Kathmandu on Foot

First day in Kathmandu... first item on the agenda was to organize a Trekking permit. Though it was quickly decided over a hearty breakfast (all important decisions, should be made over a good meal) that it was a lot less hassle to just get one of the local folk, who of course graciously obliged (for a small fee of course, an additional Rs 200 per permit), to organize. Also a we needed to decide if we wanted to organize a guide at roughly an additional cost of about $40 a day ... it did not take long to scrap that idea (wisely so, as quite honestly, you don't need a guide for the Annapurna circuit). Did however opt for a "private bus" to take us to the start of the Trek...

So free from the apparent "hassle" of organizing a permit, we had the day to export the busseling sights and alleyways of Kathmandu. Regardless of what some folk seem to think, the city is quite pleasant to walk around, yes it's busy and you need to watch out for taxis, motocycles, bicycles and any other form of transportation man has conceived.


On foot, there is quite a bit to see. Starting with the Kasthesimbhu Stupa (I think that is the right palace), where I had to step carefully avoiding a flying piece of meat, which someone decided was going out the window (not even the dogs, that sniffed at it, found it particularly appealing). Then on to the very crowded Durbar Square, where amoungst other buildings, we visted the Kumari Palace. What is so special about this particular building ... not much apart from the fact that it houses a "living goddess", the "Kumaru Devi" (and no, it's not Miss Nepal). The Kumari Devi is a young girl, whom has not yet hit purbety. She is believed to be the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (don't ask), though only until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body and she reverts to common status (quite a step down) and a new Kumari is found.

Onwards, to Swayambhunath temple (after a good lunch of course), which sits on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. We did however miss the memo, that said there would a bit gathering at the temple that day.... was wondering why Kathmandu seemed a empty. This temple however is considered to be amoungst the oldest in Kathmandu. A note on the symbology of the temple design ... The dome at the base represents the entire world. When a person awakes (represented by eyes of mercy and self knowledge) from the bonds of the world, the person reaches the state a bit higher. After that, the person has to cross thirteen stages represented by the tiers before attaining Nirvana. - Swayambhunath

Till next time ...

For more information try Wikipedia - Kathmandu or Wikitravel - Kathmandu.