Top 10 things to do in and around Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu is a city which was founded in a vast valley after draining a large lake as per the legends say and where the ancient traditions of this city are passionately conserved while embracing the modern technological advancements. This is a city where one gets a chance to witness the unity in diversity as many people from different caste,ethnicity, religion, race living together in harmony and where the Gods and people share the same street. Truly a city of monuments, temples, stupas in every chowks and streets. A city of various political influence and cultural embrace.
In this ever so culturally and traditionally rich place one has many options to go to and soak in and learn the historical past and tradition of those places. Here are the list of the places that you need to visit while inside the Kathmandu Valley.
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1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is enlisted in the “UNESCO World Heritage Site” and is also popularly known as Hanuman Dhoka square. It is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley as most of the cultural centers of Nepal are concentrated around the Kathmandu valley;Hanuman-dhoka Durbar Square among those cultural sites is the most important one. The statue of Hanuman established by his majesty King Pratap Malla at the entrance of the royal palace in 1672 A.D was what influenced “The name Hanuman-dhoka Durbar”. The famous Basantapur Durbar Palace was built under the reign of the great “Shah Dynasty” ruler King Prithvi Narayan shah in 1770 which is also known as Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is located at the heart of ancient city in Kathmandu and is surrounding both Hindu and Buddhist temple. Most of the monuments that date back to the 15th to 18th century are mostly embellished in pagoda style with very intricate exterior carvings. The religious and cultural rich life of the people is emphasized with its historic palaces, temples and traditions. Other interesting things which cannot be missed once your in Kathmandu are “Kumari (The Living Goddess) Gar” “Kastha Mandap”Maru Ganesh, Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old palace, Saraswati temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju Temple etc.
2. Swayambhunath Temple
The name “Swayambhunath” is termed after word “Self-Created” and history mentions the stupa is from back 5th century when the valley was made out of an out of an antiquated lake. Most usually uttered as “Monkey Temple” the Swayambhunath is one of excellent landmarks on Kathmandu valley which is enrolled at world heritage site. Arranged on a peak, this wonderful holy spot showcases a constraining white stupa with entrancing Buddha eyes and a sparkling golden spire. One of the most prominent spots in the city, The Swayambhunath viewpoint also recommends shocking landscape of the Kathmandu valley.
3. Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is next fabulous destination which is one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley, incorporated into UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In fact, The Durbar Square is a wonder of Newar architecture with tiled floor using red blocks. There are numerous sanctuaries and symbols in the area and most meaningful structures are the Golden Temple of 14th century, the octagonal Krishna sanctuary of 16th century and the Shankar Narayan sanctuary with two elephants at its passage. The acclaimed Patan Museum displays bronze and copper statues of gods from both the Buddhist and Hindu conventions.
4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another spectacular space which is one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley, incorporated into UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The recorded landmark on around displays medieval age culture and convention of Nepal and this old city is occupied by indigenous Newar community of huge gathering. While the attractions comprises of no less than four unmistakable squares (Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Pottery Square) the entire domains is casually identifies Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
5. Pashupatinath Temple
Pinpointed on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is exceptionally sacred Hindu temple erected of two-storied in 15th century back where you can glimpse stunning the heavenly men known as “Sadhus” in extraordinary piece of clothing. This “extensive Hindu sanctuary domain is a sprawling gathering of sanctuaries, ashrams, pictures and engravings raised throughout the hundreds of years. Vaishnava temple with a Rama sanctuary from the 14th century and the Guhyeshwari Temple built in the 11th century likewise lies all throughout Pashupatinath.
6. Kopan Monastery Gumba
The monastery was primarily established by the FPMT’s authors, Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, who bought the property from Nepal’s regal astrologer and set up around the 19th century. Without any doubt, it is reflecting it’s identity as Kopan Monastery pursuing the Tibetan influence. Monastery situated on the top of the hill is a pleasant place where you can investigate and gain knowledge about Buddhism along this monastery is considered an excellent point for its books on Buddhist psychology and philosophy.
7. Bouddhanath Stupa
Most appreciated spot to explore all through Kathmandu valley is “Boudhanath Stupa” (One among the largest stupas in the planet) which was constructed back during the 14th century. In fact, it is additionally enrolled on rundown of world heritage site as well. The vast Buddha eyes on stupa and the colorful praying flags creates distinctive eye-catching outline all through stupa. Amazing belief and Buddhist text declares that Boudhanath stupa dominates the skyline. From throughout the world this destination is identified as the imperative destination for whole Buddhist minions.
8. Royal Botanical Garden
Royal Botanical Garden established back on 18th century is a garden dedicated to the collection, cultivation and showcase of an extensive variety of plants displayed with their botanical names along with conservation of birds. It contains authority for plant collection, and it displays huge desert flora and fauna, herb gardens, plants from specific parts of the world, et cetera. The place is interesting and incredible for strolling along its goal for instructive presentations, workmanship shows, book rooms, outside dramatic and melodic exhibitions, and other stimulation.
9. Thamel Street
Displaying core populace of Newar community Thamel is Kathmandu’s extraordinary hotspot holding unique boulevards holding narrow streets decorated with colorful praying flags and completed with international and local restaurants serving whole assortments of dishes including Nepalese nourishment and liquors with live music band exhibitions moreover souvenir shops loaded up with Nepal unique melodic instrument, handcrafted customs, tattoo corners, religious antiques like singing bowl are magnetic. Additionally, Thamel is a definitive place to chill out in the city.
10. Garden Of Dreams
The delightfully established garden pronounced as “Swapna Baigicha” is recognized as “Garden of Dreams”. It’s a well known destination all through crowded city for investing time to get out of stress for finding peace in Kathmandu to visit offers rest and restoration from the worries of the world. It is a standout amongst the most stunning spots on the planet, holding marble engraving, lovely wellsprings and lakes, hidden garden and countless moreover. The garden was worked in the 1920s and has been brought back into life by the Austrian financed group and still.
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The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In and Around Kathmandu Valley
What is there to see between Kathmandu and Pokhara?
In Kathmandu you get the chance to witness many monuments, temples, stupas, also sunrise from Nagarkot whereas in Pokhara you can observe the ever so famous Phewa lake, Sunrise from sarangkot, Davis Fall and Ghupteswor Mahadev cave.
Which is better Kathmandu or Pokhara?
Both of the cities have their own uniqueness and are beautiful in their own way it depends upon whether the traveller wants to travel among the city filled with monasteries, stupas on every corner of the street or whether they want to walk among the famous Phewa Lake of Pokhara.
How far is Nagarkot from Kathmandu?
Nagarkot is approximately 27.2 km away from Kathmandu with 1hrs of drive.
How far is Dhulikhel from Kathmandu?
Dhulikhel is approximately 31 km away from Kathmandu with 1hrs of drive.
How far is Pokhara from Kathmandu?
Pokhara is approximately 201 km away from Kathmandu with 5-6hrs of drive.
What is Nepal's famous food?
There are varieties of food that deserves its own post about it but among all the most famous food is Dal Bhat Tarkari which is basically the national food of Nepal and apart from that momos are the most famous food. Once your in Nepal you have to try momos there are the best.
What is the elevation of Kathmandu?
Kathmandu stands at an elevation of 1400 meters above the sea level.
Is Kathmandu safe for tourists?
It’s quite safe if you avoid the alleyways at night as after midnight it can get a bit risky as the streets gets quiet and lonely.
What is Thamel famous for?
Thamel is quite famous for being the ever so visitor-friendly area, As it is the city’s main nightlife zone. One can listen to live music by cover bands, and lively eateries serve Nepalese and international dishes. Designed in 1920, the stately Garden of Dreams is dotted with pavilions, fountains, and urns. Markets and stores sell metal handicrafts, colorful jewelry, and trekking gear, while pedestrianized Mandala Street has upmarket shops and spas.
Can you see Mt. Everest from Kathmandu valley?
You may find it hard to believe but Mount Everest can actually be seen from Kathmandu. The Chandragiri hills in Kathmandu offer a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and Mount Everest on a clear day.
What can I buy in Kathmandu?
As it is the capital of the country and has more facilities than any other district one can find pretty much anything in Kathmandu. If one has a desire to buy beautiful handicrafts and pashminas then you can rest assured that Kathmandu will meet your needs.
What is Bhaktapur famous for?
Bhaktapur is also famous for its culture and tradition and among all the very famous “Juju Dhau”. It’s a curd which is a speciality in Bhaktapur.
What is Kathmandu famous for?
Kathmandu is very famous for being the capital of the country and also due to its culture,tradition,festivals and temples/stupas right around the corner of every street and also because of the diverse group of ethnic people living together in unison. And lastly the various cuisines that you can find here, especially the “Momos” it has become the unofficially official National food of the country.
What are the best outdoor activities in Kathmandu?
The best outdoor activities in Kathmandu includes hiking , mountain biking, sightseeing.
What are the best day trip from Kathmandu?
There are many options for a day trip from Kathmandu some of them are:
● Chitlang
● Nagarkot
● Dhulikhel
● Markhu(Indra Sarovar)
What are the top attractions to visit in Kathmandu?
The top attractions to visit in Kathmandu are: Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Chandragiri Hill Station, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Sundarijal, Phulchowki Danda, Godawari Botanical Garden.
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