Fascinating Nepal; Kathmandu and the valley

I visited Nepal for a couple of days in 2018, and I can assure you it will not be my last. Nepal had always been high on my list as I had heard and read tons of positive experiences. The mountains and the beautiful locals really appealed to me. Several people even said Nepal had become their favourite country.

I actually planned to go for 10 days and visit Pokhara to do a 5 days trek to Ghorepani, Poon Hill. Unfortunately, I had to change plans when I did not get my requested extra days off. Eventually, I explored Kathmandu with two friends. We spent 2 nights in the bustling neighborhood of Thamel in Kathmandu. After that I continued by myself with a 3-day trek around the Kathmandu Valley.

Swomyambhunath Stupa

On the first day, we walked from the center of Kathmandu to the Swomyambhunath Stupa, a stupa is a Buddhist type of monument. It can be a place of burial or a place that contains religious objects. It has the form of a bell and pilgrims usually walk around it, clockwise. It is considered to be meditative and many of them believe that it brings good karma. At the Swomyambhunath Stupa, monkeys have pretty much taken over, they were everywhere. I had never been to a Stupa, but it was interesting to see.

As you can see in the photo above, the iconic colourful flags are also visible everywhere. These are prayer flags that often contain prayers, mantras or other sacred symbols. People believe the flags bring good fortune and a blessing to the surroundings, which is why you also see them often along trails.

Boudha Stupa

Once we were back down again, we took a taxi to the Boudha Stupa also known as Boudhanath. This is one of the largest and herewith a very impressive stupa and definitely a must visit in Kathmandu. The Boudha Stupa is located outside the city centre, along the historical trade route from Tibet. There are different stories about the creation of this Buddhist treasure, one origins in Nepal and the other comes from the Tibetan people.

Durbar Square

Dubar Square is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a complex full of of beautiful architectural buildings. Palaces, courtyards, and temples, which reflect the city’s rich history. There was so much going on here, I didn’t know where to look.

3-day trek to Chisapani and Nagarkot

After a long day of sightseeing in Kathmandu, I left early the next morning for a 3 day trek from Sundarijal to Chisapani and Nagarkot. Compared to other, famous treks in Nepal, this is quite an easy trek. You’ll walk through the Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park and the hills of Kathmandu Valley. It gives you the chance to see how the Nepali live peacefully in their tiny villages, but you also pass by some villages that were impacted by the Earthquake of 2015. It still shows how the lives of many were destroyed as a lot of the buildings have not been rebuilt. 

Bhaktapur

After 3 days of walking with my guide and enjoying mother nature, I finished the trip in Bhaktapur. This is a unique city full of extraordinary buildings, temples, monuments and beautiful people. I really loved strolling around this lively city. There was something interesting to see wherever you’d look. I ended up in one of the many pottery shops where I started a conversation with the owner. He told me a story about a Dutch man that always came to visit and who gave him a book one time. The man was so proud of it. It’s beautiful to see and realise how these people appreciate small gestures way more than us, spoiled people.  

BOUDHA STUPA

PASHUPATHINATH AREA

CHISAPANI