Kathmandu – Where you wish time to stop

If you ask me to describe on how is the feeling of going to Kathmandu for a trip, I would say ‘you will love Kathmandu’. For some strong reason has this fabled city, rich with history, culture, and tradition, become a sprawling urban center hosting 2.5 million inhabitants and tens of thousands of travelers at any one time. Surrounded by some of the world's greatest peaks, Kathmandu has mountains of its own in the form of ancient monuments and temples.

As a capital, Kathmandu is the epicenter of economic and political life in Nepal, which significantly colors any visit. The most developed region in the nation, Kathmandu offers visitors the chance to not only experience a vibrant culture, but to enjoy luxury amenities, fantastic shopping, and cosmopolitan cuisine.

Places You Must Visit in Kathmandu

1. Boudhanath Temple: A Colorful Cosmos

The Boudhanath Temple, or Stupa, is the largest temple outside of Tibet. It is at the center of Kathmandu's Tibetan culture and is richly endowed with Buddhist symbolism. You can find it in Boudha, in the east of Kathmandu, where it dominates the skyline. It is thought that the Boudhanath Temple dates from the 14th century and its exterior represents the Buddhist cosmos. Inside, you will find an extraordinary array of frescoes and structures incorporating many sacred numbers from the Buddhist faith. Visiting is a colorful, moving and exhilarating experience that lives long in the memory.

2. Durbar Square: A Magical, Mystical Square

Durbar Square is sure to feature on your visit to Kathmandu. The name means royal palace square and the square faces the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This was the seat of the Nepalese royal family until the 19th century and was the setting for the coronation of Nepalese kings. Today, you can visit the state rooms, where you will find elaborate wooden carvings, decorative window frames and the Mahendra and King Tribhuwan museums. To the south of the square you will encounter one of the strangest attractions in all of Nepal. The Kumari Chowk is a gilded 'cage' (actually a beautiful building) which is home to the Raj Kumari, a young girl regarded as the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Durga.

3. Pashupatinath Temple: Experience Living History

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the four most important sites in Asia dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is said to date from around 500 AD and there may have been a site of worship as much as 500 years before that. It is the most extensive temple complex in all of Nepal, stretching along both banks of the Bagmati River. The main temple is built in pagoda style and features a roof gilded in silver and intricate wood carvings. Unlike other World Heritage Sites, Pashupatinath is a working temple and you can watch the fascinating daily rituals of the monks when you visit.

4. Narayanhity Palace: An American architect and Nepalese Traditions

The Narayanhity Palace was the principal residence of the monarchs of the Kingdom of Nepal until the 19th century. It housed state occasions with lavish hospitality and includes a huge complex of buildings, courtyards and gardens. The current palace is not as old as you might think; it was built in 1970 by the American architect Benjamin Polk. After the 2006 revolution, the palace was converted into a museum. It holds a fantastic collection, including the fabulous crown jewels of Nepal. You can also admire the beauty of the Reception Hall and Throne Room, with its 48-foot chandelier.

5. Swayambhunath Temple: A Stunning Stupa from the Lake

The Swayambhunath Temple sits atop a hill around two miles west of Kathmandu. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Nepal and one of the most holy. Legend says the temple appeared spontaneously when the valley emerged from a lake 2,000 years ago. The temple complex includes lots of shrines, statues and countless prayer wheels. Some highlights are the huge gold Vajra, or thunderbolt, on the east side and the Sleeping Buddha on the west. It is still a working temple and is one of the best places in Nepal to see religious ceremonies.

 

How to Reach Kathmandu

By Flight

Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is located just a few miles east of town. There are many regular connections to Asian countries including Thailand, India, Korea, Malaysia, and China, and many others. Most hotels include hotel transfers, but taxis are available for about INR 400-500, although if you walk to the end of the parking lot you may find one for INR 200 to INR300.

By Car

It is possible to rent a car and driver in Nepal, but rates vary wildly depending on the trip. For example, the 95-mile trip to Simbhanjyang and back costs INR 4500, while a round trip to the Borderlands, approximately 115 miles total, costs INR 4300. Researching and comparing pricing ahead of time is highly advised.

By Bus

Buses are often used by locals trying to connect with other parts of Nepal. However, buses are incredibly uncomfortable due to poor road quality. It is also possible to ride into Nepal on buses from India. Kathmandu has two bus stations: Balaju to the north and Kalanki to the south.

How to Get Around Kathmandu

Bus & Vans

There are buses for getting around the Kathmandu Valley, and many circle around the outer Ring Road for INR 20 to INR 35, depending on the distance. Ask the locals for help if you choose to take this route, as it can be very difficult to navigate for a newcomer. Rickshaws are also abundant in the Thamel area, with prices open to negotiation. Keep in mind that rickshaws should cost about INR 100 for a ride across town.

Taxi

Taxis can be found throughout the city. Taxis have meters, which have rates beginning at INR 14 before 21:00 and rising to INR 21 afterwards. However, many drivers choose not to use the meter, so you may have to negotiate a price before your journey starts. A trip across town should cost no more than INR100-200.

Car

It is possible to rent a car (or a taxi) for a day, or to get to a specific destination. Patan should cost INR 300 to access, and Bakhtapur should be around INR 1,000 rupees one-way. Renting a car for a full day of sightseeing around Kathmandu should cost around रू3800 rupees.

 

What to Eat in Kathmandu

Kathmandu's cuisine is one of the city's main attractions. The momo, a dumpling which can be filled with buffalo, chicken, or vegetables, can be found from street vendors throughout town, and is often paired with daal, curry, stewed vegetables, a pickle, and curd. Chiya, a milky tea, is a must as well. If you eat at a tourist restaurant, expect prices to be at least 25 percent higher than elsewhere. Meals can approach रू300 at a tourist establishment, but locals pay much less. Masala Dosa is good for for around रू70.

Why to Must Visit Kathmandu

1. A Staggering Array of Festivals

Many of Nepal's most important festivals take place in Kathmandu, which hosts pilgrimages, harvest celebrations, and the Festival of Lights, an important Hindu festival. These events take place throughout the year and are not to be missed.

2. Adventure Around Every Corner

Kathmandu's location under four mighty mountains - Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri - makes it an ideal launching point for all sorts of adventures. From treks through the Kathmandu Valley, to bungee jumping, to trips to local villages, there's much to explore.

3. A Rich History

Kathmandu is over 2,000 years old, and it's easy to tell. Many of Nepal's most important religious and historical sites are located in Kathmandu. While in town, be sure to visit the Narayanhiti Palace Museum to learn more about this heritage.

4. The Incredible Durbar Square

Renowned since ancient times, Durbar Square is filled with magnificent palaces and temples, as well as the Kasthamandap from which the city is named. Over 10 sites of interest can be found in the square, though some were heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake.

5. Experience Nepalese Culture

 Kathmandu is one of those rare places where it doesn't matter what you've got on your itinerary - just experiencing the city and the living culture of the Nepalese is enough to fill up your days.

Whether you're looking to gather your bearings in the city before launching a mountain trek, or you're just interested in museums, stores, and tea shops, Kathmandu delivers. There is something for every traveler in this ancient metropolis. For your next trip, consider Nepal and do visit Kathmandu, it is a place which has never disappoints anyone.