The Kathmandu valley is said to have been populated as early as 900 BC. The Nepalese capital, which is located at an altitude of 1,350 m, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was made famous by the hippies of the 1960s. Very lively and disorganized, it is this liveliness that makes the charm of its intertwined streets

Temples not to be missed

Durbar Square and its magnificent temples, pavilions and pagodas should not be missed.Durbar Square was badly affected by the 2015 earthquake, but the visit remains exceptional. This is the place where kings were crowned. It is also where the current Kumari lives, a young girl revered as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga. This tradition dates back to the 17th century. She was elected at the age of 4 by a group of Hindu monks, according to 32 criteria. His reign ends with the onset of puberty, as soon as his first period begins. You can see him once a day in his palace. For a panoramic view of the city, you must climb the 140 steps leading to the "Temple of the Apes", the Swayambhunath stupa dating from the 5th century. Then, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of this lively city for a moment, Itum Bahal's dream garden offers a little sweetness and calm.

Attend Hindu cremation rites

Non-Hindus cannot access the interior of the main temple Pashupatinath, but it is possible to survey the various shrines around it. The sacred cows and the many monkeys present will accompany your visit. It is one of the most important cremation sites for Hindus.Funeral rituals follow one another day and night and the bodies, wrapped in a white sheet, are placed on the ghats, stairs plunging into the river. They are then placed on the stake and covered with straw, the relatives revolve around the burning body and finally, the ashes are scattered in the sacred river, Bagmati.

Kathmandu is also the starting point for many outdoor activities

Nepal is a popular trekking destination. From Kathmandu, it is easy to get to Pokhara where most treks leave from (8h by bus). The routes are adapted to the different levels and the best time is autumn or early spring (March and April). Being accompanied by a local guide makes the experience all the more secure and fun! In terms of budget, the Everest region is more expensive than the Annapurna region. And finally, for a spectacular view of the Himalayas, you can also make a one-hour flight by plane or helicopter. The plane leaves Kathmandu and offers you a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks.

A very nice experience to discover with Stéphan SZEREMETA in podcast on Bel RTL

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