Himalaya

Series: Himalaya
Chapter: Day 56: Kathmandu
Country/sea: Nepal
Place: Bhaktapur
Book page no: 127

Day 56: Kathmandu

Slices of life in Durbar Square, Patan. Architectural riches, almost unparalleled in the Himalaya.

He points to achievements brought about by strong policies resolutely applied.

Forestry conservation has been a big success since local people were given their own areas of forest to administer, the hydroelectric programme, building of roads, water improvement projects. All give him hope.

'And,' he concludes, 'Nepal's press has never been freer.'

We're turning into the bus park below the walls of Bhaktapur.

'The Prime Minister has been sacked, parliament is in limbo, but the press is free.'

The day that started promisingly is growing grey and gloomy as, having paid our $10 fee to enter the city, we climb up the steps and in through a narrow, rose-brick gateway.