Romance in Kathmandu

A December 1999 trip to Kathmandu by DrMaximus

Nepalese MomoMore Photos

A journey into the Kathmandu Valley is a magical, life changing experience. From the beauty of the surrounding mountain chain, to the ancient wonders at Bhaktupur, Kathmandu has so much to offer!

  • 3 reviews
  • 6 photos
Swayambunath
Shopping, bargaining, food, shopping, cheap beer, bootlegs, shopping. And did I mention, shopping?

The commercial center in Kathmandu is actually a huge area of tiny streets and alleys, lined on both sides with shops and makeshift bazaars, twisting and twining every now and then, with each left turn leading you into another alley which you thought was the one you were on three turns ago.

Quick Tips:

Despite what people say about "do not bargain when you are in poor countries", I beg to differ. Consumerism and tourism has hit Nepal, and if you plan on accepting the first price that is quoted to you, be ready to end up paying 1200% more than what you could have had it for. The standard guide is to start off at 20% of the quoted price, then work your way up another 10-20%. If you cannot get it any lower than 40% of the original, throw in the last attempt with "alright, that price for two of these". Works wonders. Bring Nepalese rupees, avoid foreign currencies.

A must-try! Nepalese "momo's", meat filled dumplings, piping hot from the steamer!! Yummy!

Best Way To Get Around:

Walk... walk... walk. Afterall, you probably have returned from the 21 day trek up Mount Everest, so what's walking on flat ground? In fact, it would be such a pleasure to walk without having to walk upwards against gravity all the time!

Moonlight Hotel
If you feel more on the extravagant side, head for the Yak and Yeti. No questions asked, no doubts entertained. It''s the peak of perfection.

But, if like me, you''re working your way through college, and having just spent a thousand bucks on airtickets and another thousand on the trek (which is worth it!) you do not plan on splurging on a bed, then the Moonlight hotel is a good choice. They have nightly special welcome dinners that include entertainment in the form of traditional Nepalese dances. Enjoy the Yeti dance, and stare not into the eyes of the Yeti... be forewarned!!

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by DrMaximus on March 23, 2001

Moonlight Hotel
Paknajol-Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
977-1-425188

Nepalese Momo'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Meat filled dumplings... Nepalese Momo's"

Nepalese Momo
Think dumplings filled to the seams with fresh meat, chives, garlic and a hint of ginger. Then, picture it fresh, piping hot from the steamer, pan fried to perfection. Now, dip it into the spicy sauce, and you have the receipe for a perfect dining experience to top off the day! Do not bother ordering just one plate because it takes time for the chef to prepare the pastry, steam and pan fry the dumplings. Dive straight into 3 plates (of 4 dumplings each). You could try chicken, lamb or vegetarian.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by DrMaximus on March 23, 2001

Nepalese Momo's
Kathmandu Kathmandu, Nepal

About the Writer

DrMaximus
DrMaximus
Montreal, Quebec

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