Top 7 places to visit in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is the largest metropolis in Nepal with more than 3 million inhabitants, at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet above sea level. It is a densely populated city yet a marvelous town full of medieval temples, shrines, monasteries, rivers, lush forests, and invigorating places that will overwhelm you with vibrant culture, splendid views, and most importantly untapped natural beauty.
Kathmandu city is the gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas, home to seven world heritage sites, Newari culture, and centuries-old religious sites scattered almost everywhere, every corner of the city which makes Kathmandu literally called a city of shrines. The street of Kathmandu city is often flavored with endless ceremonial processions and religious festivals, making it an intoxicating hub for travelers.
The fluttering prayer flags at the highest spot in temples, shrines, and stupas, the riots of festivals alongside the sounds and music of traditional instruments, and the timeless cultural heritage in Kathmandu is obvious amazement for all travelers. That said, Kathmandu will also magnetize you to its old town that flaunts exquisitely carved wooden houses. Unless you fancy luxurious hotels and accommodations, you can always expect all the budget-friendly hotels in Kathmandu.
Here are the top 7 places to visit in Kathmandu:
1. Garden of Dreams
Garden of Dreams is a neo-classical garden located at Kaiser Mahal, Kathmandu. It stands with Thamel, the most popular tourist hub of Kathmandu. Late Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana created the garden in the early 1920s and was considered as the most sophisticated private garden. The garden was designed by Edwardian style, supervised by Kishore Narshingh, who also designed the construction of Singha Durbar.
Within the walls of the garden, there is a beautiful water fountain, decorated furnished woods, and European inspired features like Varandas, pergolas, balustrades. Formerly it was famous as the garden of Six seasons, to make it more relevant and live, there are six pavilions within the gardens that best fits the architectural framework. The variety of flowers and bamboo adds a pleasant aroma to the air of the garden. There is enough furniture for you to relax and enjoy the beautiful views around the yard.
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square is among the seven world heritage sites inside Kathmandu valley. It consists of two sub-areas: the outer complex and inner complex. The inner complex houses Hanuman Dhoka, and numerous courtyards, while the outer complex comprises of ancient temples like Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap, Shiv-Parbati Temple, Jagannath Temple, and others. The statue of Hanuman at the entrance is what gave the name of this palace (Durbar means palace). There are numbers of small temples build in pagoda style and embellished with intricately carved exteriors. This place is also the center of the celebration of major festivals like Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra, and several others.
3. Pashupatinath
Only 1.3 miles away from Tribhuvan International Airport, Pashupatinath is the most sacred religious sites of Hindus. It is the largest temple complex of Nepal and offers religious, cultural and spiritual experience to every visitors. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas and 12 Jyotirlinga with more than 100s of shivalinga within the complex. The holy river Bagmati flows divinely. It is also a holy place for Hindus cremation, Lord Shiva’s consort Sati Devi, a celebration of Maha Shivaratri and day to day evening Aarati. One of the world heritage sites, Pashupatinath temple has been the most important religious site since the 5th century.
4. Swayambhunath
When Kathmandu was believed to be a lake, Swayambhunath was an island. Swayambhunath perched on top of the hill is also known as Monkey temple which offers a splendid view of the entire Kathmandu valley. It is a highly recommended place if one wishes to have eagle eyesight of Kathmandu valley. It comprises large stupa with Buddha eyes gazing sleepily, surrounded by small temples, chaityas, and numerous other religious objects. The long inclined stairway run through the forest is inhabited by more than hundreds of monkeys, which gave its name (the monkey temple). Swayambhunath, a place of peace and prayer is a holy shrine for Buddhist.
5. Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath, residing in the center of Kathmandu is just 2.2 miles away from Tribhuvan International Airport. It is one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal with the massive mandala. It is considered an important place of meditation for Buddhist and is the largest stupa in Kathmandu valley. Surrounded by countless monasteries, it is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Once entered from the main entrance, you will see a white dome with a golden spire that has Buddha’s eyes overlooking the city. The prayer wheels installed around the stupa are for spinning and sending prayers and mantras to heaven.
6. Thamel
Thamel a commercial neighborhood in Kathmandu is a haven for every backpacker, a pit stop full of shops and vendors selling from intricate artefacts to trekking gears, walking gears, souvenirs, and attires catered specially to travelers from western countries. The narrow alleys will lead to pubs, travel agencies, small grocery stores, foreign money exchange booths, budget hotels, restaurants, and clubs in either side of the street. Strolling, or rushing the road of Thamel in a taxi or rickshaw will make you realize that it is the hottest spot for tourism in Nepal. With the overcrowded street, when you wish to eat food, you can always expect traditional and continental cuisine but be aware that the price might be slightly high. Thamel is the city that never sleeps at night.
7. Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is superbly beautiful with its magical aura that dwells with centuries-old historical monuments and architectural treasure. Enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Patan Durbar Square garners enticing Newari culture- you can indulge in Newari lifestyle. Around its vicinity are local shops, cafe, and restaurants offering local menus. You can stroll around and relish the laid-back ambiance.
