Best things to do in Kathmandu
Find out more about those top places in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal: Where Temples Outnumber Traffic Lights (Almost!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Himalayan Holy City!
Namaste from Kathmandu, the vibrant heart and soul of Nepal! Perched high in the breathtaking Himalayan hill region, this city proudly wears the nickname "city of temples" like a badge of honor – and for darn good reason! Seriously, you can't swing a prayer wheel without hitting another ancient shrine. For centuries, Kathmandu has been the epicenter of Nepal's art, culture, and economic growth, a melting pot of traditions and a feast for the senses.
Don't let its relatively small size (around a million awesome people) fool you. Kathmandu is absolutely overflowing with memorable and historical places to visit that will leave you wide-eyed and wonderstruck. We're talking about more temples than you can shake a stick of incense at, fascinating museums that whisper tales of ancient kingdoms, national parks teeming with Himalayan wildlife, and, oh yeah, did we mention the freaking famous mountains towering majestically in the distance? It's like history, culture, and natural beauty had a baby, and they named it Kathmandu!
Imagine wandering through bustling alleyways where the scent of incense mingles with the aroma of sizzling street food. Picture yourself spinning prayer wheels at ancient stupas, the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the crisp mountain air. Envision yourself gazing at intricately carved temples that have stood for centuries, their golden roofs gleaming under the Himalayan sun. Kathmandu is a city that assaults your senses in the most wonderful way, a chaotic yet captivating blend of old and new.
Whether you're a spiritual seeker on a quest for enlightenment, a history buff eager to unravel ancient mysteries, an adventure enthusiast ready to trek the mighty Himalayas, or simply a curious traveler looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, Kathmandu has something truly special to offer. Just be prepared for a bit of organized chaos, the occasional cow wandering down the street (it's Nepal!), and a whole lot of friendly faces eager to share their culture with you.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this Himalayan holy city. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from exploring ancient temples and bustling markets to trekking in the foothills of the Himalayas and immersing yourself in vibrant Nepali culture, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Kathmandu a truly special and hilariously enchanting destination.
Top Attractions: Temples, Mountains, and Cultural Wonders!
Kathmandu is a treasure trove of historical, cultural, and natural attractions:
Pashupatinath Temple: Sacred Hindu Site
Witness the ancient and sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Hindu temples in the world. A must-see attraction for cultural and spiritual sightseeing.
Boudhanath Stupa: Iconic Buddhist Landmark
Explore the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a vibrant center of Tibetan Buddhism. A key place to visit for a serene and spiritual experience.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Panoramic Views
Climb the steps to Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and a fascinating blend of Buddhist and Hindu elements (and yes, lots of monkeys!). A top thing to do for sightseeing and cultural immersion.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Royal History
Wander through Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards that once served as the seat of the Malla kings. A key place to visit for historical sightseeing.
Thamel: Tourist Hub and Lively Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in the bustling energy of Thamel, Kathmandu's vibrant tourist district, filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and guesthouses. A great place to visit for experiencing the city's lively vibe and planning further adventures.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this Himalayan holy city!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Kathmandu vibe:
- Explore the Garden of Dreams: Find tranquility in this beautifully restored neo-classical garden.
- Visit the National Museum of Nepal: Delve into Nepal's history, art, and culture.
- Take a Cooking Class: Learn to prepare delicious Nepali dishes like momos and dal bhat.
- Go Trekking in the Kathmandu Valley: Explore the surrounding hills and enjoy stunning mountain views.
- Experience a Traditional Nepali Thali: Savor a multi-dish meal showcasing the flavors of Nepal.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a captivating blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery, and a touch of Himalayan magic, Kathmandu, Nepal, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for a city that will charm your socks off – and maybe leave you wanting to trade your car for a prayer wheel! Namaste and happy travels!
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Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The Narayanhiti Palace Museum was the home of Nepal’s Royal families for centuries till the monarchy was abolished in 2008 by citizens of Nepal. Situated to the north of Durbar Mag and east of the Greater Thamel it was designed by American architect Benjamin Polk, the former palace occupies a mind-blowing 74 acres and has 52 rooms (only 19 are opened to the public). Built with mostly brick and mortar, its known as the location for Nepalese Royal Massacre, where ten members of the royal family were killed in a mass shooting by then crown prince during a party.
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Chitwan National Park
To experience nature in its purest for head to the Chitwan National Park. Chitwan which when translated means “Heart of the jungle” is a 952 square kilometer nature reserve site that attracts tourists yearly. The Park used to be a haunting ground for the Nepal’s ruling class, high class foreign dignitaries and even locals till 1957 when the country’s first conservation law was enacted to prevent poaching. When at the park you can see the Bengal tigers, elephants and leopards. The best time to visit the national park is between January and March.
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Fly over the Everest
Nepal is home to the highest mountain on earth and often times it is very difficult to hike to its base or climb the mountain itself. So tourist who still want to get a close view of the famous mountain Everest can still experience it by flying over it. It is a popular option taken by tourists so at the Kathmandu airport you would find many airlines offering such services at good rates.
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Thamel District
Taking a walk through the famous Thamel District is a must for anybody visiting the capital, located at the center of the city it gives a picture of the everyday lives of citizens of Nepal. There are restaurants, shop, bars and even gardens in Thamel District. It makes a lovely place to get some souvenirs and meet locals.
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Pashupatinath Temple
This is one of the most recognized and sacred temples in Asia, built in the 5th century by Lichchavi King Prachanda Dev, the temple is located on the banks of the Bagamati River. Designed with pogoda style architecture, it stands at a height of 24 meters and has gold covered copper roofs. The temple plays host to festivals regularly such as Maha Shiva Ratri Bala Chaturthi festival and Teej Festival. It should be noted that there are also many temples and shrines around the Pashupatinath Temple.
