Day 9: Jan 11 (Saturday)
Bishnu Dwar waterfall, Budhanilkantha Temple, Thamel Market
By Samyam Aryal
Our day began with a delicious continental breakfast at the Green Valley Resort. Then, the group geared up for a hike to Bishnu Dwar waterfall, where the Bishnumati River originates in Kathmandu. The hike lasted about an hour and a half, and we were greeted with dense forest, a scenic view of Kathmandu, and an uphill hike. Bishnu Dwar waterfall is located inside the Shivapuri National Park, and entry to the national park is heavily regulated by the Nepalese Army. 
The group relished the refreshing cold water of the waterfall, which provided much-needed relief from the hike's fatigue. We also captured some memorable group photos. Venturing slightly off the main trail, Sam and Rafi discovered a taller waterfall than Bishnu-Dwar. The group then hiked back to the resort and, after checking out, began our drive back to Kathmandu City.
Along the way, we also visited the Budhanilkantha Temple, which lies on the foothills of Shivapuri. The temple has a grand 16-foot black stone statue of sleeping Lord Bishnu. The statue is ornately carved with Vishnu holding a conch, gems, and a club in three of the four hands. The head of the statue is adorned by serpents, which is considered also to be a form of Avalokiteshvara Buddha. Hence, the temple serves as a sacred site for followers of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
Next, we headed for lunch at the Hotel Imperial. Afterwards, we went to Thamel Market to buy souvenirs for friends and families in the US. Thamel, for the first-time visitor, provides an explosion of sensory experience with shops beautifully arranged with Thankas, statutes, pashmina and cashmere shawls, and various other souvenirs. The group shopped for essentials such as tote bags, cheap prescription glasses, and books for the long flight back to the States.
