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Places To Visit In Kathmandu

Last Updated At: 29-Oct-2023

15 Famous Places To Visit In Kathmandu | Nature, Culture, And Serenity

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis nestled in the Kathmandu Valley. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountains, it is a blend of ancient traditions and modern development. The city is renowned for its historic temples, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa, which are important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists and Hindus alike. Its bustling streets are filled with a tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas, offering a glimpse into Nepal's diverse culture and cuisine. You will come across the best historical sites in Kathmandu where you will be amazed by the beauty and grandeur. 

Embark on a journey with us, pack your bags and take on this amazing trip to Kathmandu where you will enjoy the best of both worlds. Here, we have the list of the best places to visit in Kathmandu, so pack your bags and usher to what's best!

List Of 15 Best Places To Visit In Kathmandu

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square | History Revived
  • Swayambhunath Temple | The Monkey Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple | Sacred Hindu Temple
  • Thamel | The Nightlife Zone
  • Boudhanath Temple| The Buddhist Stupa
  • Patan Durbar Temple | UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square | Historical Site
  • Garden of Dreams | Magical Oasis
  • Chandragiri Hills | Beauty of Nature
  • Namo Buddha | Sacred Buddhist Site
  • Ranipokhari | The Historic Pond
  • Asan Tole | Shopping Spree
  • National Museum of Nepal | Unlock the Buddhist Secrets
  • Pullahari Monastery | The Buddhist Bliss
  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Go Uphill

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square | History Revived

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a complex of palaces, courtyards, temples, and statues that serve as a testament to Nepal's rich history and architectural heritage. Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, is a historic and cultural treasure in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. The square was once the royal palace of the Malla kings and later the Shah dynasty, making it an epicentre of political and cultural life for centuries. It features stunning architecture, including the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Taleju Temple, and Kumari Ghar, the residence of the living goddess Kumari.

  • Major Attractions- Nautalle Durbar, Freak Street, Nasal Chowk, Kaal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple
  • Best Time to Visit- September to December and March to May
  • Things to Do- Visit historical temples, and sacred places for Hindus, Seek blessings of deities, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

2. Swayambhunath Temple | The Monkey Temple

One of the most amazing and vibrant places in Kathmandu that withholds the beauty of Swayambhunath. It is the place of worship of both the Hindus and Buddhists in spirit and practice. A Lotus miraculously bloomed at this place and therefore the place was called the Swaymabhu or ‘Self-Existent’.

  • Major Attractions- The Wooden crown, stone inscription, prayer wheels, Monkey temple
  • Best Time to Visit- March to May and September to November
  • Things to Do- Shop Handicrafts, rejuvenate in the nearby spas, and visit the Shobabbagwati temple nearby.

3. Pashupatinath Temple | Sacred Hindu Temple

One of the top temples to visit in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple is the temple of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva sits in the temple with his legs folded and four animals sit around his feet. It is one of the best places to vibe among the lakhs of deities. This temple is only open to Hindus and people of no other religion are allowed inside the temple premises. The temple is believed to have existed since 400 AD.

  • Major Attractions- Pashupatinath Aarti, the serene Bagmati river, shopping in the nearby market
  • Best Time to Visit- October to December
  • Things to Do- Visit the Himalayan Rudraksha Bhandar, shop in the local market, and enjoy Nepali cuisine in the nearby restaurants.

4. Thamel | The Nightlife Zone

If you want to experience the best of the nightlife in Kathmandu, you are absolutely in the right place. You cannot miss the scintillating nightlife in Thamel; the buzzing street and the amazing street lights will elevate your mood. You get the best things in Thamel with the Thamel shopping guide on your side.

  • Major Attractions- Expensive Liquor shops, Shopping, Hard drinks and local beer.
  • Best Time to Visit- Between November and Mid-March
  • Things to Do- Go on a Shopping spree, enjoy the street food, and cosy restaurants, and cherish exquisite food

5. Boudhanath Temple| The Buddhist Stupa

The temple was built in around 600 AD. If you want to be closer to Buddhism and Buddhist culture, this is your place. The perfect proportion of the Buddha idol is a major attraction of this temple. Boudhanath Temple symbolises the penance of a king who unintentionally killed his father. It is one of the famous meditation retreats near Kathmandu.

  • Major Attractions- Buddha idol, Tibetan pilgrimage, Tibetan Cultural Centre, 108 Dhyani Buddha Amitabha
  • Best Time to Visit- March to May and September to October
  • Things to Do- Offer Prayers to Buddha, Stroll in the temple premises, meditate and perform prostrations, and seek blessings of Hariti (Ajima).

6. Patan Durbar Temple | UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, the Patan Durbar Temple stands as a magnificent testament to Nepal's rich heritage. With its intricately carved wooden pillars, ornate windows, and traditional Newari architecture, this sacred site is a mesmerizing blend of history and spirituality. As you step into its serene courtyard, you'll feel the aura of centuries past, where kings and devotees once gathered. Patan Durbar Temple is a living piece of Nepal's cultural tapestry, a place where time stands still amidst the bustling Kathmandu cityscape.

  • Major Attractions- Kumari Ghar, Kasthamandap, shiva-Parvati Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple
  • Best Time to Visit- March to May and October to November
  • Things to Do- Visit the nearby museum, enjoy local cuisine, enjoy the festivals, take photos

7. Bhaktapur Durbar Square | Historical Site

One of the cities in the Kathmandu Valley is the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is a UNESCO Heritage Site which attracts many visitors every year. It features well-preserved mediaeval architecture, temples, palaces, and intricate wood carvings, offering a glimpse into the rich history and culture of Bhaktapur. It is also one of the prominent sites for cultural festivals in Kathmandu, where you can leverage yourself with the culture of Nepal.

  • Major Attractions- The Lion Gate, Vatsala Temple, 55-Window Palace, Bhairavnath Temple
  • Best Time to Visit- September to November and March to May
  • Things to Do- Visit local Museums, explore Pottery Square, visit local museums

8. Garden of Dreams | Magical Oasis

As the name suggests, the Garden of Dreams is a serene oasis in the middle of the city. It is one of the top-visited sites in Kathmandu. The more you explore it the more close you feel to it and get a sense of relaxation.

  • Major Attractions- Lush Gardens, Cafes and Restaurants, Restored Ponds, Statues
  • Best Time to Visit- March to May and September to November
  • Things to Do- Go on a Family picnic, read and meditate, enjoy ponds and the serene beauty of nature

9. Chandragiri Hills | Beauty of Nature

Chandragiri Hills is a scenic destination near Kathmandu, Nepal. Known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, it offers a cable car ride to the hill's summit, where visitors can explore the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, lush forests, and enjoy stunning vistas of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mt. Everest.

  • Major Attractions- Cable Car Ride, Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, Hiking and Nature Walk
  • Best Time to Visit- March to May and September to November
  • Things to Do- Go on family picnics, indulge in photography sessions, and take a tour of temples.

10. Namo Buddha | Sacred Buddhist Site

One of the sacred places in the city of Kathmandu is the Namo Buddha Statue. You can visit the Namo Buddha from March to May when the weather is generally clear, with excellent visibility for enjoying the Himalayan views.

  • Major Attractions- Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, Nearby Villages, Spiritual retreats
  • Best Time to Visit- April to May
  • Things to Do- Hiking to Buddha Stupa, exploring the surrounding villages, and communicating with the Newar community

11. Ranipokhari | The Historic Pond

Situated in the heart of the city, Ranipokhari is a historic artificial pond dating back to the 17th century. Queen Subarna Prabha Devi constructed it in memory of her late husband, King Pratap Malla. It is one of the prominent places for cultural festivals in Kathmandu.

  • Major Attractions- The Ranipokhari Temple, The Ranipokhari Pond, Garden and Scenery
  • Best Time to Visit- April to May and September to November
  • Things to Do- Visit the Ranipokhari pond and the temple, enjoy the cultural festivals and events, and a stroll in the nearby garden.

12. Asan Tole | Shopping Spree

Asan Tole is a bustling square in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. Known for its vibrant street markets, it offers various goods, from spices and vegetables to clothing and handicrafts. This historic market has been a commercial and cultural centre in Kathmandu for centuries, bustling with activity and rich in local culture. You can find top local restaurants in Kathmandu in the Asan Tole area.

  • Major Attractions- Asan Market, Annapurna Temple, Traditional Architecture, Cultural Heritage
  • Best Time to Visit- March to May
  • Things to Do- Enjoy local cuisine, go buy gifts for friends and family, get along in the local festivals

13. National Museum of Nepal | Unlock the Buddhist Secrets

The historic national museum in Chhauni, Kathmandu, is the country's largest museum. It houses an extensive collection of art, artefacts, and historical items that showcase Nepal's cultural, artistic, and historical heritage. The museum provides insights into Nepal's diverse traditions and history, making it a significant cultural institution.

  • Major Attractions- Chhauni Museum, Buddha Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Thangka Paintings.
  • Best Time to Visit- Around October
  • Things to Do- Learn the history of Nepalis, Admire Art and Sculpture, visit the museum courtyard, explore the gallery exhibits

14. Pullahari Monastery | The Buddhist Bliss

Pullahari Monastery is the centre of Tibetan art and artefacts, which has the best of the art and culture. You can be part of the exquisite Tibetan culture and cherish the Buddhist traditions. Trace the past of the Buddhist traditions with the architectural beauty that you will find nowhere.

  • Major Attractions- Tibetan arts, Artefacts of the temple, nearby shops, Sitting area for meditation
  • Best Time to Visit- September to November
  • Things to Do- Go shopping, rejuvenate yourself, purchase a few antique artefacts, relax and enjoy the beauty of Tibetan culture

15. Annapurna Base Camp Trek | Go Uphill

If you want to get lost in the grandeur of the mighty Himalayas, go on Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is one of the famous outdoor activities around Kathmandu. Adventure lovers are going to fall in love with this place.

  • Major Attractions- Panoramic Himalayan view, Trekking experience, hiking on the steep slopes
  • Best Time to Visit- February to May
  • Things to Do- Trek the Himalayas, Hike in the mountains, get away from the bustle of the city

Picking Adotrip as a travel partner to explore places in Kathmandu is a great decision. We allow you to enjoy a wealth of information and assist you in finding end-to-end travel assistance along with booking flights to your destination. We don’t stop here; we offer booking facilities for hotels and serve you with the best travel packages. 

With us, nothing is far!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Kathmandu

Q1. What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Kathmandu?
A1. A few must-visit attractions in Kathmandu are-

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swayambhunath Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Garden of Dreams
  • Chandragiri Hills
  • Thamel

Q2. Which historical sites can I explore in Kathmandu?
A2. The historical sites that you can explore are-

  • Patna Durbar Square
  • Swayambhunath Temple
  • Boudhanath Temple
  • Kopan Monastery

Q3. Are there any popular temples or religious sites in Kathmandu?
A3. These are the few temples or religious sites in Kathmandu:

  • Swayambhunath Temple
  • Boudhanath Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Kopan Monastery (for Buddhists)

Q4. What are some of the best places to experience the local culture in Kathmandu?
A4. Some of the best places to experience the local culture in Kathmandu are-

  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Swayambhunath Temple
  • Pashupatinath Temple
  • Thamel
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Garden of Dreams

Q5. Can you recommend any famous museums or art galleries in Kathmandu?

A4. Some of the famous museums or art galleries in Kathmandu are-

  • Monastery Art Gallery
  • Kathmandu Art House
  • Nepal Art House Gallery
  • Music Museum of Nepal

Q6. Where can I find traditional markets or bazaars in Kathmandu?
A6. You can find traditional markets or bazaars in Kathmandu in Indra Chowk and Asan Bazar.

Q7. What are some good options for outdoor activities around Kathmandu?
A7. Some good options for outdoor activities around Kathmandu are-

  • Annapurna Base Camp Trek
  • Everest Scenic Flight
  • Day Hiking
  • Nagarkot Sunrise View

Q8. Are there any viewpoints or hills that offer panoramic views of the city?
A8. Some of the viewpoints or hills that offer panoramic views of the city are-

  • Chovar Hill Station
  • Kakani Hill Station
  • Phulchowki Hill Station
  • Chandragiri Hills

Q9. Which neighbourhoods in Kathmandu are known for their unique charm?
A9. The neighbourhoods in Kathmandu are known for their unique charm are-

  • Thamel
  • Lazimpat
  • Boudhanath Stupa
  • Patan

Q10. How can I best plan a sightseeing itinerary for Kathmandu?
A10. You can plan a sightseeing itinerary for Kathmandu at your convenience and budget. However, the best itinerary is planned by travel companies which take care of both your convenience and budget, so you can opt for one.  

--- Published By  Adotrip

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