Back in Kathmandu

So today we left Nargakot to return to the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

The Kathmandu Prince 'is nothing like' our previous abodes in that not only is it four stories tall, it is at the decidedly budget end of the spectrum.

Clean enough and close to the tourist heart of Kathmandu, Thamel.

The drive into town today was equally as interesting as the drive out to Nargakot on Wednesday morning.
The workers of Kathmandu are holding a Bandh, another half day strike, regarding petrol prices.
The police, armed. were at every intersection coming into town.

Because we had a 'Tourist Only' sign on our van we were again waved through.
We got to the hotel had a quick lunch and faced the throngs and traffic of inner Kathmandu. Tomorrow we travel to Bahktapur,the ancient city of the devoted about 20km out of town.

Our official trip starts at dinner tomorrow night when we meet our guide and fellow travelers.

Quick update from Nargakot

We awoke this morning at 5:15 hoping to see the Sun shine on the peaks of the Himalaya.

But, as we anticipated, we were greeted by thick cloud and drizzle. Despite the weather up here it has been a great break to wind down before we head back down to Kathmandu and the mayhem again later this morning.

Welcome to Nargakot

After an hour long drive from Kathmandu we arrived at the hilltop town of Nargakot which is famous for being the the place closest to Kathmandu from which you can view the Himalaya and Everest.

Well you could if it was clear and sunny, but not so good otherwise.

After twenty four hours here we live in hope that the late monsoonal clouds will lift affording us a peak. We are on constant Everest Watch.

This morning after waking to the alarm at 5:45 to fog we dozed.

After breakfast we walked about 4km up to the Nargakot Windy Hill lookout. It should have been called fog shrouded hill lookout.

The best view was in the direction of Kathmandu over the top of the Nepalese Army Commando training base.

We walked into the town below our hotel to go to the ATM...not working...it can wait.

Kay has gone for a massage, Jack for a swim, Alice and Lily reading and all of us unwinding. Tonight we will set the alarm again and hope that we have mountain views in the morning.
 

Day one in Kathmandu

Following a sleep we wandered the streets of Kathmandu.

We first paid our 'tourist fee' to enter the historic old area known as Patan. The area contains the famous Durbar Square which contains many old temples.

We visited the Patan Museum where we enjoyed the history and the food available in the cafe. After this we walked across to another area to visit a functioning ATM and visit some shops.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was watching a monkey cross the road  on the powerlines. He's up on the top left near the pole.

The traffic is truly hideous and the do not give way to pedestrians at all so you really have to be very careful.  We got a little bit lost on the way home and shared three litres of water on arrival.

We had dinner in the dining room of the hotel followed by a good nights sleep. We all woke at around 4am to the sound of torrential rain. After a doze we all got up and packed to head to the hill town of Nargakot where, if it clears, we will enjoy views of the Himalayas and potentially Everest.

The drive here was made easier by the fact that there was a general strike and traffic other than emergency vehicles and tourists are allowed on the road before mid day.

There as a huge police and riot police presence here. The protest is in relation to the price of petrol hitting $1.30 a litre Aus. Of course the average Nepali earns very little so maybe think of it as around $6 a litre to us....or around $250 to fill the tank.

Welcome to Kathmandu

After an enjoyable flight ion the new  Qantas A3870 to Singapore we flew to Delhi arriving at midnight local time.

Our next flight from Delhi took off at 6t:30 local time and landed at Nepal around 8am.

Our car was ready for us outside the airport and within half an hour we are settled into the Swotha Traditional home. It was a welcome arrival to be able to have a shower and get changed.

We've just spoken to Mission Control back in Hawthorn to advise of a safe landing.

The three hardiest travellers have enjoyed some Hummus and Pita bread along with an Everest Lager.

Lily went upstairs to take a photo of a cute kitten sitting on the wall above the courtyard.

So far so good tomorrow we head up to Nargakot for two nights to watch the Sun rise and set on the Himalayas,

The Last Supper

A busy Sunday with an unscheduled trip to the vet, shopping and packing.
Glad we decided today that we needed more luggage, to morrow would have been a little too tight.
Briefed the house sitter on all the comings and goings that are likely to occur over the next couple of weeks.
Had takeaway for dinner so Kay is now officially on leave for a month.
Work emails switched off and phones now stored away until we return.
Tomorrow we still have a few chores including a trip to the GP for middle child to determine if it really is tonsillitis. Sure s night follows day she will be on some preventative anti biotics by midday when we leave for the airport.
I have to say I am looking forward to flying on th A380.
I suspect our next note will come from Kathmandu.

Two days to go

Well we've finished work and disconnected the email from our phones, we're now 'off the grid' as they say.
We are still sorting last minute requirements in preparation for Monday's departure.
In the theme of the trip we are having a farewell dinner tonight with family at a Nepalese restaurant.

A bit more than a month to go

Well its a bit more than a month to go until we leave but the clock is already ticking very loudly.
We're not really very organised at the moment so a lot has to happen over the next few weekends.
Today I submitted our application for Visa to visit Nepal. Here we go....