The impressive Buddhist stupa at Baudhanath.
The impressive Buddhist stupa at Baudhanath. The origins of this massive structure are simply too ancient to date. It has been an important devotional centre for Tibetans since time immemorial.
A Hindu pays his final respects
A Hindu pays his final respects to the dead along the holy Bagmati river.
Sadhu (wandering holy men) celebrate the Night of Shiva (Shivaratri) in Kathmandu
March witnesses an astonishing gathering of ascetics and Sadhus (wandering holy men) from all over the sub-continent who travel to Kathmandu to celebrate the Night of Shiva (Shivaratri) held on the birthday of their patron deity.
The majestic Himalayas.
The majestic Himalayas.
Kumari, honoured by the people of Nepal as a living goddess.
A glimpse of the Kumari, honoured by the people of Nepal as a living goddess.
Patan’s Durbar square
Patan’s Durbar square. As a result of royal rivalry between competing branches of the Malla Dynasty, the Kathmandu Valley area…
Many gems are brought from India to Kathmandu where they are cut by expert jewellers.
Many gems are brought from India to Kathmandu where they are cut by expert jewellers.
A Hindu cremation along the Bagmati river.
A Hindu cremation along the Bagmati river.
Stunning monuments of Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur became Kathmandu’s most powerful rival, and its rulers built a stunning array of monuments to mark their strength….
Woman touches bindi next to deity in one of Bhaktapur’s inner courtyards.
Woman touches bindi next to deity in one of Bhaktapur’s inner courtyards.
A contortionist sadhu
A contortionist sadhu
Kid’s playing on the streets of Kathmandu
A Hindu bride.
A Hindu bride.
Buddhist at Baudhanath.
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square.
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square.
Buddhist prayer flags.
Buddhist prayer flags.
Sadhu smoking a Chillum
Children dressed up for a street parade.
School children dressed up for a street parade.
Woman Sadhu at Shivaratri
A Sadhu, celebrate Shivaratri
A Sadhu, one of the many that come to Pashupatinath to celebrate Shivaratri every March.
Wooden façade of a Bhaktapur tea shop.
Wooden façade of a Bhaktapur tea shop.
Woman carries a heavy load
Such ancient towns as Bungamati, some 7km south of Patan, surrounded by fertile fields where the people have farmed for…
A Buddhist monk walks around the stupa at Baudhanath.
A Buddhist monk walks around the stupa at Baudhanath.
Tribal boy on a Kathmandu market
Ancient water feature at the Dwarika Hotel.
Ancient water feature at the Dwarika Hotel.
Sadhus who have come for the annual Shivaratri
Sadhus who have come for the annual Shivaratri celebrations.
The ghats along the holy Bagmati river where the deceased are cremated
The ghats along the holy Bagmati river where the deceased are cremated according to Hindu tradition.
Sadhu (wandering holy men) at (Shivaratri)
Sadhus are always recognisable by their orange clothing. They also often have long matted hair and wear large markings on their…
Rice pady around Kathmandu
The impressive Buddhist stupa at Baudhanath.
Fruit for sale
Hindu boy
Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.
he Durbar Square in Bhaktapur.
Stunning monuments of Bhaktapur
Sadhu’s (wandering holy men) at (Shivaratri)
A young Hindu mother and child.
A young Hindu mother and child.
Gemstone placed by expert jeweller
Men on the streets of Kathmandu
Bhaktapur preserved its historic appearance .
Of the three regal cities Bhaktapur has been the least affected by the 20th century, preserving its historic appearance .
This unique Buddha statue actually spurts water
This unique Buddha statue actually spurts water and stands at the entrance to the Hindu Pashupatinath temple.
Sadhu’s (wandering holy men) at (Shivaratri)
Girl getting water at the local well
Taking a break
The ghats along the holy Bagmati river where the deceased are cremated
Sadhu'(wandering holy men) at (Shivaratri)
The Secret Valleys of Kathmandu
Who said ‘keeping up with the Jones’ is a bad thing? In Nepal, the three-hundred-year-old rivalry between competing branches of the Malla Dynasty has given rise to three magnificent royal capitals: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Concentrated in an area of 30 by 20 kilometres, there is a mind-boggling wealth of graceful palaces, monumental squares and lavishly decorated temples waiting to be discovered. ERIC WIELE and FLORIS LEEUWENBERG capture the magic of these three medieval gems and their environs at the foot of the Himalayas.