Kathmandu, April 22,2026

We overnighted at the Hampton Inn, Seattle on April 19. Flew Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong then to Kathmandu. Checked into our hotel, the Yak and Yeti, near midnight. A very lavish wedding was nearing its end in the courtyard grounds below our sixth floor room, 642. On Wednesday, while we were still trying to accommodate the time change we walked to the Thamel shopping district, lots of stores sell trekking gear as well as cashmere, metal statuary, tea, and souvenirs. We bought some shirts and a bag, had tea and a soda (for less than one dollar total) at a little cafe, then visited the Garden of Dreams for 500 rupees each - about three dollars. More police and uniformed guards, including private security than any place I've been to before. Perhaps because the US Embassy has a giant recreation and service center (e.g. commissary) here. No traffic signals, but lots of traffic police.Read more