The Narrow Streets & Alleyways of Kathmandu Nepal

For centuries Kathmandu has been a destination for people from all over the world seeking adventure, enlightenment and a taste of Himalayan Culture.  Starting in the 1960s when the hippies began to come to Kathmandu there was one area of the city that became the main tourist enclave and it is called Thamel.  This busy district is characterized by very narrow alleyway streets, hundreds of hotels/shops, rooftop restaurants and numerous trekking (hiking) outfitters.  It was in this area of the city that Lindsay and I got our first taste of the narrow streets & alleyways of Kathmandu.  The streets are barely big enough to fit one car but are jammed packed with thousands of people, motorcycles, wagons and cars.  As all of these converge in these narrow streets it creates an atmosphere that is so unique to Kathmandu.  Lindsay and I saw some amazing things while traveling through Nepal but some of my most vivid memories are simply strolling through these amazing streets & alleyways.  Not only are the shops and restaurants fun to browse but around every corner is a temple, shrine, market, etc.  You can never get to comfortable as you walk around because you are constantly hearing the “beep beep” of motorcycles that come cruising by.  On one occasion Lindsay and I were admiring a particularly charming area of the city.  Tucked in the narrow streets was a beautiful old shrine/temple that was surrounded by bells.  We were watching the local children ring the bells and loving the unfolding scene all around us.  On another occasion a local wedding precession was coming through complete with a band and hundreds of guests being lead by the bride and groom through the streets.  Probably our most memorable experience wandering the streets of Kathmandu was one very busy night when we stumbled upon a small roundabout/intersection that was literally full of thousands of people and motorcycles all trying to make it through.  The traffic was literally stopped and Lindsay and I just weaved our way through the people and motorcycles to get back to our hotel.  The noise/chaos of this intersection was so crazy that Lindsay and I just stood there for about 15 minutes taking it all in.  Kathmandu Nepal is truly one of the most unique cities in the world and wandering through its narrow alleyways/streets is a great way to experience it.