Kathmandu, the gateway to Nepal

I recently visited a friend, originally from Kathmandu who moved back home after many years in Dubai. We decided to travel over the Eid break in July and it was absolutely amazing, the weather was cool coming straight from the extreme Dubai heat. It rained daily mostly early morning or late afternoon, which we loved as we missed rain more than I can explain. At first all your senses are attacked at once when you arrive at the very busy airport, following by what feel like a death defying dash through the narrow streets to your hotel. It takes some getting used to the strange sounds and smells but you soon get accustomed to it all walking around Dunbar Square and after visiting numerous temples. It was just over a year since the devastating earthquake in May 2015 and we could still clearly see the major damage caused to the amazing statues and temples. The amazing architecture that withstood the test of time for so many years are truly remarkable.

July is not the perfect time to visit Nepal if your main goal is to see the magnificent Mount Everest as the cloud cover did not let up for the entire week we were there. It however did not bother us that much as our goal was to spend time with friend and explore as much as possible of Kathmandu. We visited Nagarkot, situated 2000m above sea level and offers one of the broadest views of the Himalayas as well a perfect view of Mount Everest. However the cloud cover was too thick and we settled for the amazing views of the ancient Kathmandu village. The drive to Nagarkot was amazing with amazing views of rolling rice paddies and farm lands. Next we visited a remote village, Mechhe, which in my opinion was the highlight of my trip. The village is 2.5 hours drive from Kathmandu and quite challenging, my advice would be to get a local to drive as it quite daunting and scary. We arrived close to the village and left the car next to the road and started our walk to the village. Thinking it would be a leisurely 1 hour walk, boy was I mistaken. Its starts out fairly easy with a lovely walk across the newly erected bridge but quickly turns into a 2km hike up the side of a very steep mountain. Arriving in the village we were greeted with the most beautiful warm smiles and most delicious mangoes I have ever tasted. The villagers treated us to an amazing traditional Nepali lunch of chicken, rice and vegetables, absolutely delicious. After a leisurely afternoon lazing around and eating more delicious mangoes we started on our walk back to the car which was so much easier than trying to get there.

During our stay in Kathmandu we ate dinner almost every night in a locally owned restaurant “Vesper Wine House and Restaurant” and the food and wine was amazing. Great service and well worth a visit when you are in Kathmandu. The memory that will say with us is the warm welcome and hospitality of the Nepali people. We will definitely be back in Nepal soon to visit Mount Everest and do a few days trekking.