Sam's Exotic Travels to Kathmandu - the Fabled Capital of Nepal

Kathmandu, according to Lonely Planet, "is really two cities: a fabled capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples; and a splenetic sprawl smothered in the pollution of diesel fumes, dirt, monkeys and beggars.  It simultaneously reeks of history and the wear and tear of increasing modernity."  It is a historical landmark of great importance.  It is true that it's streets are crowded with cars, buses, motorbikes, rickshaws, bicycles and an occasional cow.  As the major point of entry for the hundreds of thousands of trekkers who visit Nepal, it is alive with excitement and life.  While its many street vendors are pushy, the people are kind and warm and friendly; the many temples and stupas indicative of the religious fervor of both its native inhabitants and the thousands of refugees from Tibet. 

I enjoyed the city and most of all its wonderful people.  I think of what price it has paid since the country was opened to outside travelers in 1949 and as I viewed the various historical sights shrouded in dust and smog, I wander what it was like in more simpler days.

The following pages include additional information and links to photo galleries for sites visited in both 2004 and 2006:

•  Kathmandu's Durbar Square
•  Swayambhunath Temple

Other pictures of Kathmandu include the following albums:

2004:

•  Boudhanath Stupa - Boudhanath is the largest stupa in Nepal and among the largest in the world.  It's also the center of Nepal's large refugee population of Tibetians.
•  Durbar Square
•  Pashupatinath
•  Swayambu Temple
•  Other Temples
•  Other - People, Sights and Sounds

2006:
Click below to view my impressions. Photos have also been posted to Flickr!   If you are a member of Flickr, I would appreciate any comments you might have and your vote for your favorites.

•  The Streets of Kathmandu

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Please note that all photographs and text appearing on this site are the exclusive intellectual property of Sam Stearman. No images are within the Public Domain, and no image use is permitted without the written prior authorization of the copyright owner.  If you see any pictures you would like to buy, all the thousands of pictures on this site are available in high resolution digital format, suitable for framing, use in magazines or advertising.  Email me if you would like to know more.

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This site was last updated 05/23/05