Pashupati and Monkey Temples, memorable World Heritage Sites

By 7 am we were weaving our way across a city where centre lines do not exist to visit the spiritually significant Pashupati Temple. The entry fee is high $13US and is used to fund site restoration and clean up the heavily polluted Bagmati River.

The site has been in existence for over 1000 years and is one of the holiest temples in the world for Hindus. Brightly made up Babas were seated around the Temple, keen for a picture for a price.
We were privileged to observe a traditional Hindu funeral from the blessing in the Bagmati to the family carrying their loved one clothed in bright yellow and orange and covered in marigolds to the cremation site. A private family ceremony shared so openly in this memorable temple, as it has been for hundreds of years. 

The Temples at Pashupati: The Bagmati River is in the foreground, about 2-3m wide. We observed the funeral taking place in the right foreground.  

Back in the van for the ride across town to the Monkey Temple, Swayambhu. This trip took us through the old Kathmandu, very narrow streets with as many people, motor bikes and taxis as in more modern areas. The centre was closed for a festival so we took a detour down what seemed like a garden path eventually arriving at the magnificent Monkey Temple.

They say there are a thousand steps to the impressive brass and gold plated stupa that affords panoramic views of Kathmandu. We didn't count but the staircase is certainly steep, easily handled though after our high altitude training.

Near the top of the stairs to The Monkey Temple, Swayambhu, the bright gold stupa in the background.

New prayer flags were bring hung by a man precariously scaling the dome by hauling himself up on a chain. No Health and Safety here. The stupa is beautiful and the views are just tremendous!  Devotees and tourists alike wander around entranced. Numerous stalls line the stairs and viewing areas selling Buddha, prayer wheels, singing bowls, knives, etc. And yes, there were monkeys too. All doing their own thing and quite oblivious to all the fuss.

Pauline, Will and Elsa taking in the views over Kathmandu. A monk checks his cell phone in the right of the picture

Will Jonny, Dave and Hugh - Monkey Temple

On our return to the hotel several were dropped off in Thamel for a last bout of shopping. Tonight we will be trying to fit everything into our cases for the flight to Singapore and home.