Kathmandu

Beyond Expectations

That's what I thought when landing in Kathmandu, the two flights, the long connection and the time difference I had to reach here were not very pleasant, and I got exhausted, but those mountains glimpse from the other side of the plane made me recover for a bit. And that's one of the most remarkable moments I remember. This trip couldn't have started any better.

For more detailed information you can follow my daily step stories at Polarsteps, as you know I've been using that for two trips already and I kind of like it.

So this one again, I'll try not to get into much details on what and how my days developed, rather the places I've visited.

On this trip, there was something new to me, I was looking for a sponsor hotel during the four nights I would be in the city before the next adventure, very lucky myself, I found Traditional Comfort & Royal Mountain Travel willing to collaborate with me during this trip, and I can't be more thankful to them for this collaboration, it's been a pleasure to work with them during these days, and I would definitely choose them anytime I'm back in, and if you are there, check them out, they have awesome experiences and adventures!

The Traffic

Ahead of any details, I want to warn you, the traffic in Kathmandu it is, maybe the most intense and chaotic I've seen in Asia. I didn't see this in Vietnam, nor Indonesia or HongKong. So you know, from the moment you collect your luggage at the airport and get out, you'll be totally overwhelmed by it, and you have to live with that. Once you've walked and crossed enough you'll find it funny and start to enjoy. And for those a bit more intrepid, I would recommend renting a scooter or a bike, and you will completely feel the streets in the city.

Thamel

Before you can even think about it, you'll be in Thamel, whether you have your hotel, or you are gonna buy some souvenirs, or go for a coffee, beer, dinner, or want to buy some mountain gear, this is the most touristy area, and you are gonna visit it one way or another. Nothing wrong with it, but I just thought to start here 😅. The truth is, you can find almost anything in this neighborhood, great coffee, fantastic food and plenty of hostels. Looking for a party? This is gonna be your place.

Mountain Flight

This is one of the coolest experiences I had, around one hour flight to see Mt Everest and the whole Himalayan mountain range. Something I was lucky to see on my landing into the country, but I really wanted to see it again. It is quite pricey though, so consider it by yourself, but no worries, if there is a cloudy day, the planes are not flying and you get a full refund.

This flight was in collaboration with Royal Mountain Travel.

Garden Of Dreams

A wonderful and peaceful place, if you are tired of cars and streets noise, just get in here, really. As soon as you get into this small but pretty garden, the noise is gone, and to those water reflections were amazing. On top of that you can have a coffee or a drink, so make sure to end you tired but gratifying day in here, and you'll feel fully recharged.

Pashupatinath Temple

At this point, I had a scooter, so I could "easily" move around from point a to point b, however, I had a rainy day after Pashupatinath. So instead, I spent more time in here with a guide. I was impressed by the history of this place, the Bagmati river and the crematorium ceremonies, and that lead me to the Nepal history, its king and family, quite interesting.

SWAYAMBHUNATH

This place to me, one of those remarkable places in the city, because it offers a bit of everything I like. First thing you walk through an amazing complex of temples and monasteries and once you reach the end, the view of the whole Kathmandu valley is waiting for you, I would say an incredible experience within three km far from the city.

Boudhanath

Another of those spots you shouldn't miss. Boudhanath Stupa dome is huge, and walking clockwise around will energize yourself, and the other hundreds of people doing so. I would say the best time to come here is for the Sunset. If you finish your round walks, there are multiple rooftop cafes/restaurants around which offer a different but unique view.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

You'll most likely walk through Durbar Square without even notice it as soon as you go south Thamel streets. And it is a majestic place you're not gonna miss, declared UNESCO World Heritage, and I believe very damaged after the 2015 earthquake, still remains as one of the most impressive areas in the city, every temple or palace has incredibly carved wood columns or ornaments.

Once you finish with the cultural side of it, I would recommend you to look for those rooftop cafes, which will let you see the square from a totally different perspective, but also, if the sky allows you, you'll have a 360 view of Kathmandu and the valley.

Patan Durbar Square

I would say, in a way, similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Patan, on the other hand, I believe it was a bit more damage from the earthquake and currently, you can see many people working on the restoration process.

Something that really caught my attention in the area was, how much local compared to Kathmandu, here you can really find local shops which sell all kind of day to day products, from clothes to kitchen accessories, and that brings much more Nepalis to the streets.

Take your time and wander around keeping your eyes open for all the amazing sights and carved wood!

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur may be a bit far for you, just 12km east Kathmandu, but in my opinion, it's one of the most beautiful cities in the Kathmandu Valley. For some reason, I found it much more local and cultural than the others. Walking by myself through the streets during the Dashain felt very festive and friendly. Durbar Square and Dattatreya temple were the highlights, but the atmosphere is what I bring with me.

Nepalis or Nepalese

Lastly, because it is one of the greatest things from this trip, every person in this multicultural and multiethnic country has been to me incredibly humble, kind and helpful, not only that, I would say everyone I've talked to had a smile, which has made this trip very unforgettable.

I hope, not only, you like the story and pictures, but somehow I could bring some part of Kathmandu to you, and inspire you to go and visit the exceptional country.