π³π΅ Kathmandu, Nepal - Day 1 Adventure
βοΈ Flight from Kunming to Kathmandu Took China Eastern Airlines from Kunming Changshui Airport to Tribhuvan International Airport Paid extra 150 RMB for right-side window seat (worth it!) 3.5-hour flight with 2h15m time difference from Beijing 30 mins before landing: Himalayan peaks suddenly emerged from the sea of clouds at 10,000 meters - like a fairy tale! βοΈποΈ π‘οΈ Arrival: Ground temperature: 20+Β°C Took shuttle bus to terminal, collected luggage Currency exchange: 1:18 rate (got Nepalese Rupees) Bought 28-day SIM card (50GB data + unlimited calls) π¨ Accommodation: Walked 300m to Airport Diana Hotel (booked via Ctrip) Newly opened in 2024, rooms from 200-500 RMB/night (Pro tip: They offer airport pickup, but we walked) πͺοΈ First Impressions: Stepping out of the airport felt like entering another world - dusty roads, no zebra crossings, organized chaos! ποΈ Kathmandu Durbar Square: 1,000 NPR (~50 RMB) entrance fee Honestly, the old palace/temples weren't spectacular - just very crowded "But hey, we're already here!" mentality π (Note: Nepal has 3 Durbar Squares - others are in Patan & Bhaktapur) ποΈ Thamel District: 10-min walk from the square to Kathmandu's most bustling area Packed with hotels, restaurants, and countless outdoor gear shops Saw tons of "North Face" & "Arc'teryx" - mostly fakes, but some real deals? π½οΈ Dinner at Manang Hotel: Authentic Nepali flavors: mutton, fish, yogurt desserts Cultural dance performance during meal π Only 100+ RMB per person - great value! Staff helped book honest taxi back (360 NPR vs scammy 800 NPR quote earlier) *From Himalayan views to Durbar scams - Day 1 was WILD!* ππ More adventures coming... Bonus Tips: 1οΈβ£ Right plane seat = free mountain show 2οΈβ£ Taxis WILL overcharge - negotiate hard! 3οΈβ£ Thamel's outdoor gear = 90% fake 4οΈβ£ Durbar Squares are "meh" but iconic Would you brave Kathmandu's chaos? π€π¨ #NepalTravel #KathmanduGuide #MonkeyTemple #HiddenGems
