Nagarkot and the finale

After our not too bad bus ride experience from Kathmandu to Bakhtapur, we thought we could make it to Nagarkot via public transport too, but not so simple this time.

What happen was, we manage to board the right bus at the station and that was when there were still space to stand (not seated ok), both Julie and I squeezed ourselves in at a space next to the window behind driver's seat. We stood in the bus and waited patiently, 15, 30, 40min past, still there is no sign of the driver; but people are continuing to fill up the bus, there was almost no space for us to breath! Finally Julie and I agree with one another that if the bus do not move by 2pm (conversation was made 15mins prior), we'll take a cab. Well, at least we try! Expectedly, we took a cab, the ride up from Bakhtapur took only about 35 to 40mins.

the valley was no doubt very pretty

We did not make any room booking before departing from Kathmandu, as we were told that there should have a lot of rooms available since most people make day trip to Nagarkot and usually do not stay overnight. We could have trek up to Nagarkot by foot, it was such a waste when our travel dates clashes with festival and it cost too much to hire a guide and a taxi.

I think it was due to the tiring bus experience from Kathmandu, at that time all we want was to just have a room to shower, rest and have our lunch. That was how we ended up at the Galaxy View hostel after enquiring our first hostel which did not have water.

Galaxy view hostel

There was a few foreign volunteers hosting a group of children from orphanage, other wise the hostel will be so quiet

The delicious fried rice at the Galaxy view hostel

Hot lemon tea

After lunch, we had a quick chat with one of the hostel staff where he told us where we should be going to get the best view of the mountains, and he was also trying to promote the sunrise tour for us, fortunately Julie said no need, other wise I might fall for the trap...

After politely told the hostel staff that we will stick around hostel view, we left the hostel lobby area, and went up to the 2 view points behind our 1 night hostel room.

Hotel view voint that has the best view of the mountains in Nagarkot

the beautiful sunset Julie and I witnessed that evening

While it was icy cold outside, we thought we can warm ourselves with a hot shower, unfortunately to find out there isn't hot water cos sun's already down. That night I only rise myself with water.

Nagarkot at night is extremely cold! Thankfully the room is warm enough for a good night sleep.

The next day, I got up at 6:00 am for the sunrise.

view from our hostel roof top

since the hostel roof top don't have a full view of the mountain range, I walked a little further to another view point

sun slowly beaming into the Nepal world beautifully at approximately 6:20am

my handsome fury boyfriend that watched the romantic sunrise with me that morning

skies here during our visiting period (mid to end October) do not seems to be clear, as you can see, view weren't as clear

patrolling eagles just above our head

This must be those aeroview ride to see Everest

After a very slow breakfast at the hostel, time to head back to Kathmandu again! This time we made it to take public transport all the way. Bus ride from Nagarkot to Bakhtapur took us approximately 1.5 hours compared to the 40min taxi ride. And Bakhtapur to Kathmandu approximately 45mins.

Nagarkot bus stop - when the bus seats are filled up, people will start filing up the bus roof

local kids in the bus

Julie and I initially wanted to make a pit stop around Bakhtapur, but somehow after the 1.5 hours bus ride down from Nagarkot, we decided to head straight back to Kathmandu. 

When arrive at Kathmandu around mid day, and there we had a little drama with our hostel booking with Khangsar where one of the junior inexperience reception staff missed out our 2 nights room booking! Anyway, after some little wait we then were told by one of the senior staff who return from his long festival break that fortunately he manage to sort out a room for us at a nearby hostel in Thamel. I have to say it is really not a nice experience to have found out that your room is taken and is to move to another place. We were initially quite upset with the missed, however were thankful that things got sorted out. 

The last 2 days was spent pretty much slow, lots of sitting down, we did some final shopping before flying home the next day. What a way to end a holiday, everything seems moving very slowly. 

Last dhal bhat taken at Kathmandu

Our 2-week Nepal trip ended here, it was a memorial one, there were lots to bring home with us, and hopefully soon we'll return. I'm looking forward to our come back to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC).

Kathmandu - Bakhtapur

It was the second day of Dashain festival when we arrived back to Kathmandu from Chitwan, while the usual busy street of Thamel appear to be exceptionally quiet and lots of shops were also still closed for the festival. 

The next morning I recall it was a very slow day, without any plan we walk out of Khangsar and Hanuman Durba Square was where we ended up at, it was by following the crowd along the way from our hostel. As it was the Dashain festival, many families were out doing their Pilgrim walk from temple to temple in the area.

hundreds of pigeon at the square

Locals queuing to get into the temple - there were too many lines which I couldn't really figure how many temple there were

line from a different side to another temple

While walking, we bump into thiis couple and they insist to post for a picture for me, thereafter they asked for money....

prayers stuf, i see there is a banana, a rope, petals of flower, spice and candle - not too sure what's they represent

 

One of the Hanuman Square entrance

local Nepali snack

the square was crowded with people that morning - lining up to get into the temple

Having spend some time observing the day passes at the square, I can confirm that the local Nepali are all very devoted to their prayers time, although the need to spent the long hours out in the square, queuing for their prayers turn which I can imagine it can challenge one's patience, but they did not give up. Fascinating.

Later on, while resting at the top of one of the square's building watches what's happening around the square, we learn that there were some that are starting to slaughter animals. Immediately I went hide away, couldn't bear to witness the bloody scene. Cultural differences here in Nepal vs home is definitely there. Animals sacrifices made here is also very much different from what I learn from the bible, for example Hebrews 9:26. 

Anyway, this end our sight seeing day in Kathmandu, we later on went loitering around Thamel, and spending quite a bit of time at Khangsar, surfing the internet, chatting with Raj who later treat us a bottle of Everest beer.

Initially we plan to  trek from Kathmandu valley up to Nagarkot, however due to some lack of human and financial resources issues, Julie and I decided to venture up to Nagarkot via public transfer which we reckon can work. (well, at that time, all we want was to get out of Kathmandu...

The journey started with us getting to the bus stop from Khangsar, it was an approximately 20 mins walk, we left the hostel with only a few lines of direction from Raj, it was some left and right turn, and clock tower is what we was looking for. Anyway, I think even without the instruction you will still be able to find the bus stop by asking the local, most of them can understand simple English. You only need to say - bus, Bakhtapur and a Namaste if they give you an answer :)

In our mini bus to Bakhtapur @ NPR50 - approximately 45mins

Reached Bhaktapur - gate into the square is across the road

 

Walking to the square, it was so crowded but I was somehow finding this place nicer than Hanuman

varieties of tea

Someones dog looking out to the bazaar which later we met the owner and learn that her name is Gipsy

Gipsy longing to go somewhere

wood carving at Bakhtapur is amazing, here's one of my favourite piece

is Darshain, people are sitting around, chatting and chilling

Apple was sold everywhere here, wonder if these are from Mustang

In conclusion from this quick passing by, in personal opinion I prefer Bakhtapur than Hanuman square, as I think Baktapur is richer in culture compared to Hanuman. Especially as a photographer point of view, there are lots of photographic opportunities here, now I wish I could have spend a bit more time walking around at the square!