Last Updated on August 27, 2024 by Mrunal & Jiten
Kathmandu, the capital city of the captivating Himalayan country of Nepal, is a lively city with a rich influence of both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Here are the top things to do in this vibrant city:
Religious Spots
Table of Contents
Pashupatinath Temple
Built in the 5th century and renovated by the Malla Kings, Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This UNESCO World Heritage site, bordered by the Bagmati River, is a large temple complex with more than 500 small temples within its walls. The temple, with its pagoda-style architecture, features a gilded roof, silver-covered sides, and exquisite wood carvings. The main festival, Shivaratri, attracts large crowds.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in Nepal, highlights Buddhist culture and showcases 14th-century architecture. So large that it’s visible as soon as you exit Kathmandu airport, the stupa symbolizes the five elements: air, water, earth, fire, and ether.
Swayambhunath Temple
Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists. An architectural marvel, it features a whitewashed dome with a gilded golden spire rising above it. The spire has four faces of Buddha looking out in the four cardinal directions, symbolizing protection of the valley. Built by King Mana Deva in 460 AD, the temple houses the largest Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal within its western boundary. The base of the temple has many prayer wheels and deities.
History, Culture, and Heritage
Narayanhiti Palace
Narayanhiti Palace was the working residence of the Nepalese royalty before the 2006 revolution. Now a public museum, it showcases old furniture, art pieces, textiles, and ornaments. Notable structures include gates, fountains, courtyards, military barracks, a helipad, and boundary walls.
Adventure
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trekking
The Everest Base Camp trek, starting from Lukla and passing through Phakding to Pheriche before returning to Lukla, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This challenging 13-day trek covers 112 km, reaching an altitude of 18,200 feet. The trek offers glorious views of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Mt. Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. Along the way, you’ll encounter green forests, rocky alleys, glacial lakes, suspension bridges, and waterfalls.
Adventure Sports
Kathmandu offers a range of adventure sports, including rafting on rivers such as Trishuli, Bhote Koshi, and Sun Koshi. For those who wish to fly close to Mount Everest without hiking, scenic flights from Kathmandu offer breathtaking views of Everest and other peaks. Other adventure activities in the city include hot air balloon rides, paragliding, bungee jumping, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Explore
Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park
Located about 12 km from Kathmandu’s city center, Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park is home to exotic flora, including Persian silk trees and 150 mushroom varieties. The park also hosts about 102 species of butterflies, and you may spot the famed Red Panda and leopards. Activities include trekking, bird watching, and wildlife observation.
Chitwan National Park
Located in the Himalayas, Chitwan National Park is home to rhinos, tigers, dolphins, golden monitor lizards, pangolins, four-horned antelopes, sloth bears, 544 bird species, and 50 plant species. The park offers elephant safaris, jungle safaris, and boat rides to enhance the experience. It is accessible by tourist buses and has nine entrances.
Enjoy
Food
Kathmandu offers a variety of local dishes to enjoy, including momos, street food, Chatamari pancakes, Thupka, Aloo chop, Dal Bhat, and desserts like sel roti, Juju Dhau, and Lakhamari. For an appetizing dinner, visit restaurants such as Old House Restaurant, Kotetsu Japanese Restaurant, Third Eye Restaurant, OR2K, Melrose Restaurant and Bar, Le Sherpa, Bhojan Griha, Utse Restaurant & Bar, and Bajeko Sekuwa.
Shop
Don’t leave Kathmandu without buying Nepal tea, Pashmina fabrics, Thangka paintings, singing bowls, Khukuri (Gorkha knives), handicrafts, quirky necklaces, trekking gear, rice paper, and local food items such as churpi and lapsi. The best places to shop include Indra Chowk, Asan Bazaar, Durbar Marg, Thamel, malls and supermarkets, and New Road.
When to Go
Nepal can be visited year-round. October to November is the best time for trekking, while the spring months of March to May bring many festivals, including Shivaratri, Holi, and Patan’s Rato Machhendranath festival, which are must-see events. December to February is the off-season, ideal for avoiding crowds.
How to Reach
There are many flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, Bangalore, Varanasi, and Kolkata to Kathmandu.
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