6 Best Places to visit in Kathmandu Nepal
Nepal, a country of Himalaya and Kathmandu is the capital city. Kathmandu is also the gateway of Nepal because Nepal has only one international airport in Kathmandu.
Furthermore, Most of the traveler will visit Nepal for the trek to the Himalayas, but it’s equally worth to spend a few days, if not at least a day to explore this beautiful ancient Nepalese City.
Nepal is not just for high Himalayan mountain peaks climbing & expeditions, It’s also equally worth visiting country for sightseeing & tours around ancient temples, Buddhist Stupas, Old Durbar Squares, Local market, Tourist Hubs, etc.
Kathmandu is a crowded and chaotic city, yet charming and beautiful to spend just a few days. Here is the list of 6 best places to visit in Kathmandu.
1. Swayambhunath Temple
The temple is also famous with the name of Monkey temple, because of having too many monkeys around the temple. It is one of the significant places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The Swayambhunath Temple is placed on a hilltop, and this holy shrine displays a majestic white stupa with charming Buddha eyes and a bright golden spire.
Another reason to visit this place is the breathtaking views of the Kathmandu valley from the top of the temple.
The waving colorful prayer flags over the Stupas, beautiful Buddha song Om Mane Padme Home, too many small stupa and prayer wheels make for an astounding sight.
2. Boudhanath Stupa
Another best places to visit in Kathmandu Nepal is the famous Stupa located in an area called Boudha in Kathmandu. This Stupa is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Boudhanath Stupa was built in the 14th century and is one of the most famous holy sites for Buddhists.
The giant Buddha’s eyes on the height of the stupa and the bright prayer flags make it more beautiful to see and explore some time. The stupa was damaged by the massive earthquake of Nepal in 2072 but later rebuilt and opened to visitors now.
With old temples and the fantastic view of the Kathmandu valley encompassed by the high hills makes Boudhnath stupa special to visit.
3. Pashupatinath Temple
Another best place to visit in Kathmandu valley, Pashupati temple is one of the most sacred places for Hindu devotees. Being the most significant Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath temple offers a lot of things to experience not only for Hindu follower but also for other religious peoples.
The Pashupatinath temple is placed on the banks of the Bagmati River, near to the highways and its a World Heritage site too.
The area of the temple is enormous and beautiful, which was built in the 5th century or before and later renovated by the Kings of the Malla Dynasty. The big one and main temple in the complex is devoted to Lord Shiva and is restricted to Hindus only, But other religious people can visit surrounding other places.
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a famous monument of the Kathmandu valley. It is located in the heart of the old town and near the famous local Market New Road Bazaar. The Kathmandu Durbar square was once the place where the King was crowned, and The King’s palace is right there, from where he used to work and rule for the entire Kathmandu valley.
This place is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, and a must visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu valley. The area is always filled with locals and tourists to visit and take photographs. The Pagoda styled temples and palace, was built in the period from 15th to 18th Century, were severely hit by the massive earthquake in 2015 but now the reconstruction also has been finished.
5. Asan
Asan is a traditional local market of Kathmandu valley, serving of fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and other items from street shops. You can find everything from clothes to wear to eat some delicious foods.
In Asan chowk, there is also a temple of Annapurna Temple and the Krishna Temple. Instead then visiting & know about the history of the temples, Asan is famous for seeing the local market serving each and everything which we will need for daily livelihood at the same place.
6. Thamel
Thamel is the oldest portion of the Kathmandu valley. The busiest tourist hub & market with a lot of shops of mountain gears, Handicraft items, antique shops, Pashmina, and many more. Furthermore, the best place to relax overnight with lots of Bars, Pub, Night Clubs. As well as the best place to eat with different restaurant and cafes, and a beautiful hotel, guesthouses, Bed & breakfast and Hostels to stay overnight.
The narrow streets, rickshaws, beautiful songs sounds, Prayer flags, prayer wheels, the delicious smell of street food are another attraction of the Thamel.
Best Part
The best part of those places of Kathmandu valley is it is possible to visit all those places at single day by doing Kathmandu sightseeing. The Kathmandu valley is not so big, and all the sites mentioned above are also close to each other. Here is the perfect itinerary to visit those places of Kathmandu on a single day.
Starting early in the morning from 9 AM, from the first visit to Swyambhunath and then to Bouddhanath and came back on the way to Pashupatinath.
Following the path to Kathmandu Durbar Square on a vehicle and then after exploring Durbar Square, you can walk from there to Ason Tole 5 Minutes and from Asan to Thamel another 10 minutes of walk.
You can visit in a single day; there will be no hurry if you hire a private vehicle otherwise if you thought to visit on Public Buses it might take two days.
Conclusion
Among the above listed 6 best places to visit in Kathmandu, 4 locations Swyambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Kathmandu Durbar Square is listed on UNESCO world heritage sites to visit.
Other places such as the local market of New Road and Indra Chowk near Kathmandu Durbar Square and Gardens of Dreams near Thamel are some of the other places to visit in Kathmandu. Furthermore, you can also visit the nearest places to Kathmandu like Patan, Bhaktapur, etc. if you have more holidays. Nagarkot, Namobudha, Dhulikhel are other hill stations near Kathmandu to visit and hike around.