Best time to visit Kathmandu
If you plan on visiting only Kathmandu then any time of the year is fine. But during some festive months, you can see the city come to life.
Such as during the month of October, one of the most awaited festivals Dipawali is celebrated. It is when the whole city lits up in colorful lights and candles.
In front of every house, you can see arts made out of different colors known as Rangoli. Not only houses but the streets are also covered with pretty lights.
You can also see the Children’s and grown-up’s singing songs and dancing on the street which is known as Deusi and Bhailo.
Whereas Spring is often regarded as the season of colors. Holi is a national festival that usually falls under the month of March.
People smear color and drench each other with water in this festival. If you visit during this month you can view the streets turn into a pool of beautiful colors and water.
Moreover, if you were to visit during festive time you get to be part of the culture.
Places to visit in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a big city so a day tour for roaming and visiting places is quite insufficient. Thus we have listed out the important places you can visit in one day’s time. These sites have their own history that you can explore.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is holy grounds for people following the Hindu religion. It is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tourists mostly visiting this temple are Indians. Non-Hindu followers are not allowed to enter the main temple.
The temple is located at the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of the valley. It is one of the ancient Hindu temples in Kathmandu. It has a golden pagoda style roof with four silver doors on each side.
No one knows for how many centuries the statue was buried underground but it was erected in the 5th century during the Lichhavi period.
The god that resides inside the temple is Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the most visited religious sites in Asia from the devotee of the god.
People also hold cremation ceremonies on the banks of the Bagmati river. It is believed if you are to be cremated in this holy ground your soul purifies and goes to heaven.
The hill on the opposite side of the Pashupatinath Temple has got sitting arrangements. From there you can enjoy the mesmerizing view of the temple. Also during the evening time, you can view priests performing Arati ( a special ritual to worship the deity).
Usually, the temple is crowded during Mondays and festive seasons such as Teej, Maha Shivratri, etc.
Note: You are not allowed to take pictures inside the temple grounds so be careful.
Bouddhanath Stupa
Boudhanath is also known as “ Little Tibet” in Nepal. The area surrounding the stupa has powerful Tibetan influence in all cultures, traditions, and religions.
The stupa is one of the largest unique structures in Asia, which has been renovated recently.
The stupa is holy grounds for Buddha followers and monks. People living around the stupa are mostly Buddhists.
Boudhanath is a wide white dome that is 36 meters high and dominates the skyline. It is designed in the shape of Mandala that is similar to the Gyangtse of Tibet.
It has three floors and people can be seen walking on the first floor of the stupa. However, the second and third are restricted to enter. You can take photographs as a symbol of memories.
As you walk around the stupa you can notice that it is surrounded by cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc. You can also hear the holy chants being played from the shops.
The nightlife in Bouddha is quite fascinating as it is peaceful compared to day time. You can see candles being lit in one corner of the stupa. Also, the view from the top of the restaurants is breathtaking.
Note: While visiting Bouddha if you have time to spare you should try the Tibetan foods such as T- momo, laphing, etc.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar square is located at the heart of Lalitpur. It takes about one and a half hours to reach there. It is one of the oldest Buddhist cities which centers both religion i.e. Hindu and Buddhism.
It is an admiration of Newari Architecture, with many temples and idols in the area. Patan was said to be a thriving city since earlier times.
Out of many attractions in this place, one of them is the royal palace of Malla king. This area is filled with old palaces from the Malla dynasty.
Another attraction is the famous Krishna Mandir where stories are carved on the pillar of stones. The temple is built with magnificent stone architecture.
This place is mostly home for the Newar community who has been living here for centuries. They are the creator of many temples and structures that reside in and out of the Durbar Square.
The Newari culture is still alive in these areas, the local dishes are something you should try. Newari dishes are pretty famous among the people living in Kathmandu.
Durbar Square also has various temples and museums where you can learn more about their history.
Basantapur Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is mostly known as Basantapur Durbar square. It is located in basantapur and considered the heart and soul of the place.
It holds historical and cultural importance to Nepalese people. Basantapur is considered prosperous in culture and arts.
The Kings who ruled during that time held their palaces in the Durbar Square. It was surrounded by architecture that showcased the skills of the Newar Community.
Inside Basantapur Durbar square different temples and memorials can be viewed such as Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, etc.
Basantapur Durbar Square also has a museum filled with artifacts of the kings, queens and their families that resided during ancient times. If you want to tour inside the museum then you have to pay for the tickets.
Before the earthquake, you could see a few of the uniquely built old temples and palaces. Also, local people used to gather around and sit in the stairs of the monuments and enjoy the lively environment.
But now they are renovating the areas around Basantapur. You can still visit the kumari house and some of the temples around there.
Thamel
Thamel has been the center of tourist attraction for decades. It is the busiest spot in Kathmandu valley.
The areas are filled with guest houses, clubs, pubs, etc. The streets of Thamel are lively 24 hours making it quite fascinating to roam the area.
The alleys are narrow and have shops making the streets crowded. Thus nowadays it’s been made a vehicle free zone.
Most of the continental cuisines are located inside this place. You can find food from any continent such as Indian, Chinese, Japanese, etc.
Not only food but you can also find shops to buy trekking and mountaineering gear.
Thamel is usually famous for its nightlife, the streets are always swarmed with people entering or leaving the area.
Every alley you take you can see it filled with colorful lights. Walking through the streets you find it pretty astounding.
Practically every foreigner that comes to Nepal either stays or visits Thamel.
Swyambhunath Stupa
Kathmandu has a lot of temples and stupa which is why it is given the nickname “city of temples”. Among them, this stupa is also an important and oldest heritage site.
Swyambhunath Stupa is also known as “Monkey Temple”. It is located at the top of a hill on the west side of Kathmandu valley.
The stupa also has a Tibetan name which means ‘Sublime Tree” as different species of trees are found in the hill.
Inside the perimeter of Swayambhu, you can see a stupa and various shrines and temples surrounding it.
From the top, you can view the beautiful valley of Kathmandu and if the sky is clear you might even see snow-capped Mountain peaks.
While walking the trails you can see a lot of monkeys as the hills are their homes. They have been living in the forests for many years.
There are two routes to reach the top, you can either walk staircases made of stones all the way up from the main roads. Or you can drive till the entrance in a vehicle.
During the evening time as the sun sets you get a mesmerizing view from up there. You can walk up there making it an evening walk as the breeze hits your face.
We the members of Nepal Recreation hope that the information was helpful for you and you had a nice tour around the valley.
