Kathmandu (2)

Durbar Square

We saw at least one pagoda at Swayambhunath, but they were countless in Kathmandu's Durbar Square, really pagoda land. We learned that pagodas originated in India, then were adopted in Nepal before being exported to China later.

Before any more walking, we walked upstairs to a good restaurant, ate well and rested. From the restaurant, we had a good view over Basantapur Square. Afterwards, we walked through it to Durbar Square. We looked at far too many buildings to show and talk about them all. The Kasthamandap, though, is said to be at the origin of the name of the city.


Basantapur Square, Durbar Square in back on right	Kasthamandap, Pavilion of Wood, c. 12th c.

Maju Deval, a Shiva temple	Shiva-Parvati Temple (left) looking towards Makhan Tole

The people of Nepal are composed of numerous ethnic groups, true multi-culturalism. The CIA World Factbook mentions nine ethnic groups constituting at least 3.9% of the population each. The Newari constitute one of the most prominent, though not the most numerous, of them. Their form of architecture seems to predominate in the area. The Newari style uses red brick for the walls, tiled roofs and lots of beautifully and delicately (and, sometimes, erotically) carved wood decoration. We saw it all over the area, as far away as Pokhara.


Baghwati Temple, in the Newari style	Wood carving around windows on the Baghwati Temple

Entering Makhan Tole	Pagodas in Makhan Tole

There are many temples and pagodas in Durbar Square and many more in the Makhan Tole, which lies just north of it.

The next morning, we took a flight over Mount Everest.

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