Namaste... a week ago... eid al fitr all of a sudden seemed to be just around the corner and after a month of fasting and hard work i knew i needed a break... and not just any break... i needed to get out of the UAE for a few days... so i booked my self on the first flight to Nepal the next day (with my colleague Farah)... random i know
Kathmandu (view from Monkey Temple)
Although the name may sound exotic... Nepal is anything but that
It is definately a third world country and that was evident from the second we landed where the airport looked like an old prison!!!... The taxi's looked like they dated back to the 18th century... There is no such thing as a paved road... and cows, dogs and monkeys roamed the street everywhere.
Despite all of this thought... Nepal was one of my best experiences to date. Our beautiful guest house more than made up for the prison-looking airport... the extremely friendly and kind taxi driver more than made up for the hunk of junk he was driving... the most amazing scenic views in the world more than made for the unpaved roads which made you feel like you were in a washing machine... and the random cows, dogs and monkey - well who can complain about that... they're sooo cute!!!!
We stayed at the Shechen Monestary Guest House which was a true haven for anyone whos after a relaxing holiday... the staff were extra friendly... the place is beautiful and very 'green'... there are monks randomly walking around everywhere... and the whole thing ended up costing me a total of $24USD for 4 days and 3 nights INCLUDING BREAKFAST!!!!!!....
It is however a little far from the city centre, the food in the cafeteria is terrible and the shower head.... well lets just say that you have to stand under it for an hour just so you can wash the shampoo out of your hair
Shechen Guest House
Shechen Monestary
The vacation was full of massages, facials, dinners, sightseeing, and attending festivals
An average massage cost $14USD... althought they start off at $28USD but you just have to bargain with them...
A massage, coffee body scrub and facial package cost $30USD...
A full lunch at a decent cafe cost $5USD...
And a nice dinner at one of the nicest restaurants in Kathmandu (Yin Yang Thai in Thamel was our choice) cost no more than $15USD
Out of all the sightseeing we did... Monkey Temple and the Patan Square were by far the best (better than Golden Temple and Pashipati Temple)... Monkey Temple is an absolute MUST SEE... it is located high up on a large hill/small mountain in Kathmandu... and after climbing hundreds of steps to get to the top where you're legs can no longer carry you... you realise that its all worth it as the view will truely take your breath away... oh and not to forget all the Monkeys running around everywhere... again!!!
Monkey Temple
Patan Square
Overall recommendation:
Stay in Thamel (an area in Kathmandu)... best area for tourists... Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel is a great option
Do not go clubbing in Kathmandu as its probably the most boring experience you'll endure in your whole life
Make the most of being in Nepal and its cheap prices and get as many massages and do as many treatments and meditation classes as you can... YOU CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH OF THIS!!
First price is never the last price... what ever price a shop owner gives you offer him half... and if he can tell that you're a tourist then offer him even less than half... for example i bought a traditional Nepalese ornament - First price: 4000Rs... ended up getting it for 1500Rs after bargaining with him
Take a torch with you everywhere you go as there is a power cut every night in Nepal between 8-10PM
Agree on a taxi fare before you get in the taxi... again never accept the first price a taxi driver gives you
Beware of the Henna ladies.... they are scary and will surround you and swamp you untill you agree to pay them to do Henna for you
Take sneakers/sports shoes.... WARNING: ROADS ARE UNPAVED... oh wait... i said that already!
The weather is amazing and very hot (even if its raining) so dont take too many winter clothes even if its gonna rain... we went in September
Only drink bottled water... you'll understand what i mean when your hair smells like rusty pipes after you have a shower!
Well, i have come to the end of my Nepalese experience and i feel as if i've come out of it a changed person... overall great choice for a quick relaxing getaway... and the best part is that it was easy on the pockets... would do it again in a heart beat although next time it'll be more of a trecking/adventurous vacation to Nepal.... Mt. Everest get ready for me.
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