Trevor's Travels

Bhimsen Tower, central Kathmandu, Nepal

No Comments »15th February, 2007; Category: Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu is a city of surprises. Many old buildings dominate the twisting and turning streets and lanes of the older parts of the city. Temples abound and one is never far from one of these impressive, and ancient buildings. It came as something of a surprise then, to see this impressive and relatively modern looking tower in the heart of central Kathmandu.

Kathmandu, Nepal

The Bhimsen Tower, standing tall like a thin white lighthouse very much out of place, is a dominant feature of the skyline of this part of the capital. I used it often to get my bearings as I wandered the alleyways exploring many fascinating aspects of Nepali life.

The tower, also known as Sundhara, is a popular tourist attraction and people could be seen looking out over the city from the viewing platform near the top. Around the base, tents, marquees and street stalls were being prepared for some festivities the next day.

Bhimsen Tower, central Kathmandu

The tower, originally built by a Rama prime minister, was a part of the city’s first European style palace. It was severely damaged in the earthquake of 1934 and subsequently rebuilt.

Cycle rickshaws in Kathmandu

No Comments »14th February, 2007; Category: Kathmandu, Nepal, Walking

Cycle rickshaws in Kathmandu

During my stay in Kathmandu I usually walked to and from my destinations for the day. When the distance was too far I used taxis which are very cheap when compared to Australian prices. There are many other choices for getting around the city. One of these ways, especially in the narrower streets of the older parts of the city, is by using a cycle rickshaw like those shown in the photos above and below.

Although I never used one of these forms of transport, rickshaws are an excellent and cheap way of getting around the twisting narrow streets. They can go places where the taxi drivers cannot go and seemed ideal for short trips. They also have a side benefit; they do not add to the pollution in the Kathmandu Valley and that has to be a big plus in their favour.

Cycle rickshaws in Kathmandu

Specialty shops in Kathmandu

1 Comment »13th February, 2007; Category: Kathmandu, Nepal, Shopping

Thamel district of Kathmandu Nepal

Like all towns and cities Kathmandu has many specialty shops. The one in the photo shows one such shop. All the items in this shop were made from some kind of metal, mostly copper I think. And there was an incredible variety of different kinds of objects for sale. I actually stood there mesmerised for quite a few minutes, taking in the beautiful artwork and the incredible range of goods for sale.

Many of the items for sale were utilitarian in nature, like ornate jugs, plates, bowls and water pots. Then there were amazingly complex art objects, simple mugs, beautiful saucepans and ornate religious items. Most were carefully polished and wonderfully displayed.

More about shopping in Kathmandu

No Comments »12th February, 2007; Category: Kathmandu, Nepal, Shopping

Thamel district of Kathmandu Nepal

Yesterday I wrote about the retail outlets for clothing in the Thamel district of central Kathmandu. These shops are not just confined to this area and similar outlets can be found throughout the city. Sometimes they are not shops but merely displays of clothing or materials right on the footpath.

In the case of the vendor in the photo above, their ‘shop’ was in the square in front of the temple shown in the background. I would imagine that they could not afford to rent a shop space in the commercial heart of the city so they set up this street outlet to tap into the extra trade brought about by the heavy pedestrian and tourist traffic in this area. They might also have lived some distance away because they could not afford accommodation in the central area of the capital.

Whatever the reason, their ‘shop’ added some brilliant colour to an otherwise drab square.

Shopping in Thamel, Kathmandu

No Comments »11th February, 2007; Category: Kathmandu, Nepal, Shopping

Thamel district of Kathmandu Nepal

Like so many exotic cities shopping in Kathmandu has to be one of the delights for visitors to this city. There are plenty of tourist type shops but there are also many others that are unique to Kathmandu. In the photo above I have shown just one of dozens of clothing and material shops.

Beautiful and extremely colourful gowns were hanging from every vantage point in this shop. In addition there were hundreds of different materials available for those wanting to make their own or engage the local dressmakers. I didn’t ask, but I am sure the shop keeper could arrange for one’s material purchase to be made into a gown or dress, probably by one of the family and made on the premises. In another part of the city I saw a series of tailors, each boasting their pride in their tailor-made suits.