A journey to Kathmandu has the power to leave the traveller enchanted,
inspired and even a little more enlightened, however the cities highs and
lows can also overwhelm. From the moment you step foot on to the
busy streets of Kathmandu it is almost an assault on your senses,
swerving between beeping cars, motorbikes and rickshaws as you
squeeze past the crowds on the narrow streets, you can’t help but get
sucked into the vortex of the cities fast pace and chaotic atmosphere.
Pushing my way through the sea of people I was frantically looking for a
hidden street or quiet shop where I could take refuge for a few minutes
while I caught my breath and calmed my senses. I found a tiny space in
front of a Thanka shop where I naively thought I could just stop and relax
for a moment, however within seconds I hear a voice “miss tiger balm,
you buy tiger balm”, I politely said no however he was incessant.
Immediately my senses went back into overload, to escape his
persistence I decided to re-join the flooding streets of people, noise and
chaos.
Kathmandu is the gateway to adventure, and the majority of tourists only
visit the city with a two day pass. From Kathmandu generally people
either fly to Lukla to trek the Everest way, head to the adventure
playground of Pokora where the famous Annapurna trek awaits or seek
tranquillity in Chitwan National Park.
While it is tempting to escape the city to seek solace in a more quiet and
natural setting, don’t be too quick to give up on Kathmandu, with a bit of
patience you will learn to become a part of its intriguing turbulence.
Allow yourself to get lost in the mayhem and spend a few days exploring
its hidden charms, for there is more to the city than meets the
intimidated eye.
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