Aventyrsresor- Helambu Trek – Daily Dispatches

29th of March,

Dhulikel to Kathmandu

This morning, we drove back from Dhulikel to Kathmandu. Even though we have been here for more than a week now, we are still not used to the crazy Nelapese traffic. Buses, motorcycles, cars, cows and people in are packed in the street and there is always a lot to look at while sitting in the car.

We arrived to our hotel in Thamel at around 8:00 am, and at the parking, six happy women from Aventyrsresor -Everest Base Camp Women Team were waiting for us. They have arrived in Kathmandu one day earlier, after having trekked all the way up to Everest Base Camp and Kalapathar with their female guide Mingma Sherpa.

You can read their blog here: www.peakpromotionnepal.com/cybercast/swedish_women_trek_2010

We jumped in to the minibus, and made our way through Kathmandu. On the way Annika, Pia, Sofia, Eva, and Cecilia told us about their Everest Base Camp trek and their meeting with Mingma.

We arrived to Pashipatinath, the most important Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Our guide told us about the traditions of the Hindus. There were several cremations doing on by the river, and relatives of the person that had passed away, were placing flowers and singing. We also had a chance to make some donations to a home for elderly people. Mingma had told the women groups about this place, as elderly people without relatives are in great need of support here in Nepal.

We continued to Maiti Nepal, an organization that helps trafficking victims. They have a school, daycare for smaller children, healthcare etc. Maiti Nepal has saved many girls from trafficking, and here they can get basic education and a safe place to live.

We made a stop at a place where they make paper by hand. The women working here showed us the process of making paper, adding colors and flowers into the paper. We bought a lot of things from the women here, greeting card, paper boxes and wrapping paper in beautiful colors.

Next stop was the giant stupa of Bodhanath. Today there was a Buddhist festival going on here, Thamangs celebrating the fullmoon. Many, many families and monks were walking clockwise around the stupa, throwing incense into the small fires, lighting candles and offering flowers, rice and coins. The round square surrounding the stupa was packed with people and atmosphere was very intense!

In the evening, Peak Promotions took us to a very nice restaurant, where we had traditional Nepalese food, and had a chance to see traditional dancing from various parts of Nepal. The general consul of Sweden – a very friendly Nepalese man – came by for a short while to say hi to us, and gave us the traditional white scarves for good luck. Wongschu, Mahadev, Keshab, Tendi and Pemba made this evening very special for us.

We all agreed on that we soon will come back to this lovely country, which is so rich in culture, beautiful nature and friendly people!!

Source: 29 March, 2010- Dhulikel to Kathmandu