Day One: Kathmandu
I am finally back from my break. It is tiring and I am exhausted but back at work as usual.
All in all it had been a rather good trip minus a few hiccups here and there.
Landed at Kathmandu International Airport (Tribuvan International Airport) on 16th November 2013 at around after lunch time.
Tribuvan International Airport
I was greeted by my guide there and off we go to our first visit around Kathmandu Valley.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is known as 'Khwopa' in local Newari language. The cultural capital of Nepal, Bhaktapur's history goes back to the early 8th century and it used to be the capital city of the whole of Nepal till the 12th and 15th century. In the early 18th century, the Nepalese protected the city with its surrounding mountains and hilly terrains as well as with its cities boundary walls and a number of city gates. The country is sovereign and that it has never been conquered by any foreign nation.
Bhaktapur inherits the northern art and southern mythological philosophy as well as its aged arts, architecture and cultural aspects from its earlier generations. The pagoda and Shikhar style temples, Vihars and Bahis (traditional Buddhist monasteries), Lonha Hiti (stone spouts), ponds, sattal (public shelters), stupas, terracotta temples, Dyochhens (residence of Hindu Deities), Jarahns (traditional water tanks), palaces and other cultural and historical heritage are the major monuments of the ancient city. Recognising the significance of these well preserved heritage, Bhaktapur Durbar Square was enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979.
On the way to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (look at the mountainous terrains)
Old palaces transformed to become accommodations and/or hotels at the Square
The lion statutes protecting the gates to the city
Dattatraya Square
The oldest part of the city is an open museum. Dattatraya the oldest temple of the city with Bhimsem temple and water spouts, peacock window and other various sizes shaped windows are the major art and architecture of the site.
The Golden Door (gold plated door) and the '55' Window Palace which was built by the King to his Queen
The Windows made by wood carving
Some funny looking wood carvings which are also the beams supporting the temples surrounding four corners of the temple
A few other temples at the Square and many people were gathered there being addressed by the local politicians on the day I visited as Nepal were to have their 2nd general election which falls on the 19th November
Nagarkot
After the visit to Bhaktapur, the next place to visit is Nagarkot which is at the hilltop. I stayed at the hotel and the purpose of staying there is to watch the sunrise that will take place the next morning.
Some scenery taken along the way to Nagarkot. The locals produces their own vegetation and most plantation is done on the land behind or beside their homes.
The hotel that I stayed in. You can catch a glimpse of the Himalayan range at the right hand corner of this photo.
Good night and be prepared for the sunrise tomorrow :)
