Top 13 Places to Visit in Kathmandu
Whatever serves the reason for your visit to Nepal, Kathmandu Tour is one thing that any tourists rarely skips. It is an ancient city, a historical landmark that has grown to be the most developed and central city of Nepal. With so much history, Kathmandu holds some of the milestone-monuments and still the primitive practice lives by the quaint streets of the city.
No, just the ancient taste, Kathmandu is also favored by a pleasing natural beauty. Surrounded by a delightful panorama of lush green hills, Kathmandu is a valley adjoining two districts of its vicinity; Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. There are several places to visit in Kathmandu, where each of them stands for different essence; some are historic buildings, some are religious monuments, some are just streets exhibiting the impeccable art and architecture through small shops, some are natural spot full of serenity. So to help you with Kathmandu Tours here are some places to visit in Kathmandu.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
You might have heard it as Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka; well, no matter the different names, the place is the same. Also enlisted in the World Heritage Site of UNESCO, it is one of the must visit place in Kathmandu.
The place is located in the heart of Kathmandu; the Durbar Square is surrounded by many Hindu and Buddhist temples; most of them dating back to the 15th to 18th century built in pagoda style and embellished with intricately carved exteriors. The centuries year old temples and palaces play a central role in the religious and cultural life of people in the surrounding area.
You can witness many religious monuments which are equally valued from an architectural point of view; Kastha Mandap, Taleju Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Mahadev Temple, Saraswati, and many more. The seven-day long street festival of Indra Jatra is another attraction of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Being the oldest of three cities of Kathmandu valley, Patan is best known for its artistic heritage and Patan Durbar Square is when it showcases every bit of it. It is also taken to be one of the oldest Buddhist city in the world.
Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities, and excellent craving surrounds this place. Further, there are ancient places, museum, and shrines over the complex of Durbar Square. It is a charming ambiance, historical value, and ancient makes it one of the places to visit in Kathmandu.
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BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another of the three durbar square in the valley that showcases the medieval art and architecture with sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. 55 window palace, Bhairavnath temple, Nyatapola temple, Golden Gate, Lion’s Gate are some of the excellent architectural showpieces. Also, the annual festival of Bisket Jatra attracts many tourists.
NAGARKOT
It is true that Kathmandu is full of people, towering buildings and clouds of smog; there is no arguing on this fact as you will see by yourself once you have been here. And right in the midst of this chaos lies Nagarkot, a perfect escape from the hustle of Kathmandu.
Located in the north of Kathmandu Valley at 2,175 meters elevation, Nagarkot offers a spectacular array of mountain view including Annapurna Range, Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang range, Rolwaling range, Jugal range, Mahalanhur range, not to just the Himalayan range, you will also get a breathtaking view of Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park. Mountain biking and trekking is another exciting part of Nagarkot, and the serene beauty of Nagarkot is definitely a place to visit in Kathmandu.
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GARDEN OF DREAMS
Garden of Dream is right in the midst of Kathmandu in the proximity of Thamel. Just like its name suggests, the place literally is dreamy and feels like a piece of heaven. The tranquil environment, the artistic design, and open space of this garden is the best place to spend a day. You can take your favorite book and enjoy reading while taking a sip of warm coffee.
THAMEL
Thamel is this amazingly charming and most happening place in Kathmandu. It is the hot-spot for tourism inside the Kathmandu Valley known for its narrow streets and alleys that remained crowded with various shops and vendors. It might be a surprise for you, but Thamel has been the center of tourism for over four decades. Restaurants, pubs, and clubs, all kinds of shops, bookstores, travel agencies in the narrow line of the street is something very vibrant about Thamel.
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KIRTIPUR
Located in the southwest of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is an ancient city where you can experience the authentic Newari culture and is one of the must-visit places in Kathmandu. Mostly inhabited by Newar, you will witness a great exhibition of culture and tradition while walking along the narrow lanes of Kirtipur. Its brick-paved streets lined with typical red brick houses and tiled roof gives a small insight into the traditional way of life.
Also, Kirtipur is the perfect destination for a day hike to nearby hills like Champa Devi. You can further enjoy the visit by visiting Bagh Bhairab temple, Chilancho temple, Ganesh temple and Jal Vinayak in Chobar. Do not forget to try Newari Khaja set once you have been to Kirtipur.
BOUDHANATH
Boudhanath is the sacred site of all for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal which is equally revered by Hindus and other Buddhists. It is one of the largest stupas in South Asia with at least 29 Tibetan monasteries surrounding it. Although Boudha is located in the midst of all the hustle of the city and crowds of pedestrians and locals, you will feel a very strong presence of Tibetan and Sherpa culture.
The stupa of Boudha is a massive mandala designed to replicate the Gyangtse Tibet and later in the 8th century; it was renovated by Lichhavi rulers. Along with the lively and spirited ambiance of Boudha, do not forget to enjoy thukpa, momos, and other Tibetan foods.
SWAYAMBHUNATH
Swayambhunath is another Buddhist pilgrimage site located inside the valley of Kathmandu. It is one of the top places to visit in Kathmandu that is known for the amazing view of the valley and religious essence. Located in the top hill of Kathmandu, the main stupa of Swayambhunath is a large white dome with a glittering golden spire that has Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows on. Its vantage location provides a beautiful view of the valley and mountains and hills beyond it. The whole complex of Swayambhunath comprises shrines, temples, monasteries, museum, library; it is surrounded by prayer wheels and many charming shops that sell architectural and art piece.
Swayambhunath is widely known as Money Temple amongst tourists for its large population of monkeys. The legend behind the formation of this monument is rather enticing. It is said that once the valley was an enormous lake, out of which grew a lotus. Later, when Manjushri cut the gorge at Chovar and settlement began, the lotus transformed into the hill, the present day Swayambhunath.
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PASHUPATINATH
Pashupatinath is the pivotal point for the Hindus of Nepal. The whole complex of Pashupatinath covers the total area of 0.64 hectares and homes around 500 different temples. The main temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and witnesses a large number of devotees every day. Especially on the occasion of Shivaratri, the temple garners over a million devotees.
Pashupatinath is not only known for the devotion and reverence of people; it is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu, where you can unravel a different picture of religious value and spiritual experience.
INDRA CHOWK
Indra Chowk is one of the most popular market squares and places to visit in Kathmandu to witness that lies in the historic section of Valley, along with Kathmandu Durbar Square, Aasan, Maru, Naxal, Makhan, and Jana Baha. Named after the Indra, lord of heaven, Indra Chowk attracts pilgrims and shoppers with its temples and wide array of shops.
Indra Chowk also serves as the ceremonial venue for major festival and chariot processions. Indra Jatra is the most prominent festival in Indra Chowk.
NARAYANHITI PALACE AND MUSEUM
Visit Narayanhiti Palace and witness the royal living of Nepal during the period of the monarchy. The former palace and now a museum, Narayanhiti Palace is the best places to visit in Kathmandu that stands on the floor space of 40838.27 sq ft. The interior of the palace is based on Late Victorian style and has 52 different room called sadan.
The palace is popularity visited for allows you to witness a small part of royal life and it is also the place where the royal massacre took place, killing ten members including the King and Queen.
One Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu
GODAWARI BOTANICAL GARDEN
Godawari Botanical Garden is a popular place to visit in Kathmandu. Covering the area of 82 hectares, the garden easily is the most spacious and open place inside valley where enjoy some quiet place. The different varieties of flowers, plants, birds, trees in Godawari provides the perfect escape for some quality time.
