12 April 1986

Lots of folks selling flutes. This was at the top of Swayambhunath – the monkey temple – perched wonderfully above Kathmandu and hard won via 365 steep, stone steps.

Quite fine and warm when I started walking to the ‘monkey temple’ a few k.s due west, up and down a few hills past some interesting scenery: the Bishnumati River;  a house being built by the hands of nearly the entire village. A bright, clear valley with hills in the distance. [Consigned to history I’m afraid – the city now stretches right to the base of the steps].

Had to climb a long series of steep steps to reach the summit complex.  Past all the beggars patiently beseeching “Namaste” and holding their cups aloft. Had to fend off large Macaque monkeys jumping up at me making a grab for my mandarin.