Nepal | Rampaging through Kathmandu City Walk
On the last day of the journey, I stayed an extra day in Kathmandu for some impromptu research. Finally, I could sleep until I naturally woke up, then leisurely enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off at a relaxed pace. It had drizzled all day the day before, and when I went out, I found the air to be much fresher and less dusty.
📍First stop, Narayanhiti Palace Museum. This place has served as the palace of Nepal since 1870, and in 2008, the monarchy was abolished and it was opened to the public as a museum. The entrance fee is 200 rupees for Nepalese, 1,000 rupees for foreigners, and 500 rupees for Chinese passport holders. Right next to the ticket office is the baggage check, where photography is not allowed, and even mobile phones cannot be brought in. The security check is very strict, so don't even think about going in to take pictures. I took two photos at the entrance, p2-3. Inside the museum, there are some photos and textual historical materials, as well as items used in the royal household. What struck me most were the carpets made of whole tiger and leopard skins that covered the halls, the rhino heads and crocodile specimens on the walls, and the floor lamps resting on bear paws... The glass marble-like eyes of the beasts stared at me, giving a very primitive and violent feeling. Even more violent and legendary was the royal massacre of 2001. The official statement is that Crown Prince Dipendra, due to a dispute over his choice of spouse, shot and killed several royal family members including his parents, and then committed suicide, resulting in 11 deaths. The one who ascended to the throne was King Gyanendra, the brother of the then king and uncle of the crown prince. However, rumors among the people say that all were killed by Gyanendra, and the tumultuous public opinion eventually led to his dethronement in 2008, and Nepal was declared a republic, with the Shah dynasty stepping down from the stage of history. Regardless of the truth, history is always strikingly similar, because what is common is the similar human nature.
📍Second stop, the Garden of Dreams, p4-5, very close to the palace, just a leisurely stroll away. It is part of the palace built by a marshal of the Rana family in 1920. The garden has a European architectural style, not very big, with an entrance fee of 500, not very cost-effective, optional visit, lots of little squirrels scurrying around.
📍Third stop, Thamel Street, mainly for food hunting, with all kinds of flavors available, making it hard to choose. The only certainty was not to eat Nepalese food anymore, and finally, I opted for Japanese cuisine.
📍Fourth stop, Kathmandu Durbar Square, p1, p6-9. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the oldest of the three Durbar Squares in Nepal by estimation, and it was the most severely damaged in the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in 2015. It was once a gathering area for Western hippies seeking spiritual freedom, bustling with people, and had the most local atmosphere. Although I heard that it has been 70% restored, it still feels like it's full of dangerous buildings everywhere. From the cracks in the walls p6, to the simply cement-patched roofs p7, to the small vendors and peddlers, this place looks more like a living area than a tourist area. These four places are connected by just 2km, a half-hour walk.
Kathmandu Durbar Square Garden of Dreams Narayanhiti Palace Museum Thamel Area