over 14,500 jobs across Nepal. This year, Nabil SSE has introduced province-specific thematic priorities—focusing on various aims.

According to Manoj Kumar Gyawali, CEO of Nabil Bank, “Empowering social entrepreneurs has proven to be one of the most effective means to fulfill our commitment to national development. With this cohort, we are strategically channeling our resources to reach the most disadvantaged communities, translating financial innovation into tangible, inclusive growth across all provinces.”