Hi Its Paul here in Kathmandu.  Today we took in a few sights of the city, visiting Swayanabath Temple or Monkey Temple as its often known by tourists.  We also visited the ghats (crematorium) and watched the rather public process from across the river.  The bodies are carried down by a male only procession and first washed in the river, then placed inside a prepared mound of wood, where they are burnt for three hours.  Afterwards the ashes are swept into the river and the area is quickly readied for the next cremation.

We attempted to enter a Hindu temple, but we were turned away as we were told we were not Hindus.  I said that we might be interested in converting but we would like to have a look first, but they obviously feel that they have enough followers, as they still turned us away.  And judging by the numbers of Indian tourists that were at the temple and keep arriving at our hotel, I think they are right.  It is definitely Indian tourist season here.

It seems that people are coming to make a pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash, a sacred place for both Buddists and Hindus.  Ptemba told us he is leading a group for the three day trek around it’s base later this month.  It’s a huge group he said – 200 people and ten cooks.  Amazing.

We are off to the Yak and Yeti hotel for a press conference given by the Scouts – they climbed Everest with Asian Trekking too, and they camped right next to us.

Cheers
Paul.