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A Guide to Affordable Activities in Kathmandu Well renowned for is adventure based travel, Nepal is chock full of activities you don’t want to miss out on. However, in your time off from trekking, rafting, or bungee jumping, there are plenty of activities in Kathmandu to keep you occupied and relaxed during those in between days. Whether you’re in for a spa day, a teeth cleaning, or on your way to pick up tailor made clothes; Kathmandu has plenty to offer every type of traveler. Tailoring Clothes Let’s begin with the basics; Kathmandu can sometimes feel like a sensory overload with the hundreds of signs, shops, cars, and pedestrians alike, but if you know the right spots to hit, you have it made. There are plenty of tailors hiding out in Kathmandu ready and waiting to take your measurements and whip you up a brand new shirt. The beauty of this operation is not only the affordable price, but the availability of fabrics, patterns, and an aim to please attitude by all tailors in the city. Taking a stroll through Assan, the open air market just south of Thamel, you will find just the right place to purchase all the fabric to make just about anything you need. There are patterned fabrics, tweed, thick wool, linens, cottons, and even sparkly sequins. The fabric prices vary according to design, thickness, and quality; usually beginning at a base price of around 150 rupees per yard. My personal greatest find is the City Jeans tailor shop located just south of Assan. You can bring in a pair of jeans for them to duplicate, a photo, or simply describe what it is you want. They have notebooks full of sample fabrics you can choose from, and a large display of their previous products. It only takes a week for them to stitch your jeans, and the final product is fabulous. The price varies according to intricacy and fabric style, but the average price is only 500 rupees for one pair. They do an excellent job, the jeans look professional, and they will readily fix anything if it is not perfect for you. There is also a tailor located in Lazimpat near the Shangri La Hotel, which can stitch anything from pea coats, to dress shirts. You choose the fabric and show them a sample, and they work the magic. Beauty Day in the City Massage One of the many benefits of living the Asian Sub-Continet is the affordability of massages. The perfect way to spend an afternoon post trek, or pre departure; there are numerous places in Kathmandu that provide very affordable massages. It is important to investigate the parlor prior to your visit, to ensure that you are supporting a legitimate business with no involvement in the informal sector of work. The You and I Health Clinic is the perfect spot, located a short walk from Thamel on Durbar Marg near the Royal Palace. Hidden down a side road, the Health Center provides an hour massage for 500 Nepali Rupees, and if you wish to stay longer prices vary accordingly. They provide very professional services, and ensure that you are comfortable throughout the massage. Your full body is covered under a towel, so there is no need for any discomfort. The massage is exceptional, and will leave you feeling relaxed and ready to tackle your next adventure. Threading A new phenomenon to me, threading is a practice typically performed in India and in many beauty parlors around Nepal. As a superior alternative to waxing, which can typically be more expensive and painful, threading is a safe and quick procedure to leave you feeling fresh and beautiful. The threading procedure is a simply technique using thread to get rid of unnecessary and unwanted hairs. You can have anything from your eyebrows, armpits, to legs threaded at an affordable rate. The procedure takes no longer than ten minutes, and for eyebrows the threading costs around 25 Nrps. Much more affordable than getting them waxed professionaly in America, for at least $25. I witnessed a friend have this done to her eyebrows, and it seemed quick and painful. It’s rather exciting to watch, and appears almost as if they are working a loom, but on your eyebrows. It is much less painful than waxing, and seems to be more efficient as well, snagging all those unwanted and hard to reach hairs. Biking Go get yourself a mountain bike. Do it. You will not regret this. It took me weeks to take my new wheels out for a spin, but once I did, it has changed the way I live my everyday life. Cycling provides you with mobility, exercise, and not to mention the best way to explore Kathmandu and the valley. There are plenty of cycle rental shops around Kathmandu, including in Thamel. It is very affordable to rent a bicycle for the day, so there really are no excuses, it will change how you spend your time in this beautiful countryside. Dawn Till Dusk is a great rental company located conveniently in the courtyard of the famous Kathmandu Guest House. There is also a shop located near the Third Eye Restaurant in Thamel. Dawn till Dusk rents out bicycles at a daily rate of $12-$15. They also provide a great cycling tour service if you are too bashful to begin the thrill ride alone, you can go in a group. They have a full yearly calendar of all tours, destinations and events. For more information check out their website at http://www.nepalbiking.com/ Royal Hanna Garden By far one of my favorite discoveries in Kathmandu has been the Royal Hanna Garden restaurant and hot springs. This hidden gem is located in Lazimpat near the Ambassador Hotel and Hotel Shankar. The services include the Japanese restaurant and hot tubs. The restaurant has an assortment of set meals including sushi, set lunch box, and other Japanese cuisines. Located outside there are two hot tubs which are open to all for 300 Nepali Rupees. You can stay as long as you like, and they provide complimentary tea with your stay. There are locker rooms with lockers and showers provided, and they give you a towel and cottan wrap to wear in the hot tub. It is a wonderful outdoor setting under the stars, and a bamboo grove surrounding the garden and cobblestone walkway provides a peaceful atmosphere remiscent of the real hot springs in Japan. I would highly recommend taking a visit to relax here. Yet another great way to unwind after trekking, or rafting, or any strenuous activity here in Nepal. Dental Care For those of you travelers who have been on the road for many months at a time, or those of you who have just arrived in Nepal, there is a great Dental Clinic which provides excellent service at very affordable prices. For all the unlucky Americans with no health or dental insurance, why wait to get home and pay a fortune to get your teeth cleaned. You can get all the procedures done in Nepal for half the price. Healthy Smiles is located in Lazimpat just around the corner from the Hotel Ambassador and below VAUDE. The services provided include: digital radiography, implants, whitening, root canal, endotonics, and fillings. It costs 350 rupees for a consultation, and prices for all other services vary accordingly. The staff is very friendly and accommodating, the clinic is spotless, and services are conducted by trained professionals.
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