Bhaktapur: Saving the Best for Last

I came to Bhaktaphur expecting a lot because of the strong recommendations I read in the internet and from some people who have been to the place. What I saw and experienced exceeded my expectations!

Bhaktaphur is the best preserved among the medieval cities of the Kathmandu Valley. You therefore really feel that you are traveling back in time. Ancient houses, grand squares, and iconic temples continue to be inhabited by locals who go on with their lives observing ancient practices, traditions, and religious rites. It was like being in a theme park except that this one is for real!

The US$ 10 entrance fee is well worth the experience of living in the olden times. It was a wise decision for me to stay 2 nights inside the city of Bhaktapur for it allowed me to soak up the atmosphere walking through the cobblestone streets and observing local life at its ancient best.

Truly, Bhaktapur is the best place I visited in Nepal. And it was good I made it my final destination. I left Nepal with unforgettable memories of a country rich with ancient traditions, magnificent temples, awesome sceneries, and sincerely good, friendly and kind people.

Proud Patan

Patan is proud for a good reason. Its Durbar Square is smaller in area than the Durbar Square of Kathmandu. But its temples are much more ornate and elegantly designed that makes them the most visually stunning Newari temples in Nepal.

The temples date back to the 14th century and and is probably the finest collection of temples and palaces in Nepal. Patan is easily accessible from Kathmandu through a short 30 minutes taxi ride. The opportunity to visit this ancient city if your already in Kathmandu should therefore not be missed.

Sarangkot at Sunset

For truly spectacular and 360 degree views of the Pokhara area, the place to go to is Sarangkot. Here you get panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, the Machhapuchhare, Annapurna, Lake Phewa, and Pokhara town.

I timed my visit to Sarangkot in the afternoon to catch the sunset instead of the usual sunrise views. Here I experienced the transformation of colors of the horizon from orange to red to blue as the sun disappeared and the moon made its early appearance, as the day changed into night. It was an awesome experience.

World Peace Pagoda: A Hike in the Clouds

It was a cloudy day when I made my climb up to the World Peace Pagoda, the white stupa built by Japanese Buddhist monks. The Pagoda is on top of a hill on the other side of Lake Phewa. It is visible on a clear day from Pokhara town.

I opted to do the trek to the World Peace Pagoda by taking a boat from Pokhara town to Lychee Garden Resort which is at the base of the hill. The resort provides free round trip boat rides from Pokhara to the resort provided you take your meals in their restaurant. I had my best meal in Nepal in Lychee Garden Resort feasting on traditional nepali food.

The climb to the World Peace Pagoda takes about an hour. It was a bit difficult because the path was slippery due to the rains. But your efforts are well rewarded with truly incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.