Day 10 February 25, 2024 Pokhara to Nagarkot Village
We fly to Kathmandu this morning. We could see the mountains from our side of the plane. They are certainly beautiful. Only partially covered in clouds. The flight takes about 30 minutes. A big bus is waiting to take us for the day.
First stop is Pashupatinath a World Heritage Site for one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu shrines. It sits along the Bagmati River. At least four cremations were taking place while we were there. When the process is finished the ashes are brushed into the river to be carried to the Ganges in India. Lots of people are there either to witness a cremation or to acknowledge one from the past. A son is supposed to light the cremation fire. Then every year for as long as he can he is to return to pay homage. They leave flowers and paint in recognition. A couple of holy men are sitting there giving out blessings along with red markings on the forehead. More people trying to sell necklaces and other things. A simple “no” seems to work. They keep reminding us that looking is free.
Traffic is terrible. We just inch along. Finally at one traffic circle there are two traffic cops directing traffic. Roads are coming in from all directions. Sure looks confusing to us. Oh my there is a K. F. C. That stands for Kathmandu Food Court. We did later see a KFC as we know from home. None of the other fast food chains however.
We finally arrived near the Boudhanath Stupa, also called Khasti Chaitya. We walked down an alley and were greeted by one of the largest stupas of its kind. It is set in an octagonal Mandela with shops all around. Tradition says you must walk all the way around going to the left. Lots of locals are here walking and carrying beads to count the number of trips. The guide stopped one lady who is a Sherpa and talked with her. She was walking around 108 times. That is a lucky number here. The stupa has two eyes and a nose looking down at you from four sides. Many colorful flags decorate from the top to the first floor of the businesses. A monastery is on one side. We did purchase a refrigerator magnet and a small purse with the eyes. Lunch was on the third floor of a restaurant overlooking the stupa. On our way again with a stop in Bhaktapur, called the “City of Devotees,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lined with palaces, temples, statues and squares connected by a maze of pedestrianized streets. About eight of the ladies in our group got really sick about then. They were throwing up and some also had diarrhea. They and a few of the rest of us stayed on the bus. Then we head up the hill. Another steep winding road but no switch backs. Up and up we went. Finally we arrived at the parking lot. Then up the hill to the hotel. Elevation is about 6300 feet. The facility is very large and definitely targets the tourists. All our meals will be here.
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