A Taste of Kathmandu

We got a chance to experience a little of Kathmandu as our Manaslu Circuit Trek started and ended with a few days in Kathmandu. We were able to shop (of course) and experience the food, culture and generally soak it all in before we headed out trek.

Free 3 - 4 hour walk through local streets in Kathmandu

We started outside the Garden of Dreams at 9:00 am. We headed towards the southern part of Thamel, and visited around the Thahity stupa, a Buddhist stupa in the Thahity Chowk square in old Kathmandu. Then, after visiting Kathi Swoyambhu and Bangemudha, we pass through the oldest and liveliest, bustling markets like Asan and Indrachowk along the Silk Road (The ancient routes, active from 130 B.C. to 1453 A.D., facilitated trade and the exchange of ideas and culture between China, the Middle East, and Europe). The markets are bright, lively and exciting: clothing, glass bead shops, singing bowls, brass crafts, cookware, food and more. We took a break at the northern gate of Kathmandu Durbar Square. We were then off through a typical Newari residential area named Yatkha and visited a local temple dedicated to mother goddess, Kankeshwori Chamunda where there we saw a local cremation place for the local community. It was then onto the Monkey Temple (Swayambhu Mahachaitya). After a walk around we walked back to the Garden of Dream.
Great experience, Excellent guide. I highly recommend.

Link to our walk stops:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zFGitTSks4fXH...

Link to our favorite food/coffee spots:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZrimXi3rQWu7z...