Kathmandu is a thriving, lively city at Nepal’s core. It is a center of culture and history with a long, illustrious past. Many temples, palaces, and other notable buildings can be found throughout the city, including Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors may engage in a range of activities in Kathmandu, from sightseeing and shopping to dining and nightlife, and experience the city’s distinctive fusion of Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
Things to do:
- Visit Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to some of Kathmandu’s most significant temples and palaces. Durbar Square is situated in the city’s center. Visitors can tour the complex and discover more about the history and culture of the area.
- Visit the Boudhanath Stupa: This significant Buddhist structure is situated outside of Kathmandu. Visitors can go around the stupa and observe the local Tibetan Buddhists as they conduct ceremonies and spin prayer wheels.
- Hike to Nagarkot’s viewpoint: Nagarkot, a well-liked spot outside of Kathmandu, is well-known for its breathtaking Himalayan vistas. Hikers can reach the lookout and take in expansive mountain views.
- Visit the Swayambhunath Temple: Swayambhunath, sometimes called the “Monkey Temple,” is a well-known Buddhist temple that is situated on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. Visitors can ascend the 365 steps to the top and take in expansive city views.
- Investigate the Patan Durbar Square: This additional UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated in the Patan city, just outside of Kathmandu, and is renowned for its stunning temples and palaces.
- Visit the Changu Narayan Temple: The Changu Narayan Temple is a Hindu shrine to the god Vishnu that is situated on a hilltop just outside of Kathmandu. It is regarded as one of Nepal’s oldest and most significant temples.
- Take a cooking class: There are many culinary schools in Kathmandu where tourists may discover Nepali cuisine and practice producing regional meals.
- Go shopping: Kathmandu boasts a thriving retail sector with a variety of marketplaces and shops selling anything from contemporary apparel to traditional handicrafts.
- Take a yoga session; there are several studios offering lessons for all skill levels in Kathmandu’s flourishing yoga community.
- Take a guided city tour to learn more about the history and culture of Kathmandu. There are many tour companies that offer these tours.
- Visit the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which is home to several stunning temples and palaces and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can tour the complex and discover more about the history and culture of the area.
- Visit the Pottery Square: Bhaktapur is famed for its legacy of making pottery, and visitors can observe artisans at work there.
- Visit the Nyatapola Temple, a five-tiered structure that is one of Nepal’s highest temples and is situated in Bhaktapur. Visitors can ascend to the top and take in expansive cityscapes.
- Visit the Dattatreya Temple, a Hindu temple in Bhaktapur that is devoted to the god Dattatreya. It is renowned for having exquisite architecture.
Places to stay:
There are many different lodging options in Kathmandu to accommodate various spending limits and tastes. Popular choices comprise:
- Hotels: There are various lodging options in Kathmandu, from cheap to luxurious. The Yak & Yeti Hotel, the Soaltee Crowne Plaza, and the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu are a few well-liked choices.
- Guesthouses: Because they provide minimal amenities at a lesser cost, guesthouses are a popular choice for tourists on a tight budget. The Kathmandu Guest House and the Annapurna Guest House are two well-known inns in Kathmandu.
Food and drink:
Kathmandu is known for its delicious food and drink, with a range of options to suit different tastes. Some popular options include:
- Local specialties: Try momos (dumplings), daal bhaat (lentil soup and rice), and sel roti, which are classic Nepali meals (a sweet, ring-shaped bread).
- Cuisine from around the world: Kathmandu is home to a variety of restaurants from across the world, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, and more.
- Pubs and clubs: There are many bars and clubs to select from in Kathmandu’s vibrant nightlife scene.
Transportation:
There are several ways to get around Kathmandu, including:
- Taxis: In Kathmandu, taxis are generally accessible and may be hailed on the street or reserved via applications like Tootle and Pathao.
- Public buses are run by the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and cover the majority of the city. Buses are an inexpensive alternative but might be packed.
- Auto rickshaws, often known as “tempos,” are another well-liked mode of transit in Kathmandu. They can be hired out for a longer time or hailed on the street.