Kathmandu is the densely populated capital city of Nepal which offers you many exciting and religious places to visit. So, I have listed down few things and places that you should not miss out while you are in Kathmandu.
1. Pay a visit around Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley:
Kathmandu Valley is the home to three largest cities Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu itself. In each of these cities lies the ancient royal palaces enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can catch a sight of historical monuments and temples of ancient Malla periods around these Durbar Squares.
a. Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square is the culturally rich heritage sites residing in the heart of the capital city. Taleju temple, JagannathTemple, Kal Bhairav, Nautalle Durbar, Kasthamandap are some of the monuments that magnify the beauty of the square. But, sadly few of these monuments are completely devastated by 2015 earthquake and are under renovation.
Nepal is the only country which worships the living goddess known as Kumari. The home of the living goddess is another attraction of the durbar square. You can make your trip around the square heavenly by paying your visit to Kumari at Kumari Ghar.
If you are tired with your historical trip around the square, well you do not need to worry, as there are plenty of restaurants and eateries which offers from local to international cuisines for you. The tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square will be incomplete without the taste of sweet Lassi at Indra Chowk.
The entrance fee for Kathmandu Durbar Square is Rs 1,000 for foreigners Rs 250 for SAARC nationals and free for Nepalese. The trip around the Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must when you arrive in Nepal.
b. Patan Durbar Square:
Patan Durbar Square is another historical place situated at the ancient city of Kathmandu valley known as Patan. The city is famous for its rich arts and craftsmanship that can be visually experienced on the several temples and palaces built around the square. The Durbar Square incoporates temples such as Bhimsen Temple, Char Narayan Temple,and Krishna Mandir. Infront of the Krishna Mandir lies the Patan museum where you can gather information about the artifacts during ancient times. There are many restaurants around the durbar squares to fill your appetite but the most popular and local restaurant known as “Honacha” is the place that you should be at to taste the tasty bara and choila.
The entrance fee for Patan Durbar Square is Rs 1,000 for foreigners, Rs 250 for SAARC nationals and free for Nepalese.
c. Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another aesthetic tourist destination in Bhaktapur city. The architectures and wooden carved artifacts of Malla periods are vividly seen around the squares. Fifty-five windows palace, Taleju Temple and Nyatapole temple are the major attractions of this site. Your tour around the square will indulge you in typical Newari Culture. Though being quite
near to the capital city, Bhaktapur has still preserved traditional way of lifestyle which you can experience by visiting the palaces nearby the site named as Pottery Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square.
The city is quite popular all over Nepal for the Yoghurt prepared by the locals which is famously renowned as JuJu Dhau. In Newari, Juju means King and the Dhau refers to yoghurt which simply describes that the taste of the yoghurt is so delightful that it is called the King of Yoghurt. Hence, trying out Juju Dhau is the must to do things while visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
The entrance fee for Bhaktapur Durbar Square is Rs 1500 for foreigners,Rs 500 for SAARC and Chinese nationals.
2. Visit Pashupatinath Temple(The Temple of Living Beings):
Pashupatinath Temple is the sacred Hindu temple where every year thousands of Hindu devotees all around the world come to get blessings of Lord Shiva. Many sadhus and santas dressesd in saffron coloured clothing are seen around the premises of the temple. The live view of the cremation of dead bodies are seen along the river bank from the opposite side of the river. Every evening of the Pashupatinath Temple gets glorious with the Aarati performed by the priests in order to offer the reverence to the holy Bagmati river and the Pashupatinath Temple. This magnificent demonstration of the ritual captivates thousands of people and Hindu Devotees.
The entrance fee for Pashupatinath Temple is Rs 1,000 for foreigners and free for Nepalese and Indian nationals.
3.Experience the religious vibes of Boudhanath stupa:
Boudhanath Stupa is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many Tibetan Buddhist people are seen chanting the mantras of Om Mane Padme Hum and spinning prayer wheels while circumambulating the stupa. The local Nepalese people as well as tourists visit this place to experience the religious vibes and to look the fascinating mural arts of monasteries. Khapsi and Laphing are the most popular Tibetan food items which are highly recommended for you to try at Boudha.
The entrance fee for Boudhanath Stupa is Rs 400 for foreigners, Rs 100 for SAARC countries.
4. Magnificient views of the valley from Swayambhunath stupa:
Swayambhunath stupa popularly known as “Monkey Temple” sits atop hill of Kathmandu Valley. One needs to take a hike of 365 stone steps to reach this Buddhist stupa. Although some strenuous effort is required to reach the stupa, the panaromic views of the city seen from that place make us forget all those distress. Many monkeys are seen roaming around the premises of stupa and also some of them are seen giving troubles to the people on the way to the stupa. So, you should be careful with those troublesome and annoying monkeys.
The entrance fee for Swayambhunath Stupa is Rs 200 for foreigners and Rs 50 for SAARC nationals.
5. Visit the local areas and places around Durbar Square:
You can closely experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of local people if you decide to roam around the places nearby durbar squares of Kathmandu valley. Needless to say, Kathmandu is known as the city of Temple and this can be truly felt by visiting traditional areas and courtyards around the durbar squares where beautiful shrines, monuments, stupas and chaityas reside enhancing the charm of the city. It might be quite confusing at first traveling through the alley ways to explore the hidden beauty but it’s worth trying. Moreover, local activities of the local people can be seen during these times and one can explore the local culture around the city.
6. Walk and Roam Around Thamel:
Thamel is the most popular tourist niche in Kathmandu city. Many tourists are seen roaming around and bargaining at various shops on the streets of Thamel. The crowded tourist streets are seen lined up with various shops full of colorful clothing, jewelry, thanka paintings on both sides. The Tibetan prayer flags are aligned up all over the streets adding positive vibes and soothing the environment. Many hotels, restaurants and lodges are there in Thamel for your comfortable stay in Kathmandu. Furthermore, there are several travel and trekking agencies to guide you in your trek inside and outside the Kathmandu Valley.
Thamel is the only place in Kathmandu which never sleeps. This is the only best area of the town to experience nightlife.
These are only a few prominent things to do list which you should not miss out while you are in Kathmandu. However, Kathmandu has still a lot more to offer you. There are many ways to explore the valley. Government run green buses are known as Sajha Bus and other transportations like public buses are easily available. A private taxi is the best for tourist but the drivers may charge a little more but after all you can settle by bargaining the price. Travel Agencies also provide you tourist guide if you need the one to travel around the valley