Kathmandu - Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal; Although it is like an eye looking at the world from above in the middle of a geography surrounded by Everest and Himalayan heights, it is a special place where life continues as if it were a separate world. During the arrival by the airline used for transportation to this region; If the weather conditions are right, you will have incredible views from airplane windows that you will not easily see in your lifetime. You will find yourself face to face with the city of Kathmandu by shuddering through the snow-covered mountains and lush green geography with high hills and plateaus at all times of the year, and you will feel as if you are landing in the middle of the city, which will be true because the airport where you land is located in the middle of the city.
The terminal you will enter after landing from the plane is of a very modest scale. Here, you can get an entry visa to the country with a payment of around 30 dollars. I would like to remind you that the visa queue can be a little long in this country, which is the preference of people who do not have a problem with time. The citizens of this country, which is in a position like the roof of the world, are in extremely calm and helpful buildings, and they offer you the famous masala tea while waiting. “Masala Tea” is actually a tea of ​​Indian origin and has a different taste and feature than the teas we know. Prepared from buffalo milk, black tea and mixed spices, this tea is especially preferred in winter conditions. Its different taste and spicy nature may seem different to you at first. While you are here, I can suggest that it may be useful to try it and consider it for use and gift purposes when returning home.
If you have not coordinated before exiting the terminal, taxi will be the only alternative to go to your accommodation. In places where there is no rail system, renting a car will be a heart-wrenching activity. Although the roads have changed from dusty soil to partial asphalting over the years, there are no roads that you are used to and know. In addition to the left-hand traffic, there is an incredibly complex traffic. In this city where honking is a ritual; It can be difficult for foreigners to drive with engines from almost all sides, passing without hitting you (I don't understand how).
For this reason, it will be a more appropriate way of moving to go to the temples, especially outside the city, by means of a guide and driver. When you want to cross the street without lights as a pedestrian, you will have to take into account a heavy motor traffic. Taxi fares are not very high and are reasonable. This geography, where tipping is not obligatory or even considered strange, has a feature that can be attractive in terms of prices.
Some of the people who come to visit here; has the aim of "reaching nirvana" by going through many stages in life, having no financial problems. In this context, you can see many Buddhist monks, especially European and American people over a certain age, on the plane, in the city and around you. This process, which is a part of the Buddhism belief and can be briefly described as getting away from worldly pleasures while living, includes quite exotic and interesting stages. The reason why this geography is for this process, which is an element other than the rituals performed in the temples, is a phenomenon that can only be understood when we come here.
There are many temples in the city that can be counted almost every step of the way. Its people, who were brought up mainly under Indian, later Chinese and Tibetan cultures, are extremely calm and helpful towards foreigners. It is a rare area where there will be no problems day and night in terms of security. Despite walking for days, you can hardly see any police or security guards around you. I think it's probably because there isn't much need for it. One of the most famous of these temples is the "Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkeys)" Temple located in the west center of the city. Thousands of monkeys are found all over the temple in this temple, which can be reached by climbing high stairs, sometimes they pass in front of you in flocks or jump from one section to another. Although it does not have aggressive features, it is useful to be careful due to hygiene and epidemics. If you have food with you and they smell it, they do not leave your surroundings easily.
Another interesting activity in the city center is the "cremation" ritual. This activity, which seems quite different to us, may not be quite different and pleasant to some of us. This activity is carried out in a designated area by the river, together with religious officials and relatives of the deceased. This event can be watched from the area (approximately 50-100m away) designated for those outside the family. The odor that emerges during the activity may affect some of us, not at a significant level. Admission to and visiting the temples and watching the aforementioned cremation are free of charge.
I think it would not be wise to return without buying a cashmere product while you are here. It is very enjoyable to shop in the city center, which is equipped with shops reminiscent of Mahmutpaşa in the city center. In addition to many authentic products, you can find very high quality contract products of world famous brands at extremely affordable prices here. Winter clothing materials are reasonable and high quality in terms of variety and price. Cashmere and wool products are available in a wide variety and at a very affordable price.
There are restaurants for every geographical cuisine in the city, and their prices are reasonable or even cheap. As an example, I can give a large pizza and a soft drink about 6-8 dollars. I would like to remind you that you can wait around 20 minutes if you do not have a reservation, especially if you want to eat at restaurants. Far Eastern cuisine is also heavily preferred in the city. Exchange offices are quite frequent in order to change money, and they exchange money without commission.
If you want to fully watch and witness the true traces of Buddhism, you will need to devote 1 full day to it. After a tiring and winding 1-1.5 hour drive from the city center, the Nepal-Bhutan Monastery, located at the foot of the mountain, is a very impressive place. When you come here, you will be greeted and directed by the officials and Buddhist monks in training. You enter the temple by removing your shoes and you are asked to be quiet so that the spiritual atmosphere is not disturbed. Afterwards, you are allowed to watch while religious ceremonies are held at certain times of the day, and masala tea is served in between. The return journey begins, as it gets dark early as a result of the activities that take about 2-3 hours inside, and as a result of the outdoor activities and photo shoots. Therefore, it will be enough to spare a day for this place.
Tours for Everest are available at the hotel reception and at the hostels you stay at, as well as at the many tourist information kiosks in the city centre. If you have a problem with time and you want to observe these events without going to the temple outside the city, you can visit the Stupa Heritage area in the city center. By the way, it is worth mentioning that the number of 4-5 star hotels in the city is very limited, and there are mainly Guest Houses converted from hostels and houses.
I wish you pleasant and peaceful travels.