Day 8: Sunday

Weather Update: Sunny. High 22c

Elevation Above Sea Level: 1,445 m

A Hearty Breakfast to Start the Day

My day began with a delicious breakfast: two fried eggs, two pieces of toast with butter and jam, and Nepalese-style potato hash browns. Unlike those in New Zealand, these hash browns are sliced fried potatoes slowly cooked in olive oil with onions and green peppers in a spicy sauce—absolutely delightful.

A Change in Plans

Initially, I planned to walk to the temple, but life's spontaneity took over, and I decided against the 13 km walk. Instead, I focused on preparing for the colder climate of Tbilisi, Georgia, where temperatures range from 1-8 degrees Celsius, much colder than Kathmandu's 22°C.

Jacket Hunt

Over the past two weeks, I've seen countless jackets tailored for the Himalayas but found only one I liked, priced at NPR 1,200 ($15.35). Eventually, I found a fitting jacket in a small shop for NPR 2,400. After some haggling, we settled on NPR 2,200 ($28 NZ), a bargain considering it could easily sell for 2-3 times more back home.

Laundry and Exploration

I also picked up my laundry today, done for NPR 300 ($3.84). During my walk, I stumbled upon a hotel with a rooftop bar and restaurant offering stunning views from the 8th floor. Although I initially thought I saw Mt. Everest, a compass app revealed the true location—180 km away. I managed to capture a glimpse despite the thin cloud cover.

Engaging Conversations:

While enjoying the sunshine, I conversed with the hotel manager about adding informational signs on the rooftop to help guests identify the mountains. It was a peaceful experience, basking in the glorious sunshine with the Himalayas in the backdrop—an opportunity few will ever have.

Kathmandu and Surroundings

Kathmandu, the closest city to Mt. Everest, has a central lower part at 1,425 m (4,675 ft). The valley is encircled by five mountain ranges: Shivapuri hills (2,732 m), Phulchowki (2,762 m), Nagarjun (2,128 m), Champadevi (2,278 m), and Chandragiri (2,551 m).

Meeting School Children

On my way back to the hostel, I met a group of schoolchildren. I learned that here, students attend school six days a week from 10 am to 3 pm, with only Saturdays off. Their neat uniforms starkly contrast with the more casual school dress in New Zealand.