Kathmandu Off The Beaten Path

In Pahupatinath, coming from the village mainstreet at the west, we crossed the bridge to the east bank. The eastbank is a rather tranquil area, where you can walk to three temples, reachable within 500 M.
We sat for a long time at the terraced hill-side at the east bank, having a very good view at the busy other side.
A lot of pilgrims and visitors climbed the stairs, to the Pashupatinath Temple. Entrance to the temple is forbidden to non-Hindus.
The large gilded, triple-roofed temple was built in 1696. Nearly 300 years before there must be allready another building on this site.

In Pashupatinath stand the most important Hindu temple of Nepal on the banks of the Basmati River. It is even one the most important Shiva temples in the on the subcontinent, so also visitors from India come to this holy place.
The Basmati River is a holy River and so is Pashupatinath a popular place to be cremated. The burning ghats are just north of the footbridges.

Pashupatinath is 5 KM west of Kathmandu and can be reached by bus. Go off at Gosala.

A hilltop village with good fresh air and hardly a vehicle in sight. The vehicles stop outside the town and only a lorry or two are allowed into the town square.

Hike down the mountain and discover a cave which has not been fully explored.

There's also a silkworm factory in the village where you can see mulberries and even eat them.

Besides the famous Pashiputhinath and Swayambhunath, there are many other temples in Kathmandu Valley area. Explore the small streets and lanes. Many of temples found in this area are very old and you can admire the intricate or colorful design on the exterior.

Most of the people, pilgrims and tourists, are to be found along the Bagamati River or in the temples on the western side of the river. Steps lead up from the eastern side of the river, too, and by going up you get into another warren of little temples that are much quieter and more serene. Lots of monkeys will keep you company as you wander about.

Walking through the many connecting alleyways in the "Old City" you come across some amazing little area's and actually feel like you are making a discovery around every corner.

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Go to visit 2 local villages.
Great experience.