bmi diamond club - Flying on the Mad-BKK-KTM run - seat advice

Hi all,

Making last booking before Thursday.

Couldn't resist a Zone 2 to BKK with the KTM add-on to save miles though!

Which side of the BKK-KTM - and return - should I sit on fr the best views?

Also, what should I not miss with three nights in KTM?

You mean some people actually go there? ;)

Hi all,

Making last booking before Thursday.

Couldn't resist a Zone 2 to BKK with the KTM add-on to save miles though!

Which side of the BKK-KTM - and return - should I sit on fr the best views?

Also, what should I not miss with three nights in KTM?

Just back from a week of exceptionally mild trekking in and around Kathmandu valley. Three days is just about right for the highlights of KTM itself: certainly adventure around Thamel and its shops/cafes; and of course visit the Durbar square (the entrance fee has been hiked but now includes the museum).

The two big sites you really shouldn't miss are Swayambhunath (the monkey temple) and Boudhanath. Getting a car and driver for the day is a lot less hassle than negotiating taxis for each leg. Also in the city the rather sweet Garden of Dreams, next to Thamel, is worth a stop-off for a rest and refreshments.

If you haven't had enough stuppas and heritage, then Pathan and Bakhtapur are impressive townships outside the main city.

But if you want a change, a trip up into the hills to Nagarkot will get you a wonderful view of the Himalyas and the Kathmandu valley (on a clear day). Traditionally folk turn up there for sunrise, but the only way I could do that is to stay the night in one of the own's hotels.

Politically things aren't too settled at the momemt, and if there is a general strike then expect things to be battened down: in that case, taxis will not be available but tourist cars should be.



The flight in might be a disappointment. You won't fly among snow-capped peaks :) but the right-hand side of theaircraft is generally good for views. Leaving Kathmandu the right can be good again, to get a full view of the city and its surrounding if the take-off requires a circle round the valley.

The Himalayas are on your right when flying to Bangkok (reverse for reverse). KTM is a big tourism center with lots to see - My suggestions are a day trek from Nagarkot to Change Narajan (and perhaps an overnight there at the farmhouse. Visits to Patan and Bhaktapur. In town stay near Thamel if you want to meet people - stay in Patan if you want atmosphere. Babar Mahal is a nice spot for lunch. Visit Bhoda and have a drink at Stupa View. A night visit to Bodha is also very special. Check notice boards (e.g. at Babar Mahala and Fire and Ice pizza) to check out what is going on.

My KTM highlights are Patan - have lunch looking out over the square - and Swayambhunath.