Small shrine in Thamel

Small shrine in Thamel
Originally uploaded by bastchild.

Reminding me of Bali and Kuta beach, Kathmandu has many small shrines with puja, the red paint on them. In the mornings, Hindis carry small offerings to the shrines and smear the red ink on their foreheads, symbolizing the all-seeing "third-eye".
This is a predominantly Hindu country, but has a significant Buddhist community (from the ethnically Tibetan groups). Kathmandu has several temples with both Buddhist and Hindu worshippers.
We stayed near the Thamel area, a big Khao San Road tourist ghetto. There are plenty of tourist shops selling loads of rip-off trekking gear, cds/dvds, wool-products, books, and great restaurants. Actually, I think this place is better than Khao San Road as it less about drinking and dancing, and more about relaxing after a long trek.
Our guesthouse is in the Paknajol area, a quieter place next to Thamel.
After Tibet, Kathmandu is a beautifully warm place with wonderful food. The touts aren't pushy and insistent like in other countries. One "no" is all it takes for them to leave you alone.