Rarely am I keen to follow the city walking tours in the Lonely Planet guides, however I had a feeling the one from Thamel to Durbar Square in Kathmandu would be interesting.
As I left the tourist area, I soon found myself passing Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and Hindu temples left and right. Walking through the older part of the city, you felt as though little had changed over the centuries. Daily life was on display, up close and personal, whether it was the butchering of goats, sale of vegetables, or praying of Hindus.
Every now and then I'd spot a tourist having as much trouble taking photos as me. There was simply too much going on…to many amazing shots. Eventually, I just gave up. It didn't help that my camera had been having technical problems since the end of my trek, making quick shots more difficult.
After about an hour of winding my way south, I arrived at Durbar Square. Durbar means palace so there are actually several Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Sometimes it pays to be completely unaware of the sights you're going to see because it means you leave yourself open to be completely surprised (usually in a good way, though not always).
I studied a bit of architecture in college, though mostly Medieval and Modern. I was blown away by the pagodas in the square – their shapes, intricate woodwork, everything! After saying “no” to about five guys who wanted to be my guide, I sought food on a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square. The midday sun was intense, so I had some fruit with yogurt (known as curd over here).
Then it was off to Swayambhunath Stupa (aka the monkey temple) because in the Kathmandu Valley, one World Heritage Site per day is child's play!
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
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ChinaMatt
Tuesday 13th of May 2008
Your photos from Nepal are amazing. I'm hoping my wife and I get to take a trip there in the next year (maybe we'll have some extra time this summer).
ChinaMatt
Tuesday 13th of May 2008
Your photos from Nepal are amazing. I'm hoping my wife and I get to take a trip there in the next year (maybe we'll have some extra time this summer).
Michele
Saturday 10th of May 2008
Dave, You are a GREAT picture taker... it is obvious to me that you have an artistic eye... GREAT JOB!
Dave
Monday 12th of May 2008
Thanks Michele! I'm having a lot of fun with the photo taking, and now that I'm in India where internet speeds are faster, I should get some of my amateur videos up on YouTube.
Michele
Sunday 11th of May 2008
Dave, You are a GREAT picture taker... it is obvious to me that you have an artistic eye... GREAT JOB!
Dave
Monday 12th of May 2008
Thanks Michele! I'm having a lot of fun with the photo taking, and now that I'm in India where internet speeds are faster, I should get some of my amateur videos up on YouTube.
Christine Gilbert
Saturday 10th of May 2008
I agree with Matt, excellent pics.
Dave
Saturday 10th of May 2008
Thanks! Sometimes I get a little self-conscious about all the time I spend snapping photos versus being fully present. Then I remember how much I enjoy looking at them down the line and I get to snapping again. :)