Chobar Up and Down

Although we are now calling Kathmandu home, we are still tourists, and there is nothing better than spending a day sightseeing and exploring the surrounding scape of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu valley is a valley made up of three districts, which were once independent kingdoms: Kathmandu, Lalitpur/Patan (where I live) and Bhaktapur. The valley is surrounded by hills and mountains, which houses various villages and townships.

We've been fortunate to befriend a lovely Australian lady who married a Nepali musician and now calls Nepal home, having lived here for over 10 years. Her Nepali is excellent, as is her advice on everything from health care to tailors to restaurants. Last weekend, she invited us to up the south-eastern side of the valley to the village of Chobar,  found on the map here

We had to cross a perilous, but exciting, foot (and apparently motorbike) bridge along the way...

...and then climb what felt like like a million stairs. Okay, it was probably only a few hundred. really, I'm out of shape. Carrying U up these steps was the best exercise I've had in awhile...

On the way up we didn't encounter many people, but we did see other creatures:

In the village at the top of the hill we soaked up the cool(er) mountain air, moseyed around and enjoyed the narrow winding streets with beautiful views. 

We also went to an old Hindu temple and a Bhuddist monastery, had a snack in town  and chatted with some villagers.  Not a bad way to spend a Sunday. 

hanging out at the Hindu temple

U trying her first taste of rice. she loved it!

beautiful vista with storm clouds rolling in.