Nepal II: Kathmandu

These included continuous inspection, palpation of the body, if you do not take something dangerous and so he went to Milan to rebound from the waiting room to the side and active wardens had not let him back because he had brought a ticket.

So we had him and all the things we do. All hand luggage was marked, stamped and several times controlled. Security procedures were innumerable.

Finally we arrived to the airport in Kathmandu. Before the entrance Nabo from the agency was waiting for us, who provided us and guide permit. We took a taxi to the hotel 7 corners, which became our Kathmandu residence. Situated in the tourist district of Thamel and can only recommend. On the way to it we first met in Kathmandu traffic, which could be marked by chaos and noise. For the entire duration of our stay, we surprisingly saw no accident. Once we saw how a participant receives from the police traffic fines, but we did not know for what. The only option that we could think was that that they would have been fed directly into the roll. Otherwise there is no any traffic rules compliance. Transportation in Italy is against the Kathmandu sample. After the tour we also met a column in which, as we pointed Nabo, rode the current Maoist Prime Minister.

We agreed with Nabo that the next day we will have a tour of Kathmandu and in between he will arrange all the necessary requirements - Mainly our permit, for which we had to give him about five photos ID format. In the evening we will have to meet with him as our guide, whom we will spend the next 20 days.

While Nabo arranged, we went on a tour of the city. Our first aim called Durbar square - one of the three Palace Square, located in the Kathmandu Valley and part of world heritage by UNESCO. The square is paid admission, but we were lucky, because just this day is celebrated a day of tourism (or something similar) and the entrance was free. There are splendid palaces and temples. Downside is the number of traders that is trying to squeeze their goods and services guide at any price and are very persistent. According to our experience primarily addresses men - Milan enjoyed. Although he is very modest man, the end of the stay was to pests already unpleasant and even cursed them.

The second aim in Kathmandu for us was famous Swayambhunath Monkey Temple. Admission to it is true, but not any higher. Along the way we had to cross the river, and I think the approach of local conditions is worth noting what we saw here. Several men stood in the river and panned. Among the floating garbage looking for something that could be sold or otherwise utilized. Sometimes really found something and put it in a plastic bag. On the bank of women do the same, but the drought. Rummaging in the garbage and looking for something that could live. On the opposite shore, among the piles of garbage grazed gaunt Oxen, whose bones were just skin. It was a pretty horrible sight that spoke of poverty, which is here.

To the monkey temple leads 365 stairs, which again is a large number of traders. From one of them we bought Buddhist flags, which we wanted to hang out somewhere along the way around Manaslu. Swayambhunath Stupa is a Buddhist, from which the Kathmandu valley, watching the large Buddha's eyes. In some parts of the complex input is possible, however, need to take off your shoes. We first met with the prayer mills, which we swam, we were lucky on our trip. The temple is a need to bypass so that we still had him on the right side. This applies to all Buddhist buildings including sacred “mani” on the way.     

Swayambhunath is characterized by a large number of monkeys, which are very rude, and aggressive. One of them jumped on me and tore me half a banana. Other monkey scratched Milan. When we returned from the trek, we discovered a lady from the Czech Republic, the monkeys here even bitten, and she then had to return because of sickness of the Mustangs and start a series of vaccines against rabies.

During the time spent in Kathmandu before leaving for the mountains, we were twice in the restaurant to sample traditional local food. The first one we were recommended by NABE and it was very luxurious and also very expensive restaurant. On stage dancer danced to Nepalese music, but his appearance that resembled more European women. The meal we had set, which should be all the typical Nepali food. We got especially gave bhat, which is based on lentil soup and rice. In addition, it serves curries, which usually contains potatoes and some vegetables with curry spices and cooked vegetables (such as a cabbage, it depends on what is not available) and finally meat if it is ordered. Finally, we got more momo (dumplings with vegetables, meat, potatoes or egg) and the local brandy. Everything was good, a little hot. As we have learned so hot in Nepal almost everything, which does not please Zuzka, who doesn´t eat spicy food. Often she had to eat only dry rice.

The second restaurant we visited is called Electric Pagoda, and it became our favourite after returning from the mountains. Bhat gave us a taste of something more than the previous restaurant and cost much less. In addition, the environment of this restaurant is very nice.

Text/Photo: Kristýna Bartůňková

Next part: Nepal III: Drive on trek