Kathmandu

Year 2024 has started with a short and sweet work related trip to Nepal. There was a one day conclave being held at Kathmandu and decision was made without much to think.

Not going much into details for which you can yourself go and visit - I found Kathmandu to be relatively cleaner than our average joe streets in India. People are still humble and joyful, there is life in there and not all seems to have gone down the rabbit hole of money chase. Nepali’s are sensible in the way that they seemed to obey rules, there wasn't much of honking and aggression on roads was absent. North India these days - one really has to lookout for such characters which, by the day are increasing in numbers where a lot of testosterone is laid out on road driving.

Anyhow, back to Kathmandu - a lot of religious places to visit around. We managed our time well and were able to visit Swayambhu Temple (or Monkey Temple) and then Bakhtapur which lies outside of Kathmandu city limits. Our stay was pretty decent and budget friendly, staff was polite, rooms were clean, food was delicious and place was easily connected - not much to ask for remains. Owing to a lot of visitors from fair skinned countries, the overall tourist scene is abuzz with decent cafes with open sittings and good food. Liquor is expensive in Nepal.

at Bakhtapur

I am so glad that this place is non glamorous for all the SM influencers of these days and hope it remains so. It reminded me of Old Manali cafe settings, but in an advanced place and lesser crowds.

I shall visit again.