Kathmandu

I came to Nepal with much trepidation. Online research were flooded with issued travel warnings, various accounts of theft, riots, pollution, Maoists, etc.

With the installation of a new governing rule, I experienced none of the above. The city is polluted but no different from any other developing city. Bandanas or scarves were often seen worn over local faces to shield the smog.

Thamel and Durbar Square streets seemed to be the cleanest, probably due to the high traffic of tourists. There are the occasional piles of trash but nothing that can’t be avoided. The only intimidating experience was sharing walking space with motorcyles, cars, pedestrians, dogs, and the occasional cow, so stay alert.

Overall, the Nepalis people are good natured, friendly people…religion is their way of life. Street peddlers were not a nuisance and did not see or experience any form of harassment or trouble.

An absolutely beautiful culture.

I imagine this city at the crossroads of many Asian civilizations to be a frantic, varied place with a lot to see and do: shopping; temples, monuments and destinations of pilgrims through the ages; art and architecture; many cultures to experience, including those from many parts of Nepal; limestone caves and other natural scenic places.

explore the villages!

As my first real trip into Asia, Kathmandu was a real culture shock for me. It looked as if our minibus was going to hit many people walking by the road or on bikes or scooters on the short trip from the airport to the guest house, but miraculously no one got so much as a scratch!

Other than the usual annoyance of hawkers, I really enjoyed the city. We found a local guide who took us all over town – to the temples, squares and restaurants. The main tourist draws (Durbar Square, Bodnath Stupa etc) were great, but I actually preferred wandering off by myself into the maze of streets and getting a feel for the city as it is for those who live there.

A total contrast to the tranquility of the mountains, but a great experience nonetheless.

INFO Nepal offers volunteer placements to people from all over the world in the field of Teaching English, Health and Sanitation, Environmental
Awareness, Cultural Exchange and assit Orphans. Since 2000 we have placed over 700 volunteers from 42 countries in various projects.The INFO Nepal currently has volunteer opportunities available in several parts of Nepal. Volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational and community aid programs. This will give you a chance to make an important contribution to the people of Nepal and while doing so gain an in depth
experience of the country and its culture, that will stay with you the rest of your life.www.infonepal.org