
Buddha inside the Kopan Temple, where monks pray (puja). I was very fortunate to be allowed inside, as I arrived a few minutes before their lunch and they lock up this particular building (temple) for an hour. The monk told me to take as much time as I needed for photographs.
For my 3rd day in Kathmandu (this would be the day before yesterday), I wanted to explore my immediate surroundings in Boudhanath, the ancient town where my hotel was, as well as do a long trek to stretch my legs. The Shambaling hotel concierge suggested that I walk to Kopan Monastery, which overlooks the valley of Kathmandu and is north of Boudhanath. This would be a perfect day, if only because the Pashupatinath festival, with 1.5 million pilgrims in attendance, would all be on the south side of Kathmandu. Obviously, I wanted to avoid that congestion if at all possible. Of course, this would not be an easy hike, as it is approximately 4-5 miles away and the last mile or so ascends at a severe grade. Continue reading →