Kathmandu has now spread out through the entire valley. If you can find your way through the hustle and bustle of the Nepal capital, you will still discover Hindi temples at every corner and spectacular Newari temples, although these have been badly shaken by the 2015 earthquake.
Just before the Tihar Holiday-the Nepali festival of lights- piles of marigold flowers and garlands make the markets even more colorful. The tradition is to decorate your house with them.
During each trip to Nepal, I never miss spending time around the temple of Boudhanath. About 20,000 Tibetan refugees live in Kathmandu. Many of them come to the temple every day to do their koras, circumambulations, in order to gain merit. Their resilience and devotion are always a great refreshing inspiration.
In 2016, I had the privilege to do some yoga with the nuns at Keydong nunnery and with older refugees at the elderly house. Their blessings were immense compared to the care I could give them.
Both places are supported by the American Himalayan Foundation.
Paths To One World 