Mero Dhangadhi

I'm going to Nepal for a month in a couple of weeks. I was wondering if you have any advice, things to watch out for and places to go or things to do that aren't well known/touristy. Anything would be really appreciative, I'm really nervous about going!

Hi! Sorry for the late reply, it’s projects season and I’ve been very busy.

Anyways, take a mask with you to wear on your nose/mouth. Kathmandu is very polluted and I found it hard to breathe when I was there. Face mask (cloth mask etc) helped. You will probably be faced with some sort of a cultural shock. I experienced it with the busy Kathmandu streets and the honking drove me bonkers, and didn’t leave my grandparents home for the first week or so. But don’t worry too much people are really nice and extremely friendly. Go with an open mind, it is probably different than what you see everyday. Be careful of where you eat/drink. You can get sick really fast. Drink mineral/boiled and filtered water, and don’t eat out at those street side vendor places. DO NOT drink tap water! Especially not in Kathmandu.

As for places, I really like the Mhaepi temple in Naya Bazaar, north of Thamel. I remember I went there once when I was really young (like 6? or 7?) and it’s this quite serene temple perched on top of a hill in the middle of a busy city. It’s nice. I don’t know how it is now, but maybe during a morning or so if you feel like taking a stroll around the city it would be a nice place to visit. Be cautious (and respectful!) of the restrictions at the temple, because some temples do not allow foreigners to enter it. Respect this, if it is the case. You don’t necessarily have to go into the temple but just going around it is pretty sweet.
Another location would be the Changunarayan temple east of Kathmandu and North of Bhaktapur. I’ve never actually been here but I’ve seen pictures of the temple (and seen it from Bhaktapur). It has a wonderful architecture and is on top of a hill and you get to see the valley from the temple. I’ve heard it’s wonderful. You’ll have to take a bus from Kathmandu, or you could try walking: it’ll take you a couple hours. You can also visit the town of Gorkha (maybe spend a day or two there), it’s close to Kathmandu and has a very beautiful palace. If you have time maybe visit Rara National Park in the East. It’s not that touristy, but has stunning views.  

It depends on how much time you have in regards to places to visit. These are just some suggestions..I could go on and on for days with locations to visit. Have fun and don’t stress out too much..it’ll be fine :)