Fee Bellamy reports following contact with expedition leader Martin:
'The Gang' are now heading off for supper after a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. They have visited Bungamati, a typical 16th century Newari village* and Swyambunath, known as 'the Monkey Temple' because of the swarms of monkeys that inhabit its surroundings.
Everyone is in good spirits and looking forward to starting their trek tomorrow. Their guides Su and Hari are looking after them very well.
Internet connections are slow to non-existant ... VERY WET and HOT!
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| Kathmandu |
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| Swayambhunath Stupa the 'Monkey Temple' |
*Bungamati village is perched on a spur of land overlooking the Bagmati river. Bungamati is the birthplace of Rato Macchindranath, regarded as the patron of the valley and the large Rato Macchindranath, shikhar-style temple in the center of the village square is his home for six months of the year (he spends the rest of his time in Patan). The process of moving him around patan and backward and forward to Bungamati Central to one of the most important annual festivals in the valley.The chowk around the temple is one of the most beautiful in the valley - here one can see the heart of a functioning Newa: town. In Bungamati the Karya Binayak temple is also one of the most important temples in Nepal, is dedicated to Ganesh, the view is spectacular from the Karya Binayak, surrounding by trees and large bamboos and can look at the Bagmati valley to the foothills.
Macchindranath is also known by the name of “Karunamaya” meaning an embodiment of love and kindness like a mother figure.
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| Bungamati Village |
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| Macchindranath Temple |
