Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. At the heart of the old city’s mazelike alleys is Durbar Square, which becomes frenetic during Indra Jatra, a religious festival featuring masked dances.
Surrounded by the pristine of mother nature, the places to visit in Kathmandu offer a whole new experience of the divinity and tranquility of Nepal. Heading out on a vacation to Kathmandu, you will get to capture the alluring views of nature, seek blessings from the divine place of worship, trek through the forest covers to reach the summits to welcome serene views, and get to know more about the ancient era from the museums and exhibition halls.
Here are the Top 12 Places to Visit in Kathmandu, which are worth visiting on a Kathmandu trip:
1. Pashupatinath Temple
Hinduism is the most widely followed religion in Nepal. The country has embraced this religion and respects it with several sacred places of interest, including Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred place is considered one of the most important temples in the world and one of the most visited tourist places in Kathmandu. The complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list for decades. The extensive Hindu temple has a sprawling collection of images, inscriptions, ashrams, temples, and images.
2. Swayambhunath Stupa
Situated on top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, this tourist place in Kathmandu is an ancient architectural marvel and is one of the best attractions of the city. The entire complex is surrounded by a wide variety of trees. It comprises the main stupa, many shrines, temples, a monastery, a museum, and a well-stocked library.
3. Boudhanath Stupa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in the world, the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is a significant place in Buddhism and architecture, both. Located on an ancient trade route that entered Kathmandu from Tibet. The place has seen many traders and travelers offering prayers to their lord here, as the Stupa is considered to be the tomb of the remains of Kassapa Buddha. With a lot of legends attached to the place, it is one of the best places to visit in Nepal and easily deserves to be called so.
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
The place which has witnessed and received one king after the other as they sat and ruled over Nepal a long time ago, where new rulers were crowned while the steady beats of drums and trumpets filled the place. The regal Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three durbar squares in the country. To date, the place remains the most remarkable legacy of Kathmandu's traditional architecture. The entire Durbar Square complex was gazetted as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979.
5. Garden of Dreams
Garden of Dreams in Kathmandu, also referred to as the 'Swapna Bageecha' and 'garden of six seasons is a neo-classical garden in Kathmandu built by Kishore Narshingh in1920. The garden has a magnificent amphitheater, urns, gorgeous pavilions, paved perimeter paths, pergolas, and ponds that draw in locals and tourists alike.
6. Kopan Monastery
Founded by Lama Thubten Yeshe, who died in 1984, the Kopan monastery is a sacred Buddhist site in the world. Located on the hilltop north of Bodhnath, the monastery is a pleasant place where you can explore and study Buddhism.
7. Hanuman Dhoka Temple
A part of the Durbar Square of Kathmandu, it is a complex of buildings that consists of the royal palaces of Malla kings and the Shah Dynasty. Spread over a whopping 5 acres, the place gets its name from the standing statue of the Hindu Lord Hanuman at the entrance and lists among the best tourist places in Kathmandu, “Dhoka” in Nepali meaning door or gate. The statue itself dates back to 1672.
8. Buddha Nilkanth
Budhanilkantha Temple is a Hindu open-air place of worship that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located below the Shivapuri Hill at the northern end of Kathmandu Valley, this place is very much popular for its large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. Being one of the most sought-after tourist places in Kathmandu, it attracts millions of visitors and devotees especially in large numbers during the occasion of Haribodhini Ekadashi Mela which is organized every single year on the 11th day of Kartik Month of the Hindu Calendar.
9. Taudaha Lake
It’s time that you explore Kathmandu fair and square. Go for off-beaten tracks and trails and enjoy discovering Taudaha Lake. A small lake that’s located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Taudaha represents ‘snake’ and ‘lake.’
10. Royal Botanical Gardens
Kathmandu can get quite crowded during the holidays. But if you want someplace peaceful and quiet, then there’s a perfect spot for you. It is the Royal Botanical Gardens. The place is quaint and great for walking and picnic. However, you might want to avoid it on Fridays and Saturdays, as schoolkids often visit the place then. While the place was slightly damaged during the earthquake, repairs are going on and the place will be back to its glory.
11. Thamel
A haven for tourists visiting Kathmandu, Thamel is a popular destination. The place has several hotels, shops, and restaurants that are particularly designed to cater to a discerning range of customers. The commercial location is an easy walk from central Kathmandu and there are a number of activities that you can enjoy at this place. All its attractions make it a place to visit in Kathmandu you cannot miss during your trip.
12. Langtang National Park
With trekking trails, lush greenery, and a variety of species of flora and fauna, the Langtang National Park is the fourth national park that was established in Nepal in 1976. The Langtang National Park is situated at an approximate distance of 32 kilometers to the north of the capital city of Kathmandu and is connected to the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet.
Besides these, there is much more to see and to do in Kathmandu!!! Hikes are comfortable walking or climbing trips, usually ending in a day or two. If you're in Kathmandu for a short while but still want to get a whiff of pristine mountain air, a hike is your best bet - they're cheap, noteworthy, gorgeous, and do wonders for your health as well!
