.::. Day 1: Around Thamel .::.

We arrived at the Kathmandu's airport in the afternoon.  It was simply one bricked building, and we had to queue to pay for Visa on arrival.  As we were staying for 16 days, we had to pay US$40 for a 30-day visa.  The 15 day visa cost US$20 but they refused to let us extend that for a day though there were notices around saying that we could.

It was hectic and crazy.  There are many people who are waiting to help you with your bag so that they can earn tips.  Touts were everywhere trying to get you on their taxi.  Everyone wanted your attention all at once.  We were at a loss, since our guide said that he would pick us up but did not say how we could recognize him.

Just as we walked out of the airport to the chaos, he suddenly appeared and asked if I was Jan.  I was somewhat shocked!  In the end, he said that he recognized us since we have scanned our passport for him to apply for the trekking permit.  *phew.

So we were ushered to a super old tiny Suzuki taxi with a boot that can barely fit both our backpacks.  The drive to town was very bumpy and I had my first glimpse of Nepal and the dirty streets.



This was the street right outside our hotel.  We went for lunch right after checking-in.

Our first meal there, we wanted to try Nepali food.  This was their traditional rice with vegetables and curry, called Daal Bhat.  It was refillable and it's impressive how much rice the Nepalis eat!

Outside the restaurant.

We settled things with the guide and got some trekking gear before roaming Thamel by ourselves.

They sell their meat and fish like that, by the street where cars go by.

It's the most touristy area, but they are mainly old buildings with narrow roads. 

Almost every shop sold the same things.  Trekking gear, hand-made paper, shawls.

Their local market.

Their taxis which are all really old, without aircon and looks like it's about to break down any minute.

Colourful felt crafts.  I like.

This dog was so cute!  I wonder if it can see?

There wasn't much to do nor see, so we had dinner early at a Thai restaurant and retired early for the trek the next day.

Despite paying US$30 for a three-star hotel popular with trekking groups, the room was small and very tired.  For some reason, the building was cold and there was no hot water.  Moreover, the door can be pushed open easily even after we lock it.  It was pretty cui and we did not shower.  The room was dim and electricity was only available for 10 hours a day.  It didn't help that there was a Danish tour group with teenagers screaming and running about at 3am in the morning.

With that, we ended our first day in Nepal and a hint of what a difficult trip this was going to be.