Best Things To Do In kathmandu Natural, Historical and cultural Sites around Kathmandu Valley’s three cities take you to amazing places that Kathmandu has to offer.
Historical and cultural Sites around Kathmandu Valley’s
01: TOUR OF SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA (Monkey Temple):
It is 3 k.m west of Kathmandu city, and is situated on a hillock about 7 meters above the Valley. The hill is a mosaic of small Stupas and pagoda temples.
A grand view of Kathmandu city from the top of Swyambhunath, with the snow-capped mountains in the north on a clear day.
The Great Stupa of Swayambhu is a wonder and the glory of Nepal, past and present. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is the nerve for all faiths and religions. Especially for Buddhist followers, it is also a place for the devout philosophy of Vajrayana in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha.
Swyambhunath and its beautiful dome stupa are dedicated to the self-originating flame God. This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist stupas, with a
history of more than 2,500 years. It is also popularly known as the “Monkey Temple”, due to the Rhesus species monkeys that dwell around the complex.
The stupa forms the main structure, a solid hemisphere of bricks and clay supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sides of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Swyambhunath is a place of worship for the five great Mahayana (Lamaism) and one Hinyana (Therbadist). Include an important Buddhist shrine; it is called Manjushree. This Chinese Buddha is the God of Knowledge.
02: EXPLORE THE WORLD’S LARGEST STUPA OF BOUDDHANATH:
The large and unique stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 k.m east of Kathmandu. Bouddhanath stupa is the biggest in the world, and the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It was built in the 5th A.D. by the Lichhavi King Mana Dev, on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels, as the largest Buddhist shrine in Asia.
The colossal stupa rests on three terraces.
The relevant shape of a lotus flower, when looking from a bird-eye view, and remains a holy object for all Buddhist followers. The chortens are surrounded by a circular market, which forms a part of a small Tibetan town.
The area around Bouddhanath is also known as “Little Tibet,” watched by the Buddha’s eyes. It gives a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions, meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people. The chortens embrace the authentic philosophy of Mahayana, the faith. Which is known as Lamaism in Nepal,
Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan, and Tibet. An exciting and interesting complex of Bouddhanath is lined with colorful souvenir shops, magnificent monasteries,
with tourist-standard restaurants.
03: VISIT OF PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE:
Pashupatinath is the holiest of all holy temples for Hindu followers and devotees. This religious town of Debpatan, where the Pashupatinath is situated, is about 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu city.
Where only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Alien tourists can observe the temple with religious rites and worship from the eastern side of the Baghmati River. A pagoda-style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main temple stands above the bank of the Baghmati River. One of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world. Pashupatinath Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri, the birth anniversary of Lord Shiva.
04: TOUR OF KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE:
Located in the heart of Kathmandu city, the old Durbar Square houses an ancient palace and royal courtyard. An amazing place where one can be overwhelmed by the countless monuments in the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The house of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), the ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the Square! The buildings are the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty from the 12th to the end of the 17th century. The medieval period is known for significant cultural and artistic achievements; it was the golden era of arts and architecture.
Visit the old Kasthamandap, a rest house, built from the wood of a single tree, the name Kathmandu of which is derived from. The woodcarvings, statues, and architecture in this area are exceptionally fine. Kathmandu Durbar Square is among the most important sights for travelers to experience. The complex also houses the Tribhuwan Museum that carries the mementoes of different Shah Kings.
This old palace, where past and former kings’ coronations were held, is within the Durbar Square. Visit Kumari Ghar/ House of the Living Goddesses, built in 1757 A.D. by King Jaya Prakash Malla. It is a masterpiece of architecture with the carving of gods and auspicious symbols.
The Kumari or Living Goddess tradition is a significant part of native Newar cultures since the 6th century. The Kumari is a young girl believed to embody the divine female energy, Shakti, and represents the goddess Taleju Bhawani.
05: TOUR OF ANCIENT PATAN DURBAR SQUARE:
Patan, also known as Lalitpur, is a district of Lalitpur, situated south of Kathmandu city. Lalitpur, the name for city of arts and crafts.
Patan-Lalitpur is an adjoining city of the Kathmandu Valley; these two cities are bounded by the Baghmati River. Lalitpur and Patan are the second-largest cities within the Kathmandu Valley. During the Malla Dynasty from the 6th to the 17th Century until it was annexed into greater Nepal.
Patan- Lalitpur city is famous for its arts, history, culture, and craftsmanship.
The tour takes you around the renowned heritage sites that Patan/ Lalitpur is famous for. The beautiful Durbar Square and Royal Courtyard, with temples, monasteries, and Stupas. Including the local impressive cultures and customs, along with views of snow-capped peaks towards the north.
06: TOUR OF BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE:
Bhaktapur City, located east of Kathmandu city at approx.16 km/10 miles en route Arniko Highway. Bhaktapur, the old name is Bhadgaon, meaning a city of Devotees, truly a great place to observe local cultures. It is the best Durbar Square as listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This old city takes you back to the medieval period, as you enter the Bhaktapur city and the Durbar Square.
Visitors can explore the whole day to experience the local impressive traditional culture, arts, and cultural heritage of the local Newar. The indigenous tribes of Kathmandu Valley are interwoven with both Hindu and Buddhist religions.
Bhaktapur offers a beautiful royal courtyard and temples, and the famous Pottery Square. Witness the ancient arts and skills of pottery making.
Bhaktapur City includes the magnificent Peacock Window, one of the charms of Bhaktapur City.
07: TOUR OF ANCIENT CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE:
Changunarayan Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979. It is close to Bhaktapur city outskirts on the hills of Changu and its quaint town. Built during the 5th Century stands on a hillock 15 km away from Bhaktapur city.
The temple and its complex are adorned with masterpieces of artistic works of metal and wood. The inscription dates back to 464 AD and with the first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history.
SCENIC VIEWS AROUND KATHMANDU’S NATURAL SURROUNDING GREEN HILLS:
08: MOUNTAIN FLIGHT WITH VIEWS OF THE HIMALAYAS & MT. EVEREST:
One of the leisure and exciting activities is taking an hour mountain flight. The daily schedule mountain flight, offers mind-blowing panorama of the Himalayan arrays of snow peaks with views of Mt. Everest.
The plane takes off early morning on a fine, clear day in the best time of the season. In spring, autumn, and winter also, the spacious seated aircraft fly parallel to the Himalayan snow mountain ranges.
All passengers will be on the window seat the aircraft fly vice-versa from Kathmandu airport. From the moment of take-off passengers will be excited overlooking grand panorama of Kathmandu city and the valley.
As the plane flies higher, views of Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, and the Jugal Himal range. Heading towards mid-east with grand views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, as far as Kanchenjunga in the far east.
Mountain Flight is the easiest way of enjoying the world’s highest mountain range, with Mt. Everest. Interested people can enjoy the Mountain and Everest flight on a Helicopter also.
Contact Vertex Holiday, either for chartering the helicopter or in a group, for the breathtaking flights on a Helicopter. On Helicopter Everest Flight lands at the base of a high Kalapathar rocky hill, close to Everest base camp.
Where passengers can enjoy the closest views of majestic Mt. Everest at a mere distance. It is worth the experience of a lifetime amidst the world’s tallest mountain ranges.
09: NAGARKOT HIKING FOR SUNRISE & SUNSETS OVER THE HIMALAYAS:
Nagarkot Hiking for a day or of few days more, it is a refreshing walk around the eastern valley rim. The options for the two routes are either to drive from the old town of Changu, near the ancient temple of Changunarayan. The walk follows on a pleasant path within a lovely, cool forest of blue pines and rhododendron trees.
The trail leads with grand aerial views of Kathmandu Valley and Bhaktapur city to reach a small village at Telkot. From here steep climb for few hours to scenic hills of Nagarkot at 2,195 m/7,202 feet high. Nagarkot is famous for sunrise and sunset views over the chain of Himalayan peaks. The panorama of the Himalayan peaks extends from west Manaslu, Ganesh to central Langtang and Jugal Himal.
Stretch as far as towards Everest in the far eastern horizon, the early morning views of sunrise the stunning. Visitors can enjoy the views of the surrounding beautiful landscapes with a chain of Himalayan peaks, along with the sunrises
and sunsets.
The other route from Sundarijal town, east of Kathmandu city rim, leads to an exciting climb to Chisapani ridge. At a height of 2,165 m/ 7,103 feet high, it offers spectacular views of the mid-west and the Central Himalayan ranges.
Chisapani is best for sunrises and sunsets also along with the gorgeous panorama of the Himalayan peaks. From Chisapani the next morning, enjoying the sunrise views, the walk leads up and downhill through lovely rhododendrons and pine forest.
An interesting hike through nice rural farm villages to reach Nagarkot, after a scenic hike from Chisapani. Nagarkot offers various standards of hotels and lodges, from budget, moderate to deluxe luxury hotels and resorts.
Enjoying the hikes and walks, drive back to Kathmandu via the Bhaktapur city outskirts for a less than 2-hour ride.
10: SHIVAPURI HILLS FOR PANORAMA OF KATHMANDU & SNOW MOUNTAINS:
Around Kathmandu Valley offers several exciting outdoor destinations for a day hike of 3 to 5 hours. Of all the scenic hills that surround Kathmandu city and the valley is Shivapuri Hill hike. Which is at a height of above 2,732 m / 8,963 feet, offers a pleasant hike for 3-4 hours both ways.
Shivapuri Hill is located north of Kathmandu city suburbs on around the valley rim. The drive takes you past the famous Hindu temple areas and the town of Narayanthan or Buddhanilkanta. A drive of less than an hour to reach the entrance of Shivapuri National Park. Leaving the parking lot, a short pleasant walk, then the route leads to a steep climb.
The walk follows through the cool shade of nice rhododendron and pine forest. Slowly, the hike reaches you on top of Shivapuri Hill, a place with a small shrine of Lord Shiva. Enjoy the panorama of Kathmandu valley with an array of Himalayan peaks in the north. The spectacular views of rolling green hills and valleys with peaks of Ganesh-Langtang and Jugal Himal ranges.
After a wonderful refreshing hike, descend to Nagi Gompa a Buddhist nunnery, an interesting monastery to enjoy a short tour. After a refreshing day hike walk to the park gate, and drive back to Kathmandu. Visitors can enjoy a short tour of Narayanthan, temple of sleeping Vishnu on a bed of serpent.
11: GARDEN OF DREAMS:
Garden of Dreams is a place for leisure and a pleasant way to relax for a few hours. It is a peaceful retreat and a tranquil sanctuary amidst the bustling city life of Kathmandu. Where visitors can experience a world of their own for some hours, having time for short walks or just relaxing.
The Garden of Dreams, famous as a Six Seasons serene spot.
Which was founded by the late Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana (1892-1964) in the early 1920. After the completion of the Garden, it was considered one of the most sophisticated private gardens of that time. The garden covers about 76,000 square feet with a neoclassical-style garden and Victorian-style monuments and statues. The Garden provides a serene environment, making an ideal for all visitors and couples.
The Garden’s design has much in common with formal European or Victorian style gardens. It is close to the tourist hub of Thamel area, a short walking distance from your hotel in Thamel.
SPIRITUAL & RELIGIOUS EXPLORATION IN KATHMANDU
12: Circumambulate the Bouddhanath Stupa:
Bouddhanath and its huge stupa are the main attractions for all Buddhist followers and foreign visitors. It is an exciting site to practice meditation, worship, and prayer. The Bouddhanath Stupa and its surroundings are lined with souvenirs and religious offerings, with shops and stores. It includes several great, magnificent monasteries, which make Bouddhanath an exciting place for worship.
The Mahayana faith of Tibetan Buddhism exists in Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim, and Ladakh in India. Visitors of all faiths and religions are welcome to pray and to observe the religious activities.
When entering the southern main entrance of Bouddhanath, visitors will be amazed at the huge dome stupa. As well as the mystical eyes of the Lord Buddha in the four cardinal directions. As you step inside the complex, the best and right way of respect is doing a Kora, Parikrama, or Circumambulation.
As well as spinning the prayer wheels attached to the stupa, the right position is to use the clockwise direction. One can notice Buddhist pilgrims with prayer chanting ‘OM MANI PADME OM’, translated as ‘Oh Jewel on the Lotus’. The jewel stands for Lord Buddha, and the Lotus flower stands for purity.
Rotate the spinning wheels as you walk along, participating in the spiritual activities, and feel serenity. As you circulate the stupa, visit the nearby monasteries of great religious and cultural interest.
13: TOUR OF KOPAN MONASTERY WITH PHARPING AND DAKSHINKALI TEMPLE:
Kopan Monastery is close to the exciting holy spot of Bouddhanath. It is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Mahayana sect of Buddhism.
It is an international network of Gelugpa dharma centers; the tour leads on a high green hill. The Kopan Monastery complex offers grand views of Kathmandu city, It is an exciting place to visit. Explore the Buddhist religion with impressive cultures, the right place to practice and study Mahayana Buddhism.
It is based on the Tibetan Gelugpa sect, following the teachings of the founder Tsong Khapa of Tibet. The monastery was built in 1969 on top of Kopan Hill above the valley floor, a pleasant spot for meditation.
14: EVENING RELIGIOUS EVENT OF AARATI AT PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE:
For interested visitors, visit the Pashupatinath temple complex. Pilgrims, devotees, and all Hindus can observe and take part in the event
called AARATI. It is a prayer ritual and worship of the gods and goddesses.
The waving of a lighted wick lamp before a deity, and to pray for blessings. It is a ceremony of light, love, and reverence, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the presence of divine light. The devotees sing Hindu hymns with choruses with a deep sense of reverence, adoration, and meditative awareness.
CULTURE AND ARTS:
15: VISIT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NEPAL:
Best Things To Do In kathmandu The National Museum displays traditional artifacts, handicrafts, weapons, and armor from the past. It includes ancient statues of both Hindu and Buddhist religions, artwork, murals, and collections of various natural species.
Treasures Nepal’s age-old cultural and natural heritage, which is nearly forgotten by most generations. The museum holds a huge collection of the country’s history and culture from the early medieval era. It has different varieties of doll collection, second-century BC coins and stuffed animals with relics from the 1934 earthquakes.
The National Museum was established in 1926 by Rana Prime Minister Chandra. It was opened to the public in 1939. Enjoy the interesting and leisurely tour of the National Museum, which takes about a few hours to visit and see the treasures of ancient times.
16: EXPERIENCE TRADITIONAL NEWARI AND NEPALI COOKING CLASSES:
All types of Nepali food are closely linked with traditional heritages passed from one generation to another. The quality and standard of food in Nepal are
of various types, from snacks to main courses. The most popular and basic meals are the Dhal-Bhat, served with different kinds of lentil beans.
Best Things To Do In kathmandu Includes seasonal vegetables cooked with various spices, which can be hot or mild depending on the area and different tribes. In Kathmandu, visitors can enjoy the best authentic Newari food with great variations. Includes breads like small pancakes, beaten rice, grilled spicy meats, and various types of hot and mild pickles. Includes home-made alcoholic drinks, the traditional part of the Newari foods. Visitors interested in Nepali and Newari food can join in for cooking courses. Kathmandu city offers many best cooking classes for a few days to more than a week.
17: ENJOY THE THANKA RELIGIOUS ARTS AND PAINTINGS:
Thangka is an old Tibetan Buddhist religious art and painting, done on canvas with images of Lord Buddha, Buddha’s life.Best Things To Do In kathmandu It includes paintings of the high Lama and priests with Mandala designs, the wheels of life. Thangka paintings are done by the scholar monks, with present commercial use and value.
It is largely done by common artists and painters, and the original form of paint was made from vegetable extracts. It includes natural stones of different colors, silver, and gold dust are also added. Most commercial value is used in chemical paints. In Kathmandu, there are many private institutions to learn the art of Thangka paintings. All interested people can join in this art, and with your innovations, but the original background is based on Buddhist history.
18: ENJOY THE LOVELY AUTHENTIC NEPALI DINNER WITH CULTURAL PROGRAMS:
Best Things To Do In kathmandu , Visitors in Kathmandu can enjoy the evening dining in an authentic Nepali restaurant to experience the food and culture. Most tourist and local areas in Kathmandu offer many typical Nepali restaurants, like the Bhojan Griha or Gokarna House. A lively place for delicious Nepali cuisine to enjoy in the harmony of Nepali Folk Cultural programs. Dances and music are performed from different parts of the Nepali ethnic tribes and cultures.
SHOPPING IN KATHMANDU
19: SHOPPING AROUND THAMEL
Thamel is a tourist hub in Nepal, located in the heart of Kathmandu city in the Thamel area. Thamel Street is steeped with shops and stores, where visitors can buy and rent various gear. For Trekking and mountaineering equipment,
as well as locally made garments from typical Nepali fabrics.
An interesting place to explore, with international standard hotels, restaurants, and cafés.
20: EXPLORE LOCAL AASAN BAZAAR:
It is one of the most interesting places to experience the daily life and routine of the local people. The Aasan Bazaar teems with a lively environment, observe and buy local stuff. Located at a walking distance from Thamel, in the heart of the city, is a vibrant market and a bazaar. The area with small shops, vendors, and stores selling mostly food and domestic items. Nearby is an old temple of Annapurna, the goddess of harvest. Anna means food/crops, and Purna is enough/fulfilling.
21: VISIT AND BUY INDIGENOUS HANDICRAFTS AT TIBETAN REFUGEE CAMP:
The best handicraft for souvenirs of Nepal to buy is visiting the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Patan/Lalitpur city. Visitors can also observe the local Tibetans making carpets and other traditional handicrafts. The Tibetan Refugee camp was established in the mid-1960s for the Tibetan immigrants.
Visitors can enjoy a tour of the handicrafts and carpet workshops/factory. and buy indigenous handicrafts at the refugee camp shops.
WELLNESS & LEARNING SPIRITUAL ARTS AND EXERCISES:
22: JOIN YOGA OR MEDITATION CLASSES:
As per one’s interest, before or after traveling around Nepal. Can join in for blissful Yoga & Meditation class and course, in a complete ambiance environment. The Yoga & Meditation class is guided by the expert Yoga Guru and instructors. Practice the Yoga’s and meditation class with veteran Guru and instructors, and enjoy the art of singing bowls.
23: VOLUNTEER WITH LOCAL TRAVEL AGENCIES OR NGO:
Over the past few decades, Nepal has been a favorite country for volunteering or social work, particularly in rural areas of Nepal. As well as the suburbs of Kathmandu City. Most trekking or tour agencies like Vertex Holidays organize Volunteering programs by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
The best places for volunteering or social work with village communities are in schools. Maintain walking paths, working on pure drinking water, hygiene, and sanitation to uplift the standard of poor villages.
ADVENTURE TO EXPERIENCE:
24: Enjoy Mountain Biking around Kathmandu Valley.
In the Kathmandu Valley outskirts, various best places to enjoy a day or more of mountain biking. The thrill of biking on main or off-trail, exploring the rural farm villages and towns. Where few foreign visitors seldom venture, bikers can enjoy the dramatic landscapes with views of snow-capped peaks.
25: Join in for white water river rafting.
Besides trekking and mountaineering, white water river rafting is another popular adventure to enjoy the thrills on Nepal’s glacial rivers. Nepal, due to its world’s 8th highest peaks, and an array of snow mountains that feed the rivers.
Make Nepal is the best country in Asia for white-water or leisurely and moderate rafting. In Kathmandu, there are more than dozens of rafting companies to choose from; all agencies offer the best rafting guides and equipment. The most popular rivers for rafting are Trisuli, Bhote, and Sun Koshi, including Seti and Kali Gandaki Rivers. Enjoy the white water river rafting for a day or more, for a few days.
Paddling through the mighty, exciting rapids and bouncy waves.
26: Activities of Rock/ wall climbing, indoor or outdoor:
In and around Kathmandu, there are several places outskirts of the city, for exciting rock climbing. A short drive and hike uphill to Nagarjun or Jamcho Hill, expert mountaineering instructors guide you with the climb. The area with steep rocky cliffs, located amidst lovely, cool, dense forest, offers the climb as well as abseiling. The climbing gear provided by the respective agencies, likewise, the climbing ropes, slings, Jumar, Ceiling, Karabiner, and gloves.
27: Bungee Jumping or Paragliding:
Bungee Jumping and paragliding are popular adventure sports thrills in Kathmandu. Bungee Jumping leads you beyond Kathmandu, a few hours’ drive near to Nepal and Tibet borders. The Bungee platform is on a bridge, at Last Resort, above the raging Bhote Koshi River.
This remarkable 160 m and 500 ft drop into a gorge of the raging Bhote Koshi River. One of the longest world Free falls, this Ultimate Bungee Jumping is a great adventure sport to experience.
Another popular sport is Paragliding, which started in Pokhara, at present can now be done in Kathmandu valley. An hour drive to the Lalitpur area at Godavari near Phul Chowki hills at 2,750 m. Run and jump and then glide above the Kathmandu Valley with awesome scenery. The adventure lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, landing by the green fields at Godavari with the famous Botanical Garden.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES AROUND KATHMANDU:
28: Join in at Nepal Festivals.
In Nepal, visitors can enjoy and observe 12 major festivals, a blend of Hindu and Buddhist religions. Make Nepal one of the most unique countries, with more of the Hindu religion and culture. Followed by the Buddhist religious festivals held around the high Himalayan hills and mountainous regions.
The 12 major festivals of Nepal are joyous events for all Nepalese, and have
Public holidays for celebrations. Various occasions, festivals, and religious events are celebrated across the country, according to the community.
Most festivals are held around public hot spots, and some big events are celebrated among families and relatives. But all festivals are great occasions
that extends from a day to a week, as the Nepalese Lunar calendar.
29: Visit local homes to observe the daily life of the Nepali families:
Interested people can make friends and interact with the locals, as Nepali people are world-renowned for their traditional hospitality. The native of Kathmandu are happy to show you their homes and to catch a glimpse of the Nepali domestic living. All guests are welcome, and the host will be glad to show you the Nepalese’ traditional daily life. As well as get introduced to the family members, and remember to follow the rules of responsible tourism.
Respecting the religions, cultures, and way of living of the simple and happy Nepali families.
