Everyone will tell you that Thamel isn’t the REAL Kathmandu. It was once backpackers central, and today is home not only to hostels but to increasingly smart hotels. But between the tourist-focused delights is enough local colour to demonstrate that you are indeed ‘a long way from home’.
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A statue of Shiva, the second largest in Nepal, was unveiled near Pokhara last year. A lady was selling souvenirs next to the steep path up to the statue.
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We got up at 4.45 to go and watch the sunrise over the Himalayas - so worth it!
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The Annapurna Range of the Himalaya Mountains can be seen from Bandipur, an ancient hill town in Nepal
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We rode a cable car to the top of a mountain to find a Hindu temple that draws thousands of believers. The small town that has sprung up to serve their needs is full of shops selling garlands, offerings and even chickens and goats for sacrifices.
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On our safari drive in Chitwan National Park yesterday we were fortunate to see five rhinos.
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Sadhus are holy men who have left behind all material attachments. Â We came across a number of them in the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.
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Straddling the border between North Korea and China is a still-active volcano, Mount Paektu. Its last eruption was in 1903 and scientists consider that another one could be imminent, based on a trend of eruptions roughly 100 years apart. The crater lake, Lake Chon (‘Heaven Lake’) was formed in the 946 AD eruption.
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To leave a monument standing, to mothball it or to destroy it? That is a question that faces many countries right now, as they face up to an uncomfortable past. Maybe values have changed, better understandings emerged, or political systems been rejected. Do we want still to be surrounded by reminders of that past? Or is it justifiable to remove them, hide the memories?
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In one corner of the room a small TV broadcasts news and propaganda. Photo albums on the table are full of reminders of happy family gatherings. Some medals are proudly displayed on a shelf, while the drinks cabinet holds treasured bottles of imported brands.
