7 Days Backpacking in Nepal, Part 2

Hello, welcome back to Nepal part II

For this part,no more snow or beautiful mountains...Instead, let's find out more about historically towns and their sacred architectures. 

Day 5

Today I went to the oldest Hindu temple known as Kathmandu valley world heritage site "Hanumandhoka Durba Square& Museum" In my opinion, it looks quite old and mystical. However, I was really impressed with the craft and artwork a lot because all the buildings and sculptures were carved very in details. 

Hindu's belief and culture have been involved in our lives since A.D., so I think this legacy site can be a really good sample for anyone who wants to learn more about previous artistic work.

 Rs. 750/person

Opening Hours: 9:oo am-4:00 pm

Then, headed to Bhaktapur "Creation of predecessors-Our art and culture" 

According to the history, Bhaktapur is known as the cultural capital of Nepal. It used to be the capital city until 18th century, the ancestors protected the city as a sovereign country surrounding it with boundary walls and number of city gates. Bhaktapur's been a place for peasants, businessmen, handicraft producers and public employees including Hindus or Buddhists. As it is said " It is religious harmony that unites the people in the city. Every festival and cultural activity, irrespective of its religion, is observed with full and equal enthusiasm" This's why Bhaktapur is enlisted in World Heritage Sites in 1979 AD. 

There are various spots to go, so the first one I went was DURBAR SQUARE, the main square of the city.   Not only that you can visit the palace of 55 windows, you also be able to enter the Golden Gate and experience many masterpiece pieces of stone sculpture which is the main attraction of the square. Besides, you can walk around TAUMADHI SQUARE which is known as the city of engineering and architecture of multi roofed temples. Also, POTTERY SQUARE, one of the world's old professions

Bhaktapur city map

55 Windows Palace

The Golden Gate, 1754 A.D.

DATTATRAYA SQUARE

However, I don't recommend to buy any food or sweet here. It's not that I'm a healthy freak or anything but Nepal's really covered with dust. Well everywhere's covered with dust but this is exceptional! I had to wear a mask all the time when I was travelling around the towns. You can try eating or buying food from the vendors or pop-up stalls but for me I'd rather say "no" since I had a serious poisonous food after I had eaten some desserts from Bhaktapur (I don't know what it is called, but it's like a sweet bean..something) I'm telling you, that night was totally a nightmare because I kept vomiting 3 times. This's worse than I ever imagined. I couldn't sleep, my body was shaking, I vomited til I couldn't move my limbs. Trust me all I was thinking in that moment was my family; mom, dad, friends and my dogs. You'd better be safe wherever you're planning to go alright because you will never know what's going to happen. 

Day 6

I think you can guess what happened today...actually I didn't even go to anywhere because of illness..haha what the! Well I went to another Square but I merely walked for like 30 minutes then took a nap at tourism information center. Thank you so much for your kindness :)

Day 7 (Last day)

After fully recovered, I made a lot of destinations today. The first place I went was a Monkey Temple, Buddhist temple surrounded by loads of monkeys. DO NOT take any food or drink out because these monkeys will swiftly jump to you and grab it.

Buddha

Then, I went to another world's heritage site called Shree Boudhanath. 

And the 3rd place of the day was Hanuman-dhoka Durba, world's heritage site monument zone. (Actually, I kind of love this place though).This place combines of beautiful temples and shrines, both Hindu and Buddhists. Most of them were built between 12th and 18th centuries. "It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized" The Durba Square area can be divided into two parts; the outer complex is famous for several interesting temples like Kumari Ghar, Kasthmandap, Shiv-Parbati Temple and etc while the inner part is an old palace area, Hanuman-dhoka and courtyards. The Hanuman-dhoka Royal Palace is enlisted in the World Heritage Site of UNESCO as well.

Even though I had to suffer from food poisonous all night, I really enjoyed travelling in Nepal because there are so many things that I've never ever seen in my life. 

So what do I learn from this trip?

1. Medicine, this is really necessary, especially when you sick including balm as well (remember backpacking is all about walking)
2. Friendship, you will meet lots of backpackers from around the world at the guesthouse. Trust me try staying at the hostel or guesthouse for more fun lol I met a Japanese guy who went to Mt.Everest. He shared a story to me that it's -15 degree over there and it's really cold like really really cold.
3. I have to survive without the heater! 
4. No more stall food never ever ever ever everrrrrrrrrr
5. The most important thing is "the experience" finally, you'll realize that there are so many things in this world to be explored. Life is not just about study, graduate then end up working for money. It's like an "eye-open" :)

Hope you enjoy :))

Have a great holiday 

xx

Yellow Studded Dress for NARS Party

WHO'S READY FOR FRANCOIS NARS PARTY!

November 9, 2012 I went to the party of Francois Nars due to his first visit to Thailand. 

This was like a celebrities party, with an exclusive launched of NARS new collection inspired by Andy Warhol. And my selection was a yellow studded dress with black wedges and cheetah shoulder bag. The reason why I didn't go for "LBD" or "Little Black Dress" was I wanted to try new things :) Sometimes colorful dress with some chic or stylish accessories wouldn't be that bad for the night. Instead, it will make you look more lively and glam

For more information about the latest collection, you can read at Fashion Studio Magazine or

go to "  http://www.fashionstudiomagazine.com/2012/11/gails-fashion-diary_21.html#more"

Francois Nars

For other studded dresses you might also like

Have a great day :)

7 Days, Journey in Nepal Part 1

Greeting from Nepal!

Apart from being a fashion blogger at The Equinox (official page)  and fashion assistant for Fashion Studio Magazine, I am one of those people who love backpacking with all my heart. If you can remember from the previous article that I had a chance to go to Malaysia&Singapore during Summer, yet again here I spent 7 days in historically town, Nepal! 

My backpack crews included a few members of my family also the owner&co-founder of RIZE Travel, Thai travel agency which provided me all perfect accommodation and everything booked before hand (Thank you so much!). Actually, this agency is renowned and really professional at travelling in Japan. More than 3,000 followers keep coming back for their great services, however, this time it's all about finding something new in the country which has accumulated historical culture since 8th century!

Day 1

To be honest, day one wasn't my impressive start at all since I stuck in the airport for more than 5 hours due to flight delayed. I just spent time walking around in Suvarnabhumi Airport. All in all, I arrived at Kathmandu, Nepal around 1 a.m. then headed to Madhuban Guest House. this guesthouse is situated only 15 minutes from Nepal International Airport, besides if you are seeking a place to stay in Nepal, I will totally recommend this place!! Not only they have a service-minded, but every clerk is also willing to help you anytime. This place provides comfy rooms with private bathroom and tv, free wi-fi, delicious food, money exchange (the best rate from any other places) travel package, also located in a very convenient spot, 15 minutes to Durba Square, 10 minutes to local shopping places and etc.

My bedroom

In front of Madhuban Guest House

Day 2

I and the co-founder of RIZE Travel

Flied (again) to another beautiful town called Sarangkot (in Pokhara) by Buddha Air (it's only 30 minutes though) But before my feet would touch the ground, I was really stunned by the view of beautiful mountains which you can merely see right in front of you!

It's me at the airport

Bhudda Air

The ticket to Pokhara

  It took me 40 minutes from Pokhara airport to The Superview Lodge (altitude of 1592 mtrs in the hill of Sarangkot) the magnificent place to stay, located on the top of the mountain. The aim of day two was mountain and nature! Once you go to The Superview Lodge, you will never want to go anywhere else since you can see Nepal from the top view also crystal white Mt Machhapuchhre like a 3D ride. The fresh air, good food, friendly people...what more could you ask for :) 

  What you can do up here are

1. Paragliding- "Float over mystery shrouded monasteries, beautiful turquoise lakes, exotic jungles and villages" said Sunrise Paragliding.

2. Yoga

3. Trekking

4. Bungi jumping

5. Watch Sun rises and Sun set  

Mt Machhapuchhre

Superview Lodge

Day 3

Back in Pokhara, I only had one day left here before flying back to Kathmandu. So I went to the lake and just had Korean food for dinner lol well...it wasn't appropriate to have Korean food in Nepal but c'monn I just need something tasty and good dinner time with friends and family :) If you have ever been to Khaosarn Road in Bangkok, Pokhara is just the same. There are lots of local stores, bars and restaurants (It's not that packed as much as in Khaosarn road but it's like the same foreigners spot style) Otherwise, in the day time you can go to DEVI'S FALL in order to have a look at different types of natural rocks and the depth of stream, only Rs.20

Pokhara

Tha Lake

Nepal beer

Korean food

Day 4

It's good to be back in Kathmandu but still I had to go to Hotel View Point which located on the top of Nagarkot (7,200ft.) Overall, 2 hours in a van plus I was car sick so.....

This is a popular hill station in Nepal because you can see such a breathtaking view of Himalayan peaks of Nepal like Manaslu, Sisa Pangam, Lantang, Gaurishankar and Mt.Everest! The rooms are well-furnished provide privated baths also hot water. Besides, the rooftop gives a magnificent panoramic view of the mountain ranges and valley. 

See I told you the first four days were all about mountain!

TO BE CONTINUED 7 Days, Journey in Nepal Part 2

Read more about Nepal's fashion at Fashion Studio, Gail's Diary

Have a great day :)

x