My Journey And The Soul Behind The ZenOnRoute
Hey there, fellow wanderer. I’m Saroj Surkheti the soul behind Zen On Route.
Welcome to ZenOnRoute.com — my digital travel journal, where stories meet simplicity, and adventure blends with mindfulness.
I’m a spiritual minimalist, a curious budget traveler, and an outdoor enthusiast who thrives under open skies and starry nights. Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, I now live and travel between Japan and Nepal, two countries that have shaped my perspective, lifestyle, and purpose.
This blog is my humble offering to the world — a space to share honest stories, real travel experiences, and lessons I’ve learned on the road, especially for those who want to explore deeply without spending excessively.
💸💡 My Journey: From Kathmandu to Kyoto, and Beyond
I was born and raised in the cultural chaos and spiritual calm of Kathmandu. Like many South Asian kids, I grew up in a typical middle-class household where travel wasn’t something you just did — it had to be earned, saved for, and carefully planned. There were no luxurious family vacations or international getaways. But even from a young age, I had a spark — a calling to explore what lay beyond the horizon.
I didn’t start traveling with a thick wallet or a safety net. I started with a sense of wonder, a love for the outdoors, and a deep desire to live life fully. Whether it was trekking to Annapurna Base Camp or riding my motorbike from Kathmandu to Gangtok, I learned how to move through the world with a heart full of curiosity.
Eventually, life brought me to Japan — a land so different from Nepal, yet equally spiritual, grounded, and poetic in its own way. Living in Japan, I was introduced to the concept of minimalism, silence, and the art of slow living. It’s where I deepened my spiritual practice, embraced solitude, and began viewing travel not just as movement, but as a form of meditation.
Now, I bounce between these two incredible countries, documenting my path and helping others find their own — especially those who, like me, believe that you don’t need a lot to live a lot.
💸 Why I Travel on a Budget
Let’s be honest — the travel industry often paints a picture of luxury: five-star resorts, private tours, and first-class flights. But that’s not the world I come from, and frankly, it’s not the world I want to explore.
I travel on a tight budget, not just because I have to, but because I choose to.
Growing up in Nepal, I quickly learned the value of every rupee. But instead of letting financial limitations hold me back, I used them as fuel. Every trip became a puzzle: How far can I go on the least amount of money? How can I sleep under the stars instead of a hotel roof? What if walking, biking, or hitchhiking became the adventure?
Budget travel, to me, is a lifestyle. It’s about resourcefulness, resilience, and creativity. It’s about connecting with locals, eating home-cooked meals, sleeping in guesthouses, hostels, or even a capsule hotel, and experiencing life through people’s stories — not just guidebooks.
More than anything, it’s about freedom. When you learn to travel light — physically, emotionally, and financially — the world opens up in unexpected ways.
✍️ What You’ll Find on This Blog
ZenOnRoute is built for curious souls — the wanderers, the dreamers, the seekers — who want to travel not just to escape, but to expand.
On this blog, I share a mix of practical tips, personal stories, cultural insights, and spiritual reflections — all rooted in low-budget, high-experience travel.
Here’s what you can expect:
🗺️ Budget Travel Guides (Japan & Nepal)
I create honest, detailed, no-fluff travel guides for backpackers and budget-conscious explorers. These include:
- Transportation hacks (local buses, trains, bike routes)
- Food and accommodation tips under minimum budgets
- Free or low-cost activities and attractions
- How to explore hidden gems off the tourist path
🏕️ Outdoor Camping Tips
I’m passionate about sleeping under the stars and embracing nature on its own terms. I share:
- Minimalist gear setups that don’t cost a fortune
- Wild camping spots in Japan and Nepal
- How to prepare for hikes, treks, and sudden weather changes
- Staying warm naturally
🏍️ Motorbike Travel Logs
There’s a unique thrill in exploring winding mountain roads on two wheels. Some of my most transformative journeys have been on my motorbike, and here I cover:
- Epic motorbike routes (like Kathmandu to Pokhara or Tokyo to Kyoto
- Budget breakdowns for fuel, food, and gear
- Tips for road safety and solo riding
- Unexpected lessons from the road
🧘 Minimalist Living & Spiritual Reflections
Inspired by Zen, Stoicism, philosophy, and the grounded spirituality of Nepal, I often write about:
- Letting go of material clutter
- Practicing mindfulness on the road
- Using travel as a tool for inner growth
- Balancing solitude with connection
🎎 Cultural Exchanges
As someone who calls both Japan and Nepal home, I love diving deep into:
- Local rituals, customs, and festivals
- How to be a respectful, mindful traveler
- What Japanese and Nepali cultures have taught me about silence, service, and simplicity
👣 Who This Blog is For
I don’t write for everyone — and I’m okay with that. This blog is for people who believe in real, raw, honest travel.
You’re in the right place if:
- You’re a budget traveler looking for practical guides, not glossy brochures.
- You love outdoor adventures — be it hiking, biking, or just sleeping beside a campfire.
- You believe in slow travel, deep conversations, and staying long enough to learn a place’s rhythm.
- You’re curious about spirituality and how travel can be more than just sightseeing.
- You prefer minimalism over luxury, and memories over souvenirs.
Whether you’re a full-time backpacker, a weekend wanderer, or someone dreaming of taking that first solo trip, I hope my words help you walk your own path with courage, clarity, and compassion.
🧘♂️ My Life Philosophy: Born With Nothing, Traveling With Purpose
Here’s a truth I hold close to my heart:
“I was born with nothing — no clothes, no voice. Today, I speak multiple languages, have clothes on my back, and stories to tell.”
This quote isn’t just poetic — it’s personal. It’s a reminder that life itself is the greatest journey, and every breath we take is a privilege.
Travel, to me, is an expression of gratitude. Each sunrise I watch from a tent, each cup of chai shared with a stranger, each temple bell that echoes through my soul — these moments remind me that we don’t need much to feel deeply alive.
Even if life ends tomorrow, I hold no regrets. I’ve walked mountains, crossed rivers, made mistakes, and learned to love the silence between moments. My journey isn’t perfect, but it’s real — and that’s enough.
🙏 Thank You for Being Here
If you’ve read this far, thank you. Seriously. In a noisy world filled with clickbait and curated perfection, the fact that you took time to connect with my story means a lot.
I created Zen On Route not to go viral, but to go inward — to share what matters, to encourage others to travel simply, live fully, and think differently.
If my words spark even a single moment of inspiration, then this space has done its job.
📬 Let’s Connect
I’m always happy to connect with fellow travelers, readers, and kindred spirits. Whether you want to ask a question, share your story, or just say hi — don’t hesitate.
Here’s how you can reach me:
- 📩 Contact Page — Send me a message directly
- 📷 Instagram: @zenonroute — For behind-the-scenes travel photos and tips
- 🎥 YouTube: Zen On Route — For visual travel guides, vlogs, and reflections
Final Thoughts
Life isn’t measured in years — it’s measured in sunsets watched, strangers befriended, fears overcome, and dreams followed.
So wherever you are on your journey — whether you’re lost, searching, or simply wandering — I hope this blog becomes a gentle companion. A guide. A spark. And beside this if you are interested what i do to make budget then here it is.
Finally, more miles, more mindfulness, and more magic on the road ahead.
With gratitude,
Saroj Surkheti
Spiritual Minimalist | Budget Traveler | Founder of Zen On Route