Nepal day 1: Arriving in Kathmandu
The journey
My trip started on the 18th September from Surat, India with a flight at 9:30pm. I reached Delhi after two hours and I had an overnight layover at Delhi airport. Which was a mistake because I got very little sleep, although I indulged in eating KFC past midnight. I hadn’t eaten fast food in two months by the way, so indulged is the right word. My gate changed twice keeping me busy before I finally got to board my plane to Kathmandu at 7am.
The plane was only supposed to take two hours but ended up taking 3 hours. Apparently there were no parking spaces at Kathmandu airport so we circled for an hour! Rather feeble excuse but the approach was scenic and less scary than I was expecting.
Once I arrived at the tiny aiport I had to get a visa. Luckily I read up beforehand because there is no information at arrivals on how to get one. The immigration officer was confused about why my journey started on the 18th but he let me in anyway. Just before the exit, I exchanged some money and brought a sim card.
My first day in Kathmandu
After getting a taxi to my hostel, which took about 30 minutes. I checked into my room, which is like 3 bunk beds with an en suite bathroom. I took a shower and settled in and it was already 2pm so I left immediately.
I decided to walk towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, first going through the area of Thamel. Thamel is like backpacker central with bars, restaurants and loads of fake trekking gear. But part of it is closed to traffic so it’s a really nice area to walk in, although I’ve been offered hash twice already!
Once you arrive at Durbar Square it’s not closed off and locals simply walk in. But tourists need to get a ticket, if you’re from neighbouring countries it’s just 150 rupees (~ยฃ1). Other tourists have to pay 1000 rupees (ยฃ7/ยฃ8). I didn’t even say anything and the ticket woman assumed I was from India so I didn’t pay extra!
I debated getting a guide, but you get a free leaflet so I didn’t think it was necessary. The Durbar Square is one of 3 around Kathmandu and it’s a UNESCO world heritage site. With various Hindu and Buddhist temples dating back hundreds of years. The King also lived here however Nepal no longer has a monarchy.
Unfortunately it was partly damaged by the 2015 earthquake but they are in the process of rebuilding the damaged sites. And they have also set up a museum about the damages and renovation due to the earthquake. A nice touch.
I spent a long time here, part of which I sat for some time to watch people go by. After I went to get dinner at a lovely place called or2k, but I went for a simple chow mein.
I retired back to the hostel and went to spend time in the common room but I kept dozing off! In fact I fell asleep writing this, I decided to get into bed just past 8pm.
