Nepal is both Hindu and Buddhist. Nepal claims the birthplace of Buddha.
Day 12 - May 9
Amrit picked Lin up at the hotel @ 6 a.m. and drove on his motorcycle to the Bagmati River where many Hindu temples are located on its banks.
Today is Mother's day in Nepal. Crowds come to pay tribute. Food offerings are left on the railing overlooking the Bagmati River. A sacred cow eats the offerings.
Temples overlooking the holy Bagmati River.
A Holy Man in orange.
Hindus are cremated on the banks on the holy Bagmati River. Bodies must be dipped three times in the river before cremation. The 1st son lights the funeral pyre and takes a river-water bath immediately after cremation. Unfortunately, the polluted river is currently not suitable for taking sacred baths. Shortly after our departure, on May 18, 2013 a cleaning and awareness program was initiated.
In the afternoon Rohit accompanies us to the ancient city of Bhaktapur. See photos below.
Bhaktapur is a preserved ancient city with many temples.
Sukey views the selections. Choices for shopping were plentiful.
Sukey, Del, Tim and Rohit admiring this temple.
A captivating fountain head. Goat, cobra, fish, (perhaps ram's horns) and lizard.
A grand monument.
On the last night an informal debriefing took place at Kate and Amrit's home. Amrit showed a video of the Y - caterpillar plant hunting. Kagi prepared one more meal of daal bhat. Kate and Amrit gave us each a traditional gift of beautiful Nepali scarves.