Tranquility of Namobuddha

I am not a Buddhist but when I get tired of busyness and noise of Kathmandu I like to go to one of Buddhist sites, for a dose of peace and tranquility. And Namobuddha is one of my favourite such places. It is an hour drive from the capital and is quite a popular pilgrimage spot. According to the legend Buddha, in one of his previous incarnations, sacrificed his body in order to feed a starving tigress and her cubs and it happened just there, at Namobuddha.

If you are not a pilgrim the place may seem to you not worthy a visit: there are no historical monuments, striking architecture or breathtaking panoramas. Just several rather typical monasteries, a few quite ordinary stupas and a carved stone slab on the top of the hill depicting the story. But I like it there. The views are beautiful if not breathtaking, the air is cool and fresh, the atmosphere is relaxing and soothing. That's enough for me to enjoy. Besides there are so many praying flags around the place, they not only bring some colour to the surrounding landscapes but have a cheering effect.