Back to the
dusty and noisy Kathmandu. Our Tourist bus stopped not far away from Thamel, we
could easily find our way back to the hostel. This time we went to another
hostel which is also in the quiet street of Thamel. It is much cheaper than the
previous one.
Our plan
for these few days in Kathmandu is to visit a few famous places recommended by
our guide Keshab like the Kathmandu Durbar Square, The Boudha Temple and The
Pashupatinath Temple. Andi will do some shopping and I will have to figure out
what I want to do next.
As the Kathmandu
Durbar Square is not far away from Thamel, we walked there passing streets of old
buildings and small stupas. Approaching the junction of the square, we were
stopped by a security guard, he said to us we have to buy tickets, where we
could see locals walking pass, going in and out of the square. The price for
the entrance is NRP750 = US$9. We think that is too expensive. Then we decided
to go around looking for other way to sneak in. We tried another entrance but
it was all fenced up, after trying the last entrance and failed we decided to give
it a miss.
The road
condition in Kathmandu is really bad. There isn’t any line or properly pave
road, many holes and humps. All taxi are non aircon, they don’t use meter
system so we have to agree to a price first before we jump in. Ask for 50% discount
from the price they quote if not take the next one. Public bus is impossible
for foreigner to take because the location is only written in Nepalese
language.
We took a
taxi to Boudha also called Boudhanath. A UNESCO World heritage site since 1979.
It has been an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan
Buddhists & local Nepalese. The big stupa in the middle stands 43m in
height and approximately 40m in diameter. It is surrounded by prayer wheels
fixed on the wall. The entrance fees are reasonable; in the surrounding of the
stupa there are many shops, cafe, restaurants and some guesthouse. We walked
clock wise around the stupa and also one round on the top. The Buddha eyes are mesmerizing! :-)
Next stop
will be the Pashupatinath Temple not far away. Pashupatinath is a Hindu temples of Lord Shiva, only born
Hindus are allowed to enter the temple premises. We are allowed to have a look
at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river. I wasn’t prepared for what
I was going to see. The Bagmati river is used by Hindus for cremation, according
to the Nepalese Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into
the Bagmati river before cremation. The chief mourner (usually the first son)
who lights the funeral pyre must take a holy river-water bath immediately after
cremation. Many relatives who join the funeral procession also take a bath in
the Bagmati River or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of
cremation. The Bagmati River is considered to purify the people spiritually. I
felt gross as I see the death body lying by the river bank, kids playing with
tube in the river, Hindus showering and having a head shave and 5m downstream
death body are being cremated. I wasn’t feeling good the whole time I was there,
it was an eye opening scene for me.
We shopped
around a bit and I finally sat down to make my plans. I hesitated for Africa! I
did another round of calculation, flights, excursion, visa fees, time,
etc. It is just too expensive. I might be able to sustain 1 or the most 2 months in Africa not more. I think the most important factor is I felt I had enough. After some
discussion with Andi, I finally decided to end my World Trip here! My last
target will be an 8 days trek to Langtang valley. I have just enough time to
finished that and return to Malaysia before my visa expires. :-) Yes, it's the end!
This time I
took a porter/guide since Andi is leaving and not joining me for this trek. I
figured a porter/guide will be a good company.
I took a
package with another agency. The 8D7N Langtang Valley trek cost US$400. It
includes :-
- Guide/porter.
- All food (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.)
- Accommodation. (Lodge)
- Hot drinks. (Tea & coffee) 3 times a days.
- Land transportation (by bus)
- TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)
- Langtang National park Permit.
- All food, drinks, Lodge, salary, Insurance, Medical, Equipments, Air ticket, land transport etc for GUIDE/PORTER.
- Down jacket,Duffel bag and Sleeping bag.
- All taxes.
- Airport transfer
The night
before departure I met with my porter/guide, he is a small and older looking
man. He is able to speak good English. His name is Bhes.
It’s
finally time for Andi to leave, back to Germany to start his work. Good time
always have to end. Hopefully we will meet again soon.
Accommodation
Kathmandu
HI Thamel Hostel – (www.youthhostel-nep.org)
NRP600 per room/night with shared toilet, NRP700 per room/night with attached
toilet, NRP300 dormitory with attached toilet.
Transportation
Taxi to
Boudha – NRP250
Taxi from
Boudha to Pashupatinath Temple – NRP150
Taxi from Pashupatinath
Temple to Thamel – NRP200
Recreation
Entrance to
Boudha – NRP150
Entrance to
Pashupatinath Temple – NRP500
8D7N
Langtang Valley Trek – US$400 with Mountain Delights Trek & Expedition Pvt.
Ltd. (www.gotomountain.com or
www.trekksnepal.com)
