Nepal | GRRRL TRAVELER

Video: The Monkey Temple in Kathmandu

Filed under Kathmandu, Nepal by Christine Ka'aloa on January 10, 2010 at 4:38 am {2 comments}

by Christine Ka’aloa

Swayambhunath Stupa “aka the Monkey Temple“, Kathmandu, Nepal

Located atop a forest hillside overlooking the Kathmandu Valley is one of the most ancient and revered religious sites in Kathmandu- Swayambhunath Stupa. The stupa is claimed to be over 2,000 years old and is a re-known pilgrimage site for many devout Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. It is also known as The Monkey Temple, as it is home to over a hundred resident monkeys which roam the area. Ever fantasized about having a pet monkey when you were a child? Then this will be a small part of (more…)

Gift of Giving…One Child, One Moment in Nepal

Filed under Nepal, Other & Trekking by Christine Ka'aloa on November 22, 2008 at 12:23 pm {2 comments}

The gift of giving and saving lives doesn’t always need to be monetary or achieved through great acts. Sometimes, it just takes “a thought” or “the smallest effort of creating time” out of your crazy life to let another person be of concern to you.

Today I received an email from Theo, a French expat who’s made his home in Kathmandu and whom I met during my time in Chobhar Village, Nepal. Theo is a philanthropist responsible for a handful of humanitarian efforts that’s aided villagers towards health, better living conditions and financial recovery.

Today, Theo was asking for advice/ideas for a specific concern and one child in particular. (more…)

Nepal Trekking Day 2: Nagarkot to Sankhu Village

Filed under Great Outdoors, Nepal by Christine Ka'aloa on October 4, 2008 at 2:52 am {no comments}

: sunrise in Nepal

Day #2:

Bacchu wakes me up so I can see the sun rise.

5AM. It’s not easy for me to get out of bed, but I’m certain it’ll be worth it. I am not normally a ”Sunrise” type of person, but it certainly was gorgeous one and I’m glad he woke me up for it. We ate some breakfast and then we were off!

: sunrise in nepal

Trekking through villages in the early morning has a wonderfully tranquil feel to it.

The view is shrouded in mist and fog to make its mountain valley presence even more-so mystical. Animals are awake as farming life begins to stir (more…)

Nepal Trekking Day 1: Bhaktipur, Changhu Narayan, Nagarkot

Filed under Great Outdoors, Nepal by Christine Ka'aloa on October 3, 2008 at 11:38 am {no comments}

I have had many lovely experiences in Nepal…

On my last 2 days in Kathmandu, I decided to do a trek with Wayfarers, a reputable budget travel agency recommended by my Lonely Planet guidebook.

Nepal is known for its intensive 2-3 week treks to Mount Everest, Pokhara and the Annapurna regions. I was short on time, so I opted for a $60- 2 day/1 night trek through 4 villages (Bhaktapur, Changhu Narayan, Nagarkot and Sankhu) with a view of the Himalayan Mountains .

What is trekking?

If you ever wondered why they call it “trekking” and not “hiking”, I couldn’t tell you. This is my first time doing it.

Trekking seems to be like a really long and intense hike. Half the time, if there’s nothing to see but woods, worn path and rock, you spend your time (more…)

Photographing Children in Nepal

Filed under Nepal, Other & Trekking by Christine Ka'aloa on October 3, 2008 at 11:35 am {no comments}

: nepalese mountain children

Sometimes life rushes at you suddenly without notice. It comes in a stream or flood, so as a photographer, you simply snap away hoping you have the right focus, right exposure, speed, timing.

I throw out any notions I might have that I’m an artist or photographer (great or shitty one…).

I realize there’s something greater holding my hand, making this moment happen. The tools and training that I collected with time, helps some. But unless that moment is “gifted” by some act of god, I will not get it.

Taking photos of children is like that. They run at you and pummel you with expressions, giggles or bewilderment- spontaneous, open and carefree- (more…)

Discovering Chobhar Village & Kritipur

Filed under Nepal, Other & Trekking by Christine Ka'aloa on October 1, 2008 at 11:34 am {no comments}

Kathmandu (Chobhar Village & Kritipur)

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Getting Lost! Dakshinkali and Lessons on the Nepalese bus!

Filed under Great Outdoors, I Survived! by Christine Ka'aloa on September 30, 2008 at 11:28 am {2 comments}

Kathmandu (Chobhar Village, Durga Puja & the Nepalese bus)

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Le Chobhar Village Resort and the little idyllic village of Chobhar

Filed under Nepal, Other & Trekking by Christine Ka'aloa on September 30, 2008 at 10:26 am {no comments}

Taudaha Valley from Chobhar Today I awoke to my room in Le Chobhar Village Resort and a breath-taking 360 view of the unspoilt Taudaha Valley. I It’s a grand feeling. While I have a small room in my resort cottage, I actually have full run of the resort. Momentarily, I am its only guest, so [...]

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