A Bubble of Calm in the Heart of the Himalayas
Kathmandu is a city that pulses with life—raw, vibrant, and sometimes overwhelming. But hidden in the chaos are moments of deep peace and surprise connection. I arrived unsure what to expect. I left feeling cracked open in the best way.
One of the first things I did was hike up to Swayambhunath, more affectionately known as the Monkey Temple. It’s one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal and a symbol of spiritual harmony, blending Hindu and Buddhist beliefs. The hike itself was steep and sweaty, dodging monkeys as they darted through the trees. At the top, hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttered in the wind, and the golden stupa shimmered in the morning sun.
Afterward, I stopped for bubble tea at a little café just next to the temple. The view was unreal—Kathmandu stretched endlessly beneath me, a dense sea of rooftops, temples, and chaos that somehow works.
Sound Healing in a Sacred City
One of the most unexpected highlights of my time in Kathmandu came through a student of mine, who connected me with someone he’s learning sound healing from. I’d never tried it before, but I showed up with curiosity and an open heart.
Lying on the mat while the vibrations from the singing bowls resonated through my body was something I didn’t know I needed. The deep hum of the bowls, the scent of incense, and the quiet in the room created a level of stillness I hadn’t experienced in weeks. I left feeling like something heavy had been lifted.
Chaos and Color: Exploring Kathmandu’s Streets
Walking through Durbar Square, I felt like I’d stepped into another time. The intricately carved temples, ancient palace buildings, and pigeons fluttering overhead created a surreal atmosphere. It’s one of Kathmandu’s three royal squares and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You could spend hours here just wandering and people-watching.
But beyond the historic square, the streets of Kathmandu are pure energy. Narrow alleyways brim with motorbikes, stray dogs, locals selling vegetables, incense wafting from temples, and tourists looking equally bewildered and awed. You don’t walk in Kathmandu—you dodge, weave, and discover.
Rooftops, Gear, and Local Noodle Soup
A fun (and practical) part of my trip? Stocking up on knock-off North Face hiking gear. In the Thamel district, shop after shop sells everything from backpacks and puffy jackets to fleece-lined pants. I picked up a few essentials I knew I’d need for trekking—at a fraction of the cost of the originals.
Each day started or ended with something grounding. A rooftop yoga class gave me the chance to breathe above the chaos. The rooftops in Kathmandu are full of hidden gems—little cafes, studios, and quiet corners where you can find some stillness.
I also treated myself to a massage—a welcome break after so much walking and hiking. For just a few dollars, I got an hour of deep tissue bliss from a local spa tucked away in a side alley.
And of course, no trip is complete without the food. I became obsessed with the local noodle soup, or thukpa—a steaming bowl of warmth with hand-pulled noodles, veggies, and the perfect amount of spice. It’s comfort in a bowl.
Tips for Travelers
- Hike early to Monkey Temple to avoid the heat and crowds.
- Bring small bills—many places don’t have change.
- Rooftop yoga is often held at guesthouses or cafes—ask around!
- Try a sound healing session if you’re open to a different kind of inner journey.
- Don’t overpay for gear—bargaining is part of the game in Thamel.
- For authentic noodle soup, look for small family-run restaurants away from the tourist streets.
Kathmandu is not for the faint of heart, but if you lean into the rhythm of the city, you’ll find something magic here. Whether you’re trekking to a temple, sipping tea with a view, or letting sound wash over you in a quiet room, this city offers beauty in the most unexpected places.
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