Seto Gumba- the white monastery

13 July- An impromptu trip to Seto Gumba, a Buddhist monastery that sits atop a hill behind Swyambhunath, on a Saturday. That’s the only day of the week Gumba opens its gates to general visitors and tourists- a reason, perhaps, why the place is crowded mostly by teenagers and couples. Some hike up to the Gumba, others reach there in bikes and cars. A bus driver’s effort to make some profit by operating a shuttle service (Rs. 40 per passenger from Ringroad to the Gumba) turned futile in the narrow and steep road because of the continuous flow of taxis and motorbikes. The place offers a good view of the Valley- much better than the one from Swyambhunath Stupa. This, and the walk to reach there, seemed to be the reason why people go there. Not so much for the teachings of Buddha, I am afraid.

a bride walks in the rain..to her new home beneath the hill

our camera spotted a couple busy observing villages from a hilltop

a click by the Windows Phone as the camera does its job

in front of the Seto Gumba temple building- people gather at the yard to get a view of the Kathmandu city and take some photos.

Buddhas keep their eyes over the city of Kathmandu

Behind Seto Gumba is the valley of Ichangunarayan and the hills.

Couples gather at the yard of Seto Gumba temple to whisper with each other and get a birds-eye view of the K-town.

the road became very narrow as we headed towards the other side of Kathmandu Valley

The Gumba provides a pass to each visitor. Cameras don’t like them though.

This building houses the Seto Gumba temple which is heavily decorated with Buddha statues and other arts/paintings.

A small Tamang village just behind the monastery where a small number of young visitors of Seto Gumba reach to have snacks and alcohol.