I spent the last five days of my stay in Nepal in Bhaktapur, one of the capitals of the former kingdoms in the Kathmandu valley – and the difference to Kathmandu could hardly be bigger! It is much quieter, much less chaotic, and has much less traffic – in short: a place to relax! Continue reading Bhaktapur, the Better Version of Kathmandu
Category Archives: Travel Diary
Kathman-HOOONK!
On arrival in Kathmandu two weeks ago, I had a bit of a culture shock: The city is just so loud and chaotic! After a couple of days sightseeing, however, I sort of got used to the chaos. Still, it continues to be just that: chaos. Continue reading Kathman-HOOONK!
The Stairs of Cirith Ungol Annapurna
As already mentioned, I have been on a ten-day hike in the Annapurna region: from Birethanti via Poon Hill to the Annapurna Base Camp and back. For a considerable part, the path consisted of thousands of steps which sometimes made the walk a bit strenous. Still, it was simply fantastic! Continue reading The Stairs of Cirith Ungol Annapurna
A Valley at 4,130 Meters Above Sea Level
Today we reached Annapurna Base Camp. It is situated at 4,130 meters above sea level amidst numerous peaks of 6,000+ meters height – a truly breathtaking sight!
Teahouse Trekking in the Annapurna Region
I am currently on a ten-day hike in Nepal. The first part of this hike is a classical “teahouse trek” (i.e. hiking from one tea/guest house to the next). We have been hiking through rhododendron forest and enjoyed the views of the surrounding mountains, e.g. from Poon Hill, a popular vantage point.
New Year’s in the Snow
Around New Year’s 2014/15, I delighted in the virtues of the Austrian Alps: Together with some friends, I spent a couple of days in Styria – with heaps of snow! Continue reading New Year’s in the Snow
A worthy last day in Georgia
A church high up amidst the mountains of the Great Caucasus – how could the last destination of my stay in Georgia and Armenia be more appropriate? Continue reading A worthy last day in Georgia
All churched out in Armenia
The sights in Armenia are more or less limited to churches and monasteries. This could mean that a visit to this country soon gets boring. However, as I only spent three days in Armenia (one of which in Yerevan), and there are some true gems among the Armenian monasteries, I enjoyed my stay nonetheless. Continue reading All churched out in Armenia
Yerevan, the modern Soviet city
The centre of Yerevan was completely redesigned in Soviet times. Therefore, there is basically no Old Town, but a lot of Soviet architecture. Still, the city feels more modern and westernized than Tbilisi. Continue reading Yerevan, the modern Soviet city
Stone and Stalin
Today, I went on a day trip to Gori in order to visit the cave city of Uplistsikhe. However, Gori is also known for another reason: It is the birthplace of Iosseb Bessarionis dse Dschughaschwili – better known as Stalin. Continue reading Stone and Stalin