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As someone who does not know how to swim, the Dead Sea was fun! When I visited the place in October 2024, the only word I could think of was 'breathtaking'. The Dead Sea, a landlocked salt lake bordering Jordan, Israel and the West Bank, lies 1,300 feet below sea level, making it the lowest point on Earth. The water is 9.6 times saltier than the ocean, and you can float effortlessly.
Honestly, floating on the Dead Sea was scary. The "what if" question circled my mind. But its dense water makes sinking impossible. In Hebrew, the Dead Sea is called "Yam Ha-Melakh". Many visit the sea for its therapeutic benefits and wellness treatments. The Dead Sea isn't only a natural wonder; it's also a gateway to understanding ancient history and faith.
Around three million years ago, a shift in the Earth's crust created a basin that became the Dead Sea. Water from the Jordan River and streams flowed in, but intense desert heat caused it to evaporate. Minerals like salt, magnesium and bromine concentrated over time. Today, this process makes the Dead Sea the saltiest water body on Earth.
In the Bible's book of Genesis, God destroyed the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, warning Lot's family to flee without looking back. The Bible portrays Lot as a righteous person who did not fully participate in the sins. Lot's wife disobeyed and was turned into a pillar of salt. This story is seen as a symbolic lesson about the dangers of holding on to the past and the consequences of immorality.
In 1947, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the Qumran caves became one of the greatest archaeological events of the 20th century. These scrolls, preserved for 2,000 years, offer a glimpse into ancient Jewish beliefs and life during the time of Jesus.
Interestingly, the Dead Sea also connects with Nepal through a unique monument at the Ecological Park near the Dead Sea. It features two stones: one from Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth, and the other from the Dead Sea, the lowest. On May 30,2013, a ceremony was held here in which Israel's Tourism Minister Uzi Landau, Nepali Ambassador to Israel Prahlad Kumar Prasai, Mayor Dov Litvinoff, diplomats and other distinguished guests were present. Similarly, in Nepal, stones brought from the Dead Sea have been installed as a monument at the Headquarters of Sagarmatha National Park in Namche Bazaar.
As a Nepali, this was such a proud moment to see. This project not only promotes international tourism but also honours the friendship between the two nations and the shared wonder of these heavenly sites.