Kathmandu, Nepal

This will be my entry on Kathmandu.

The perks of having a travel journal. You write it down. Close the book. Open it again few months later, you will remember the places you have visited. Even the tiniest detail that you probably have forgotten! It has been a few months since my last trip to Nepal, and it seemed like its been too long. Reading back on the notes, I think it is high time to me to transfer everything down here, and probably leave the itsy-bitsy detail in my book.

It was my first visit to Nepal, and I certainly hope it will not be the last.

Our first day setting foot in Nepal was Kathmandu. The busy streets, the locals,hikers, tourists, bikes, cars and the dusty roads is exactly what I've pictured prior setting foot here. Experiencing it on the other hand is another story.

Wee morning in Kathmandu. I love how the mornings here is chilly in March and before the roads get all dusty and warm, it is then the city comes to life!

The colorful and pretty things on sale besides the usual hiking / climbing stuff.

Budget Hotel - sadly gone but shall always be remembered for the warm hospitality

This was the hotel we stayed in - sadly, I was told by one of our team members, the hotel is completely destroyed after the earthquake - exactly one month after our visit to Kathmandu.

No news was heard from the staffs or even from the friendly restaurant staffs next door.

A lot of us went for the last minute shopping in Kathmandu as it is the best place to find camping gears and climbing gears. You name it, they have it. Kathmandu is the 'meet point' for every hiker, climber and mountaineer to have their last minute preparations. I did manage to visit quite a fair share of stores and the boutiques .. and bought a fair share of things back home. Gears and other items included.

Outside The North Face boutique in Kathmandu

To those here for leisure and not tactical climbs? There are also shops selling other items than hiking gears and equipments. Ladies would love to shop for the Pashmina as it is the birthplace for Pashminas. I personally prefer it rather than any kind of shawl as it is warm and you don't need to iron it to wear as a hijab.

What have I discovered during my short stay in Kathmandu? 

• The people here are very friendly. Make sure you are friendly too!
  
• The food can get a little bit tasteless - but as a traveller that is the least of my concern!
  
• You can bargain when you shop - fight for the best price, except n boutiques of course!
  
• You can always book your travel agent to your hiking destinations once you arrive in Kathmandu. Although it is advisable to book ahead. Booking online is the best solution as the travel companies in Kathmandu are efficient.
   
• Kathmandu runs on generators for their power source - if you are not lucky, you might end up hearing the generator running at night while you are trying to sleep! Power source here also gets cut-off from time to time.
  
• Had a blast travelling by taxi and experiencing the traffic at peak hours! You should too!

Inside the Budget Hotel - it is clean and comfortable - That's what matters most!

Lining our bags - ready for the hike! My first experience hiking on snow and highest altitude ever!