Nepal has been treating me very well indeed. I’ve just got back from the Himalayas after having had almost three glorious weeks trekking. But before I left for the mountains, I was thrown into Nepalese life with a trip to a temple site and then to a historic town for a festival.
Pashupatinath is within Kathmandu (now a sprawling city that goes beyond its original confines to house a population of 3 million). It’s a site which houses a main temple where, if you die within its confines, it is said you’ll be reborn as human, no matter what sins you committed whilst alive.
The Sadhus (Holy Men) are colourful characters, who are happy to pose for the tourists in exchange for a small donation to support their existence.
In common with other parts of South Asia, great credence is given to horoscopes. It was interesting to see that the digital revolution has caught up with this aspect of life here, with laptops being used to obtain ‘the most detailed and accurate predictions’.
The complex is on the banks of the river Bagmati, and cremations are carried out here, sometimes several at a time.
Having wandered around the site, the next stop was Bhaktapur, an ancient city and now a UNESCO heritage site. Whilst a lot was damaged during the 2015 earthquake, much is now rebuilt and work continues. I was lucky enough to visit during New Year’s celebrations (Nepal doesn’t use the Gregorian calendar). I’ve now travelled to the future, as it’s 2075 here!
The celebration on that day appeared to be a huge tug of war, with young and old straining to pull a giant wooden chariot to either ends of the historic town square.
As I got there, the square was slowly filling with people who appeared in a distinct holiday mood, complete with food vendors, toy sellers, and friendly flag-waver!
The prime positions appeared to be on the chariot itself; these kids were happily ensconced long before the action started.
Once the contest started, the square became a crazy place of good natured chaos. Everyone tried to get their hands on one of the ropes at either end, and each side did their best to ensure the chariot shifted in their direction. It was pure madness, but great fun to be in the middle of it all.
Those who didn’t want to participate, stood well out of harm’s way, watching the craziness.
The structure on top of the chariot was distinctly wobbly, and at times the objective appeared to be to get it to detach completely from the base. Apparently this has happened in the past – I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere near when it did, but some of those sitting on top appeared to actively revel in the feeling it was going to topple over!
The whole event was glorious unadulterated fun, and a perfect introduction to what is clearly going to be a fascinating country.
Nomad Stuart 
Stuart,
finally your dream comes true. Maike and me wishing you the ultimate journey.
Godspeed, bud !
Olli anf Maike
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Danke Euch. Freu mich auf das Wiedersehen irgendwann in Berlin!
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Great to hear from you Stuart
Have a great time and keep up with the posts !
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Thanks Colin, will do!
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Fantastic adventures… Have a great time.. Phil H..
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Cheers Phil. Hope you’re doing well back up North. Sure it’s good to be home!
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Hi Stu. Di Tudway and I were just chatting about you yesterday and wondered how you were getting on. It looks amazing. Keep us updated. X
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Looking forward to following you on your travels. Keep safe. X
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Thanks Jan. Look forward to having you on board 😉 x
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Thanks for sharing this my way Stuart. Great blog and fantastic photos. Keep em coming and take care dude.
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Thanks Craig. I’ll do my best!
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Wow all looks amazing. Fab pictures. Can’t wait to read more.
Be safe and have fun.
K x
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Cheers Karen, I’ll try to keep the pics coming! Hope all well with you. x
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Fantastic photos Stuart, a great travelogue, looking forward to the next post!
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Cheers Damon. Next post will be the Himalayas, just need to sort through the photos. Could take a while!
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What wonderful photos and what a wonderful journey. Really delighted for you Stuart. 👍
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Thanks Marina. It is indeed wonderful – and it’s only just started 🙂 Glad all well with you. x
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Incredible. A little Bit envious. 🙂 wish you all the best and a Good trial and lots of Good Spirit , see you
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Danke Dir Paul. Freu mich schon auf das naechste Wiedersehen!
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Hi Stuart – thankyou for sharing your first steps in your next adventure which is sure to be extraordinary based on what you’ve posted to date – as you know I don’t like reading but you’ve got my attention with your combination of the written word and supporting photographs. Your blog is truly alive and I’m sure my girls will follow you with a huge amount of interest, just like me. Safe travels and look forward to catching up in UK, Berlin or further afield! Yours, Alan
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Cheers Alan. If I get bored, I’ll do an excel spreadsheet of travel plans, just for you! 😉 Love to all the family, and look forward to seeing you all when I get back. S
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Go you good thing!
Xo
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Cheers Sue! x
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Amazing pictures Stuart.
Such a wonderful adventure and it’s only just the beginning. Well Jel.
Take care
Karen xxxx
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Thanks Karen. Indeed, it’s only just begun (oh no, will have The Carpenters going round my head now!). You and Charles take care of yourselves too please. Hugs to you both, X
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Just had a chance to read your first comments. Got lots of exciting stuff going on here but I will live more travel adventures vicariously through you till my next trip.
Great blog and photos Stuart, although I wouldn’t expect any less!
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Thanks Sarah. I’m particularly looking forward to South America after your tales! Hope all well with you, X (PS – Love the email address!)
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Dear Stuart, this is amazing! Such beautiful images to document your adventures! I hope you are well and enjoying your days. Stay safe and I’m looking forward to reading more posts soon. Lots of love, Sophy xx
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Thanks Sophy. I am indeed well, and what’s there not to enjoy?! Hope all well with you guys too, X
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Hello there! your journey has finally begun. Wishing health and lots of adventures. God Speed. Anji
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Thanks Anji, sure the adventures will be plentiful! Hope all well with you too, X
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Stuart, It’s good to see you are immersing yourself in the local customs. Hope your journeys are all you want them to be, looking forward to following you around the world
Regards
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Cheers Guy, I’ll continue to do my best! Hope all well back at CSQ – not long for you now either….. Best, Stuart
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Hi Stuart, amazing pictures indeed. And I do so enjoy you descriptions of people and events. All the best! xx
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Thanks Petra. I’m enjoying the travel – particularly with the passport that I finally got after your initial help way back in Islamabad! x
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Supertolle Fotos, Stuart. Habe mich sehr darüber gefreut. Hoffe, Du hast eine gute Zukunft vorhergesagt bekommen 😉 Auf den Himalaya bin ich schon sehr gespannt. Weiterhin eine wunderbare Zeit, Petra x
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Danke Petra! Mal sehen, aber noch sieht die Zukunft ganz gut aus! Liebe Gruesse von hier, Stuart x
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Stuart, Your photographs are wonderfully colourful. Have a wonderful trip and i look forward to hearing / seeing more about your trip x
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Thanks Sharon, and look forward to seeing you when I return. x
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Well done Stuart, looking good. Sat in a dodgy London hotel looking at your photos – know where I’d rather be! Best of luck on the Bridgwater bike during the next leg of your journey. Damian
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Hi Damian, good to hear from you – hope you coped ‘in the smoke’. The Bridgwater beast is waiting for my return, and will be flying to Colombia in a week’s time. Yikes! Hope all good your end, Stuart
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the photos you have taken are amazing.. I cant wait to see more xx
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