GHATS, GODDESSES AND GOOD TIMES

The bustle of Thamel, the grandeur of Durbar Square, the intricate latticed windows, the tiered temples, and the Kumari were just some of the things that we attempted to ingest on our short time in the fairytale-like city of Kathmandu. From tourist driven frenzy to narrow streets with miniature local shops to magical temples the city changes with every corner turned.



Our first meeting with Kathmandu came in the form of Thamel, a solely tourist dedicated area with literally hundreds of lively cafes, bars and souvenir shops all lined up for your personal pleasure. Hardly a taste of the real Nepal but an enjoyable place to hang out none the less particularly if one felt a little homesick and fancied some comfort food (veggie burgers and chips anyone?) We stayed in the very atmospheric and cheapy cheap Via Via guest house, luxury it aint but the bright red walls made us feel right at home.



Entering Durbar Square in Kathmandu really is like stepping into an oriental story book. The eyes are drawn from one magnificent pagoda style temple to the next and a huge colonial facade is thrown in for good measure. The scores of steps leading up to each temple is a popular meeting point for both tourists and the local youths, a great opportunity for some very colourful photography. We were also lucky enough to catch one of the many festivals which happen in the square.



In a small courtyard right on the square one can try to catch a glimpse of the Kumari, a female child chosen as a goddess having gone through a series of trials. The present Kumari is only three years old, she will reign as the goddess until she reaches puberty. Didn't manage to spot her though, she must have been busy colouring or something.



Probably even more impresssive is the Durbar Square in the neighbouring town of Patan. Full of many more glorious courtyards and temples.



Also paid a visit to Pashupatinath, a highly revered Hindu site and a kind of mini Varanasi with lots of cremation ghats on the bank of the river. It is also one of the most important Shiva temples in the world though you cannot enter the temple unless you are hindu, which we're not. A stroll through some very local village areas allowed us to take a look at some daily Nepali life and brought us to Bodnath, one of the many huge stupas in Kathmandu. Also visited the "Monkey Temple", another huge stupa surrounded by bazaars and lots and lots of cheeky monkeys all situated on a hill with views over the city. Welcome to Nepal wha??