Day 1-2 Arrive Kathmandu, Nepal

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Namaste & greetings from Kathmandu! After 17 hr overnight flights by Malaysian Airlines (yes!) I arrived early afternoon next day. Meet Dee & Ian & we taxied to Boudha Stupa before heading to the tourist area of Thamel for dinner. I expected pollution and a chaotic atmosphere and the first was worse than expected while the latter absorbing. The streets of the old town (Thamel) are narrow without footpaths & barely room for one lane of traffic and constant 'toot tooting' from mostly motor bike drivers. Every available inch in ground floor buildings, alley ways or any empty surface is filled with sellers, trading vegetables, dried everything, fish, fresh meat, shoes, material and clothing.

As I will be back and forwards to Kathmandu over the next 5 weeks it was back to the hotel for an early end of day to catch up on sleep. Next day arranged a half day tour to Bhaktapur a 12th century UNESCO listed holy city 12 kms east of Kathmandu. Krishna my taxi driver & part guide took me for 40 min drive waited 3 hrs & returned to the hotel for $us30, what a bargain. He lead me through a maize of backstreets until he passed me to & official guide. The city is a vehicle free haven with numerous temples, pagodas & amazing architecture. Its been described as a "living museum" & I must agree. Dattataya Square, Taumadhi Sq. and Durbur Sq were all impressive. The town operates without the hussle like Thamel. Great day & returned to the hotel for a trip briefing, completion of Tibet visa applications and pre dinner drinks to get acquainted with fellow group members. 8 in all with 5 male & 3 female.

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Photos

5 Story Temple Durbar Sq Bhaktapur
Legend has it that each level is 5 times stronger than the level below. The wrestler on level one is 5 times stronger man at ground level & so on for elephant, lion, Garuda (half bird half man) & God & Goddess.