LaidBackTrip 2018-2023. Taleju Temple is built in a pagoda style, featuring a three-tiered roof adorned with tall, golden spires and statues. It's two minutes' walk and, From dawn until dusk the six-spoked junction of Asan Tole is jammed with vegetable and spice vendors selling everything from yak tails to dried fish. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. This place really breathes history, and I felt pretty small while taking in all this grandeur from days and centuries-long gone. around the stupa for 13 times to set an intention. Upon arrival, you will get a map at the counter, which shows the sights structural damage; green color means the building is in good condition, red means it's barely standing, or it is gone, yellow is something in between. 5 Days / 4 Nights. 32 BEST Places to Visit in Kathmandu (2023) - The Broke Backpacker During the day, she offers eco-friendly retreat planning services to coaches who organise retreats through her projectEcoscapesand she works as a sustainable travel advisor at a Swiss startup. Whether youre visiting Nepals capital before embarking on the famous Everest Base Camp Trek or to experience the citys abundant UNESCO World Heritage sites including its temples, shrines, and religious monuments this blog will have you covered. Well also send our favorite travel tips straight to your inbox! Make sure Nagarkot secures a place in your "Places to visit" list when you travel to Kathmandu. In fact, this is where I stayed on my first visit to Kathmandu all those years back. This temple is one of the most photogenic places in the city; entering inside feels like stepping back in time, so make sure you dress respectfully, and if you want to take a portrait of a local, always ask for permission. Read our Privacy Policy. Take a stroll around the squares, sit down, read about the places and take everything in. I also definitely recommend having a look inside the Guru Lakhang Monastery at the square for a unique view of a Tibetan Monastery, perhaps a chat with a monk or a listening to monks chanting along with a deafening (but majestic) meditative sound concert! Here's a list of the best hotels in Kathmandu for every type of traveler. The 12 BEST Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal [2023] - NOMADasaurus Today, we share down-to-earth travel tips from our many (mis)adventures on our blog and podcast! Bhairab is Shiva in his most fearsome aspect, and this huge stone image of the, Mohankali (Mohan) Chowk, inside the Hanuman Dhoka complex, was once used as a residence by the Malla kings. Depending on the time of your visit, this will be easy or more challenging. The trekking and tourist hub in Kathmandu is called Thamel. We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip. As such, the square, From the entrance gate of the Hanuman Dhoka palace you immediately enter its most famous chowk. You can also choose to ignore it every now and then I saw a girl in mini shorts and tank top but you will stand out, and even tourists will look at you disapprovingly. 10 Best Hiking Trails In & Around Kathmandu in 2023 - Holidify It has since then changed location, but its completely restored in the way it looked before. A useful travel guide unveiling the top places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal. Close to Swayambhunath Stupa and also entirely overshadowed by its more famous neighbor is White Monastery, known as Amitabha Monastery. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. THE 10 BEST Kathmandu Couples' Activities - Tripadvisor And believe me, they are rocking it. 45 Best Places to visit in Kathmandu | Top Attractions & Sightseeing Kathmandu, Nepal Katmandu - The Capital City of Nepal with a Population of 3 Million Pashupatinath Temple - Popular Hindu Temple Situated at the Banks of Bagmati River Patan Durbar Square - One of the 3 Darbar Squares in Kathmandu I recommend stocking up on lightweight travel clothing, made from clothing like linen or 100% cotton. Laying 3 km outside of Kathmandus city center, the Monkey Temple dates back to the 13th century and is the oldest of its kind in the country. Even for Hindus, admission is restricted; they can, The section of the Hanuman Dhoka palace west of Nasal Chowk, overlooking the main Durbar Sq area, was constructed by the Ranas in the middle to late part, Few things speak clearer to the political changes that have transformed Nepal over the last 15 years than this walled palace at the northern end of Durbar, The most popular Tibetan pilgrimage site in the old town is this lovely stupa, a small copy dating from around 1650 of the great Swayambhunath complex, At the southern end of the Sikha Narayan Temple square, just across the crossroads on the corner, you will see a lump of wood into which thousands of, Seto (White) Bhairabs horrible face is hidden away behind a grille in an earthquake-damaged pavilion opposite King Pratap Mallas Column. Want a more off-the-beaten-path Himalayan trek? Unlike the direction you must walk, this is pretty confusing, so its best to ask someone such as, say, a monk when you are there. I had no idea what to expect on my first visit to Kathmandu, Nepal, but maybe thats a good thing because Kathmandu utterly defies expectations. Learn more at Rokpas website, or check out reviews on Trip Advisor. The rule of thumb is to agree on a price before you jump in. No need to put on hiking shoes and shed blood sweat and tears to marvel at these impressive giants. I learned so much about Nepalese culture and history during my visit as a hosted delegate at the Himalayan Travel Mart that I created an entire blog post dedicated to all of the things nobody tells you about traveling in Nepal. You can experience the result yourself as they prepare your food and serve you in the restaurant! 8. This massive white dome-shaped structure is a beautiful holy site that's surrounded by colorful prayer flags. And when you pick the right season, you can even see their snowy peaks all the way from Kathmandu! By the way, dhoka means doors in the local language. Despite being the smallest carving on the strut, the carvings are most certainly the main attraction. There are quite a few things you want to take into account when first visiting Kathmandu to make sure you are comfortable and able to make most of your stay. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located just a few kilometers away from Balkot, making it a must-visit destination for any. What if you could spend your money on fun things, while at the same time supporting a good cause? Activities in nepal Best Places For Couples In Kathmandu- Dating places in Kathmandu By Shobita Neupane / 4 Mar 2019 Want so know some dating spot in Kathmandu? You can easily spend hours here admiring the buildings. I could fill an entire blog post with places to eat in Kathmandu, but for the sake of keeping some overview, Ill limit myself to listing only my absolute favorites that are all situated in Thamel. Top 14 Private Dating Places in Kathmandu, Nepal - Places of Nepal Where You Can Visit with Your Lover Advertisement One advantage of having a Nepal dating site is that there is no need to wait for an international flight or bus to reach a particular city or country where you would like to meet someone or start your dating. The best place to see them is in the amazing Chitwan National Park, located roughly 170 kilometers by road from Kathmandu city. Bhaktapur. Additionally, the area around the stupa is home to many traditional Tibetan monasteries (called Gombas). However, as with any populated city, it's still a good idea to exercise caution and common sense, especially when walking alone at night. (Just be aware, it has no toilet.). Most taxis will keep their windows rolled down rather than run expensive A/C, so youll likely want to have your mask on at all times except when youre indoors. You will probably not be allowed to sign your own paper yeti footprint, but its a unique place to observe a tradition that is as old as it is weird! By Contributor | Updated on: June 1, 2023. Another of Kathmandu's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Hanuman Dhoka, also called the Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic palace square dating back to the 4th Century AD. 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); Definitely splurge on all the different juices and the healthy food (they also have sweets try the cheesecake! The area around this architecture is vivacious - it is because of the mix of tourists and locals who come here to pray, and we could quickly understand why this place is so popular. 12. from $69 per adult. Which of these places to visit in Kathmandu most intrigues you? Incredible!!! If you feel adventurous I tried but gave up mostly because of the heat though you can walk from district to district. I do and arrange all of my trekking with Himalayan Masters, a small, local company that arranges trips to the Everest Region, Manaslu, & Langtang. For a small fee, you can walk around, sit on the lawn and just relax and admire beautiful flowers, fountains, neoclassical pavilions, and amphitheaters. Until recently, it was possible to fly directly to Lukla from Kathmandu International Airport to begin trekking. Chandragiri Hills. It is a complex of palaces, statues, temples, shrines, and detailed frescoes. Although this botanical garden is 14 kilometers from the center, it is worth the drive, and we think it definitely belongs on the Kathmandu must-visit list. Places to Visit in Kathmandu - Thrillophilia The main street, Thamel Marg, runs through the neighborhood center, branching off to many bustling side streets. Its like scoring karma points for ordering a beer. Once I started to find my way around, I immediately felt at home. One of the biggest features is a statue that is considered the biggest stone carving in Nepal. 5 Best Tourist Places To Visit In Kathmandu | Top Kathmandu Attractions . 10 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu | Veena World Rooms in Nepal are very cheap, so this time, you can even stay in a nicer hotel and still pay a very reasonable amount. If you decide to explore Pharping, some 20 kilometers from the city center of Kathmandu, make sure you also visit Dakshinkali Temple that dates back to the mid-19th century and was devoted to Goddess Kali. It sucks, but it is what it is, and when youre a visitor in someone elses country, you gotta play by their rules. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, whose reclining statue can also be found on the spot. Budhanilkantha Temple is an open-air temple in the Kathmandu Valley, only a short ride from Kathmandu itself. Kathmandu valley has three cities, kathmandu (center), Bhaktapur (eastern side), Lalitpur (Patan: to the south). If you need a drink to recover from your encounter with the Kumari I did I recommend going to one of the nice rooftop bars situated around the Kastamandap temple. But hey, you do you temples, you do you. They follow and preserve the ancient traditions and took the time to explain to me everything so I could completely relax and feel at ease. It is impossible to start the must-visit list of Nepal's capital without mentioning Thamel, the most popular tourist area packed with hotels, restaurants, street vendors, and small shops. Another temple you cannot miss during your wanderings around Kathmandu's Durbar Square is Jagannath Temple, which is a significant building for many reasons. 24% off 14,500 per adult on twin sharing View Details. This neo-classical garden is just a short walk from the North Face Store on Tridevi Sadak. The garden is full of well-dressed locals and tourists, and it seems like it doesn't even belong to Kathmandu. All rights reserved. This is located in the Lalitpur district approximately a 15-minute drive from Thamel in Kathmandu, Nepal. Boudhanath Stupa belongs among Nepal's largest stupas, and its exceptionality was confirmed by putting this site on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you're short on time and want to know the best Durbar Square to visit in Kathmandu, I'd recommend the Bhaktapur Durbar Square as the best. 6. One of the most religious structures in Kathmandu is a bit away from the center, but it definitely deserves your attention. Still, fortunately, the building was restored, and nowadays, visitors can admire the exterior and the interior. Best places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal - Breathedreamgo One of the must-visit places and a worthwhile stop on every Kathmandu itinerary is Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as Monkey Temple. Book a momo cooking class with a local and learn from the pros! This is home to a girl that many Nepalis worship as the human reincarnation of the goddess Durga, who they call the Kumari. This is a beautiful and elaborate article on places to visit in Kathmandu. You can walk around the old city by yourself or hire a local guide; just be aware of scams and make sure your guide is the licensed one. Another must-visit site in Kathmandu is Patan Durbar Square, one of the city's most significant areas and one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Use code OLLY5 to get 5% off your booking with Himalayan Masters for EBC or any other trek. Its mission of social impact empowers communities while connecting locals and visitors. It's one of the closest Himalayan regions from Kathmandu, taking just 5-6 hours tor each by car to begin trekking. If you want easy access to nightlife, souvenir shops, art galleries, affordable massage parlors, coffee shops with organic high-altitude Himalayan coffee, and of course, tons of excellent restaurants, Kathmandus #1 backpackers district has got you covered! We could be walking around the market and, within a minute, end up photographing a temple that looks like from a different century. The one I was told is that a king in the 16th century disclosed these formerly secret tantric images to inspire couples to make love more often. Devotees can walk up to the Ghar's top floor to worship theKumari. The entire complex is opened only for Hindu people; tourists can see only a few parts for a fee (1000 NPR). Their serving lasts 30 days. new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], Kathmandu Valley, which comprises three ancient cities of Nepal-Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, is rich in cultural heritage. 34 THINGS NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT TRAVELING IN NEPAL, How to Visit Bali on a Budget: 8 Money-Saving Tips, 34 Things Nobody Tells You About Traveling in Nepal, Where to Stay in San Francisco (& Where NOT to) a Local's Neighborhood Guide, 35 Photos of Norway in the Winter to Inspire your Wanderlust, How to Be a More Responsible Tourist: a Traveler's Guide to Ethical Tourism, 43 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Adorable Graz, Austria, The Ultimate (Detailed) Bali Itinerary for 2 Incredible Weeks, What to Pack for Bali: The Essential Bali Packing List, Copyright 2023, Practical Wanderlust. People mind their own business, and Im sure the Buddhist culture, the presence of spirituality in daily life and proximity of the impressive Himalayas have something to do with it too. This makes this area a center for Tibetan culture in Nepal. They are even more impressive on the inside than the outside. You'll also be subscribing to our monthly newsletter. THE 10 BEST Kathmandu Things to Do with Kids Things to Do in Kathmandu with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Classes & Workshops Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Sights & Landmarks Ancient temples. The weather is still warm, but youll get plenty of rain as well as electricity blackouts and no views at all. 19. from $65 per adult. Your body consists of 60% of water and water is an excellent conductor of sound waves. Just after we left the arrival hall of Kathmandu's airport, we immediately felt the overwhelming buzz of this bustling capital city of Nepal. Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel. Langtang National Park, Kathmandu 3.6 /5 With trekking trails, lush greenery, and a variety of species of flora and fauna, the Langtang National Park is the fourth national park that was established in Nepal in 1976. Mount Everest Mountain Flight from Kathmandu Most Epic Thing to do in Kathmandu, 15. Must see attractions in Kathmandu Sights Restaurants Entertainment Nightlife Shopping Hotels Top Choice Hanuman Dhoka Kathmandu's royal palace, known as the Hanuman Dhoka, was originally founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD), but the compound was Top Choice Itum Bahal Thamel is also the perfect place to find top restaurants and bars. It even became a no-go zone for vehicles since October 2017, so the visit should be more pleasant for pedestrians. things nobody tells you about traveling in Nepal. There is weirdly positive energy around the Boudha stupa that somehow triggers happiness and inner balance (I know this sounds floaty, but its really true! On a totally different note you may or may not be into erotic woodcarving (Im not disclosing any personal preference here, thank you very much! Our hobby is to pin all those spots on a map, and then we navigate around the city and erase places we've already visited. and then immediately filled with FOMO, because I didnt get a chance to do everything she included in this post and Im super bummed about it. 21 Awesome Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal in 2023 Pokhara is famous for its amazing scenery, lakes, forests, laid-back atmosphere, and as being the gateway to the Annapurna region for those doing the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. ), but for the sake of history, you cant deny its fascinating or at least historically significant that the Jagannath Temple features explicit erotic scenes on its roof struts! And I had no idea what a live jazz band with Nepali and South Asian influence would sound like. If you want to disconnect from the busy outside streets, check out the rooms' photos - they look stunning. Nagarkot Image Source Nestled about 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2185m, Nagarkot is a place that provides you with the panoramic views of the mountains and perfect scenic beauty around them. Kathmandu has a large number of creative entrepreneurs who successfully combine pleasure and social impact. If this is your first time in Kathmandu, get inspired by our list of best places to visit. If you want to visit all three Durbar Squares and save time, check out this well-rated tour Durbar Squares Tour that includes transport, guide, and entrance fees. 5,733. My friend is from Nepal and she's always made me want to go, just haven't had the chance yet. Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld. The Kathmandu Valley, nestled beneath the rugged and mighty Himalayas, is a jewel in the crown of Nepal. To get here, there are convenient flights to the Tenzing-Hillary Airport in Lukla, a mountain airport known for having one of the world's shortest runways. Just keep chaotic traffic and pollution in mind. No doubt, the autumn season (September to November) and spring (March to April) are the best times to visit Nepal if your prime motivation to travel to Nepal is to view the majestic Himalayas or breathtaking nature. When shes not traveling, shes probably hiding somewhere to read a book or shes trying some kind of new food. Period. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by Himalayan peaks, the ancient city of Kathmandu is as spiritual as it is urban; a stupa or temple is around every corner, a hidden courtyard through every secret doorway. There are many levels to the rooftop, with pool tables, lounges, and a bar. Site by, 30 Things Nobody Tells You About Quitting Your Job to Travel, 32 Things Nobody Tells You About Long Term Travel as a Couple, 30 Things No One Tells You About Backpacking in South America, 10 Fascinating Places to Visit in Kathmandu, Nepal. If you want to get an introduction to Buddhism and Meditation, then head over to the Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Center near Thamel, most Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (at the cost of 1000 Nepalese Rupees which is about 9 USD). The painting covers exterior walls, the unusual two-story appearance, or its old age (this structure is more than 400 years old) add to the fact that this shrine is easily the best place to see in Kathmandu. The garden can be busier during the weekend, but weekdays are usually very pleasant. The temperature in Kathmandu is usually warm throughout the day and cool and pleasant at night and in the morning. Articles & Photography by Lucie Hermankova and Martin Tychtl, what to see and do, travel guide, city guide, best things to do, asia, travel guide, annapurna circuit trek, annapurna, south asia, multiday trek, day by day guide. Includes the most iconic temple and religious sites, famous landmarks, attractions, and epic day trips. This temple was founded in the 10th century and is easily recognizable for its golden roof. The Kathmandu Valley, nestled beneath the rugged and mighty Himalayas, is a jewel in the crown of Nepal. Join my mailing list today & get 3X FREE custom travel Lightroom presets + receive top travel tips, destination guides, & travel photography content directly to your inbox. Hence, I would refer Kathmandu city as a yer round destination. To reach places that are further away, consider taking a local bus, which is an adventure on own, or calling a cab. The towers represent the four ancient cities of the, Little is known about this mysterious temple. Today, the Palace is a museum spanning five hectares. It is one of the finest places to visit in Kathmandu. Boudhnath Stupa is without a doubt, one of the most important places in Kathmandu to visit. Its a Buddhist temple with loads of Hindu iconography incorporated in it and serves a symbol of peace and harmony. Another highlight that stands on Durbar Square, Basantapur Tower, was badly damaged during the 2015 earthquake. Staring out into the Kathmandu skyline, it's hard to miss the huge stupa atop the green hillside in the distance. One important thing to know: the original inhabitants of Kathmandu are the Newar people, an Indigenous community who have lived in the Kathmandu valley for centuries and today comprise about half the residents of Kathmandu. Nasal Chowk was used for coronations, a practice that, Southwest of Asan Tole at the junction known as Kel Tole, this temple attracts both Buddhists and Hindus Buddhists consider Seto (White) Machhendranath, At the junction of Durbar and Basantapur squares, this red-brick, three-storey building is home to the Kumari, the girl who is selected to be the towns, Durbar Sqs most magnificent temple stands at its northeastern extremity but is not open to the public. While you're still here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other guides to Nepal. They also accept AUD, EURO, and GBP. We've put together the top attractions and must-see sights. Our guest writer, Yana, is a Belgian semi-nomadic adventurer and foodie. Nagarkot Sunrise & Hike to Changu Narayan Day Tour from Kathmandu. Take a look at some of our other posts. After a caffeine pick-me-up, my (never-ending) curiosity pushed me to have a quick glimpse at Patans Golden Temple aka Kwa Bahal, located on Kwalakhu Road north of Durbar Square mostly because the name sounded so fascinating. You can't really see Mount Everest from the city, but, on a clear Spring Day, it is possible to get a glimpse from certain areas of the valley, including Nagarkot. The Major attraction of Patan Durbar Square. Boudhanath Stupa Photo by Raymond Clavins Boudhanath Stupa, located approximately 11 kilometres from Kathmandu's city center, dominates the Kathmandu skyline with its huge spherical shape. Expect to pay around 500 Nepalese Rupees (about 4 USD) for rides between the different districts and tourist attractions. It is a crossroads of travellers, tourists and trekkers, from every nationality and walk of life. Kopan Monastery is maybe not the most traditional place to visit in Kathmandu, but if you have more than one day for exploring the capital, it is worth taking a taxi to this complex that is only 20 minutes' drive away. 1. Chandragiri Hills is one of the hottest places to visit. The dominant colors on the map are red and yellow. monasteries and other sacred places. These are historic public squares located in front of a palace complex and were used for various ceremonies and events, including the crowning of the Nepalese monarch. The best views and temperature! Namaste. Still, Kathmandu is, unfortunately, very often covered in haze and smog. The Cultural Heritage of Kathmandu Valley (1 day) Here is not one best place to visit in Kathmandu Valley but nine places, including Mt. Neighbourhoods. What was our idea before writing this post on the best places to visit in Kathmandu? Swayambhunath Temple. After youve admired the erotic carvings for a while, head back south over Durbar Square to have a look at the long lost glory of Old Freak Street (called Jhochhen Street on Google Maps). Trekking, Rock climbing . Includes the most iconic temple and religious sites, famous landmarks, attractions, and epic day trips. Perhaps partying isnt really your thing (I get you) and youd instead like to experience Buddhist culture and spirituality. One of the things we loved the most in Kathmandu was that no matter which direction we decided to walk from our hostel, there was always something new and unexpected. 20 Best Places to Visit in and Around Kathmandu - Tusk Travel The street was re-named after its colorful foreign visitors that gathered there on the road East. Oh man, we were supposed to be headed to Nepal soon, but recently changed our plans for reasons that made sense and everything, but this is still giving me major FOMO! Here are the list of places to visit for couples in Kathmandu. The Old Town is as you can guess the historical and cultural heart of the city. Looking for a place to stay in Thamel? I usually end up hiding under a blanket or packing up my bags to leave A.S.A.P. This is a result of heavy, congested traffic. Due to its elevated position, the Kopan Monastery is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kathmandu for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Kathmandu Valley.