The journey to Kathmandu began. Everyone was in good spirits, and I ended up sitting next to a young Nepali man, probably in his early 30s. The route on the Indian side is quite comfortable for both drivers and passengers, but as far as I remember, the road becomes much bumpier once you cross into Nepal. Overall, the staff does their best to ensure a comfortable experience—the bus itself is in good condition, there are several stops for meals and toilets, and they even offer currency exchange near the border.
If a passenger is a foreigner, the staff assists with border procedures on both sides. Entering Nepal definitely requires a visa, which you can partially apply for online, but you still need to visit the nearest office and pay in cash. If you’re flying, this service is provided directly at the airport.
It’s always refreshing to see how people, even when exhausted, remain friendly to one another. The good atmosphere lasted until the very end of our journey.
By the time we arrived, it was already dark, and I could immediately sense the different vibe—I felt so good to be there. A kind man helped me order a bike fare through the inDrive app, and as soon as I stepped off the bus and collected my bag, I was on my way to my room. Haha! I was so happy. The bike driver was kind as well—it was my first time using this service. Our route took us along the beautiful fence of Kopan Monastery, and a big smile spread across my face. After some time, we arrived safely in Thamel, the lively travelers’ hub filled with cozy cafés, restaurants, and shops selling professional trekking and mountaineering gear. Nepal is famously known as a paradise for alpinists and trekkers, and Kathmandu, as its capital, is the perfect introduction to that world.
For the first couple of days, I stayed in a simple hostel—the cheapest one I could find. As soon as I checked in, I took a shower and went straight to sleep.
The next morning, I woke up feeling fresh and ready to explore the city. After a coffee, I stepped outside, amazed by how light and free I felt. You could say that Nepal is much less chaotic than India. My first task was to buy a SIM card, which is easily available on almost every corner. A one-month package cost me 800 Nepali rupees.
The main downside of my hostel was that it was far from Boudhanath, home to the iconic stupa—one of Nepal’s most important sites, which I planned to visit frequently. Anyway I set off on a two-hour walk. After so many hours on the bus, stretching my legs felt great, and I was happy to immerse myself in the city right away.
The weather was beautiful—sunny and warm. It was also the time of preparations for Diwali, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrating light. The joy in the air was unmistakable.
Stay tuned for Part 3 of my Kathmandu: A Vajra Place series, where I take you to Boudhanath. Come, join me to stand in front of Buddha’s Eyes, together.