Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, is a city where ancient traditions meet modern life. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Kathmandu offers visitors a unique blend of historic temples, bustling markets, and breathtaking natural beauty.
As the only metropolitan city in Nepal, it is the country’s most accessible destination, home to iconic landmarks like Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, and Durbar Square.
Whether you’re shopping in the lively Thamel district, hiking to Phulchowki Hill, or savoring local delicacies like momos and chatamari, Kathmandu promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the heart and soul of Nepal.
Things to do in Kathmandu:
1. Visit Swayambhunath Temple:
Swayambhunath Temple is also known as the Monkey Temple. It is a very famous Buddhist temple in Nepal, located atop a hill to the west of Kathmandu City.
To reach this temple you have to walk through 365 stone steps. One of the first things you notice here is the monkeys and as you’ll move closer to the temple you will see a white dome stupa and an array of shrines.
This temple serves as a house for more than hundreds of monkeys. They live on and roam around the temple premises. Swayambhunath temple is the oldest of its kind in Nepal.
When you enter the temple you will feel the fragrance of sweet incense and butter lamps.
You will see people all around the premises reciting mantras, making offerings, spinning the prayer wheel, and wishing for the benefit of all beings.
To enter this temple you have to pay 200 Rupees as entry fees.
2. Boudhnath Stupa in Kathmandu:
UNESCO has named the Boudhnath Stupa a World Heritage Site. This stupa sits about 11 kilometers from the city center.
Boudhnath Stupa is famous among both locals and tourists due to its massive spherical shape.
Pilgrims from various religions gather daily to perform a ritualistic circumnavigation, known as “Kora”, around the colossal dome.
Locals believe that anyone who circumambulates the stupa with pure thoughts gains good karma and closes the gates of hell forever.
The stupa’s premises house 50 Tibetan convents, or gompas, which have sheltered Tibetan refugees since 1959. You must pay 400 NPR to enter this stupa.
3. Shop in the Thamel district of Kathmandu:
This place was formerly known as Tabitha Bahal. This is the most popular and crowded commercial hub in Kathmandu, Nepal.
This is an all-in-one place. Here, you will find cultural monuments, magnificent ancient temples, pubs, cozy restaurants, and much more.
Thamel offers you a wide variety of products to shop which goes from good authentic food, clothing, and new music albums to exotic trekking gear. Another reason that makes it the most crowded place is wi-fi.
This entire area is a wi-fi zone. To roam around the entire area you can hire a cycle rickshaw, taxi, bicycle, or a two-wheeler. This market is open 24 hours a day.
4. Hike at Phulchowki, Kathmandu:
Phulchowki, the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley, rises to 2,791 meters. Tourists flock here for hiking, drawn by the hill’s cover of beautiful wildflowers, including wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris, and other native blooms.
The hike to the top and back is relatively short, making it an ideal choice for tourists with limited time. Once you reach the summit, the hill rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire valley.
5. Durbar Square:
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the three squares within Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
Durbar Square holds a very religious image for Buddhist and Hindu rituals, holy ceremonies, royal events, and kingly coronations. Around Durban Square, you will find fountains, ancient statues, small ponds, and a series of courtyards.
It is a meditative and spiritual site for spiritual seekers. When you move inside the complex of Durban Square you will find the Old Royal Palaces. The entry ticket at Durbar Square costs NPR 1000.
Food to try in Kathmandu:
1. Momos:
Momos are meat or vegetable-filled dough balls, that are either steamed, fried, or ever “kothey” – half steamed, half fried.
They come in different shapes and sizes, but primarily you will get them in leaf-shaped or round momos being sold in individual carts.
Spicy and tangy tomato chutney is the perfect accompaniment to momos. You will find a wide flavor of fillings from cheese to mashed potatoes.
2. Chatamari:
This is also called the Nepali Pizza or Nepali Taco. This dish is the traditional food of the Newari people of Nepal.
It is essentially a pancake, made of rice flour, and topped with a spicy, tasty filling which is usually non-vegetarian and made of eggs and meat.
You can also try the sweet chatamari. It is served as a dessert in Nepal. It is filled with ricotta cheese and sugar.
How to get around in Kathmandu:
Buses are the most preferred way of traveling among locals. If you want to have a close look at the lifestyle of locals then you must try traveling by bus once.
But, buses will not take you to all the tourist spots. To reach the tourist spots located on the outskirts of the city it is advised to hire a taxi. Taxis are inexpensive and plentiful in Kathmandu.
If you want to experience Kathmandu the way you want then renting a two-wheeler is the best option. Be careful while driving in Kathmandu because some drivers prefer to use more horns than the brakes.
How to reach Kathmandu:
1. By flight:
Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu is the only international airport in Nepal. It is connected by flights from 30 international airlines.
Jet Airways, Air India, and Indigo are the flights available to reach Kathmandu from cities in India.
2. By road:
Traveling by road is the best way to reach Kathmandu. There are lots of buses from India that can reach Kathmandu.
The major cities where you can get a direct bus to Kathmandu are Gorakhpur and Patna. You can travel in your vehicle too.
Keep the toll fee and transport permit with you while crossing the border.
