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The Pretty City Girl | Indian Travel & Lifestyle Blog


There is a lot to discover in Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, which is nestled in the Himalayan foothills. Featuring its ornate Hindu and Buddhist temples, labyrinthine lanes, and booths selling wonderful street food, scented spices, and artisan jewellery, it's an enthralling place to start any adventure in Nepal. 

I was more impressed with how similar it is to India, yet at the same time, something about its sweet amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism sets it apart.

I was impressed with its western adaptation to suit the multiple nationalities that visit the city—or the country for that matter—such as an international menu, WiFi across all the cafes and restaurants, and locals that speak English. For Indians, Nepal is even more idealistic as Indian currency is accepted at most of the places, plus the Nepalis know (and most of them speak) Hindi. 

Keeping these amazing things in mind, you may feel like rushing to Nepal for its cuisine, mountaineering culture and rich history. Here's what you must not miss when staying at Kathmandu, the multicultural capital of Nepal:

THINGS TO DO IN KATHMANDU

Visit the Durbar Square

Located in the heart of the city, Durbar Square is a Unesco-listed site and a religious centre as well. It was the royal residence until the 19th century, and it had old temples, palaces, and mediaeval courtyards. Durbar Square lets you dive into the history and offers various photo-worthy frames and a peek-a-boo of stalls selling traditional Nepali handicrafts. 

Fly over Everest

A slightly costlier but worthwhile experience is taking a flight around Mount Everest. It is a 60-minute flight that takes you around the highest mountain of the world in an aircraft with limited seats. There are two local carriers that offer the Everest experience: Buddha Air and Yeti Air. Both these flights operate from Tribhuvan International Airport. The months of September through April provide the finest viewing conditions, and the aircraft depart early in the day to take advantage of clear skies. Book your flight for INR 8,557 here. 

View from Swayambhunath stupa

Dal bhat thala at a restaurant in Kathmandu

Try the local cuisine

A visit to Nepal means tasting the traditional Nepali food without a doubt. Kathmandu has a plethora of restaurants, marketplaces, and street food vendors. You should try momo dumplings at the Momo Cafe in Thamel, dal bhat (a substantial lentil stew often served with rice), chatamari (Newari-style rice flour pancakes served with eggs and spicy meat or veggies), and thukpa (a Tibetan noodle soup). 

Witness a stunning view at the Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath, accessible via 365 steps, is one of Nepal's most magnificent religious sites, attracting Buddhist and Hindu visitors to its densely forested mountaintop setting west of the city centre. The whitewashed stupa, designed to symbolise the earth, and its ornate spire, with thirteen tiers symbolising the journey to nirvana, are its most notable features, most likely dating from the early fifth century. You'll also see a lot of monkeys while you're here, and hence the place is also known as Monkey Temple.


Take a stroll around the Boudhanath Stupa

The massive Boudhanath stupa is the focal centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and one of the world's largest spherical stupas. It is located just outside of Kathmandu on a centuries-old trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The eyes of the Buddha are painted on the tower that sits atop the massive white dome, and Buddhist prayer flags offer a burst of colour. Walk around the temple clockwise, and shop Tibetan artworks alongside. Witness the spiritual aarti in evenings and feel the cool air. 

Bow down before Pashupatinath Temple

On the shores of the Bagmati River, is Nepal's oldest temple: Pashupatinath. A highly respected and visited Hindu temple is also one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (and the only Jyotirlinga which is located in Nepal apart from the eleven in India). This pagoda-style temple has over five-hundred distinct temples spread over the compound. Just outside the temple, you can shop for the rudraksha, the holy stonefruit used as prayer beads by Hindus and a few other religions. Beware of the fake plastic rudrakshas that are sold for INR 20-100 per piece. 

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TPCG TIP: How to spot a fake rudraksha?

- Take the rudraksha test. Ask the salesman to dip the stonefruit in water, and if the stonefruit sinks, it is legitimate, and if it doesn't, it's a fake rudraksha.  

- The price of one rudraksha is somewhere between INR 650 to 1,000. 

- Another way to identify an original rudraksha is the lines/furrows. The fake ones will have identical lines. 

Chilling with Yeti local beer at a restaurant in Thamel, Kathmandu

Shopping at Thamel 

Try the cafes & nightlife of Thamel

No trip to Kathmandu is complete unless you see Thamel, a frantic maze of little lanes just north of Durbar Square. During the day, it's one of the city's busiest shopping districts, with shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, clothing, and trekking equipment. Later on, it transforms into a bustling hub of nightlife, with numerous bars and clubs staying open until the wee hours of the morning. There are numerous eateries serving both traditional Nepali cuisine and international cuisine. Despite being a traffic-free zone, it's best to be cautious because bikes and rickshaws tend to speed through Thamel.

Read a book at the Garden of Dreams

This tranquil haven on the outskirts of Thamel is ideal for escaping the bustling city streets and unwinding for a bit. The Garden of Dreams, built in 1920, is a picturesque Edwardian-style garden, with various water fountains, birdhouses, ponds, pavilions and pergolas. Do nothing or sit with a book and unwind at this beautiful garden just a walk away from Thamel. 
April 30, 2023 No comments

Vitamin C serum is one such holy grail product which is recommended by dermatologists as it is packed with multiple benefits. Whether it is the reduction of dark spots or dismissing the early ageing signs, no matter which dermatologist you pick, he/she will ask you to include vitamin C in your skincare. It either could be topical vitamin C or vitamin C supplements.

I’ve had acne breakouts twice in my life: once around 2012-13 when I was studying mass media and I had a horrible breakout, but I had cured it using Ayurveda. The same medicines did not work in my recent-most breakout in 2021 (around the Covid times). I do not know whether using a new brand of makeup affected my skin or using cloth masks or what exactly caused the breakouts. But I tried Ayurveda and other Google hacks, but nothing worked out. 

When I visited a dermat for the same, my acne was reduced and the marks vanished within three months. My dermat (who is honestly my go-to person for any skin problems) had tried out different routines every month and the result was: a clear skin! I was happy to be back with my clear skin, which I so boasted. All I need today is a lipstick and a mascara and I’m good to step out. 

One of the routines which we followed then was the inclusion of vitamin C in my diet. He prescribed vitamin C supplements which I would take regularly. I refused for a vitamin C serum then as I was afraid due to a past horrible experience with a topical vitamin C. 


But then I figured out, maybe the brand was wrong. It was a cosmetics brand who made terrible products that lead to breakouts. They also had introduced topical vitamin C, which I tried and self-damaged my skin. I am extremely careful with the products I use on my skin now as I believe my skin is sensitive. And with my engagement in just four months, I am taking no risks whatsoever. 

I then tried vitamin C serum by a good brand, which did not make cosmetics but only skincare. The Sesderma C-Vit serum, which you can avail on their website and elsewhere (I’ll mention the details below), is soft on the skin. 

I’m nearing my 30s now, and I can see my skin is changing. It becomes rough sooner and I need to apply day and night creams regularly. Also, it is becoming loose and I can notice slight wrinkles on my cheeks and smile lines. Something is surely off so I thought of trying out the Sesderma C-Vit serum, which my friend recommended. 

WHAT ARE SOME VITAMIN C SERUM BENEFITS?

Topical vitamin C is said to slow down the early skin ageing signs while also preventing sun damage, and decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which combats free radicals—aka the toxins—that damage the skin as a result of air pollution or due to metabolism. Free radicals are said to harm the skin, but if you regularly apply a topical vitamin C, the overall appearance of your skin is improved.

WHY TO INCLUDE TOPICAL VITAMIN C IN YOUR SKINCARE

Vitamin C serum can reduce wrinkles. Applying it on a daily basis for at least three months improves the appearance of fine and coarse wrinkles on the face and neck, with an overall improvement in the skin texture and appearance. 

Dermats recommend to use a sunscreen with it as vitamin C serum cannot be an alternative for the same. Vitamin C also helps in reducing the appearance of dark spots as the pigment production is stalled due to the same. 

Additionally, topical vitamin C can help with acne by reducing inflammation and controlling sebum (oil) production in the skin. However, please be careful, and ask your dermat before you apply it as I’ve had bad experience in the past. Also, go for a good brand. 

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SESDERMA C-VIT SERUM BENEFITS

Lastly, I would like to mention the benefits of the Sesderma C-Vit serum. Here are a few:

  • Sesderma C-Vit serum brightens and revitalises the skin: You can witness a healthy glow and a youthful skin after regularly using it.
  • Clarifies and evens out the skin tone: You might be aware of how we need colour correction, but this topical vitamin C serum helps out in evening out the skintone.
  • Fights fatigue signs and avoids the appearance of wrinkles: Nearing your 30s means having a bucket full of tensions and the constant fight of pollution, unhealthy diet, and stress at workplace. The Sesderma C-Vit serum helps in fighting the stressed out skin and make it appear a bit more relaxed and joyful.
  • Helps smoothen the skin, while boosting its softness and elasticity: Skin smoothening is the need of the hour because of the constant change in weather. I’m glad the vitamin C serum helps in adding softness to the skin. 
  • Prevents the effects of free radicals as it's an antioxidant: Free radicals are the toxins and vitamin C being an antioxidant helps combat those. 
  • Provides daily hydration: Along with a topical dose of hydration, don’t forget to drink enough water as well!

HOW TO APPLY VITAMIN C TOPICALLY

  1. Cleanse your skin: Use a Sensyses cleanser using a cotton pad. Or if you prefer water-based cleanser, go for Hidraven foamy cream.
  2. Apply a few drops of Sesderma C-Vit serum with a soft massage on face, neck and cleavage. The right amount is four drops, which you need to spread evenly.
  3. You can use the serum at night as well as in the morning.
  4. You can add it to your beauty routine, and ensure to use it on a clean skin, just before any creams. And don’t forget to use sunscreen!

These steps are recommended by brand, but I use my own facewash, followed by two drops on my face and two on neck and chest. I spread evenly and then go for my day cream followed by a sunscreen. It’s a lot I know, but whatever makes my skin appear more youthful!


MY EXPERIENCE WITH SESDERMA C-VIT SERUM

Firstly, I liked the fragrance as it reminded me of delicate oranges. It’s been a few weeks I’ve tried it and I did notice hydration and suppleness on my skin. However, one drawback (which you will experience in all vitamin C serums) is that on application, you may feel a mild tingling sensation. That’s common. Use it for three months and see the difference yourself! 

However, before buying it, ask your dermat!

WHERE CAN YOU BUY SESDERMA C-VIT SERUM

You can purchase the serum on their website Iberia skincare or on Amazon, 1 MG or Flipkart websites. It is retailed at Rs 2,850 but definitely worth it, with its brown bottle and cute packaging + tons of skin benefits! 

March 25, 2023 No comments
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I'm Rutuja, a travel & lifestyle writer and youtuber. I make videos and love to explore the unexplored. Welcome to my blog! Read more about me.

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