Recent Posts

5 things not to miss in Kathmandu

1. Visit Boudhanath Stupa

   The best time to visit Boudhanath is in the late afternoon when pilgrims come to circumambulate the stupa.  Buddhist holidays are a great time to check out Boudhanath, otherwise a full moon is also good. Finally, if you can’t make it on a holiday or full moon, then try to go late afternoon on Sunday when you’ll see circumambulating pilgrims and pilgrims lighting butter lamps in the courtyard around the stupa.

   

   Boudhanath Stupa on Buddha Jayanti (Celebration of the Buddha’s Birthday)

   

   Pilgrims young and old at Boudhanath Stupa

   

   Monks posing for pictures Boudhanath Stupa

   

   Butter lamps Boudhanath Stupa

2. Wander the markets and backstreets between Thamel and Durbar Square

   Head south from Thamel and follow your own curiosity, with no particular route in mind. Put away your map and smart phone and just get lost for a bit and see what you discover.

   

   Bicycle fruit vendor

   

   Eye glasses shop

   

   Courtyard with earthquake damage

   

   Shops

   

   Tea Shop

3. People watch in Durbar Square

   Sit on the steps of one the many temples and watch the tourists, pilgrims, vendors, and locals go about their business.

   

   

4. Climb the steps to Swayambhunath (aka “The Monkey Temple”)

   Visit Swayambhunath temple, a temple complex and stupa atop hill overlooking Kathmandu, the fearless monkey who inhabit the area around the temple give the Swayambhunath it’s more colloquial name “The Monkey Temple.”  Try to visit in the early morning or the late afternoon for the best light and views.

   

   Monkey at sunset Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

   

   Monkey at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

   

   Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

   

   Monkey at Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

   

   Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

5. Contemplate life and death at Pashupatinath

   Walk around the compound along the perimeter wall. From the main gate on the left, follow the road running south till you come to a footbridge that takes you across the Bagmati River. You will approach the Eastern Ghats from the south where you will see sadhus lounging in the Shiva shrines. Walk through the footpath along the western edge of Deer Park, and you will come to a terrace with benches overlooking Pashputinath Temple and the Cremation Ghats. Rest and marvel at the sight.

   

   Pashupatinath

   

   Pashupatinath

   

   Pashupatinath

   

   Pashupatinath

Guide Nirmala runs a Homestay in Pokhara

When not guiding treks around the Mountains of her Pokhara home.  Nirmala Subedi runs a homestay in her Pokhara home.  Her home is in the Mahendrapool area of Pokhara.  So if your looking for an authentic Nepali experience away from the tourist hotels and shops of Lakeside check out Nirmala’s homestay.  She has hot and cold water shower, home cooked Nepali food, plenty of hospitality, and charges reasonable prices.