Foto: Temples at Durbar Square in Kathmandu (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Nepal - We walk through the narrow streets toward Durbar Square, the main attraction of Kathmandu. When we arrive at the square, it is already two o’clock. We decide to have lunch first on a rooftop terrace overlooking the temples of Durbar Square. Back at the square, guides start approaching us again. Remembering this morning’s experience, we decide to agree on a price immediately and also state we want to see the main sights in no more than an hour. Our guide, Marten, leads us past the temples and provides explanations about the palace, inscriptions, and Buddha statues. After a bit more than an hour, we have viewed Durbar Square and walk to the Swayambhunath temple, the Monkey Temple. Our guide offers to guide us there as well, but we decline. Through Kathmandu’s streets, we walk to the temple, which lies at the city’s edge. Via a high staircase, we reach the Stupa of Swayambhunath. Halfway up, I already have a nice view of the temple. When I turn around, I overlook Kathmandu city. Only from here do you realize how large Kathmandu is.
Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu
Nepal - After breakfast, we take a taxi to Pashupatinath. This is a Hindu cremation site where funerals take place on the banks of the Bagmati River. The taxi ride itself is an experience. Cars weave through the city, grabbing every free centimeter to move forward. ...
The royal city of Bhaktapur
Nepal - Bhaktapur is similar to Durbar Square in Kathmandu, but Bhaktapur is less touristy and much more extensive. At the entrance gate, we buy a ticket and are immediately swarmed by guides and students claiming they want to practice their English. We’re ...