Nepal Calls You

City of Temples - Kathmandu

Kathmandu is one of those places in the world whose reputation precedes itself. Safely protected by the girdle of mighty green hills, the Kathmandu valley is a land culturally, religiously and historically sumptuous. It is a place where the god lives; it is a city of temples, stupas and innumerable religious monuments; it is a capital of history where ancients resided; and above all, it is a land of peace and cheerfulness where prayers are continuously chanted, and markets filled with joyous laughter.

The cultural and religious affluence of Kathmandu is indescribable in mere words. The small city resided by almost a million people is also a home to four UNESCO world heritage sites in addition to other countless religious and historical sites. Tourists can visit the Kathmandu Durbar square where the great Malla rulers once lived centuries ago. Visitors can marvel at the architectures of the bygone times unique to Nepal decorated with ornately designed woodcrafts accentuating the religious significance in the lives of ancients and the amount of humility they showed to nature and the gods. They can visit the famous ‘the monkey temple’, the Bouddhanath and the majestic Pashupatinath temple. Tourists can wander in the streets without any fear among the common folks and enjoy the city. The weaves through the endless concrete structures and marketplace with the people shuffling continuously minding their own business. They can shop at the famous Thamel marketplace and enjoy its nightlife among other things to do here, too.

There are one too many places in Kathmandu to list as a must visit and not miss anyplace important. This amazing place is a hub of people and culture. It is a transit to every other place to visit in the country and every other adventure to embark upon. Kathmandu is simply a city that, if not visited, makes a life incomplete.

 Kathmandu is one and only city in the world that consists of seven world heritage sites around. It consists of world-famous cultural sites like Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Buddhanilkantha, Changunarayan, Basantapur Durbar Square and many more.

Kathmandu city is mostly popular because of the cultural diversity and lifestyles of the people. With medieval temples, heritages of Durbar square and the breathtaking view of the valleys surrounded by the rolling hills, Kathmandu offers everything to give a taste and feel for this Hindu country.  Every street of historic city Kathamandu holds millions of stories that make it fall in the list of top 10 cities in the world by Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/cities even coming today at 2018. Here are the few places you should definitely visit in your trip to Kathmandu.

1) Kathmandu Durbar square:

 Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of the city. Locally it is also known as Hanuman Dhoka palace. It comprises of huge Royal Square imposing a variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu god and goddesses. Kathmandu Durbar Square Is mostly visited because it consists of different important monuments such as Taleju temple, Kal Bhairav, a statue of King Pratap Malla, Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap, Jagannath temple etc.

2) Boudhanath Stupa:

One of the top places to visit in Kathmandu is Boudhnath Stupa. It was built in 14^th century and is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. Over the years, the temple has remained active after it was declared a UNESCO world heritage in 1979. The place is mostly visited as it is the Centre of Buddhist community, the temple acts to represent unity and peace and to seek monk’s blessings. The local Buddhist temple is worth visiting as there is a nice view of Stupa from its roof. Around the pleasant Buddhist music inside the Stupa, you feel as if you entered into a completely different world.

3) Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath temple is most commonly known as the monkey temple. It is one of the major landmarks of Kathmandu city. This sacred pilgrim site is also home to hundreds of monkeys considered holy to Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. The hanging colourful prayer flags over the stupas make for an absolutely stunning sight.

4) Pashupatinath temple:

If you are in Kathmandu, a visit to Pashupatinath temple is a must. It is one of the most sacred places for Hindu devotees. Located in the banks of Bagmati River, Pashupatinath temple is the largest in Nepal. The temple lies at about 6 kilometres east of the centre of Kathmandu. It is considered as the oldest and the holiest temple of Lord Shiva and is also listed on UNESCO world heritage site.

5) Thamel:

The oldest part of capital city, Thamel, is also known as Tabitha Bahal. This place offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, hotels and lounges. The antique shops, bookstores, and street foods are the irreplaceable part of Thamel. In Thamel, you will find shops with trekking and climbing equipment that are cheap and reasonable. You will definitely not be hungry and thirsty here- sellers of juices and fried delicacies are almost at every step.So, Thamel is probably the best place to enjoy night-life when you are in Kathmandu.

6) Chhauni Museum:

The national museum of Nepal, Chhauni, is situated on the way to Swayambhunath hill. It has wonderful historical collections and is divided into three main historical buildings. The museum holds a great collection of Nepali art, history and culture. You can visit the museum any day except for Sunday, Monday and on holidays from 9 am to 5 pm.

7) Sundarijal:

Sundarijal is a village that is mostly famous for canoying and trekking. Tourists from all around the world visit this place to admire its natural beauty, waterfalls and rivers. The trek route from Sundarijal to Chisapani is popular among the tourists which is 22km long. The journey to Chisapani starts from Sundarijal and continues until Nagarkot, and further to Dhulikhel and Panauti. These areas are also famous for cycle tours.

8) Ason:

Ason is the historical, cultural and commercial center of Kathmandu valley where you get to experience the real Kathmandu. It is a bazar where you’ll find everything from spices, condiments, foods, to imitation of branded sportswear, colorful pots necklaces, to colorful plastic utensils. In other words, you will get whatever you are looking for. The Ason tole is as colorful as it is busy. Various religious parades and processions pass through this place. Newars are indigenous to this tole. So, if you want to witness the traditional Newari culture, Ason tole is the best.

After a tired day don't forget to have some refreshments in Bars of Thamel and enjoy nightlife of Kathmandu. Cheers !!  https://www.backstreetacademy.com/blog/a-backstreet-guide-to-the-best-bars-in-kathmandu/