Namaste Nepal

Thankfully I had a late night flight. I slept on and off most of the flight to Kuala Lumpur. It was a more comfortable experience this time round or maybe I was just exhausted from previous night's birthday celebration. Arrived in KL at the crack of dawn.

Nothing, besides Hungry Jacks was open. I wanted real coffee! Waited till 6am till I was able to get my hands on a Starbucks coffee and a pie for breakfast. It was satisfying. 

As we were cruising at 30,000 feet we saw mountains (I think this is Mount Everest) peaking through the clouds. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I thought I couldn't get anymore from it after seeing it the first time but seeing it again (fourth time) was still just as exciting. It amazes me the same amount each time of how beautifully blessed Nepal is - hence my numerous returns. 

Despite having travelled 16 hours, the exhaustion didn't matter anymore. I finally landed in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Ma Nepal ma dherai khusi bayako chu. (I'm very happy to be in Nepal). The line for the 'visa on arrival' went on for what seemed like forever. I was kicking myself for not organising a visa beforehand. 

I made it through customs and fortunately found my checked bag in a sea of luggages, backpacks and duffle bags. I was greeted outside the airport with a beautiful and sunny 25 degrees day, a wall of noise and a million people offering to drive me to hotels. I found one driver (that didn't try to rip me off) to drive me to my hostel in Thamel. 

Soon enough we were weaving through Kathmandu's chaotic traffic - a small car dodging on roads with potholes, no edges and traffic coming and going from left, right and center. It was so nice to be back in Nepal. I've missed seeing people especially the women wearing colourful saris, cars, bikes and even cows sharing the hectic roads. 

I checked in at the most popular hostel in Kathmandu - Alobar1000, located conveniently in central Thamel (tourist area) but far enough from the hustle and bustle, as it is tucked away in a small alley off the main street. As always, I was greeted with a warm welcome when I arrived. Alobar1000 is a very cosy hostel. It's home to travellers from all around the world with a very warm and nice vibe. This is the main entrance.

Reception/bar area has wi-fi and lounges where you can chill out with your laptop, mobile phone or hang out with the cool staff. That's Shiva (Manager) and Om in the background. If you need information about Nepal in general, the staff are always willing to help and will provide great advice and tips about where to go, what to see, how to get there, where to eat etc...

The roof top is another hangout spot. Every morning, free chiya (tea) is served at 7am. They also serve a simple breakfast for only 100 rupees ($1.14) - masala omelette, potatoes and a pancake served with honey. 

My room wasn't ready when I arrived so I dropped off my bags, freshened up and headed out. I was just too excited about being in Nepal again. By this time, it was late afternoon, but the weather was so beautiful boasting clear blue skies and the sun lightly blazing against my skin. I made my way to the Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupatinath is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal. It is located along the banks of the Bagmati river. Pashupatinath Temple's extensive grounds include many old and important temples, shrines and statues. 

Sadhus or yogis are being seen scattered through the temple. They are also known as Hindu Holy men who denotes an ascetic, wandering monk. They have a very distinct look with long dreadlocks, ash-covered bodies, painted faces and are seen wearing saffron-coloured clothing, symbolising their sanyasa (renunciation). Sadhus are referred to renouncers who have chosen to live a life apart from or on the edges of society in order to focus on their own spiritual practice. If you want to take with or of them, you will need to pay. I gave them 100 rupees to take this photo of them.

The importance of Bagmati also lies in the fact that Hindus are cremated on the banks of this holy river. According to the Nepalese Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the 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 takes a bath in the river or sprinkle the holy water on their bodies at the end of the cremation. The Bagmati River is considered to purify the people spiritually. While the cremation takes place you see tourists (me inclusive) photographing such an intriguing event. I wonder if the families or Nepalese bystanders find this act an offence or shameful in that matter? 

Dined in at a restaurant called Royal Saino in Durbar Marg. This warm and relaxing environment restaurant serves Indian, Chinese, Tibetan and Nepalese cuisines. My first Nepali meal was satisfying. Chilly momos and steamed chicken momos. Oh how I've missed Nepali momos. 

Went to Durbar Square in Bastantapur and had a sneaky beak. There were still so many people out on the streets. Walked up the steeped steps of one of the temples. It was a nice breezy night. Durbar Square is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites listed. I am still so amazed by how many world heritage sites there are in Nepal. Nepal is full of rich history and it is one of the reasons why I love Nepal so much. 

I got back to my clean room and freshened up. It was only 8:30pm Nepali time. I could hear people chilling up at the roof top but I was just too buggered. Soon enough, the voices blurred in the back of my head and I dozed off slowly into the young night like a baby. It was quite a chilly night. I had to layer up my clothes and rug up under the thin blanket. I forget that Kathmandu is slightly cooler than Pokhara.

Looking forward to tomorrow's adventures - it is Holi tomorrow, one of the main reasons why I coordinated my trip during this period. Will go into detail about what it is all about tomorrow.

Shuva ratri (good night) world. 

xoxo