KATHMANDU

When the Indian island continent slammed into Asia resulting in earthquakes, it created a mountain range that is known today as the most beautiful Himalayas. It is the tallest and youngest mountain range in the world and is still rising today by an average of 4 mm each year. Nepal is a land of mountains and monasteries with its capital city Kathmandu serving as the gateway to a backpacker’s haven.

Kathmandu: Accessibility Policy

We arrived in Kathmandu in February when the weather was still warm and pleasant. We stayed in the Thamel district of Kathmandu which is a heavily populated area with lots of stores and restaurants.

We checked into Thamel Grand Hotel, a six storey building with heartwarming hospitality and breathtaking views of the Himalayas from its rooftop. The location of this hotel is very central with a restaurant attached to it called Black Olive making this hotel an even better choice.

Kathmandu: Accessibility Policy

On our first day we decided to discover the narrow, winding streets of Kathmandu and getting lost in the organized chaos surrounded by the plethora of trekking shops which are most often lined with colourful prayer flags.

We dedicated the next morning to seeing Swayambhunath Stupa which is located just outside of Kathmandu atop a hill. There are 365 stone steps that you can climb which will lead to the top of this Stupa. Our hotel arranged for a car to take us there and back. After spending much time at the Stupa, we made our way to Patan Durbar Square. There are three famous durbar squares in the Kathmandu Valley, first being Patan Durbar Square, second is Kathmandu Durbar Square and third is Bhaktapur Durbar Square, all being World Heritage Sites. Durbar squares are equivalent to plazas or an open area in front of royal palaces.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa.

365 stone steps leading to the top of the Stupa.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Kathmandu: Accessibility Policy

We visited Nepal in 2016, one year after the massive earthquake that caused multi storey buildings to topple over in Kathmandu and created landslides and avalanches in the Himalaya Mountains. Almost every stupa we saw had its structure supported by wooden beams. It was heartbreaking to see the destruction the earth quake had caused. The squares are a busy place with tourists and residents running errands and housing shops. After spending some time around Patan Durbar Square, we made our way to the famous Boudhanath temple. This is a very big temple and you can walk around it at your own leisure. I was in awe as I was walking around the temple, gently spinning the prayer wheels. Prayer wheels are cylindrical wheels made out of metal or wood with certain mantras written on it. The belief is you say a prayer as you spin these metal objects.

Thinking of hiking in Nepal?

Kathmandu: Accessibility Policy