Arriving at Kathmandu Airport
Our next adventure is in Nepal. Not climbing Everest, or even trekking up mountains, but a two week tour to see some of the sights.
Our trip route
We had hoped to see the Himalayas from the plane as we flew into Kathmandu, and we did, although in the distance. In fact we saw snow covered mountain range 6 or 7 times as we flew in circles waiting for a space on the landing strip. The airport has only one runway, so there is often congestion.
The entry visa requirements also took quite some time to complete. There were antiquated machines which scan the passport, and then one has to enter further information. However the machines are slow, or do not work, and the queues are long. Then we queued to pay the fee. Then joined a very long queue to process the visa. The staff took quite a lot of time per visa, so we had to be patient. It was after 3pm when we left the airport (after a 12.50pm arrival). But we had read this may be the case so were not surprised.
Our first impression of the city was how dusty it was. Every tree and plant looked greyish and dusty. That must be so hard for the people to cope with. And the results of the devastating earthquake in 2015 are still obvious, with piles of rubble a regular sight. Without substantial revenue reconstruction must be a long process.
The drive to our hotel made us look forward to seeing much more, but first we needed a shower and a little rest. We are right in the Thamel area, the touristy part of town, so restaurants are plentiful. Although it took us a few streeets to realise that most eating places are above the many shops selling all the usual clothes and souvenirs.
At the top of a set of stairs we found the Kathmandu Kitchen, and were very happy with our choice. Nice atmosphere, but we were surprised when the food for the people at the next table arrived. Most of them has ordered a ‘sizzler plate’, and they arrived with flames leaping from the food.
A number of ‘sizzler’ dishes were served to the people at the table
Our Buff Momos and Chop Suey
Across the road from the cafe
Shops still open
Our favourite dish was Buff Momos (dumplings). They were filled with a delicious spicy buff (as in water buffalo) meat mix. These, with a chop suey dish, a rice dish and our drinks came to a total of $18. And so tasty....
Prayer flags. I guess we will see many more
Walking in Thamel at night
Crazy electrical wiring everywhere
This was our introduction to Kathmandu. A delicious start.
This featured blog entry was written by jannettek from the blog Time to travel.
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