Kathmandu, the hyperactive capital of Nepal is an enchanting concoction of ancient architecture and lavish contemporary superstructures.

(TRAVPR.COM) NEPAL - January 5th, 2016 - Kathmandu, the hyperactive capital of Nepal is an enchanting concoction of ancient architecture and lavish contemporary superstructures. It’s all; medieval, spiritual, modern and alive. But above all, nothing can beat the excitement of witnessing the time-worn temples and seemingly chaotic & cluttered alleyways. If there’s any one best way to explore them, it by going footie!!

Commence your exploration in Thamel, on the most popular tourist hotspots in Kathmandu. Thamel is actually traveler enclave with some great hotels, cafeterias and colorful stalls. Looking up, the vibrancy continues in a mash of wires, shop signs and overhanging balconies. Be it a high quality wine, a popular travel book or a durable trekking gear, there is barely anything that you won’t find in this tout tourist oasis.

Heading south of Thamel's main market (Thamel Chowk) will bring you to capital’s beating heart, Durbar Square. As you wind your way through the busy markets, congested alleys and bahals (monastery courtyards), keep your eyes open for the architectural wonders that seem to appear on every corner. Thahiti Tole is another square away from Thamel, which is known for its central stupa and Nateshwar Temple along its northern edge. South of here is the Kathesimbhu Stupa, embellished with fluttering colorful prayer flags. Advancing further will get you to the triple-roofed Ugratara Temple.

As you turn east and saunter along the unorganized vegetable and spice markets of Asan Tole, one of the busiest intersections in old Kathmandu, you might feel a bit disoriented. The famous octagonal Krishna Temple is located here. Then it's on through Indra Chowk, another of Kathmandu's markets and the traditional centre for blanket and cloth merchants (look around and you'll also find bangle and bead sellers). Heading west from here gets you to Yatkha Bahal, a huge open courtyard with a white-washed central stupa.

Squeezing in yourself through these crowded alleyways, you’ll pass many wonderful things - stalls alive with Buddhist prayer flags, rows of dental surgeries, gleaming brass and glittering glass bead shops!!

Continue to march South of Yatkha Bahal and you'll eventually arrive at the ‘Kathmandu/Basantapur Durbar Square’. Prior to the “Great Quake” that devastated Nepal on April 25, 2015, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed area exhibited a series of three squares and the finest remaining example of Kathmandu's traditional architecture. The quake has crippled most of the structures here; the renovation is underway. It’s easy to spend hours wandering around and watching the world go by from the terraced platforms of the towering Maju Deval. When the shadows begin to lengthen, head back to Thamel, find a rooftop garden, and relax with your favorite snack and drink!

http://www.marrontreks.com

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