Kathmandu Dos and Don'ts

Wow what a place... completely out of comfort zone here. Great shopping. If you are going to Nepal to go trekking (and who wouldnt) buy your gear when you get to Kathmandu, it is way cheaper than anywhere and perfect for what you need. Even book treks when you are there, the locals are easy to talk to and always full of smiles. But remember to drive a hard bargain!

Kathmandu was a great place to visit so much to see and great shopping, but be really careful as they are on the trade route from Tibet to India and there are many scams and scammers. Always pay with a credit card when buy anything of value and don't forget to get a valuation with it. It allows you to get your money back if they fraud you. If you have the time use Kathmandu as a base and travel out from there, safari camps, etc into there forests. Nepal has the world most wildlife in such as small country. We stayed at Tiger Mountian which was a short plane ride away and it over looks some of the most beautiful Mountains in the world. Allot safer than one would think, be aware though there are lockdowns at night in Kathmandu. Nepal is in a valley between to of the largest mountain rangers in the world. Incrediable! There is great food there and good restaurants and accommodation. Beware their hotel can be 5 star but that doesn't mean all there rooms are.

Visit the stupa's, go to see the monks playing their instruments, what a great sound. Make sure you do a pleasure flight to the Himalayas to see Everest, an experience you will never forget.

Kathmandu is a typical 3rd world city. There is the busy tourist and backpackers that are packed with locals trying to give tours and sell you souvenirs. Thamel is were most budget backpackers call home there are lots of accommodations ranging from 200 rupees beds to nicer mid range hotels. If you can get over the poverty and constant horns of the motorcycles there is a lot of history in the Kathmandu Valley. If your short on time make it to Dunbar Square were you can get a good sense of the architecture and culture. Kathmandu is the take off point for all treks into the Himalayas, so there are hundreds of Trekking Company's and outdoor shops. If you have a week or more of spare time head to the hills and enjoys life at a slower pace. After a week I fell in love with Kathmandu, the people of Nepal are very nice and the sites are amazing. If you are heading threw please take a few days to enjoy this amazing city.

If travelling on buses in Nepal, rather than be uncomfortable AND miss the view, sit on the roof with the locals. This was a highlight of both my trips to Nepal as you get a bird's eye view into farm houses, forests, waterfalls etc.