From Lhasa to Kathmandu

From Lhasa to Kathmandu

We just need to say goodbye to Lhasa and prepare to take the flight to Kathmandu. The sky is clear and stable, and when we have covered the 66 km that separate us from the airport, we realize there will be no problems with takeoff. This happened on time, and the pilot of the Air China Airbus 319 assures us from his cockpit that we will arrive at our destination in one hour. True enough, but once above the Nepalese capital, we won't be able to land due to adverse ground conditions. The plane turns back, flies over the world's highest mountain range again, and lands a second time in Lhasa. The disappointment is obvious; it feels like a curse that always strikes us without exception. To make matters worse, this time there is also the risk of missing our return flight if the situation doesn't improve quickly. We have one day left, but things here can take any turn. We remain inside the aircraft parked at Lhasa Airport and wait hopefully for news that are late in arriving. The fact that they haven't made us get off is interpreted as a positive message, and after about half an hour, we receive the communication that they will refuel to try again. Endless minutes pass: the idea of landing, returning to Lhasa, and trying again tomorrow would disrupt our plans, patience, and perhaps even our return journey. Finally, we take off to reach the Nepalese capital under the sun and land safely. This time it worked out. We send our suitcases to the hotel and have them delivered to us. Pashupatinath, the famous Hindu temple, known for being one of the most popular places for cremations. The worst is seen smoking The air is thick with the scent of burning wood and the pungent smell of cooked meat. Across the sacred river, Bagmati, a hill covered in… trees and stupa.

Pashupatinath and return to Thamel

Unfortunately, these have suffered the unfortunate fate that has befallen... other monuments hit by the fury of the earthquake. Already fragile due to their nature and age, the quake has caused cracks and damage in various areas. Restoration work is beginning, but we hope it arrives before further collapses. Spring is in full swing and today it's hot in Kathmandu, which benefits both our bones and our airways, while beautiful Siri trees They project a violet light upwards. A taxi, and we return to Thamel where with R.K., we go to a place that serves dhal bhat and... local dances Seamlessly. Finally, we can enjoy some restful sleep at an altitude where the heart can beat regularly again. The exhaustion is almost over; we just need to spend a few more hours visiting some of the remaining landmarks in the capital.