Places in Kathmandu

Best Places to visit in Kathmandu

Kathmandu , the capital city, business hub of Nepal and one the best city with various religious , cultural, traditional, recreational, natural, economical and historical place. This is one first place where every single tourist has to be here as Nepal’s one and only international airport lies in this place. Moreover, it is a hub of UNSECSO World Heritages Site consisting of 6 world heritages in a single valley.

Kathmandu valley  consists of main three cities namely Patan , Bhakapur and Kathmandu with other cities too. These 3 places has great values in cultural and traditional sectors. There are many other beautiful cities and natural places that has have a great impact on tourism in Nepal.

This place is a place of 3 Naths namely Pashupatinath, Swyambunath and Boudhanath. Some of the best places to visit in Kathmandu are listed below :-

Basantapur durbar square

Basantapur durbar square is one of the UNESCO World Heritages Site of Nepal. It is the most visited place by tourist as its in the heart of the capital. This place is a the museum of temples as there are numerous ancient temples with different beliefs. This place is also a home of la living GODESS KUMARI. Kathmandu Durbar Square is the largest concentration of ancient buildings and being able to conserve it till date.

Basantapur durbar square is also known as Hanumandhoka in local people. Some main attraction of this durbar square are Kasthamandap Temple . Kumari Bahal, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Kala Bhairab, Shiva - Parvati Mandir , museum with ancient royal family history , the busy and crowded streets along the square  and many more.
Mostly Newari  people are found in this area and they are the one contributing in maintaining the typical local culture , tradition, norms and values. No tourist visiting Nepal misses the tour of this place.

Patan durbar square

Patan durbar square is one of the UNESCO World Heritages Site of Nepal. Patan Durbar Square is situated at the center of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, Patan, the oldest of all the three cities of Kathmandu valley. It is the best known for its artistic heritage.

It is a city of art where you can feel list in the world of art. Its rich in culture and tradition that reflects the way of living of Newari people around that place. It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. The Major attraction of Patan Darbar Square are Patan Museum, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Golden Window, Mahabouddha Temple, Golden Temple, Krishna Temple some distance far you can go for a visit for zoo too.

Bhaktapur durbar square

Bhaktapur durbar square is one of the UNESCO World Heritages Site of Nepal. Bhaktapur Durbar Square  which is 15 km far from Kathmandu. It is best known as the city a museum of medieval art and architecture with many verities of sculpture, woodcarving and pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses.

There are mass number of temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of brick and wood. Bhaktapur durbar square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal.

Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The glow of the preservation of its culture, tradition, beliefs, norms is what giving life to this place.
The Major attraction of Bhaktapur Darbar Square are 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Lion's Gate, Small Pashupatinath Temple , Vatsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple , Pokharis ( ponds), and Thimi that one can miss this place for sure. It is famous for reflecting of Newari culture, architect and tradition.

Godawari

Godavari is situated 11 km east of Lalitpur and 14 kms south of Kathmandu. It is famous for its rich wildlife and natural green environment surrounded by forest. Godawari is also famous for its botanical garden where different plants, birds and trees can be witnessed. It also has a noticeable collection of orchids, cactii and ferns found in this area.

A quiet path leads to the Godavari Kunda, a spring where the sacred water of the Godavari River pours from the mountains can be found. A huge festival takes place at the Godawari temple once every 12 years where pilgrims from around the country arrive to participate in mela (fair) named as Maha kumbhamela from Bhadra 1st. The mela last for whole one month.

The pure, cold, refreshing and crystal clear flowing water is its another attraction. The nearby National Botanical Garden is another attraction of the place which should not be miss during your Godavari visit.

Kirtipur

Kirtipur  lies in the southwest and 5km from  Kathmandu. Kirtipur is derived from word ‘Kirti’ stands for glory, and ‘Pur’ which means city. This city was once an ancient capital of Nepal. This place a greatl history from the ancient war. Different from other main towns, Kirtipur lies on top of a steep rocky hill. The city of glory is rich in culture and tradition.

The typical Newari tradition that is visible in this  place is yet another purpose of visiting Kirtipur. Among several sites in Kirtipur, some famous tourist destination are Chovar george with ancient history, Jalbinayak temple, Bagh Bhairav temple, Chilancho Stupa, Uma Maheshwar temple, Dev Pukku and Adinath temple at the top of hill and its famous for the view of Kathmandu and Lalitpur city view with glorious high mountians in the clear day.

Boudhanath stupa

Boudhanath stupa is located 7 km East/Northeast of Kathmandu & home to one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, built during the 5th century. Boudhanath Stupa was built during the 5th century AD, by an an old poultry woman who asked the king for land to construct a shrine to the Buddhist.

The Taragaon Museum, Shechen Monastery, Khawalung Monastery, Kopan Monastery, Thrangu Monastery,  Pullahari Monastery & Retreat Centre, Khachoe Ghakyil Ling Nunnery ,Ka-Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery are some of its main attraction.
Making clockwise round the stupa called Kora is its regular attraction. This is the main activity of pilgrims & many tourists too. One lap is approx. 150 meters. Photography is yet another attraction in Bouddhanath. The stupa & its surroundings are very photogenic, but please don't take pictures of people without their permission.

The soothing Buddhist tune, smell of the home made incense, beautifully decorated shops, and the presence of people throughout the day makes all visiting this place no worth.

Swyambunath 

The name Swayambhu means self created and Nath means God. Swayambhunath is one of the UNESCO World Heritages Site of Nepal. Swayambhunath is also known as monkey temple. It is an ancient religious site at the west of Kathmandu city. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal and a major tourist attraction.

The Swayambhunath Stupa is a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Stupa is surroundings consists of chaityas, temples, painted images and numerous other religious things. The main attraction of this place is the 360° view of the whole valley from the stupa and the straight upright 360 plus staircase to reach the stupa is yet other exciting attraction. The stupa consists of a cubical structure eyes of Buddha looking in all the four directions. The local buses and taxis are available 24 hrs for the destination.

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath is a religious site. It is the most nearest UNESCO World heritages site of Nepal from the Tribhuwan International Airport for tourist. Pashupatinath is a holy site for Hindus. This site is under the name of Lord Shiva. This holiest site lies on the banks of Bagmati river and the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.

If you are attracted to the places where the spirit of death can be felt, then consider Pashupatinath as your first destination. It is a temple with special atmosphere of death; death is present in almost every ritual and everywhere.

The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a golden spire.It is in a cubic construction with four main doors, all covered with silver sheets.  The western bank of Bagmati also hosts the so called Panch Deval means five temples
The two-storied roof is made from copper and is covered with gold. This richly decorated temple with wooden sculptures is believed to make wishes come true. Along the right bank of Bagmati numerous platforms for funeral pyres are built, this place is used for funeral with huge ancient beliefs. Across this straight upright there is a great hilltop to have a breath taking view of Pashupatinath temple.

There are many attraction in and around this heritage site like Guheswori temple, Mirgasthali (deer place), and many more temples.

Chandragiri 

Chandragiri is situated at 2500 km on the top, the entire stretch of all the great Himalayan mountain massives can be seen from this place. Chandragiri hilltop is a mesmerising tourist location, enriched with equal amounts of natural beauty and cultural significance. The view of the entire Kathmandu valley can be seen from up there.

From west to east runs the great Annapurna, Nepal’s best trekking destination Mount Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang Himal. With a clear sky, anyone can catch a glimpse of Mount Everest. For an even better glimpse, there is a view tower with binoculars.

Cable Car Ride is one of the main attractions here is the cable ride up the slope. The spectacular 360°C view of the valley and the mountains are absolutely worth the money spent on the ticket. The journey is only of 10 minutes and . On foot, it will take around 3 hours to trek.

Thamel

Thamel is an easy walk from anywhere in central Kathmandu. It is located in the northern region of Kathmandu. This  place is the centre point of the capital and most visitied tourist hub where one can get lost in the world of entertainment and shopping. It is a haven for tourists visiting the city.

It contains numerous hotels, restaurants, shops, pubs  night clubs, massage centers, travel agencies and many more that  is available for service to tourist. Although some consider it to be overcrowded it has been used by westerners since the 1970's when hippies in the region discovered it.

The streets of Thamel are fascinating. This is the shopping Mecca in Nepal. There are lots of shops selling everything from glass pipes to Tibetan Singing Bowls You can buy most of the things you want here. Some favorites are the incense, Nepali  Khukuri-Swords. The number of bookstores, outdoor outfitters, and banks in this area .ATMs can be easily found and will give you. 24 hrs taxi service is available to this area.

Changunarayan

One of the UNESCO World Heritages Site of nepal Changunarayan temple 18 km east of the Kathmandu city and close from the Bhaktapur. It lies on the top of the hill and tourist can view the beautiful views of the Kathmandu valley.

If some tourist interested for hiking they can make 2-4 hours treks till Nagarkot. Nagarkot is the one of the best view point around the Kathmandu valley. It is listed in the World Heritage Site in the UNESCO in 1979.

Pharping

About 27km south of Kathmandu, Pharping is a typical Newari town with ancient Buddhist pilgrimage sites. A circuit of its religious sites makes for a compelling day out from Kathmandu. Pharping lies on the road to Dakshinkali and it’s easy to visit both villages in a day by taxi, bus, motorbike or walk from Pharping .

You’ll pass the pond at Taudaha, allegedly home to the nagas released from the Kathmandu lake. More Buddhist monasteries are opening up around here every year .it has been as a hub of monasteries and gumbas recently and one the tourist attraction with natural scenes too.

Top sights in Pharping
Nepal’s first hydropower, dakshinkali temple, Shesh Narayan Temple, Vajra Yogini Temple, Guru Rinpoche Cave, Rigzu Phodrang Gompa, Sakya Tharig Gompa, Auspicious Pinnacle Dharma Centre of Dzongsar, Ralo Gompa, Drolma Lhakhang and many more.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot s situated 32kms east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2200m above the sea level. It is a fantastic and naturally built beauty place which provides the panoramic view of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here & others including Annapurna, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shanker, Ganesh Himala.

Nagarkot is also known for the glorious views of the Himalayas that offers a different kind happiness in the mind and heart of any individual. This place is well known for the view of sunrise as it is at high altitude. It is the most popular tourist destination of Nepal.

Namo buddha 

Namo Buddha is one of the Buddhist pilgrimage located in Kavre District and about 38 km east far from Kathmandu. The Stupa and shrines built in this lovely small hill marks a very ancient holy site. It is situated on a hill above Panauti and can reach there by there by private or public vehicle or hiking.

Hiking is highly recommended to visit this place. This legendary episode is depicted in a very nice stone slab and placed right next to a holy Stupa. There are numbers of tourist this holy place to witness the legendary episode built there.

Sundarijal

Sundarijal is 25 kilometers away from the Old Buspark in Kathmandu. It is one of the coolest places in Nepal where one can have wild thrill and hiking. Sundarijal can be accessed through direct bus services from Kathmandu. Sundarijaal is the entry point of Shivapuri National Park could be made. The park serves as a popular tourist and holiday destination for the national as well as international tourists.

The Sundarimai Temple at the side of river, to where, during the jatras, people walk barefoot from Pashupatinath to collect the holy water from river and again back to Pashupatinath to offer it to Shiva Lingas.
Beside this religious importance, the place provides a beautiful view of Kathmandu valley and the water falls in this place adds more to its beauty.

This water is supplied to the Kathmandu valley for drinking purpose is originated from here. With the natural scenic beauty it provides, the religious heritage and the cultural experiences. It also serves as a trekking routel, the shortest one being to Chisapani, another beautiful tourist place closer to it. One could also plan a trek to Gosaikunda .

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is a small town at the altitude of 1440m with a long history. Dhulikhel is rich in cultural diversities, interesting traditional practices, vegetation and other natural aspects too. The artistic skill and its Newari inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty.

Streets are lined with bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, sloping roofs, pagoda temples and sacred statues everywhere which displays wood carvings. This artistic aspect and the inbuilt natural aspect has made it one of the destination for tourist.

Kulekhani

Kulekhani is about 45 km southwest of the capital city Kathmandu. It is located in the Middle Mountain Zone of Makawanpur District. Kulekhani is one of the nearest place from the Kathmandu to visit with the huge man made dam and a great mind blowing natural greenery scenario. The View from the top of the Dam side is astonishing and steals our heart on the first sight of the Kulekhani Lake. Kulekhani Dam is alternative or is like second fewa taal of this  place. Markhu is a small town at the northwestern shores of Indrasarovar and also one of the best hiking routes in the loop. Markhu is about 30 mins drive from Kulekhani Dam and about 7 km from the Kulekhani Dam.

Markhu is one of the major attractions of this loop trip since after the Kulekhani Dam. Bheda Farm is another key attraction point here where the doom shaped hill locks with green pasture land poses a vibrant beauty for this place which is about 15mins from Markhu.
Fishing and boating is another attraction on Kulekhani.