Visit Nepal
A trip to Nepal means first and foremost meeting the warmth of its people, confronting the cheerful chaos of a capital city that is rapidly changing but still true to itself, discovering as you go along the beauty of its landscapes and mountains as well as the richness of a millennia-old cultural heritage; it means immersing yourself in a world with a strong aroma of spices, incense and humanity, poised between modernity and tradition, and preserving a soul capable of wonder and awe.
In the heart of the ancient city of Patan, now a southern suburb of greater Kathmandu, stands the Newa Chen Hotel, a pearl of architectural beauty already restored in 2006 with UNESCO funds and undergoing further restoration in 2022-23 that makes the Newa Chen an oasis of tranquility in bustling Patan and a testament to authentic Newar life; though comfort is not sacrified. It is a social enterprise hotel, providing opportunities to work and learn a profession for some of the children raised in Kam For Sud’s facilities (orphanage-farm, day care center, scholarship) and donating the entire profit to support the Tathali Orphanage.
The Newa Chen Hotel is an ideal starting point for visiting the Kathmandu Valley while supporting many young Nepalis in their career and life journey.
Kam For Sud members and supporters who would like to visit Nepal and the association’s projects and who would need some guidance in arranging travel or a specific visit, can contact us at info@kamforsud.org.
The historic center of Patan
The historic city of Patan is a fascinating web of alleys and courtyards, temples and palaces, artisans’ stores and artists’ studios, bars, cafes, restaurants and small hidden treasures that visitors can discover if they walk through the city unhurriedly and respectfully.
Below we offer some hints.
Durbar Square
Durbar square is one of seven Unesco World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. With its temples of different architectural types, royal palace, pagodas and public fountains, the temple square is a festival of Newar architecture, which reached its peak during the Malla reign. Patan’s beautiful square is at its best early in the morning and at dusk, when most of the daytime visitors have not yet arrived or have already departed and the square hosts the daily activities of the townspeople: morning ablutions, rituals, evening outings, neighborhood chats, market…
Baglamukhi Temple
Baglamukhi Temple is dedicated to the goddess who killed the demon Bagla and has the power to silence gossip monger, protect against enemies, win lawsuits and generally drive away bad luck. She is a very powerful Tantric deity! It is worth visiting this temple on Thursdays, early in the morning. Also within the complex is Kumbheshwar, a temple built in 1392 and dedicated to Shiva, the only five-roofed temple in Patan and one of only three still standing in all of Nepal. The water that flows in the courtyard of this temple is said to originate in the sacred lake of Gosainkunda at 4,400 meters above sea level. On the day of Janai Purnima (full moon in July or August), many devotees take a ritual bath.
Patan Museum
The Patan Museum is located in the ancient royal palace, originally built in the 14th century and expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries; the palace underwent excellent restoration in the 1980s-1990s and subsequent fine restoration in the early 2000s (as well as partial reconstruction after the 2015 earthquake). The museum is undoubtedly worth a visit, both for the architectural beauty of the building itself and for the wealth of artwork on display. The entrance fee is included in the ticket for the Temple Square.
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, built in the 12th century, houses a highly revered Buddha statue. This place, like most temples, also offers the best experience if you go discreetly, alone or in a small group, early in the morning.
Mahabuddha
You may have to search a bit to find the right courtyard entrance, among Patan’s countless alleys, but the visit is worth the effort: this 14th-century temple is an outstanding Buddhist monument with thousands of Buddha images etched in terracotta.
Please note
Life in Nepal follows its own rhythms, dictated by many unexpected events and improvisational skills.
For a Westerner venturing into this reality so different from his own, it can be helpful to know that with a little patience and good humor many problems can be solved (in sometimes surprising ways).