Manakamana Jan14/11

An early start, 6AM at Maiti Nepal office (I manage to catch a bus). I walk on the quiet streets past small groups of people huddled by fires. Although the complex is dark a guard eventually comes to the gate and lets me in after confirming that I am going to Manakamana.

Suprisingly all the girls are ready before the boys. We board a big bus. It takes about 3 hours to get there with a couple bathroom stops. The building is exceptionally clean with a modern appearance unlike much else in Nepal (except for the City Centre shopping mall).

Maiti Nepal includes me as staff, (fortunately as the price for a foreigner is $15US dollars), my volunteer card is accepted as ID.



I read that the cable car system was built by the Swiss, so I have no concerns about my safety although I still grip the back of the seat when the car goes up over the support. It is a long way up, I can't imagine how long it takes to walk up.





Initially, I plan to go into the temple with the group but after walking in my bare feet across the courtyard up several flights of steps and waiting (and realizing that it will be a long wait) I decide that I would rather take photos and have my feet in my nice warm shoes.

It is a good decision as it is a long wait and I can take photos at my leisure. Also photos are not allowed inside the temple. While waiting I see a very reluctant goat being taken to the temple. Later I see the man but not the goat.

After the temple we have a group lunch of dhal bhat. It is a full day as it is dark when we finally get back to Kathmandu.



Fresh oranges and orange trees












kiosks lining the route to the temple (with items to buy as well as offerings including goats, chickens and birds)



Mystic images


Boy and bells



Picking up offerings as fast as his little paws can go...






Maiti Nepal Staff








Group Photo