That said: Be respectful! The Old Town is as you can guess the historical and cultural heart of the city. Alternatively, wander around the famous Kathmandu Durbar Square or see the monkeys at the Monkey Temple. Explore abandoned alleys, hidden temples with unique architecture. Site by, 30 Things Nobody Tells You About Quitting Your Job to Travel, 32 Things Nobody Tells You About Long Term Travel as a Couple, 30 Things No One Tells You About Backpacking in South America, 10 Fascinating Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal. Although most travelers take a taxi, we decided to walk for an hour to the stupa, which gave us a precious insight into how life goes by in the suburbs. #1 - Durbar Square - A great place to see in Kathmandu if you love architecture This area was hit hard by the earthquakes of 2015, so expect ongoing renovations. This is quite a unique site dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Durbar Square is undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Kathmandu. Here, you can enjoy amazing views of the city and it's possible to find a secluded area away from the crowds (and cheeky monkeys). The best place to see them is in the amazing Chitwan National Park, located roughly 170 kilometers by road from Kathmandu city. In the center of the square is monumental Kathesimbu Stupa with typical Nepali eyes, a symbol you will see very often in this country. The Shivapuri National Park is the closest forested National Park mountain area to Kathmandu city. Namaste. Depending on the time of your visit, this will be easy or more challenging. At first sight, the Kumari Bahal isnt the most spectacular palace on the Durbar Square but it is the most devoted one. Today, we share down-to-earth travel tips from our many (mis)adventures on our blog andpodcast! Its Asias largest stupa and the thriving heart of the Tibetan community in Nepal. Near the gorgeous Kathmandu place, Bhaktapur lies around 15.6 km away from Kathmandu, depicting the medieval period. If the kids want to see the big peaks, you can't beat a mountain flight to Mount Everest. 11 Awesome Places To Visit in Kathmandu. View 46 places to visit in Kathmandu . Langtang National Park is a protected area of the Himalayas spanning 1,710 square kilometers. The center of Kathmandu often feels like a maze that is packed with top sights and attraction, that it is often easy to overlook hidden gems even though they are in the very heart of the city. The area is slowly changing. There are two nightlife experiences you must have in Kathmandu before you leave, and neither are what youd expect to find in Nepal! The closest I got to feeling the direct impact of that energy was at Boudhanath, also called the Boudha Stupa. You can also book a tour like this one in advance. Nasal Chowk was used for coronations, a practice that, Southwest of Asan Tole at the junction known as Kel Tole, this temple attracts both Buddhists and Hindus Buddhists consider Seto (White) Machhendranath, At the junction of Durbar and Basantapur squares, this red-brick, three-storey building is home to the Kumari, the girl who is selected to be the towns, Durbar Sqs most magnificent temple stands at its northeastern extremity but is not open to the public. This is a hilly hiking area famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan mountains. The Major attraction of Patan Durbar Square. But after the turbulent revolution, this extraordinary construction with many meeting rooms and representative offices turned into a museum. Kumari Bahal Most interesting Place to Visit in Kathmandu, Day Trips & Multi-Day Tours to More Amazing Places to Visit from Kathmandu, Private Full-Day Temple & History Sightseeing Tour, 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Kathmandu, Nepal for a 5-Star Stay, Climbing Mera Peak (6,476 m) in Nepal - Everything You Need to Know, Guide to Climbing Island Peak (Imja Tse) - 6,189m in Nepal, Kala Patthar Trek - Everything You Need to Know in 2023, Kathmandu Everest Flight - 10 Things to Know BEFORE You Book a Mountain Flight, Manaslu Circuit Trek - Itinerary & Trekking Guide (2023), Three Passes Trek Itinerary & Trekking Guide (2023), Visiting the Monkey Temple in Kathmandu - Swayambhunath Complex. 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. Don't make it a fleeting stop on your itinerary though, as it's worth staying a while in this captivating city and soaking up its atmosphere. 8. One thing that I always notice when traveling to Kathmandu is the acceptance and celebration of all religions. This is where you will find all of the best trekking shops, hostels, restaurants, bars, and hotels in Kathmandu. Your email address will not be published. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. 19. from $65 per adult. I know it sounds weird, but its really the best way to describe this endlessly fascinating place. Then, they hand over the responsibility to another young boy. Usually, when traveling to a new city or country, we want to go deeper. A useful travel guide unveiling the top places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal. The Bhaktapur area takes about an hour to get to from Kathmandu. Its sort of like the male equivalent of the Kumari, but on a much shorter timeline. As the capital and largest city in Nepal, Kathmandu is huge! In that case, I absolutely recommend a stay at Rokpa Guesthouse. If you're chasing the most epic sunrise views on a morning trip from Kathmandu, you'll want to check out Nagarkot. However, as Kathmandu is the first base for exploring Nepal and the mighty Himalayas, I've also included some amazing things to do in the region on day trips or multi-day excursions from the city. Garden of Dreams is a place where you can relax after a long day walking around the buzzing city. All rights reserved. After its opening in 1979, the bar quickly became a meeting point for climbers and trekkers before they started their expeditions. Period. Budhanilkantha Temple is an open-air temple in the Kathmandu Valley, only a short ride from Kathmandu itself. It feels like an authentic architectural trip back in time, minus the toilets, electricity, and wifi, of course. Use code OLLY5 to get 5% off your booking with Himalayan Masters for EBC or any other trek. With its immense purity and outstanding ambience, it spreads fresh vibes making you feel more energetic and zestful. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. 5,733. Looking for a place to stay in Thamel? are during fall and spring, so thats September till November and March till April. The best advice is to use common sense and wear respectable clothing, covering the shoulders and knees. 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. You can also make a booking directly here. These devotees walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning the prayer wheels and chanting mantras as they walk. Sadly, the 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu completely destroyed some of the major temples in Durbar Square, but restoration of this magnificent Unesco World Heritage Site is on-going. This 9-story building comes from the 18th century, and it will immediately catch your attention. You will find several smaller stupas surrounding the main one and a Buddhist temple in the square corner. This blog post was created by a contributing writer. King Prithvi Narayan Shah ordered the construction of the four red-coloured towers around Lohan Chowk. Thank you for that clarification! If you're interested in the wild history of Nepal's monarch, then visiting the Narayanhiti Palace Museum is one of the best things to do in Kathmandu city. Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour. The handiwork from this square is quite spectacular, especially the detailed wooden carvings on the buildings and the amazing stonework on the sculptures. I appreciate it. The towers represent the four ancient cities of the, Little is known about this mysterious temple. However, as with any populated city, it's still a good idea to exercise caution and common sense, especially when walking alone at night. Luckily for my specific tastes, Swayambhunath offered precisely that. Alternatively, visit during the peak season of February to March. Travelers can reach this park in just over an hour. Read my guide to Kathmandu's best hotels, or take a pick from the three best accommodation options below that offer this service. That does not change the fact this library is a center of education and wisdom. Kathmandu has long been a popular travel destination for adventurers and explorers, drawn to the citys stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm, and welcoming people. No, don't drink tap water in Kathmandu unless you are using a filter or purifyer bottle like the Grayl GeoPress. One of the best is Mandala Street, a walking street adorned with prayer flags and offering some great cafes and restaurants. 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. Unfortunately, Kathmandu has some of the world's worst air pollution. To reach places that are further away, consider taking a local bus, which is an adventure on own, or calling a cab. And I had no idea what a live jazz band with Nepali and South Asian influence would sound like. By Contributor | Updated on: June 1, 2023. And when you pick the right season, you can even see their snowy peaks all the way from Kathmandu! Although the palace is wonderful from the outside, if time allows, consider visiting the museum as the collection of beautiful furniture and paintings is worth your time. Address: Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal. Be sure to read it before your trip! Thats super helpful! Kathmandu is a crazy vibrant and buzzing city. 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. Even the god to which it is dedicated is controversial the lingam inside indicates that it is a Shiva. Think impressive woodcarvings, exquisite architectural details and gold ornaments everywhere you can see. The statue of Hanuman guards the entrance to the palace, and you cannot overlook it because it is also a popular photo spot. This travel guide includes tips on places you must-visit on your first visit to Kathmandu. Furthermore, some hotels provide umbrellas to tourists during their sightseeing tours. Please help me just by clicking subscribe buttom And let's join. If you want easy access to nightlife, souvenir shops, art galleries, affordable massage parlors, coffee shops with organic high-altitude Himalayan coffee, and of course, tons of excellent restaurants, Kathmandus #1 backpackers district has got you covered! Here's a list of the best hotels in Kathmandu for every type of traveler. Thamel is safe (use your common sense, though). 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. Kathmandu's royal palace, known as the Hanuman Dhoka, was originally founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD), but the compound was, The long, rectangular courtyard of the Itum Bahal is the largest bahal (Buddhist monastery courtyard) in the old town and remains a haven of tranquillity, The beautifully restored Swapna Bagaicha (Garden of Dreams) remains one of the most serene and beautiful enclaves in Kathmandu. Therefore, if you're looking to visit the best areas and must-see sites, I recommend booking this full-day sightseeing tour. Present at an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is widely considered as one of the most scenic spots in the Kathmandu valley. This is the Swayambhunath Stupa, more commonly known as Kathmandu's Monkey Temple. Staring out into the Kathmandu skyline, it's hard to miss the huge stupa atop the green hillside in the distance. So, I recommend visiting on a day trip. Another highlight that stands on Durbar Square, Basantapur Tower, was badly damaged during the 2015 earthquake. After all, Nepal is the country of Mount Everest, famous mountain climbers, and the mysterious yeti. 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. If you want to get a really authentic experience, and at the same time, you want to find one of the most photogenic places in Kathmandu, make sure you visit at least one market. Thamel. And its affordable, too! Shes passionate about sustainability and is on a self-proclaimed mission to turn travel into a force for good. I include the best and most well-known temples, religious sites, and tourist attractions as well as some hidden gems and unexpected things to do in Kathmandu city for first-time visitors and regular travelers. This temple was founded in the 10th century and is easily recognizable for its golden roof. Take a look at our Contributor Guidelines and pitch us your idea! Its a Buddhist temple with loads of Hindu iconography incorporated in it and serves a symbol of peace and harmony. This impeccable garden was constructed by Kaiser Sumsher Rana, who was one of Nepal's most prominent military figures. If you want to get an unobscured view, walk across the river - this is also a place where you can see spiritual ceremonies from a distance. This is home to a girl that many Nepalis worship as the human reincarnation of the goddess Durga, who they call the Kumari. But hey, you do you temples, you do you. Mount Everest Mountain Flight from Kathmandu Most Epic Thing to do in Kathmandu, 15. Places to Visit 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 Sports Camps & Clinics Historical Tours Extreme Sports As such, the square, From the entrance gate of the Hanuman Dhoka palace you immediately enter its most famous chowk. Couples who are looking for a romantic spot should head to the Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). They have bright and clean rooms and a cute garden with a nice restaurant. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located just a few kilometers away from Balkot, making it a must-visit destination for any. Unfortunately, non-Hindus can only admire it from the outside, so I wasn't able to go in for photos. The Breakfast Tour by Backstreet Academy is a fantastic way to experience Thamel early in the morning, before crowds and tourists have woken up and when locals are still shopping at street markets which all disappear within hours. Psst: Looking for more travel tips? and then immediately filled with FOMO, because I didnt get a chance to do everything she included in this post and Im super bummed about it. If you're searching for Kathmandu Valley hiking trails, you'll likely find results in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. Because of its location, the monastery offers a wonderful view over Kathmandu Valley. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], 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. Boudhanath Stupa (Famous Buddha Stupa in Kathmandu), 6. Nagarkot Image Source Nestled about 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2185m, Nagarkot is a place that provides you with the panoramic views of the mountains and perfect scenic beauty around them. Not so in Kathmandu. Pashupatinath Temple. (Just be aware, it has no toilet.). This travel guide includes tips on places you must-visit on your first visit to Kathmandu. No need to put on hiking shoes and shed blood sweat and tears to marvel at these impressive giants. 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. If youre traveling across town, your best bet is to take a taxi or riksja (bicycle taxi) to your primary destination and explore by foot once you are there. Fortunately, most of Kathmandu's top attractions are well-accessible on foot and close to each other. So if youve always dreamed of meeting an actual living god-like person, this is your moment! The following is a list of 20 places to visit in and around Kathmandu: 1. The best way to experience the food in Thamel is to take a food tour. Omg, Nepal! I wasnt ready to be eaten alive! Nepal's capital Kathmandu is need the romantic place for couple. The Solo Khumbu Region of Nepal (Everest Region) is by far the country's most famous destination. The monastery was founded in the 1960s. Whomp whomp. Whether you want to eat vegan, gluten-free, Asian or Middle Eastern, its there. There are also many adventure activities you can do here, from paragliding to kayaking. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Kakani Champadevi Panch Pokhari Chandragiri Phulchowki In the end, Hiking in Kathmandu Kathmandu is surrounded by several hills and mountains, so hiking is a popular activity for both locals and tourists. Fortunately, that didnt happen. A useful travel guide unveiling the top places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal.
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