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World Peace Pagoda, Pokhara, Nepal

Lake Phewa: Pokhara's pride.

 My purpose in crossing the lake was to visit the World Peace Pagoda on the opposite side of Pokhara.

It took me about 2 hours to walk up the mountain.

Panoramic views of Pokhara unfolded as I walked higher up the mountain.

A pit stop halfway up.

A Chinese and Mongolian visitors.

Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal

Flying to Pokara from Kathmandu is both cheap and fast but I'd have missed out on the scenery. But the 9- hour bus journey was hard on my backside. The tourist bus leaves from the terminus outside the US embassy, a good 20-minute stroll from the backpacker area. TIP: always opt for the tourist bus which is clearner and with more comfortable seats over the local buses.

To be honest, it was scary to travel by bus as it often skirted the edge of the ravine. Looking down the river below forced me to utter prayers  in rapid successions.

The main attraction in Pokhara is Phewa Lake.

Boating on the lake is a popular activitiy but I noticed that life vests were not provided. There is a tiny island in the middle of the lake with  a Hindu shrine popular with devotees.

Kumari Devi, Living Goddess of Nepal

One of the things I looked forward to in Nepal was to visit the house of Kumari Devi, the Living Goddess of Nepal. Choosing a pre-pubescent young girl as a living goddess is an old tradition in Nepal. When she reaches her first menstruation her divinity and reign ends, and the search for her successor begins.

It says it all: This is the House of the Living Goddess, Kumari.

Durbar Square, Kathmandu

The most popular UNESCO World Heritage site in Nepal is Durbar Square. It's only a half hour stroll from the backpacker area of Thamel.

Some of the temples date back to the 12th century.

For a bit of modernity there is the Royal Palace (the white building).

Crazy Thamel (Shopping & Eating), Kathmandu Part 3 of 3

Thamel can overwhelm you. From trekking gear, handicrafts, bookstores to souvenirs, Thamel won't disappoint. After a hard day of exploring the city, its numerous bars and restaurants are welcoming.

A kukri, the fearsome weapon of the Gurkhas, is the perfect souvenir.

 Have a cup of tea with the locals.Two hard boiled eggs easily fortified me for half a day.

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