Wanderlust On Foot

I’d been dreaming about getting to Nepal since 2022 with a goal to hike the Himalayas. I had finally arrived 3 years later on April 24th, 2025, smelling the brick interiors of Tribhuvan International airport. As I got my luggage and walked out, the bustling city sights with varied textures, the sound of vehicles and people, and the smell of smoke and food, all reminded me of India.  

I was welcomed by Life Himalaya Trekking, with a white khata or scarf and a marigold garland. When offered upon arrival, it signifies a welcome and wishes of happiness for the onset of the journey. It was quite hot in Kathmandu, at least about 85 deg F. 

I hopped onto an air-conditioned mini-van, soon to be joined with my friends waiting for me at Taleju boutique hotel in Thamel. Thamel is a buzzing tourist-friendly area with lots of shops, eateries, bars blasting music, rooftop restaurants, boutique hotels and a very lively nightlife. You get a sensory overload, very similar to India, walking through the colorful markets with clothing, handicrafts and jewelry. It’s a good idea to rely on Google maps to find your way back to your hotel as you could easily get lost while casually wandering around the maze of streets, looking from shop to shop. 

Every nook and corner has an interesting textured facade of coexisting elements from modern day concrete, red brick walls and ancient wood carvings juxtaposed next to each other. The old and the new are intertwined, reflecting the country’s deeply rooted traditions blending with modernity. The country’s history is marked by both the monarchy and the establishment of the republic. 

There are 3 Durbar squares (or palace grounds) in different parts of the city – The Kathmandu durbar square which is closest to and walking distance from Thamel, the Patan durbar square and the Bakthapur durbar square. All of these are UNESCO world heritage sites. In my opinion, the Bakthapur durbar square is more rustic and has a more authentic vibe to it while the other 2 have morphed into commercial centers for business and tourism. 

There are lots of temples and museums to go to if you have more time in Kathmandu. However, for hikers like me with limited days and a set itinerary to hike up the Himalayan mountain range, Thamel and the Durbar squares provided for packed days of shopping and sightseeing, just enough to get a feel for the capital city.