Satish organised a local guide, Sake, to take us out for 2 days sightseeing.
Bhaktapur - origins to 8th century - once capital of NEPAL. Palaces, large Buddhist and Hindu shrines.
Intricately carved windows and doors and hand baked bricks and distinctive tiled roofs.
One of the ancient kingdoms of NEPAL.
Living heritage town. 1000 residents - mainly poor peasants living on tourist trade and simple farming
Rural and commercial. Mainly wheat.
Main square with traditional brick buildings with ornate wooden roofs, doors and window frames
Ancient baths. Water is now brought in as all the water is by-passed from the city.
Boudhanath (Lord of Wisdom) stupa
Built in 16 the century. Important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. In the Tibetan quarter of Kathmandu Valley
43 metres high. Forms centre of a commercial square. Pilgrims and tourists promenade around the white-washed stupa. Prayer wheels are inset around the base, which pilgrims turn and chant.
A Buddhist centre in the square
The intricate art of Thanka painting
Swayambhu Mahachaitya Buddhist Stupa - Monkey Temple
Ancient stupa, restored last century, hIgh on a hill in Kathmandu Valley. 365 steps lead to the top. Seated Buddhas at various stages up the hill leading to stupa complex with much activity - religious and commercial. Monkeys play throughout the complex and are fed by pilgrims as they ascend.
Durbar Square
Royal palace until 1970s
Living Goddess. Kumari. Young girl selected to live in Kathmandu and be at the beck and call of tourists and pilgrims to give daily audiences from a window. Child Selection a bit like the Dalai Lama but she fulfils the role only until puberty, then is guaranteed a private school eduction, funded by donations when in residence.
Area around the palace is commercial and religious. Intricately carved buildings in black wood and handmade bricks.
The present Kumari.
A meal at Satish's home
A delicious meal with Satish, his family and some of the staff at Satish's home.
Rum Doodle
M&M
22/5/2014
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