My last days in Nepal

Slowly it’s time to say ‚Good-bye’ and leave Asia after 6 wonderful months. My last days I am spending in Kathmandu – visiting markets and temples, spending time with friends and myself.

Kathmandu has a very touristy part, called ‘Tamel’ – where I am staying at the moment, since its so central. But there are also many local places – with veggie and fruit markets and small tea shops, local eateries etc. – so it’s a really interesting place to visit, it has so much to offer and at the same time it’s not too overwhelming.

After settling down on my 1^st day in Kathmandu, I have been visiting the central square, called ‘Durban Square’ – you can find palaces, temples and a small market there.

Busy crowd at Durban Square.

Lentils, nuts and many other different grains for sale.

Vegie market at Durban Square.

Cooperware shop in the old city.

The next day I went to the Swayambhu Temple - it is one of the most famous sites in Kathmandu. The temple is crowded with Tibetan priests, monks, vajrayana Buddhist and the Newar nuns in Kathmandu, who are ardent worshipers of Swayambhu. Swayambhu feature Buddhist artwork, butter lamps and large wheels for prayers. There are 365 stairs leading up to the temple. The stupa has four sides and on each of the sides, a pair of eyes has been carved. These eyes symbolize the eyes of god. In place of the nose, number 1 in Nepali language has been marked. Another popular name of the Swayambhu Stupa is Monkey Temple. This is because monkeys are seen loitering all around the temple when the worshipers and devotees have left the place.

Beautiful Swayambhu Stupa.

365 stairs...

Kathmandu from above the Swayambhu Temple.

The next day I continue my temple tour and visit the Boudhanath temple complex – one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. The stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can spend hours walking around in astonishment – it’s just so beautiful and impressive.

The Boudhanath stupa.

Old woman praying.

Monk with a begging bowl in front of the Boudhanath stupa.

Monk praying under a tree - just like Buddha about 2500 years ago.

Now I have 2 days left and my Asia adventure ends and my Europe travels start – I am excited to discover new places, meet new people and taste new food.

With these words I am stepping out of Asia and into a new adventure. 

I hope you continue to travel with me – London, here I come!

Smiles and hugs to all of you, Eylin