Nepal

Overview

Maya travels to the Katmandu Valley in Nepal. The country's capital, a popular hippy destination during the 1970s is trying to find a new balance after the 10-year civil war that afflicted the region. Through visiting Buddhist and Hindu monuments in Katmandu, Maya will discover that religion is an integral part of the Nepalese life and society, which is tarnished by many issues. Half of the population consists of children, most of them illiterate. So, many NGOs are trying to support them. "Travelling" will visit a well-preserved Nepalese city, Bakthapur and later Kirtipur. In an old house, local shaman Ma is seeing those in need of his help…

Maya visits Nepal's capital, Katmandu, on a day of general strike, a result of the political upheaval that dominates the country during the last decade. She walks around Durbar Square, the historic heart of the city, protected by UNESCO, before visiting the Bodnath Stupa, organized by Tibetan refugees who came here after the Chinese invasion. In Kokana village, the people of the Katmandu Valley live a traditional life and in the surrounding mountains, Bon Shamans are trying to chase the evil spirits away. The Maoists though- former rebels and now politicians- that Maya will meet do not believe in spirits. However, they do worship Kumari, the living goddess…