Ratna Park and Durbar Square (NOT for children)

February 29 - March 2

We were so busy arranging the itinerary for the next two weeks that we didn't have time to visit Durbar Square on our third day in Kathmandu. 

We felt we needed to dedicate a full day for the square because we have to pay 750 Rs for the entrance fee, and it would be a waste of money if we could only be there for a few hours, so we went to Ratna Park instead.

On the way, we passed by this popular suicide spot, now understandably closed to the public.

We were surprised to realize that Ratna park is also the bus park. It was full of people, and vendors covered every square inch. I got a pair of warm socks and Henri tried to look for underwear, but they only had designer labels like Calvin "Klen."

We tried momos from the cart... FINGERS CROSSED!

And said "no, thanks" to Bhimsen Tower because of the excessive entrance fee. We had a view of the city from the overpass, and there was not much to see because of the haze :-/

We finally had time to go to Durbar Sq a days later.

It's the former seat of power, and at one time, only heirs that were born here could become king.

It was the week before Holi so it was also a very colorful day to visit.

The first thing that welcomed us was this altar to Bhairab, Shiva's blood-thirsty avatar. Adjacent to this statue, there is a stage where goats (and just a few days ago, A BULL) are killed as a sacrifice on special holidays.

Many temples, which are also popular meeting places, are clustered behind.

The gate to Hanuman Dhoka, the royal palace grounds.

 

Behind Henri is Shiva gutting an enemy.

The temples are beautiful and you can stay here the wholde day just admiring the buildings or watching the tide of humanity. You could also have a closer peek at the roof struts, if that tickles your fancy.

Aftter a while, we got hungry and passed by Snowman, a café that's straight out of a `70s movie. The owner was playing Pink Floyd from old cassette tapes, and it was so dark inside, it looked like a meeting place for spies.

We never got to finish visiting all the temples in Durbar Square because we took such a long time in the museum maze (no pics) and the old palace courtyards.

But we swore to come back - especially since we asked for a month-long pass and got ID cards so we could come and go as we please when we return.