Flights were fine with an OK stopover in Doha. Arrived and got my visa, really straight forward hardly any queue. Found an ATM but it was caped at 10,000 rupees which is about £65. I expect I'll have to do the rounds tomorrow to get enough to cash out for the trek.
Found my driver in the end, bit pushy with tipping but tourism has been at an all time low since the earthquake last April.
A short 15 min drive brought me to the area of Thamel and the Kathmandu guest house. It's a lovely gated colonial style hotel which is a hot spot for Trekkers and tourists. Or so I'm told. It seems pretty quiet at the moment.
I wandered out the gates to try to find food and friends to be met by a few pushy tour guides looking for work so I retreated back to the hotel.
I've settled down in the garden for a chicken tikka masala and a garlic naan. Extortionately priced for Nepal at 800 rupees for the lot. £5 ish. The only issue is the constant power cuts when I'm trying to read the menu. I think my head torch will be permanently glued to my head. As will my down jacket whilch will hopefully keep me warm but I'm keep to buy some down boots from one of the local trekking shops.
There's no wifi at the moment but I'll try to get this ups hen I can. For now it's food and sleep.
Namaste from nepal
Wow. just imagining you sitting there eating a real curry in a colonial building. Is there much evidence of the quake? Hope you managed to get some sleep. Take care X
ReplyDeleteapparently utsu (??) hotel is good place to eat in katmandhu
ReplyDeleteglad you have now met the rest of the group, a nice small group too and what sounds like a really good guide. Sounds like you finding your way around and earmarking the best cashmere for the return. The sleep is just what you needed, and Neal is famous for pizza! The utsu hotel was recommended by chris . goodnightxx
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