Hello Nepal: The first days in Kathmandu and Pokhara

After a 6-hour flight from Munich to Dubai, a few hours layover there, and then a 9-hour onward flight, we arrived in warm Kathmandu. Shortly before landing, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas. After overcoming the first minor challenges such as visa application, currency exchange, and taxi negotiations, we traveled to our hostel with the two Oberndorf Para-hikers Andreas and Robert. First impression of the city: noisy, polluted air, beautifully colorful, vibrant life, and many temples. We started exploring the capital after a typical breakfast with toast, eggs, porridge, and banana. The biggest challenge of this city turned out to be the dense, honking traffic on the left side of the road. Pay attention and maintain a 15 cm safety distance to vehicles ;) The face mask, which many locals as well as tourists wear, is definitely justified as the air is terribly dusty and full of exhaust fumes. Street names are also hard to find here. Occasionally, a cow stands on the road, which is considered sacred in Hinduism. Many dogs also lie around in front of houses. Kathmandu is full of trekking tourist shops, but also shops that every local can use. Everyday Nepalese life takes place here. There is virtually a Hindu or Buddhist temple on every corner. There are many interesting things to see in this colorful city, and even when walking through well-known streets, you always discover something new. Most people here are relatively poor but very friendly. Even in the dark, we felt safe in this country.

The food here is mostly spicy. The national dish is Dhal Bat: rice, lentils, vegetable curry, spicy sauce, and sometimes papad (thin bread). Rice, bread, and curries of all kinds are abundant here. Our favorite food became momos, vegetable-filled dumplings. The selection of dishes with fresh fruits or vegetables is limited and should be enjoyed cautiously due to the risk of stomach upset. Simply follow the rule: 'Wash it, peel it, cook it or leave it. !' We have also become big fans of milk tea, a type of chai tea (spicy, sweet black tea with milk).

The earthquake in May 2015 left its mark in some places, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Kathmandu was mainly affected. In some areas, houses are currently supported or rebuilt with beams. Some destroyed temple complexes have been dismantled and/or partially renovated.

But now, let's start with some pictures, as they speak louder anyway :)