Happy to report that my recent Australian International Volunteer Program assignment in Nepal is now completed. A joy once again to work (albeit remotely) with my Nepalese local government colleagues on tourism planning and development, particularly in the area of cultural and creative tourism.

Perched high on a hill just 5 Kms from central Kathmandu, the City of Kirtipur is one of the 11 municipalities in Kathmandu Valley. Also known as the as the ‘City of Glory’, it is a place of historical importance, with many significant cultural and religious sites including temples, stupas and monasteries. It also has many attractive natural features including lakes, caves and gorges.

The City has a culturally diverse population of approximately 66,000 people. It is home to people from 45 different caste and ethnic groups. The majority of the population is of traditional Newa heritage which strongly influences its way of life, food, architecture and traditional festivals.

It has a lot to offer culturally motivated international visitors and is poised to become Nepal’s next cultural capital.

How lucky am I to now have three places to call home in Nepal – when I’m able to travel there again.