After all, Nepal is the country of Mount Everest, famous mountain climbers, and the mysterious yeti. Locals crowd around the squares, Kathmandus Durbar Sq was where the citys kings were once crowned and legitimised, and from where they ruled (durbar means palace). Boudhanath Stupa Photo by Raymond Clavins Boudhanath Stupa, located approximately 11 kilometres from Kathmandu's city center, dominates the Kathmandu skyline with its huge spherical shape. One important thing to know: the original inhabitants of Kathmandu are the Newar people, an Indigenous community who have lived in the Kathmandu valley for centuries and today comprise about half the residents of Kathmandu. The Cultural Heritage of Kathmandu Valley (1 day) Here is not one best place to visit in Kathmandu Valley but nine places, including Mt. 10 Places To Visit Near Kathmandu For A Great Trip To Nepal But after the turbulent revolution, this extraordinary construction with many meeting rooms and representative offices turned into a museum. Kathmandu Durbar Square. Please try again. Couples who are looking for a romantic spot should head to the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Did you know that wild Indian rhinoceros (one-horned rhinoceros) roam the National Parks of Kathmandu? Coming from Europe, I loved the walkable historical quarters and the unique energy around the large temples. If you want to visit all three Durbar Squares and save time, check out this well-rated tour Durbar Squares Tour that includes transport, guide, and entrance fees. Additionally, this Kathmandu temple is a great example of Nepali traditional architecture, featuring mind-blowingly intricate carvings, magnificent artworks, and superb metalwork. Kathmandu is a surprisingly walkable city. Definitely splurge on all the different juices and the healthy food (they also have sweets try the cheesecake! When I was there, I was told you need to stroll clockwise! Take a stroll around the squares, sit down, read about the places and take everything in. The main street, Thamel Marg, runs through the neighborhood center, branching off to many bustling side streets. If you have some energy left, its worth having a look at the Patan Museum situated in the former residence of Patans Malla kings. If you are a daredevil and/or need to save some Rupees, you can order a cheap ride via the motorbike sharing-app Tootle. Im absolutely sold, and I hope that after your visit, you will be too! There are 365 stairs to the stupa, and you must pay the fee at the booth almost at the top. Includes the most iconic temple and religious sites, famous landmarks, attractions, and epic day trips. Withing Hanuman Dhoka Temple are many more notable places, such as Kala Bhairav, a large colorful idol or Tribhuvan Museum. Thamel is also the perfect place to find top restaurants and bars. Subscribe and well send you our FREE 22-page Travel Planning Guide. There are two temples within Durbar Square that I recommend taking the time to explore. There are two nightlife experiences you must have in Kathmandu before you leave, and neither are what youd expect to find in Nepal! Similar to the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan is surrounded by wooden temples, amazing shrines and stone sculptures, and intricate palaces, with architecture representing the Newari people from the Malla Dynasty. Whether you want to eat vegan, gluten-free, Asian or Middle Eastern, its there. Perhaps partying isnt really your thing (I get you) and youd instead like to experience Buddhist culture and spirituality. There are few places in the world where I have felt this safe and relaxed as a solo female traveler. Kathmandu Durbar Square. At the moment this costs $50 USD and is payable in cash only. Today, we share down-to-earth travel tips from our many (mis)adventures on our blog andpodcast! Kathmandu is the chaotic capital of Nepal, the gateway to Everest and the Himalayas. Kathmandu was hit by a strong earthquake of 7.8 magnitudes (several aftershocks began immediately after the initial quake) back in April 2015 as other areas in Nepal, and you can still see remnants of its destructive power. Whats unique to it is the Kumari Devi translated as Living Goddess that lives here. Travelers visiting Kathmandu can witness Hindu cremation ceremonies, where bodies are burnt in public view. On top of it being one of the pricier places to visit in Kathmandu ($2000 rupees), several other tourists had ranked low on the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is foodie heaven. The monastery is an important Buddhism center, so except for the regular sightseeing, prepare yourself for a very calming visit. Yes, you need to check the Nepal Immigration website for updated information for your visa. When I got off the plane at Kathmandus tiny airport, I honestly had no idea what to expect. Travelers will definitely have to carry umbrellas or raincoats. This post contains everything you need to know before coming to Kathmandu and all the spots you absolutely need to discover once you are here. Today, the Palace is a museum spanning five hectares. I learned so much about Nepalese culture and history during my visit as a hosted delegate at the Himalayan Travel Mart that I created an entire blog post dedicated to all of the things nobody tells you about traveling in Nepal. Take a look at ourguest post guidelinesand pitch us your idea! With its immense purity and outstanding ambience, it spreads fresh vibes making you feel more energetic and zestful. It has an impressive collection of Hindu and Buddhist religious art and also a cute, peaceful garden caf to let all your impressions sink in. Another of Kathmandu's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Hanuman Dhoka, also called the Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic palace square dating back to the 4th Century AD. While you're still here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other guides to Nepal. If you want to get an introduction to Buddhism and Meditation, then head over to the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center near Thamel, most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (at the cost of 1000 Nepalese Rupees which is about 9 USD). On Saturday and Sunday mornings from 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m., the International Buddhist Academy near Boudhanath offers free 90 minute talks on aspects of Buddhism in daily life that are mostly oriented towards travelers and ex-pats. If there's only one attraction you cannot miss, it is Hanuman Dhoka Temple. Its basically Uber, but on two wheels. Typically, being in an extremely bustling and chaotic Asian city drives me crazy and leaves me feeling exhausted after only a few days. Swayambhunath Temple. The above 15 Kathmandu attractions are all must-see tourist spots that are easily accessible from your accommodation in Kathmandu. Each day, she shows her face for about 10 minutes at a specific time, during which its forbidden to take pictures and you are obliged to stand and remain still. Motorbikes are allowed to drive almost everywhere in the city, even in the narrowest streets, and will leave you covered in the dust behind. It's currently closed for post-earthquake. Then, they hand over the responsibility to another young boy. Fortunately, most of Kathmandu's top attractions are well-accessible on foot and close to each other. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by Himalayan peaks, the ancient city of Kathmandu is as spiritual as it is urban; a stupa or temple is around every corner, a hidden courtyard through every secret doorway. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located just a few kilometers away from Balkot, making it a must-visit destination for any. I fully intend to return. Are you a blogger, writer, or just an avid traveler with lots of travel tips to share? Despite this fact, Durbar Square is still a must-see in Kathmandu. This stems from the many wooden temples and houses that make Kathmandu famous. Tucked away is the luscious greenery of the Gokarna Protected Forest, on an expanse that once served as royal hunting grounds, this gorgeous getaway will let you relax in an authentic Nepalese setting. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. A short walk from Durbar Square is a food market with oriental spices, dried fishes, veggies, fruits, and meat. The final attraction on this list of places to visit in Kathmandu City is the Kumari Bahal, also called the Kumari Chowk. Psst: Looking for more travel tips? Read More Kathmandu Packages . The street was re-named after its colorful foreign visitors that gathered there on the road East. OMG, yes! The guide includes everything from the hacks we use to save money on travel to printable packing lists. They are even more impressive on the inside than the outside. Its mission of social impact empowers communities while connecting locals and visitors. Yay for gender equality. The little Kumari, who is a member of the indigenous Newar community in Kathmandu, has to go through a stringent selection process to clear her from evil spirits, and she must also fit a list of 32 physical requirements. Ive included the best neighborhoods and sites on this list of places to visit in Kathmandu that are absolutely worth exploring. They have bright and clean rooms and a cute garden with a nice restaurant. Pokhara is famous for its amazing scenery, lakes, forests, laid-back atmosphere, and as being the gateway to the Annapurna region for those doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Andrew Adams is a Canadian photographer with a focus on South Asian culture, portraits, and travel. My eye fell on it in my guesthouse, and it was a lovely journey into a movement I knew little about before coming to Kathmandu. It sucks, but it is what it is, and when youre a visitor in someone elses country, you gotta play by their rules. This is quite a unique site dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. 23 Fascinating Places in Kathmandu To Visit: Travel Guide Kathmandu This is the same private tour that I went on and visits many top sites including: Below is a useful infographic map to help you find the location of the attractions and things to do in Kathmandu listed in this blog. First: How to Visit the Top Attractions in Kathmandu, 1. Namaste. You might hate it I definitely do! Bhairab is Shiva in his most fearsome aspect, and this huge stone image of the, Mohankali (Mohan) Chowk, inside the Hanuman Dhoka complex, was once used as a residence by the Malla kings. 23 Special Places to Visit in Kathmandu: Sightseeing & Things to Do The photos in this series covers many of the best places to visit in Kathmandu including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and a traditional Nepalese wedding in Kathmandu. Best time to visit Kathmandu Valley. The site is accessible all-year-round but the best time to visit is during the festival season, which is October and November. Therefore, if you're looking to visit the best areas and must-see sites, I recommend booking this full-day sightseeing tour. After two days of sightseeing in busy and crowded Kathmandu and Patan, I was longing for a peaceful experience, preferably with some greenery, a panoramic view of the city, and monkeys. Created in the 1920s and recently renovated, this lush green complex is almost unreal and something you would not expect to find in the dust-filled Kathmandu. No, don't drink tap water in Kathmandu unless you are using a filter or purifyer bottle like the Grayl GeoPress. Various smells are wafting from food stalls along the road, but this is exactly the vibe we love about Asia. The area around this architecture is vivacious - it is because of the mix of tourists and locals who come here to pray, and we could quickly understand why this place is so popular. You can easily spend hours here admiring the buildings. are during fall and spring, so thats September till November and March till April. Things to Do in Kathmandu, Nepal - Kathmandu Attractions Things to Do in Kathmandu Popular things to do Day Trips Bus Tours Sacred & Religious Sites Cultural Tours Hiking Tours Points of Interest & Landmarks Private Sightseeing Tours Private Day Trips Architectural Buildings Half-day Tours Full-day Tours Art Galleries City Tours Photography Tours 18 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Kathmandu - Atlas Obscura After youve admired the erotic carvings for a while, head back south over Durbar Square to have a look at the long lost glory of Old Freak Street (called Jhochhen Street on Google Maps). Whomp whomp. Pashupatinath Temple. The towers represent the four ancient cities of the, Little is known about this mysterious temple. This makes this area a center for Tibetan culture in Nepal. This complex is also in UNESCO and is dedicated to Nepal's national deity, God Shiva. If you love significant historic buildings, youll love it, trust me on this. Kathmandu Valley, which comprises three ancient cities of Nepal-Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, is rich in cultural heritage. If there's one thing that you do in Kathmandu, it should be visiting the Boudhanath Stupa, also called the Boudha Stupa. I'll be honest; I hadn't heard good reviews about Kathmandu Durbar Square due to the ongoing construction from the devastating earthquake of 2015. Colorful markets. While nowhere near as popular as the Khumbu (Everest Region), Langtang is a great trekking region, with towering, snowcapped peaks and home to the famous Kyanjin Gompa, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery sitting at an altitude of 3,870 meters above sea level. 12 Best Weekend Getaways in Kathmandu | Bookmundi Nepal has named the park after Shivapuri Peak, the tallest point in the area. You can pay whatever youre able and learn how to make momos from scratch including veggie momos, meat momos, and CHOCOLATE MOMOS, which are as delicious as they sound plus a traditional peanut tomato mint and plum based sauce. This temple was founded in the 10th century and is easily recognizable for its golden roof. I know it sounds a little woo, but it actually has nothing to do with superstition or magic: its pure science. This street was the epicenter of the hippie trail in the 60s and 70s. Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, city guide, best things to do, asia, travel guide, annapurna circuit trek, annapurna, south asia, multiday trek, day by day guide. The painting covers exterior walls, the unusual two-story appearance, or its old age (this structure is more than 400 years old) add to the fact that this shrine is easily the best place to see in Kathmandu. Let me know Ive you given it a try in Kathmandu, Im curious to hear about your experience! This is one of Nepal's most important religious sites and is dedicated to the Goddes Taleju Bhawani. Even today is the site connected with many rituals, and offerings still take place here. There are many levels to the rooftop, with pool tables, lounges, and a bar. The Kathmandu Durbar Square is the largest in Kathmandu Valley and is located in the old part of the city known as the Basantapur area. Also, these online tickets with GetYourGuide include free cancellation & changes in case of bad weather (which you won't get if you book at the airport). Thats super helpful! But heres where things get weirder: did you know Kathmandu has a thriving jazz scene? Hi, Im Olly. The temple was said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This temple is situated at the foothill of Shivapuri Hill. As a result, smog and pollution is trapped. The Kathmandu Valley, nestled beneath the rugged and mighty Himalayas, is a jewel in the crown of Nepal. Interestingly, Bhaktapur was back in times the largest Newari kingdom out of those three located in Kathmandu Valley. But, don't miss the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), which is located just a short walk down a side street from the main square. This stupa is a religious building that sits atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu and Kathmandu Valley. If you need a drink to recover from your encounter with the Kumari I did I recommend going to one of the nice rooftop bars situated around the Kastamandap temple. This 9-story building comes from the 18th century, and it will immediately catch your attention. Kathmandu valley has three cities, kathmandu (center), Bhaktapur (eastern side), Lalitpur (Patan: to the south). Laying 3 km outside of Kathmandus city center, the Monkey Temple dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest of its kind in the country. Our content may not be reproduced without our written permission. After a caffeine pick-me-up, my (never-ending) curiosity pushed me to have a quick glimpse at Patans Golden Temple aka Kwa Bahal, located on Kwalakhu Road north of Durbar Square mostly because the name sounded so fascinating. I highly recommend staying here for a few days! The best advice is to use common sense and wear respectable clothing, covering the shoulders and knees. YOG Hostel Rooftop Best Sunset Spot in Thamel, 9. The most significant attractions on the top are Buddha, prayer wheels, and many stupas connected by prayer flags. Whether you're a backpacker looking for a great place to hang out, or a traveler chasing a rooftop view for sunset, I highly recommend YOG Hostels's epic rooftop. One of the most convenient ways to visit Chitwan from Kathmandu is to book the popular 3-day Safari tour from Kathmandu. Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price. 17 Places to Visit near Kathmandu for an Ideal Short Trip - Holidify The historic temples in Durbar Square some of which date back as far as the 1500s are well worth taking the time to explore. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I hope this guide has helped you find some fun things to do in the capital city of Nepal. They follow and preserve the ancient traditions and took the time to explain to me everything so I could completely relax and feel at ease. You will probably not be allowed to sign your own paper yeti footprint, but its a unique place to observe a tradition that is as old as it is weird! Therefore, the best time to visit Kathmandu is in the dry season from October to April. More interested people can even stay here for several days and attend a course. 4 Nights 5 Days Nepal Package - Budget All-Inclusive Tour 19,324. That pattern got disrupted when I came to Kathmandu. Another temple you cannot miss during your wanderings around Kathmandu's Durbar Square is Jagannath Temple, which is a significant building for many reasons. In the center of the square is monumental Kathesimbu Stupa with typical Nepali eyes, a symbol you will see very often in this country. Best Place to Visit in Kathmandu Valley 2021 - Mindful Travel Experiences Kathmandu itself (also known as Basantapur), Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur. The temple has an unusual floor plan, and it was dedicated to the Goddess of Malla kings, Devi Taleju Bhawani. This is located within the main Kathmandu Durbar Square. The 12 BEST Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal [2023] - NOMADasaurus ), in the places listed below. The Bhaktapur area takes about an hour to get to from Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a vibrant city in Nepal covered with smog, dust, loud horn honking is coming from every direction. This is the Swayambhunath Stupa, more commonly known as Kathmandu's Monkey Temple. The following is a list of 20 places to visit in and around Kathmandu: 1. THE 10 BEST Kathmandu Couples' Activities Best Things to Do in Kathmandu for Couples Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions