Return to Kathmandu | Nepal

I Continue From Here: Nagarkot, Nepal

24,25,26 May

Near Bag Bazaar, I got off the bus and headed to a place called Love of Burrito. A rather ridiculous incident unfolded there. A North Indian woman was demanding a paper cup from the server along with the bottle of water she had purchased, saying she needed it to feed her child. The server repeatedly explained that they did not have paper cups. She then pointed to some thick plastic cups used for serving juice and asked him to give her one of those instead.

The server explained that those cups were expensive and indirectly hinted that they would cost extra. However, she shamelessly continued insisting. Finally, he replied sarcastically, "Okay, take it as a compliment from my side."

Completely indifferent to the remark, she took the cup and left. Unfortunately, this kind of attitude displayed by some Indian tourists can leave a poor impression. I felt obliged to counter that image in some small way, so I ordered a drink along with my meal. The server was delighted.

I then walked through Asan Bazaar to my hostel, Yakety Yak. The bazaar was packed with shops, food stalls, and people. The aroma of spices filled the air as I wandered through its narrow streets.

I had booked this hostel for a day because Nepali Heritage Hotel was unavailable, or perhaps the new receptionist was unwilling to offer me the discounted rate that Raju had previously given me as a gesture of goodwill for being a returning customer. I quickly booked a cheaper dormitory nearby. I knew the place was decent because Ward and Gilou had stayed there before. In fact, it turned out to be a very nice hostel with a lively backpacker atmosphere.

Later, I stepped out to buy postcards. I picked up a few featuring Manaslu Peak and also bought a fridge magnet. After an early dinner, I returned to the hostel and spent the evening in the common area, writing messages and addresses on the postcards.

The next morning, 24 May, I checked out at 11 a.m. and headed to an organic café known for its smoothie bowls. I spent some time there sketching before walking to Nepali Heritage Hotel.

I also visited Aavya Atelier, where I met Pratham, a young entrepreneur who had started a boutique selling handcrafted jewellery. His family had been involved in the craft for generations. The designs were unique and beautiful. I bought a pair of earrings made from malachite stones. I had often seen his father working in the workshop inside the shop and had always wanted to take a closer look.

That evening, I had an early dinner at my favourite vegan restaurant, Always Happy.

Later, I spoke with Raju and enquired about his cousin. She had undergone surgery, and the biopsy samples had been sent to India for further testing.

On 25 May, I woke up and had tea at my usual spot. I then walked to the post office, bought stamps, and mailed my postcards. After stopping at a few cafés for coffee and snacks, I returned to the hotel.

In the evening, I visited Durbar Square and Freak Street. Later, I returned to Durbar Square and sat there as thunder and lightning illuminated the sky. As usual, many locals had gathered there. Sitting among them, I felt almost like one of them.

On 26 May, I had both tea and breakfast at the same eatery. Around 9 a.m., I went to Lucky Cheese Dairy to buy some yak cheese. I had told the owner the previous evening that I would return in the morning, as I wanted to purchase it just before heading to the airport.

At 10 a.m., my taxi arrived, arranged by the trekking company. At the airport, I met an elderly Indian couple from Bangalore. I helped them with their heavy luggage, and we struck up a conversation. They had visited Muktinath and several other places in Nepal. They were eager to hear about my trekking experience and remarked that I was travelling at the right age, as they now found such journeys much more difficult.

The airport was crowded, but my direct flight to Bangalore departed on time.

And with that, my Nepal backpacking and trekking journey came to an end. It had been a truly remarkable experience—filled with stunning landscapes, memorable encounters, and experiences that I will cherish for a long time.