Better late than never

As I prepare to embark on another journey across the Pacific Ocean, I realize how overdue I am in posting last year's trip.  Beginning this massive editing process just furthers my joy at the thought of returning to beloved Nepal.

In 2010, I spent a month in Nepal and Tibet.  From Nepal, we flew to Lhasa where we spent several days touring the city.  Following Lhasa, our group traveled by trucks, while acclimating to the high Tibetan plateau. Along the way, we visited visiting many Tibetan holy sites.  Our 10-day trek took us to the Kangshung Face (East Everest Base Camp).  After the trek, we were back in trucks & headed to the North Everest Base Camp (Tibet).  We returned to Nepal via the Friendship Bridge, then traveled by van, about 8 hours back to Kathmandu.  It was an amazing trip and I hope you'll enjoy my photographs.  This is the first of many posts from the trip.

The best airport food ever! Hong Kong airport.

The plane to Kathmandu

YAY!

Nirvana Gardens, our hotel in Thamel.

                                              

A street in Thamel, the tourist district of Kathmandu.

I love Nepali food!!

Kathmandu Valley seen from Swayambhunath.

Swayambhanath is a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site and also revered by Hindus. Each morning before dawn, hundreds of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims ascend the steps from the eastern side,  passing the gilded Vajra and two lions guarding the entrance, and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations of the stupa.

I'm always drawn to the details within the architecture of the Nepali sites. Even the locks are interesting!

Great stuff to buy!

Preparing candles near the Stupa.

                                     

                                     

A man prays near the Stupa.

A plate used in prayer rituals.

Swayambhunath is also known as the monkey temple.  The monkeys are considered holy.

Fellow trekkers Geoff, Kevin & Shakeel during monkey photo session.

As my friend Jon always says, kids are kids no matter where you are.  The oldest of these boys asked me to take their picture. They loved being able to see themselves on the camera display!

Woman climbing the 365 stairs leading to Swayambhunath.

Always watching...

Please stay tuned!  Thanks for stopping by!