A lively, dusty and religious city and the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu is the first stop to a journey of a spectacular mix of ancient temples, shrines, winding streets, dense traditional culture and exotic cuisines. Visitors are literally spoilt for choice, from filling their bags with expert crafted pieces to temple-hopping across town. Kathmandu offers visitors a chance to splurge and shop before they explore the rest of Nepal.
This bustling and abuzz city is also the ideal pilgrimage destination and one of the best places to visit in Nepal with its exhaustive collection of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, statues and everything in between. Its streets are lined with little shops and bazaars that offer an authentic taste of Nepali cuisines, traditional craft and spas that guarantee a remarkably relaxing experience. Some of the best places to visit in Kathmandu are;
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the best places to go in Kathmandu and a top religious and sacred place for the country. Located on the banks of Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is a favorite spot for millions of Hindus during the Maha Shivaratri. The sprawling temple complex charges for visits but considering the experience, the fee is a small price to pay for such a magnificent journey. Hang around till the evening when the people line up the far bank of the river for the Aarti ceremony-an important part of the Hindu faith that features song and dance praising a deity or person. Watch out for public cremations and always stay respectful to the sacred temple.
UNESCO Boudhanath Stupa
Among the largest Stupas in Nepal, Boudhanath is an ancient trade route center with Tibet and still features shops and cafes reminiscent of decades past. This UNESCO world heritage site is considered a holy site for Tibetan Buddhists. While visiting the park, visitors are taken through a once in a lifetime experience as they spin the brass prayer wheels and take in the magnificence of the Kora.
Dating back to the sixth century, the abstract beauty of the stupa showcases buddhas enlightenment as represented by each of the five elements found in the shapes. If you manage to get a panoramic view of the stupa, its Mandala shape is a sight that melts the spirit.
The Monkey Temple of Swayambhunath
The hundreds of steps leading up to the Swayambhunath temple are precedents to a spectacular panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. Stroll around the temple among the apes and take in the sacred ambience of Hindu and Buddhist iconography surrounding the temple. The waft of burning incense and butter candles greets visitors as their ears tune into the familiar hum of the sacred om mani padme hum-a taste of the sacredness within.
If you can brace the monkeys and the stair climb -around 365, the proud hilltop promises a luxurious vista of Kathmandu. Recently renovated and restored after the 2015 earthquake, the site is definitely worth the effort.
The Ason and Mangal bazaars
The go-to spot and one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu for everything spices, traditional jewelry, gifts, toys and street food. The market has a long history dating back to years when Kathmandu was a stopover for traders and merchants along the India-Tibet trade route. As you slither through the crowds, you can still notice some of the dated buildings and stonewashed facades from back in the days. The sites are spectacular and the shopping experience is like no other- if you can take the hike, it’s totally worth it.
Shivpuri National Park
Tour the gorgeous trails and bathe in the natural essence that abounds the park. A hike to the Shivpuri Hill Station at nearly 9000 feet is a welcome respite and a break from the bustling and dusty city life. On the way, you can relish the abundance of nature in the chaotic jungle and the fresh air. The park is one of the best places to visit while in Kathmandu if you’re looking for somewhere to take a break from the temples and bustling markets.
Durbar Squares of Kathmandu
As one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Durbar squares are made up of temples idols, statues, open courts, and ponds among other splendid structures. With their ancient Nepali culture, Newari wood carvings and timeless traditions, the squares are full of character and a longstanding history.
The Kathmandu Durbar square is series of historical Hindu and Buddhist shrines, temples and courtyards like Kal Bhairav-a colorful stone image of the deity Shiva, Kumari Ghar-the town’s living goddess and symbol of Devi. A true spectacle and among the best places to visit in Kathmandu.
Thamel
The dizzying alleyways and narrow streets snake through what is any traveler’s dream come true. Thamel has restaurants, five-star hotels, bakeries, guesthouses, black-markets and anything else you ask for. As expected, the locals are a delightful and jovial bunch. Between haggling and bargaining for trek gear or exploring the eye-catching ancient designs, its forgivable to lose track of time when you’re deep in the heart of Thamel’s enchanting streets.
Kopan Monastery
Gripping, occasionally dreamlike and unexpectedly uplifting is what you’d say is the Kopan Monastery. Its visually arresting architecture is divinely golden and covered in Bodhi tress. This spiritual palace is home to devotees of buddha teachings and those of the founder Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Come witness the journey to enlightenment in all its magnificence.
Kathesimbhu Stupa
A popular Tibetan pilgrimage site located between Thamel and Durbar Square. The Stupa was built by materials from the Swayambhunath temple complex. It’ pristine architecture is dotted by smaller Stupas, engravings and statues each with its own ancient, spiritual vibe. If you can spot it, the northwestern part of the courtyard has a magnificent pagoda dedicated to Hariti and the northeastern features the Drubgon Jangchup Choeling Monastery.
Hanuman Dhoka Temple
A mesmerizing complex of royal sites and palaces of the Malla Kings and the Shah dynasty. The Hanuman Dhoka temple is sprawled across 5 acres of land. Its key highlight is the standing statue of the Hindu Lord Hanuman on the entrance to the courtyard. This Dhoka or gate/door is also the opening to the Nasal Chok, Mul Chok, Mohan Chok. The temple also hosts the Tribhuvan Museum where King Tribhuvan’s belongings are displayed.
