bhaktapur, nepal:

While only a 30 minute drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur feels a world away. The third royal city in the Kathmandu Valley (the others being Kathmandu and Patan), Bhaktapur has been preserved far better than the other two, and is gorgeous. It also was our last stop in Nepal before heading home, making for the perfect finish to our trip. Andrew and I cannot wait to return one day soon, and explore this incredible country more. We just loved every minute!

One night is more than enough time to spend here, as it isn't a big city and you can easily explore the ancient streets by foot. The architecture and detailing in particular is really beautiful, with many old squares full of atmosphere. One of the highlights for us was staying in a stunning 700 year old Newari house (Peacock Guesthouse) overlooking Dattatreya Square - the oldest in Bhaktapur. Another and unexpected surprise was the local yoghurt, which Bhaktapur is famous for. I love yoghurt and I had never tasted anything so smooth, sweet and creamy in my life. It was SO good. 

If you are looking for an alternate to Kathmandu or have time to explore the valley further after a trek, definitely head here. You wont regret it!

next: my big wrap-up with trekking info, our packing list and lots of tips and bits.

looking out our room

durbar square

taumadhi square

potters square

 

 

the most delicious yoghurt

kathmandu, nepal - part 2:

Below are some more snaps from our time in Kathmandu. Andrew and I did a lot of walking, meandering our way through the heaving tourist area of Thamel down towards the markets of Indra Chowk and Asan Tole. We also spent a half day exploring Patan, one of the royal cities in the Kathmandu valley, which now due I urban sprawl has become a suburb of Kathmandu city. It too had a beautiful durbar square full of stunning, intricate architecture and was much quieter to walk around and explore.
Before we left Kathmandu we wanted to see the great Bodhnath stupa at sunset. It was beautiful walking around the massive stupa with buddhist Tibetans, prayer wheels spinning and flags gently blowing in the breeze. It made for a very nice and peaceful finish to our time in the city.

Yes, Kathmandu is chaotic, dusty and polluted, but if you look past all that you will not only find moments, but small pockets of the city that are beautiful.

next: Bhaktapur and my Nepal wrap-up, including our packing list and all things trekking.

bodnath

bodhnath

patan