Kathmandu Valley

The Newari Caste are the artisans of Nepal, creating pottery and woodwork that appeases the eye. Small villages in the Kathmandu Valley are filled with talented Newari people and their crafts. It's not all about souvenirs either, it's just a way of life.

Kathmandu is not a small town yet it still retains its unique character. A blend of Buddhism and Hindu devotion taints the daily life of residents, for the better. If all you see if Kathmandu are the souvenir filled streets of Thamel, then you haven't seen Kathmandu yet. The temples, holy men, smiling vendors and crazy taxi drivers are essential to the vibrance and persistance of the city. This town posses a different kind of beautiful.

This week in Nepal the festival of Dashain is gathering pace, and the streets of Bhaktapur are awash with offerings to the gods. It's a deeply religious Hindu holiday and even some of the blokes get dressed up nice for the event.