Kathmandu

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Get out of here ASAP. It's complete chaos and, at least during the low season, you will not be left alone to walk the streets in Thamel.

The accomodations are poor (compared to anywhere else in Nepal that I visited) and the power goes out throughout the day. It's hot and dirty and loud.

To avoid dealing with a taxi, I walked through some slums to get to Swayambhunath from Thamel. It was longer than I'd expected, but everyone I asked for directions from was pretty helpful.

If you don't have to buy gear or gifts, I would really consider staying near the Boudhanath stupa, which isn't far from the airport. It's actually peaceful there, and really no more touristy.

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Photos

Thamel Street
Things are tight in the tourist ghetto, especially when competing for space with taxis, mopeds, and rickshaws.

Boudhanath Stupa
It's not that impressive, but the area is quite nice.

Monkeys
Swayambhunath -- monkey temple