Five Places to Visit in Kathamandu – Kathmandu Tour

If you are looking for th e places to Visit in Kathmandu destination that combines history, culture, and nature, look no further than Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, a country nestled in the Himalayas. It is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. Whether you are looking for adventure, spirituality, or relaxation, Kathmandu has something for everyone. The capital city of Nepal is a treasure trove of attractions that will leave you spellbound. From ancient temples and palaces to bustling markets and serene gardens, Kathmandu has it all. In this blog post, we will reveal the five places to visit in Kathmandu that you can’t afford to miss.

Swayambhunath Stupa: The Monkey Temple

One of the most iconic and popular places to visit in Kathmandu is Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient Buddhist shrine is located on a hilltop overlooking the city and offers stunning views of the valley and the mountains.

Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal, dating back to the 5th century CE. Legend has it that King Manadeva built it to commemorate his victory over a plague that afflicted Kathmandu. The stupa is a dome-shaped structure that represents the Buddha’s mind and contains relics of past Buddhas. The stupa is surrounded by a circular path where pilgrims and tourists can walk around and spin the prayer wheels.

Swayambhunath stupa is also adorned with a golden spire that features the eyes of the Buddha on all four sides. The eyes symbolize wisdom and compassion, as well as the omnipresence of the Buddha. The spire also has a third eye above the pair of eyes, which represents enlightenment.

One of the most distinctive features of Swayambhunath Stupa is the presence of hundreds of monkeys that roam freely around the complex. These monkeys are considered sacred by the locals, as they are believed to be the descendants of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom who created Kathmandu valley by cutting a gorge with his sword. The monkeys are also very playful and curious, so be careful with your belongings and food when you visit.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Places to Visit in Kathmandu

If you want to experience the history and culture of Nepal, you should not miss Durbar Square, one of the most amazing places to visit in Kathmandu. Durbar Squares are the royal squares in the three main cities of Kathmandu valley: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These squares are the historical and cultural centers of Nepal, where people gather for social and religious activities. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Kathmandu, as it showcases the architectural and artistic excellence of the Nepalese people.

Durbar Square in Kathmandu is located in front of the old royal palace, which is now a museum. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a collection of temples, palaces, courtyards, and monuments that date back to the 12th to 18th centuries. Some of the most notable attractions in Durbar Square are:

• Kumari Ghar: A three-story brick building that houses the living goddess Kumari. Kumari is a young girl who is believed to be the incarnation of Taleju, the patron deity of the Malla kings. She is worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists and makes occasional appearances at the window of her residence.
• Hanuman Dhoka: The main entrance to the old royal palace, guarded by a statue of Hanuman, the monkey god. The palace complex consists of several courtyards, halls, and museums that display the royal history and culture of Nepal.
• Taleju Temple: A magnificent temple dedicated to Taleju, the patron goddess of the Malla kings. It was built by King Mahendra Malla in 1564 and is the tallest temple in Kathmandu. It has four stories and a pyramidal roof with golden pinnacles. It is open to the public only once a year during the Dashain festival.

Pashupatinath Temple: The Sacred Site of Hinduism

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred and revered places to visit in Kathmandu for Hindus. It is a complex of temples, ashrams, and ghats (steps) that lies on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is dedicated to Pashupatinath, the lord of animals and a manifestation of Shiva, the destroyer and transformer.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal, dating back to the 5th century CE. It is also one of the 12 Jyotirlinga (self-manifested) shrines of Shiva in the world. The main temple is a two-story pagoda with a golden roof and silver doors. It houses a four-faced lingam (phallic symbol) of Pashupatinath, which is worshiped by thousands of devotees every day. The temple has hundreds of smaller temples and shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses.

Pashupatinath Temple is also a place where life and death meet. It is the site of cremation ceremonies for Hindus, who believe that cremation here will liberate them from the cycle of rebirth. The ghats along the river are where the bodies are prepared, burned, and immersed in the water. The sight of these rituals can be both fascinating and disturbing for visitors, but they are an integral part of Hindu culture and belief.

Pashupatinath Temple is a place where you can experience the spirituality and diversity of Hinduism. You can witness the daily prayers, offerings, and ceremonies that take place in the temple. You can also interact with the sadhus (holy men) who live in the ashrams and practice asceticism and meditation.

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Boudhanath Stupa: The Largest Stupa in Nepal

Boudhanath Stupa is another impressive and one of the sacred places to visit in Kathmandu for Buddhists. It is a massive stupa that dominates the skyline of the eastern part of the city. It is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world.

Boudhanath Stupa was built in the 14th century by King Dharmadeva or by a widow named Jadzima. According to legend, the stupa was constructed over the remains of Kasyapa Buddha, one of the previous Buddhas. The stupa is also said to be connected to the mythical land of Shambhala, a hidden kingdom of peace and harmony.

Boudhanath Stupa is a symbol of enlightenment and compassion. It has a dome-shaped base that represents the earth and a spire that represents the path to nirvana. The spire has 13 tiers that correspond to the stages of spiritual development. The spire also has a golden canopy with the eyes of the Buddha on all four sides. The eyes represent wisdom and awareness, as well as the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air.

You can join the pilgrims and tourists who circumambulate the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning the prayer wheels and chanting mantras. Visit the nearby monasteries, shops, and restaurants that reflect Tibetan culture and influence. You can also witness the festivals and events that take place throughout the year, such as Buddha Jayanti, Lhosar, and Boudha Mahachaitya.

Boudhanath Stupa is open to everyone. However, respect the religious sentiments and customs of the people who visit the stupa.

Kirtipur: The City of Glory

Kirtipur is a historic and cultural city that lies on the southwestern outskirts of Kathmandu. It is one of the oldest settlements in Nepal, dating back to the 12th century. It was once a separate kingdom that resisted the conquest of Kathmandu by Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal. Kirtipur is famous for its bravery, artistry, and hospitality.

Kirtipur is a place where you can explore the ancient and medieval heritage of Nepal. You can visit the temples, monuments, and museums that showcase the religious and artistic diversity of the city. Some of the attractions in Kirtipur are:

• Bagh Bhairav Temple: A temple dedicated to Bagh Bhairav, the fierce manifestation of Shiva as a tiger. It is the guardian deity of Kirtipur and the symbol of its courage and strength. The temple has a three-story pagoda-style roof and a wooden image of Bagh Bhairav with silver eyes and mouth.
• Kirtipur Museum: A museum that displays the history and culture of Kirtipur and Nepal. It is in an old palace that was built by King Jagat Prakash Malla in the 18th century. It exhibits a collection of weapons, coins, pottery, paintings, sculptures, and textiles that reflect the artistic excellence and diversity of Kirtipur.

Kirtipur is also a place where you can enjoy the authentic and delicious cuisine of Newari people, the natives of Kathmandu valley. You can taste various dishes such as bara (lentil pancakes), chatamari (rice crepes), yomari (rice dumplings), choila (spicy meat salad), samay baji (mixed platter), and thwon (rice beer).

Kirtipur is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the glory and diversity of Nepal’s past and present. You can reach Kirtipur by bus, taxi, or bike from Kathmandu. There is no entrance fee for visiting Kirtipur.

Conclusion

As you plan your visit to the capital of Nepal, remember that Kathmandu is more than just a destination; it’s an experience that immerses you in a world of spirituality, artistry, and tradition.

We hope this guide has not only helped you discover the best places to visit in Kathmandu but also inspired you to explore this city’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy. As you embark on your adventure, remember to embrace the local culture, savor the cuisine, and immerse yourself in the welcoming spirit of Kathmandu.

So, pack your bags, prepare your camera, and get ready to experience the magic of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply a curious traveler, Kathmandu has something extraordinary to offer you. Come, explore, and create memories that will last a lifetime in the heart of Nepal’s capital. Namaste!