Check out the best places to visit in Kathmandu – from our own experience.
Boudhanath Stupa
In terms of beauty and significance, no other stupa in Nepal comes close to Boudhanath. This huge monument is well designed, with its whitewashed dome and painted with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. Join the Tibetan pilgrims on their morning and evening koras (circumambulations) for the best atmosphere.
The construction serves as a three-dimensional reminder of the Buddha’s path towards enlightenment. The plinth represents earth, the kumbha (dome) is water, the harmika (square tower) is fire, the spire is air and the umbrella at the top is the void or ether beyond space. The 13 levels of the spire represent the stages that a human being must pass through to achieve nirvana.
Before you head off for your trek or climb, make sure you do a full circuit of the stupa clockwise, spinning the prayer wheels for good luck and blessings.
Pashupatinath
The Hindu shrine at Pashupatinath is where cremation of Hindus take place on raised platforms along the Bagmati river. The rituals of cremation are not for the faint hearted and as a westerner, can be quite confronting even watching from afar across the river from the hillside.
Swayambhunath
Also referred to as the ‘Monkey Temple’, the Swayambunath Stupa overlooks the Kathmandu valley providing visitors a panoramic view of the city. It is considered one of the holiest and oldest buddhist stupas in Nepal.
Hub
Amongst the places to visit in Kathmandu, you need to stop and revive. This quirky little cafe is a cool place to hangout and escape the hustle and bustle of Thamel. Here, you can also quietly go about your work in a relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy locally-grown coffee or delicious made-to-order food and juices – check them out on Facebook for more information.
Other favourites are Salon de Kathmandu, located just around the corner of the Radisson in Lazimpat. Plus, Fire and Ice Pizzeria in Thamel and Cafe Caravan located at Boudhanath.
Thamel
If you are shopping for souvenirs, seeking second hand trekking gear or want a varied choice of cafes and restaurants, then the busy tourist area of Thamel is your place. It’s also where you will find lots of money exchanges, hotels, bars and nightlife.
When exploring Kathmandu we recommend wearing a buff or bandana which can easily be used to filter the air you breathe, which can be dusty and polluted.
Garden of Dreams
Designed in 1920, the stately Garden of Dreams is dotted with pavilions, fountains and urns. It’s a haven from all the busy roads and traffic around Thamel and surrounding areas.
Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of three located in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. This one, located not far from Thamel, was severely impacted during the major earthquake on 25 April, 2015.
At the southern end, is one of the most curious attractions in Nepal. In a window contains the Raj Kumari, a girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga.
The other two Durbar Squares are located at Patan and Bhaktapur, around a 30-45min drive from Thamel, depending on traffic.
Narayanhiti Palace
Narayanhiti Palace long served as the residence and principal workplace of the reigning Monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal.
The palace walls were damaged in the 2015 earthquake, but the palace itself dating from the 1960s was largely unaffected. Highlights are the impressive throne and banquet halls and the modest royal bedrooms.
One interesting point of note, is that bullet holes are still visible from the outside from when a prince massacred the royal family back in 2001.
Closed to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday, it’s open on other days from 11-2pm. Cameras and bags are not permitted inside the complex but lockers are available.
So if you’ve got time before or after your adventure in Nepal, we hope this list of places to visit in Kathmandu will give some ideas. You can also read our post on how to get to Kathmandu.
