We had a very brief stay in Nepal. It is a gateway to Bhutan, which has a sort of treacherous runway hidden between mountains. So you fly to Kathmandu, Nepal in your big plane and get on a small plane to go to Bhutan. We only had a few hours one afternoon in Kathmandu, and we chose to spend it visiting Durbar Square, located in nearby Bhaktapur. Durbar Square contains an extraordinary ensemble of Hindu temples, fabulous Newari architechture and the Royal Palace, and is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The area is populated by the Newars, who descend from both Tiberto-Burman- and Indo-European-speaking peoples. Kathmandu Valley is said to have more temples than houses, representing Hinduism to the south and Bhuddism to the north, intertwined with Tantrism, animist rites and shamanistic practices. There is a struggle going on today to transition from ancient practices to incorporate modern influences. There is also some political instability, with the Maoists, the military and the King all vying for power.
We were treated to a show of native Manjushree Dance in the evening, and I did procure a traditional wooden ceremonial mask of Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Shiva and Parvati. He is worshiped as the god of good luck, and the remover of obstacles.
