Nepal Group Tour Diary (5)

Day 6 in Nepal: Kathmandu Day Tour On January 3, 2025, I took Buddha Air flight U4666 to Kathmandu. After lunch, I visited Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. There were many people chanting near the white stupa. The new temple next to the white stupa was built by the King of Bhutan in the image of the Buddha of Bhutan. The old temple next to the white stupa is the original temple, where many people light butter lamps. There are many monkeys and pigeons in the temple, which is why it is also called the Monkey Temple. "Boudhanath Stupa is located in Kathmandu and is one of the most famous historical sites in Nepal. The stupa is 38 meters high and 100 meters in diameter. Boudhanath Stupa is the largest round stupa in the world. Its huge white dome is one of the cultural heritages of the Kathmandu Valley. Located on the trade route between Tibet and Nepal, the area around Boudhanath Stupa has become an important holy site for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The outer wall of the stupa has 147 niches, each containing a prayer wheel and 108 meditating deities. When praying, believers must walk clockwise around the stupa, counting prayer beads or reciting scriptures while turning the prayer wheels. Most of the worshippers are Tibetan Buddhists from Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan." Nepal has a six-day work week, with only Saturdays off. People usually get off work at 1:30 pm on Fridays, and some offices in the city close at 4 pm. So, there were many tourists and worshippers when I visited on Friday afternoon. After praying on the top floor of the Lotus Master Temple next to the stupa, a master called me over to help with a blessing. I tied a red string around my wrist, and then the master took out a merit book and asked me to write my name and donate some money. 🌟 Then I went to the famous Thamel Street, also known as Foreigner Street, where there are many shops to explore. The local beef jerky is very dry and requires strong teeth. 😂 In the evening, the group had a Nepalese meal. The restaurant had a performance, but the food was mediocre. 🌝 MARK: January 3, 2025, Kathmandu Day Tour