What led the captain of Nepal's national paragliding team to open a mountain guesthouse in China? Why does he insist on having his child here, his "second home"? This enchanting landscape not only rooted him in serenity but also became the cradle of his new beginning.

National Team Member

33-year-old Bishal Thapa (aka Feilong), from Pokhara, Nepal, was surrounded by paragliding from childhood. Living in a global paragliding hotspot, he was captivated by the vibrant paragliders in the sky, sparking a lifelong passion. In 2012, he took up paragliding and quickly excelled, unafraid of leaving the ground. His talent shone through, leading to a silver medal in men's team paragliding at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games and his current role as the captain of Nepal's national team.

Paragliding also played matchmaker for him and Cai Cai, a girl from Northeast China. After marrying in 2020, they worked at paragliding bases across China, from Beijing to Luoyang, Xi'an, and Hanyuan, introducing tourists to the thrill of paragliding. He especially enjoyed the freedom of gliding over China's majestic landscapes, knowing that a pristine environment is crucial for the sport: higher mountains mean better experiences. Visibility is also key. "We can't fly if visibility drops below five kilometers. For example, smog or nearby polluting factories can ground us." He often straps on a sports camera to capture the stunning views. "China's environment is improving, with each place having its unique terrain. I want to document all these beautiful moments."

Guesthouse Host

Feilong's journey to Deqing, after exploring various parts of China, was a spontaneous choice. Yet, he was immediately captivated by the scenery: it closely mirrored his hometown of Pokhara. The undulating mountains, lush forests, sparkling streams, and the crisp, moist air all felt strikingly familiar.

On the spot, he and his wife decided to make Moganshan their home. In October 2021, their Himalaya Nepal-Themed Guesthouse opened at the foot of the mountain, with Feilong as the host. The name of the guesthouse still carries his deep homesickness. He loves a romantic description by a Chinese writer: Moganshan seems to stretch all the way to the Himalayas. For Feilong, the Himalayas are the sacred mountains in the hearts of Nepalese people, a spiritual home, making Moganshan his "second hometown" as well.

Moganshan is a place of beauty in every season. Feilong has transformed his guesthouse into a miniaturized version of a traditional landscape painting. Upon entering through the gate, one is greeted by a path of white pebbles, interspersed with sparse bonsai, evoking a sense of Zen tranquility akin to "kare-sansui". In the backyard, a riot of colors and life unfolds with daffodils, bougainvillea, hydrangeas, roses, banana plants, maple trees, and ivies all vying for attention. Feilong, with his passion for farming, has also cultivated melons, cucumbers, and watermelons. The interior of the guesthouse is thoughtfully adorned with seasonal flowers, with lotus blossoms reigning supreme in the heat of summer. Even the foreign musical instrument in the corner has a story. Feilong crafted an Australian didgeridoo using bamboo from Moganshan. "When I play it, the sound transports me to the breezy slopes of Moganshan."

He also enjoys leading guests on thrilling adventures in the mountains, from rafting to horseback riding and off-road excursions. During the summer months, the guesthouse is always bustling with activity. The mountain's lush vegetation and significantly cooler temperatures, often more than ten degrees Celsius lower than those in Deqing County, make it an ideal retreat from the summer heat. Many guests return year after year, bringing along their families and friends. One mother, for instance, spent an entire 45 days here with her child.

Soon-to-be Dad

The lucid waters and lush mountains have not only brought Feilong prosperity but also cradled his cozy home.

Feilong is set to welcome his own baby in September. When the young couple first discussed where to have their child, Feilong was unwavering in his choice of Moganshan. "With its fresh air, pure water, and abundant greenery, it's the perfect place to raise a healthy child." Feilong turned on the faucet in his guesthouse, proudly noting that he and his wife favor the mountain water. "It has a unique taste, superior even to many bottled mineral waters. During the four years here, I've rarely needed bottled water."

The "soon-to-be dad" is already dreaming of winters spent having snowball fights with his child, springs filled with the thrill of hunting for tender bamboo shoots, and summers of rustic fun by the stream catching fish or watching fireflies dance at the edge of the fields. He has noticed that each year, the mountains seem to welcome more and more fireflies. In the first year, he had to really search for them, but now, as he and his wife take evening strolls along the fields, they are enveloped by a magical glow of fireflies, making for a truly romantic scene.

He cherishes his current living environment and is determined to create an even greener home for his child, which has led him to place increasing emphasis on environmental protection. He has volunteered for the village's "Five Waters Management" program, actively spreading environmental awareness among the villagers. His guesthouse does not provide disposable products by default. Instead, many regular guests, understanding his commitment, bring their own toiletries without being asked.

He sees himself as a humble member of our global family. While his actions might be modest, he holds dear the wisdom of a Chinese proverb: "When one generation plants the trees, the next enjoys the shade." He truly believes that small efforts, when combined, can create something monumental. So he wants to plant green seeds for himself, for his soon-to-be-born child, and for many others.