Jacek Piwowarczyk Photography - Nepal

NEPAL

Nepal is one of my favourites countries in the world. During my numerous visits to this beautiful and fascinating country I managed to take some wonderful shots of its overwhelming scenery, unique architecture and exceptionally friendly people. There are some of them:

KATHMANDU VALLEY

Swayambunath is one of my favourite places in Kathmandu Valley. I have been there several times, actually during each of my visits, but it still fascinates me. Although a view over the valley has changed and dozens of concrete buildings have been raised but it is still worth an effort to climb steep 300 flagstoned steps. The main feature of the temple is a snowy white painted stupa with eyes of the Buddha looking in all directions. "Om mani padme hum".

There are many places where the Buddha is looking at locals and visitors. Apart from the ubiquitous stupas his eyes can grace windows, chortens, walls and doors. This one can be found inside the Hanuman Dhoka or Old Royal Palace one of the most important structures in Kathmandu in the Outer Durbar Square. They are carved on the wooden doors leading to one of the areas closed for visitors.


Bodhanilikantha, a small hamlet nine kilometres north of Kathmandu enshrines the 5-metres long, 1200 or 1300 years old stony image of Vishnu - one of the most important Hindu gods. It attracts a constant stream of pilgrims and every morning at at about 9 o'clock, a priest goes into the basin to wash the god's face and make similar offerings. Thumbs up!	Bhaktapur, known as the City of devotes is the third major town in the Kathmandu Valley after Kathmandu itself and Patan. It is also my favourite. A good deal of historical monuments can be found around Durbar Square (above) but Bhaktapur offers much more and it's really pleasant to wander around. Do not forget to drop for a drink to a small restaurant overlooking Dattatraya Square - what a view!


Narrow streets of Kathamandu are a real challenge for a photographers. Tricky light-shadows make it very difficult to take a picture. But the outcome is really wonderful.	Bodhnath is mainly famous for its huge stupa - the largest in the Kathmandu Valley. However, small accompanying stupas are also very picturesque especially in late afternoon light.	This is one of my favourites pictures from Nepal. It was taken in Pashupatinath - the most venerable Hindu temples in Nepal. Just before the sunset a big group of ladies gather for an offering in the sacred Bagmati River. Really stunning!


Dyes are an important part of life in India and Nepal. But look very colourful and intriguing on the picture, aren't they?	Once, walking along crowded streets of Kathmandu I came across an interesting wall carving. Perhaps somebody can help and tell me what does it depict?

More pictures from Nepal

Nepal - Table of Contents

"Nepal Homalaya" - Flash Presentation