Kathmandu and Surroundings

We flew from New Delhi to Kathmandu, and the views from the plane already filled us with enthusiasm for what awaited us.

Meandering through town

The complete notice said no washing of clothes there.

A ritual sacrifice

Sanitation engineers at work

Everything your heart desires

Hangin’ out

Durbar Square

Shiva and Paravati

Six-finger holy man

Sex education Nepali style

At the Monkey Temple

Patan

After a trek on the west side of Annapurna (described in my blog “Trekking in Nepal with a Small Child”), we wanted to experience and see some of the other sights in Nepal. We had rushed a bit to go on the trek, since winter was approaching and we didn’t want to get stuck in snow. In fact, there was a heavy snowstorm the day after we flew back from Jomsom to Pokhara, so we just made it out on time. It saddens me to think that this journey can now be made by bus.

We first relaxed a few days in Pokhara to recover from the strenuous but beautiful trek.

Back in Kathmandu, we first visited the Boudha Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world. It was built sometime in the 4^th or 5^th century, depending on which sources you reference. Many Tibetan refugees live in its vicinity, and Tibetans can be seen every day making the rounds there.

View from the top

Pashupatinath Temple is the most important Hindu temple in Nepal and the oldest in Katmandu. It is also a very important Shiva temple.

Cremations are often held there. Photography is permitted, but discretion is expected.

Seems like there is also some festivities going on.

Bhaktapur

Pottery Square at Bhaktapur

Around town

We didn’t want to leave Nepal without once again having spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalaya. We arrived in Nagarkot in the early evening and discovered to our dismay that all accommodations were booked. However, one place took pity on us and let us sleep in their restaurant for the night.

A comfortable bed:

We were not disappointed the next morning.

And then back to Kathmandu for our flight to Varanasi. Our travels there are described in my blog titled “Varanasi, Taj Mahal, and Rajasthan.”