Day 16, 17 & 18 - Kathmandu

“That’s why I'm goin' to Katmandu Up to the mountains where I'm goin' to
Hey, if I ever get out of here That’s what I'm gonna do
K-k-k-k-k-k-Katmandu”
Bob Seger

Today we leave Chitwan National Park and head for Kathmandu. I always have that Bob Seger song in my head “Katmandu” when I think of going to Kathmandu. It’s another nice day so the 5 hr 30 min, 103 mile (166Km) drive was very pleasant. Arriving early afternoon we check into our hotel which is in Thamel. Thamel is a popular tourist destination within Kathmandu. There are a lot of shops, cafes, bars, stores, restaurants, just about anything you can think of here. We’ll spend the next two days touring around the city, relaxing and just having some fun. 

Kathmandu from our hotel window

Our hotel in Kathmandu

Day 1, first stop is the Buddhist Temple “Boudhanath” which has the largest stupa in Nepal. Up next is the most sacred Hindu temple in Katmandu “Pashupatinath Temple”. We were able to witness some cremations which for us, was a rare experience.

Boudhanath Stupa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monkey Man

Cremation

Faux Sadhu or Baba

Day 2, we walked from our hotel to the Buddhist Temple “Swayambhunath” also known as the monkey temple. Plenty of monkeys to see! Then we took a taxi to Durbar square. There are many durbar squares in Katmandu. We visited Hanuman Dhoka which was not to far from our hotel.

The city is dirty and the air can be full of dust and fumes. The streets are crowed, narrow and bumpy. They can be dangerous if you are careless as cars and motorcycles go pretty fast. A lot of people hassle you to buy stuff still, the city has a nice feel about it and most of the people are friendly. There is plenty to do and see. I like it here but, many tourist do not as it can be overwhelming.

This has been a great trip and I would love to come back again.

Peace to all who spread the message of peace, love and compassion.

Be the change you want to see in the world - Gandhi 

Donna and Tom