Day 15 - 9 January - Bhadgon City, Bodhnath Stupa, Tibetan Monks… and the Pashupatinath Temple

Another full day of sites and explorations.  First the world heritage city of Bhadgon (also known as Bhaktapur). I kind of liked this one better… there was lots of ‘real life’ going on around it.  We went in and talked to some students…

And watched a kindergarten class march in file … very cute

Here are some photos of the town

Then we were off to the great Stupa at Bodhnath… one of the largest in the world… constructed in the 14th century… you must walk around clockwise and spin the prayer wheels in the same direction.  

We visited the Monastery of 1000 Buddhas and had a lovely conversation with a senior monk who also gave us a blessing..… 

 

And the day is STILL not over … our final site was the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath, one of the holiest Hindu temples and a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the god Shiva.  It is on the Bagmati River it is a pagoda style with a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors… We watched the start of the Aarti prayer that starts after dark… One of the more interesting activities going on were the cremations.  Yep right out there in the open. 

Finally back to the hotel for our last night…

 6 course traditional Nepali meal… only took picture of one course… but it was a good one !!!

And the final night at the Dwarika… Did I mention the hot water bottles in the bed (although they call them hot water sacks :)) Very nice touch