Kathmandu Valley sightseeing

The colorful capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, is a main location that provides a fusion of age-old customs and cutting-edge wonders. A trip through time by visiting Kathmandu, where thriving shops and busy streets mix with temples and palaces that date back hundreds of years.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Kathmandu Durbar Square, a magnificent complex studded with well carved wooden buildings and temples, is the gem of the city. The significance of Kathmandu’s religious landmarks, such as the imposing Boudhanath Stupa and the revered Pashupatinath Temple, is clear at every step.

Beyond its rich cultural past, Kathmandu has a thriving food scene, with a wide variety of eateries serving both regional and foreign cuisine. It is essential to explore the thriving Thamel quarter with its confined spaces and colorful stores. for bargain seekers and compulsive shoppers.

A tour of Kathmandu offers an amazing experience that immerses visitors in the heart of Nepal’s cultural tapestry thanks to its rich history, spiritual essence, and natural beauty.

Where to visit in the valley?

PASUPATINATH TEMPLE: 

The temple of Pashupatinath is an important religious place in the Kathmandu district from historical, religious, and tourist points of view. Spread over 240 hectares of land, this temple is part of the World Heritage List. Pashupatinath temple is considered the biggest temple of Shivalaya. Not only natives but also foreign tourists visit the Pashupatinath temple once they come to Kathmandu. 

On the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, is the Hindu temple known as Pashupatinath Temple. For followers of Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in Hinduism, it is regarded as one of the holiest temples in the entire world. The temple is regarded as the most significant temple in Nepal and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main temple, a two-tiered pagoda-style edifice with a golden top and four silver entrances, is one of several structures and shrines that make up the temple complex. The temple is flanked by a wide courtyard, numerous ghats (riverside bathing steps), and numerous other smaller temples and shrines.

All people are welcome at the temple, but only Hindus are permitted inside the main shrine. The temple can be seen from the other bank of the Bagmati River by non-Hindus. Hindu pilgrims frequently visit the temple to perform various rituals and take a plunge in the sacred river.

With thousands of visitors going to see the temple each year, it is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kathmandu.

It is crucial for visitors to remember that the Pashupatinath temple is regarded sacred, thus they should dress appropriately and act appropriately while there.

SWAYAMBHUNATH TEMPLE:

Another must-see place is Swayambhu. Swayambhu can be a good destination for people to visit. Swayambhu, a Buddhist religious site, is also considered good for sightseeing. Swayambhu, which is located at the highest point of Kathmandu, is also considered to be especially beautiful with the activity of monkeys. Along with Swayambhunath.

Swayambhunath, sometimes referred to as the Monkey Temple, is a collection of Buddhist temples that may be seen in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is regarded as a sacred site for Buddhism and is one of the biggest and oldest Buddhist shrines in the entire globe. A World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the temple.

The stupas, chaityas, temples, and shrines that make up the temple complex are situated on a hill. The centerpiece of the temple is a sizable stupa with a white dome and a golden spire that is thought to be 2,500 years old. A number of lesser stupas and shrines, as well as several prayer wheels, statues, and murals, surround the main stupa.

Numerous monkeys that reside on the temple’s property and are revered as sacred creatures also call it home. Visitors can ascend the hill’s 365 steps for a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley.

Buddhist pilgrims frequently visit the temple to perform rites such as spinning the prayer wheels and circumambulating the stupa. Swayambhunath is regarded as sacred, so it’s necessary for visitors to dress appropriately and act appropriately while there.

Particularly for those curious about Nepal’s spiritual and religious activities, the temple is also the ideal location to learn about Buddhism and its culture.

THE FAMOUS BOUDHANATH STUPA:

In Kathmandu, Nepal, there is a sizable Buddhist temple called Boudhanath Stupa, also called the Boudha Nath Temple. One of the holiest Buddhist temples outside of Tibet, it is also one of the biggest stupas in the world. A World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the temple.

The stupa is a white monument in the form of a dome that has a golden spire on top. A sizable circular courtyard and numerous smaller stupas and shrines encircle it. Numerous vibrant prayer flags are also placed all over the stupa, and it is believed that these flags send worshippers’ petitions to heaven.

Buddhist pilgrims frequently visit the stupa to circumambulate it, spin prayer wheels, and engage in other rituals. Additionally, visitors can ascend to the stupa’s summit for a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings.

In addition to being a significant cultural and architectural landmark, the stupa is a great location for photography and for individuals who are fascinated by Buddhist art and culture. The Boudhanath stupa is regarded as sacred, thus it’s necessary for visitors to dress appropriately and act appropriately while there.

With thousands of visitors going to see the stupa each year, it is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Kathmandu.

SADAR ZOO – CENTRAL ZOO:  

The Central Zoo is a government-run zoo that is situated in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur district, Nepal. It is also known as the Jawalakhel Zoo or the Lalitpur Zoo. It is Nepal’s sole zoo and is home to many different species of animals, including tigers, lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, bears, monkeys, and birds. The zoo opened its doors in 1932.

A big cat house, a bear pit, and a reptile house are just a few of the animal enclosures present in the zoo, which has a total area of about 28 hectares. A kid-friendly playground and a small lake are also features of the zoo.

Except on Tuesdays, the zoo is accessible every day. Visitors can visit the animals and discover the various Nepalese native species. The zoo is a favorite destination for both those concerned with wildlife conservation and for families with young children.

It is crucial to remember that the zoo has come under fire for its undersized cages, lack of suitable infrastructure, and subpar animal care. The closure of the zoo and the relocation of the animals to settings that are more suitable have been demanded by certain animal welfare organizations. Additionally, the zoo has a track record of subpar management and animal welfare.
It’s crucial to think about the morality of visiting zoos and to learn about the animals’ conditions before going.
 

BASANTAPUR, PATAN, AND BHAKTAPUR DARBAR SQUARE: 

Three ancient palace squares can be found in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley: Basantapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The three squares are all regarded as some of the valley’s finest examples of Newari architecture and are each included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BASANTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE:

In the center of Kathmandu, Nepal, lies Basantapur Durbar Square, sometimes referred to as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square has numerous temples, shrines, and palaces, including the former royal palace of the Kathmandu Kingdom. It is the site of the medieval palace complex of the Kathmandu Kingdom.

Numerous temples and shrines along the perimeter of the area, including the well-known Taleju Temple, a shrine to the Hindu deity Taleju that is solely accessible to Hindus. The living goddess Kumari, a young girl who is worshipped as an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Taleju, resides in the Kumari Ghar, which is located near the square.

The Kasthamandap temple, also known as the “House of Wood,” which is supposed to have been constructed from a single tree and is the origin of the name Kathmandu, is also located in the square.

The square is a well-known tourist destination where tourists may take in the stunning architecture, discover the history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley, and visit the nearby temples and shrines. The square is revered, thus visitors should remember to dress well and act appropriately while there.

With thousands of visitors coming to see the square each year, it is also one of the most well-liked tourist destinations in Kathmandu.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE:

In the Nepalese city of Patan, the Patan Durbar Square, sometimes called Lalitpur Durbar Square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plaza, which is home to numerous temples, shrines, and palaces, is regarded as one of the outstanding examples of Newari architecture in the Kathmandu Valley.

Numerous temples and shrines surround the area, including the well-known Krishna Temple, which is devoted to Lord Krishna and is renowned for its exquisite woodwork and stunning sculptures. The Golden Temple, also known as Hiranyavarna Mahavihar and renowned for its exquisite gilded metal work, is located in the square.

The Patan Museum, located in the palace of the Malla kings and housing a collection of traditional Nepalese art, including bronze and stone statues, carvings, and manuscripts, is another attraction in the area.

The square is a well-known tourist destination where tourists may take in the stunning architecture, discover the history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley, and visit the nearby temples and shrines. The square is revered, thus visitors should remember to dress well and act appropriately while there.

Thousands of tourists visit the area annually, making it one of Patan’s most visited tourist destinations.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE:

In the Nepalese city of Bhaktapur, there is a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Bhaktapur Durbar Square. One of the outstanding examples of Newari architecture in the Kathmandu Valley is the square, a well-preserved medieval settlement. Numerous temples, shrines, and mansions line all four sides of the plaza.

The well-known Nyatapola Temple, a five-story pagoda-style temple to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, is located in the square. The temple, which is regarded as one of the tallest in Nepal, is well recognized for its beautiful sculptures. The 55-Window Mansion, a classic Newari-style palace famous for its 55 windows and beautiful woodcarvings, is also located in the area.
Along with numerous other temples and shrines, such as the Bhairava Nath Temple and the Vatsala Temple, the plaza is also home to conventional homes, streets, and squares. Visitors can stroll around the square and discover more about the Kathmandu Valley’s history and culture.

The square is a well-known tourist destination where tourists may take in the stunning architecture, discover the history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley, and visit the nearby temples and shrines. The square is revered, thus visitors should remember to dress well and act appropriately while there.

With thousands of visitors coming to see the square each year, it is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bhaktapur.
 

All three squares are well-liked tourist destinations where visitors may take in the stunning architecture, discover the rich history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley, and visit the nearby temples and shrines. It’s crucial to dress appropriately and act respectfully when visiting these squares because they are revered.

BUDHANILKANTHA TEMPLE:

In Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, Nepal, there is a Hindu temple called Budhanilkantha Temple. It is known as the “Sleeping Vishnu Temple” and is devoted to Lord Vishnu. An enormous stone statue of Lord Vishnu resting on the coils of the cosmic snake Shesha is the temple’s claim to fame. A single block of black stone was used to chisel the statue, which is around 5 meters long and thought to be over a thousand years old. According to legend, the monument is submerged in a pond of water that symbolizes the cosmos’ ocean. The temple is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site as well as a well-liked tourist attraction in Nepal.

NARAYANHITI PALACE MUSEUM: 

In Kathmandu, Nepal, there is a palace museum called Narayanhiti Palace Museum. It served as the primary palace of the Shah Dynasty and as the previous home of the Nepalese monarchy. In 2008, after Nepal became a republic and the monarchy was abolished, the palace was transformed into a museum.

The main palace, guesthouses, and service buildings are all part of the sprawling palace complex, which has a total size of about 47 acres. The palace has numerous beautiful carvings, frescoes, and statues and is renowned for its traditional Nepalese architecture.

A guided tour of the palace is available to guests, who can see the main throne room, the audience hall, and the former king and queen’s bedrooms. The museum also houses a collection of antiques and possessions once belonging to the royal family, including their jewelry, crowns, and personal goods. Bronzes, statues, and manuscripts are among the traditional Nepalese artwork and antiques kept in the palace.

Except on Tuesdays, the palace is accessible to visitors every day. The palace is thought of as a previous royal residence, thus it’s crucial for visitors to dress appropriately and act appropriately while there.

Thousands of tourists visit the palace each year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Kathmandu.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NEPAL: 

The Nepal National Museum, sometimes referred to as the National Museum of Nepal, is situated in Chauni, Kathmandu, Nepal. The oldest museum in Nepal, it was founded in 1928. It contains a variety of national historical and cultural treasures, including works of art, manuscripts, weapons, and ethnographic items. The museum is a well-liked tourist destination in Kathmandu and is accessible to the general public. In this museum, we can see ancient weapons, clothes, coins, and gifts of ancient kings. A ticket is required to enter the museum spread over three buildings.

KATHMANDU, THAMEL: 

Thamel is the main tourist destination of Kathmandu. Foreign tourists come here to stay and have fun. Thamel is a tourist spot located in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. There are many shops, cafes, hotels, and tourist companies here. The nightlife here is very good. Thamel is considered a region that never sleeps and never closes. There is a crowd of foreign tourists along with locals.

When someone goes on a trip, they not only include things of interest in the plan, but also they prefer to go to places where they can taste more than one dish. At each place, you will find something special to taste. Mo: Mo- (Buff Mo: Mo Special) Mo: Mo can be a special and delicious dish for visitors to  Kathman du. Kathmandu Valley’s Mo: Mo, which is the most traded and preferred as a snack, is considered delicious. Mo: Mo is available in buff, chicken, mutton, veg, paneer, and other flavors in the market. Buff Mo: Mo is also special in Kathmandu. Buff Mo: Mo restaurants and Mo: Mo centers are found in every market, toll, and street of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. It is believed that the Newar traders who went to Tibet for trade brought it to Nepal.

Schedule Samyabaji is a popular Newari dish. Newars make this dish on festivals and special days. Especially in the Bhaktapur Darbar area, Patan, and Vasantpur areas, Newari restaurants are easily available. It consists of chiura, garlic, soybeans, chickpeas, boiled beans, bara, boiled eggs, green vegetables, copper bag vegetables, pickles, and homemade liquor. It is also considered a variety of food. Many Newari hotels are visited to taste Newari food while searching for Newari dishes.

Choyla is one of the favorite dishes for meat connoisseurs. Kathmandu region is also famous for choyla. Earlier, the Newar community used to mix buffalo and duck meat to make choyla. Choyla was a must in Newari feasts. But now choyla can be found in various hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu Valley. Chicken, duck, buff, mutton, etc. can be made from all types of meat.