Bhaktapur

 

 

Headed out early to Bhaktapur on the final full day in Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is a historic city that was capital of Nepal until the 1400s. It’s only 20 kms from Kathmandu and is a must visit. One thing that makes it very nice is that most parts of it are closed to traffic.

By comparison, going through Thamel in a taxi is incredibly scary. You’re driving down narrow streets dodging pedestrians and cyclists every few seconds.

Just after the main entrance is this museum.

Durbar Square – one of four major squares in Bhaktapur.

 

 

One of many temples.

 

Wonderful old sculptures.

I love the elephants.

Now that is how I’d like to travel about!

A pottery maker near Pottery Square.

Wares being made for later sale.

This poor goat has lost his horns.

Some great artwork, even if not quite right for my apartment.

A typical street in Bhaktapur.

The sun was too much for these dogs.

The snake has gone fishing.

On the way back to Kathmandu, we passed this motorcycle with a very young kid sitting happily at the front of the bike.

Back in Kathmandu, a typical street in Thamel. What you don’t see in this photo is the cars swerving up and down them.

For our final evening we went to the Babarmahal Revisited complex in Kathmandu. It’s a former palace that is now a small shopping centre with some very high quality restaurants. Made a change from Dal Bhat (which actually was pretty good).

 

Then the next morning it was a quick trip to the bakery for a final breakfast. Thee coffee is what they call a Latte!

Then we flew out of Nepal on Friday. Once again Malaysia Airlines were incapable of having my bags travel with me, so the 36 hour stop over in Kuala Lumpar turned into a quick shopping expedition for emergency clothes for all of us. We were told 25 bags were not flown due to over-loading, but I’m sceptical as the planes should be able to carry a full load of passengers and gear.

We made the Pavilion shopping plaza with just 30 minutes to spare before it closed, so was a very hasty shop.

Saturday saw a bit more shopping, and just enjoying the hotel (Hotel Istana) swimming pool. Then out to the night markets tonight and two flights back to Wellington to arrive Monday.

Loved pretty much every moment of Nepal, and already planning my next trip there in a couple of years. So many mountains to see – or climb!