1.Go for a hike
Nepal has many amazing hiking spots, of course, and these places just become more adventurous during the monsoon. The feeling of hiking through a forest while it is raining is great, and lets you become one with your natural surroundings. To add to this, the forest gets a different shade of green thanks to the rain and makes the experience a wonderful one. Just be sure to carry a spray of salt water in case the leeches get you. For specific ideas, check out the hiking article later in this issue, or browse our online archives.
2. Live music
If you’re looking for a place to get a great live music experience, search no more—the Purple Haze and Jazz Upstairs are just some of the many great live music venues in the valley. As its name suggests, Upstairs is a jazz bar and well known city landmar. The memorable time when British rock star Sting showed up unannounced and gave a live performance has never been forgotten. Purple Haze is a larger, louder venue, with the setting of a rock club in 1980s Los Angeles that is not to be missed.
3. Go cycling
On flat ground, a person weighing 70 kg can burn roughly 600 calories cycling in an hour compared to only about 300 calories per hour walking. So even if you’re on vacation why not stay fit? The plains and hills around the valley provide an ample playground to cycle around in. Rent a cycle and go for a ride with friends or join a cycling group.
4. Visit Bhaktapur
It’s really not that far from Kathmandu and Patan, yet still seems to get neglected by many valley residents. Go for a visit to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Indulge yourself in the sweetness and creaminess of the juju dhau, a yogurt deemed fit for royals. Wander the lanes and gullies, look around and be sure to buy yourself some of the locally made ceramics.
5. Take a stroll around the old Kathmandu city center
The thought of a street filled with people may not sound appealing at all. But do visit this local marketplace in the evening. There you’ll get to see how the people in the valley used to spend their evenings before modernization hit us. Especially now, with the festive season approaching, it’s a great time to watch at people fight over who gets the best deals on the streets of Ason and New Road.
