Category: Nepal

The unique and iconic Swayambhunath stupa Just under two kilometers west of Thamel perched on top of a hill is one of the must see highlights of Kathmandu city. Swayambhunath or Swayambhu is a unique looking stupa complex that you’ll briefly see in the latest Marvel movie Dr. Strange.  It benefited from a recent renovation in 2010, …

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Confusion about Nepali festival dates, names, religions and disorganization In most countries with a high number of tourists and where tourism is a primary source of national income, festivals are a huge beneficial attraction. Nepal is known for having more festivals and public holidays than most other countries in the world. Moreover, the festivals are …

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Chhath in Nepal Chhath is the ancient Hindu festival dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and Chhathi Maiya. It’s a rare occasion to witness its followers give thanks to the sun god for providing light that sustains the earth and also giving wishes. The rituals involved in Chhath for devotees are quite rigorous and take …

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The “middle place” in Kathmandu known as Thimi Thimi or Madhyapur, as it was once called and wants to be known as again, is a small township sandwiched between Kathmandu city and Bhaktapur. Ironically Madhyapur means “Middle place”. Thimi used to be the fourth largest city in the Kathmandu Valley but was basically squashed out of …

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Low camp to Sidhing or Pokhara? Following on from the previous day’s trek I recommend that day five of the Mardi Himal trek takes you from Low Camp to Sidhing. So after base camp on day four go back to Low Camp for the night or even spend the night in High Camp. Then on day …

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Mardi Himal High Camp to Base Camp The day started early with a cold frost covering yesterdays hailstones. I like the cold though and after a hearty breakfast of yet more pancakes we set out on the final leg of the ascent on day four of the Mardi Himal trek. The impressive mountainous view from High …

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Forest Camp to low camp to high camp The day started early from Forest Camp on day three of the Mardi Himal Trek. Mainly because I wanted a double serving of corn bread plus a takeaway serving too. What can I say, it’s that good! The trail itself still remained forested but the path was …

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