Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa - Kathmandu, Nepal

Friday October 18, 2025 

When Kranti picked us up at the airport yesterday he noticed how difficult it was to get in and out of the smaller vehicle and today he showed up in a 15-seater van. That worked much better. How thoughtful of him!

Our first stop was Swyambhunath Stupa aka Monkey Temple. It is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world and the most massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal, built around 250 B.C.

At the top there were magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the northeastern Himalayan range. 

from the van window

walking to the temple

this monkey has no respect.....

prayer wheels

at the top

we circled the area a couple of times

Kathmandu Valley & Himalayas (maybe on a clearer day)

sign says "no sitting" - I think the razor wire says that....

just a cool pine tree

We then drove to Kathmandu Durbar Squar which lies in the heart of Kathmandu with spectacular art and architecture of the medieval and modern Malla (1201–1779) and Shah (1559–2008) dynasties.

Locally known as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square, an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Duibar Square Complex consists of a huge Royal Square with a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings seen here date from 15th to 18th century.

One of the most famous chowks, or squares, in Kathmandu is Nasal Chowk, which forms part of the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex in Durbur Square. Nasal Chowk is named for the little dancing Krishna statue which is settled in the shrine on the east side of the court. Nasal Chowk is a small part of the greater Durbar Square.

taken through a gate - family bathing etc.

vodka ad

my blonde head lower right

Kranti

me in black - guess I photo-bombed her shot

Kranti taking a selfie

Kranti stopped this guy to explain what the man was carrying

it was smoky from the incense

the entry to Freek Street - it was a famous stop on the 1960s/70s "Hippie Trail," known for its bohemian vibe and, historically, for cannabis sales, though it's now more of a tourist spot with shops and eateries.

It was time for lunch and Kranti took us to a traditional Nepalese food Restaurant. It was a feast and if the staff noticed you really like something they brought more. (the crispy onions & papadum were a hit)

military presence in case the Gen Z protestors got out of hand - we didn't see anything on our trip

Walkway to the restaurant 

Dried Spinach Soup

chicken momo

chicken & veggies, rice, dahl, crispy onions, curry sauce & papadum

Rested and refreshed we next visited Boudhanath Stupa which is located on the trade routes between Tibet and Nepal and one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters tall and the Stupa stands on massive three level mandala style platforms. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century A. D. The eyes on the golden pagoda seem to have a magical power that catches your eyes. The flying prayer flags and the monks walking around encourage you to pray for good luck, just like the Tibetan merchants did in the past before they rode their yaks to go through the Himalayan passes. 

yikes, how do you find the right wire if there is a problem?

earthquake damage

entry to the Stupa

men laying bricks

we walked around the stupa taking in the sites

pigeons bombarded the area

we didn't walk on the upper level (had to remove shoes)

we walked on the other level

prayer flags

they were working on a new area with smaller stupas

huge prayer whele

lots of pigeons

Kranti took us to an artist center where a few artists were working on their pieces.

Our last stop at Pashupatinath Temple was a moving one. The entire area is 281 hectares and is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. It sits on the banks of the Bagmati river, which ultimately joins the holy river Ganges.

It might not seem solemn at first glance; however, it is indeed where the spirit of Hinduism lies. It is also a crematory. Hindu cremation ceremonies take place here on an industrial scale. Visitors are invited to observe the rituals which might seem a little strange, but to Hindus death is an important part of the journey of life. Offering spiritual purification for the deceased on their journey to salvation, with bodies placed on pyres, covered in cloth, and cremated in view of visitors and mourners. The soot is swept into the river, symbolizing spiritual cleansing, and the rituals, though intense and public, are integral to Hindu life and death in Nepal, often involving families bathing in the Bagmati.

We were fortunate to see a body wrapped for cremation and watched the loved ones preparing the body the stretcher type apparatus to be taken to the fire. When we were in Varanasi a couple of years ago, we saw the burning of the bodies in huge crematoriums, but we never saw bodies since we were at a distance. So, this was special to experience, and it does stun your soul.

arriving at the cremation sites

Scavengers search for valuable - like gold jewelry or coins that get washed away or lost during cremations

the photos are all from the opposite side of the river

family with their deceased loved one

my camera got on a weird setting for a couple of photos

in the van on the way back to the hotel

Marriott from across the street

Marigold petals floating 

walking to find gelato

gelato shop (not the hotel)

walking back to the hotel

families in the park

statue at the hotel

Since we are Lifetime Elite something or other with Marriott we had dinner at the Elite Lounge. It’s billed as just bar snacks but often has local dishes that are plenty for dinner. (unless you don’t eat local foods)

lounge

magnet

wall hanging

Kranti was so nice and helpful, and the driver was friendly and navigated the chaotic traffic with ease. Kranti explained many of the things we didn’t have explained by the guide in Tibet.

Tomorrow, we drive out of town to Patan & Bhaktapur.

Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudha Nath Stupa - Kathmandu, Nepal  https://photos.app.goo.gl/X45MhHHPcsWX96c97