Himalayan Odyssey(25)

Monday 29th October, 2008

After breakfast we head down to the main road to get a taxi into the city to visit the 'Monkey Temple' (Swoyambhu Hanuman Dokha). This turns out to be an entertaining ride as there is a police blockage diverting traffic to the north when we are a little over half-way into the city. This is probably due to traffic congestion but, as usual, information is hard to come by. Anyway, our driver persuades the police to let him divert into the valley southwards instead. This takes us along narrow roads between rice paddies and through small villages and eventually brings us to the eastern north-south section of the ring road at Patam from where the driver can takes us fairly directly up to the temple. Fairly directly means lost of back streets, through another Durbhar Square and finally up the main road to the temple. As it has taken quite a bit longer to get there than expected (about 1 hour instead of 40 minutes) for the fare we negotiated we are happy to give the driver a bit extra for the scenic tour.

View of the temple dome

The temple is very busy with many tourists. It is quite interesting and another example of the toleration that exists between the Hindus and the Buddhists as both faiths are well represented at the temple. Strangely monkeys seem scarce although there are a few on the lower level before we make our way up to where most of the activity is on the upper level.

Souvenir seller and Hanuman Shrine

Large golden Budhha

The view for the temple could be quite good but it is fairly hazy so visibility is somewhat reduced. Dominic has been looking out for a good quality Tibetan Singing Bowl and manages to find one to his liking - about 18-20cm in diameter and weighing several kilogrammes. It is important to try such a bowl for yourself as its natural resonating frequencies may not be harmonious to you. Fortunately the sellers are always willing to give lessons on how to make the bowl 'sing'.

Looking back down the steps towards the city

After our visit to the temple we head down the steep steps (where I manage to save myself from a nasty fall on the worn treads) and walk back into Thamel for lunch before taking abother taxi back to Bhaktapur.