Kathmandu alleys have their own eccentric vibes. Lives are in rush, in hurdle, and it’s hectic. But, everything is heart-warming to observe as it feels you soaking in the serenity. The serenity is not in natural view but in regards to lifestyle and architecture. When I was in Kathmandu for some administrative work. My accommodation was at Thamel which is located nearby the destination. I made my way around Kathmandu Durbar Square. It’s one of the go-to destinations for walk-in Kathmandu.
So, what to wait, right? Packed the bag, held the camera, and made my way through the street to the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The streets of Kathmandu are filled with traffic. Few spots have the traffic lights, and crossing the street is entirely based on your intuition. The hush and rush on the streets will make you feel hectic. Usually, it is not preferred to stroll around the street during the start or by the end of office hours. Simply, the traffic would be hectic. Now, another amazing part of the city is the buzz and hustle happening every day. It’s a sight and reflects the lifestyle of the cities. Make sure you chose the correct lane, and alleys through your map, or take a guide with you. Else, undoubtedly you would get lost in twisted junctions around the city.
Traffic police are in the junctions to guide the passerby while crossing the street. Every minute people pass by the busy street nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square
During the end of office hours, it’s the best time to stroll in consideration of the atmosphere. However, you might probably get stuck in the traffic like this. The vehicle's queue can reach up to a km long if stuck for a minute.
Two-wheelers are the most preferred vehicles in Nepal. You could take them to hills, to narrow roads which is quite common in Kathmandu, and also in the normal streets. Kathmandu is filled with two-wheelers vehicles.
As you approach the Kathmandu Durbar Square passing through the traffic. It gives you peace. Within a minute, you will reach a destination isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city. Filled with fine architecture and carving; it's fascinating! Now, the lifestyle here is different. It’s one of the places where you would take your time out to go and rest. Or, maybe buy some souvenirs.
The strollers ask their query about the souvenirs. The architectural inspirations can be seen in the decors of many households. Not only tourists, Kathmandu's ancient architecture look-alike souvenirs specifically are used for decors in homes and residences.
The Pagoda style palace and temple ambience the surrounding; which includes the peak shaped or pine shaped design that is authentically from Nepal. Which was later spread in Tibet and China. The peak is the Major. Usually placed in the golden color at the top of the temple or architecture. The architecture holds a lot of inspiration from Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The royals during the regime follow Hinduism, and it’s typically a Hindu temple. So, often every street you would see the ancient temples. This architecture now are treated as temples and pilgrims also visit to receive the blessings.
Inhabitant to the Newar community, the place is the landmark of architecture, trade, and business during ancient times. The surroundings of the Durbar Square still is the memoir of the old period. Shops are placed in old homes, and old modes of lifestyle are still observable on the spot. It’s heart-warming and there’s a different feel to this. Yes, the renovation of homes and uplifting lifestyle would even add up the touch to the place. There’s hardship in between this soulfulness. With time, the change would be progressive to expect.
What to look around? If you make your visit during March & April, the festival echoes the spot. It's the focal point for Jatra(Local Carnival) and Festivals. The living Goddess” Kumari” lives in Kathmandu Durbar Square. You are not allowed to take photographs but make sure you once visit if you made here.
Now, walking can go for hours here. Make sure you don’t get lost. Why hours, if you ask? It’s a different vibe, the place makes you look at every souvenirs, arts, designs, pattern, also seek self-peace taking the rest, and you might end up in confusion with narrow twisted, and traffic streets. But, you would make your best time even if you get lost.
It's one of the best walking spots in Kathmandu. If you make up to Kathmandu. Make sure, you walk to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
What a contrast between the hustle and bustle on the busy streets and the beauty and cool details around the temple
Thanks for joining Wednesday Walk :), I truly enjoy exploring the world virtually each Wednesday seeing walks from all around the globe and feeling I am there and experiencing it all myself, such as I did in your post just now :)
Its really eye gazing to be in that atmosphere. Feels so calm to seat and relax around the area. Thank you so much for connecting with vlog.
Its always a pleasure to be part of the community. Regards.
Your photos are beautiful and the square is beautiful and all those tangled wires make me nervous.
The place is a vibe. Always a great time when I make my way there. But, tangled wires on serious trouble in Ktm. A problem in one line impacts everything.
Thank you so much for the compliment.