Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. It is also the oldest city in the country, and so, it consists of so many historical heritages. Tourists, especially the ones who enter the country by air, tend to start their journeys from here itself. This makes Kathmandu one of the most visited places in Nepal. Now, when you’re here, you will have so many options, when it comes to places to visit in Kathmandu, as there are so many of them. The city consists of historical heritages, as mentioned above, and also, consists of religious places, cultural attractions, and spectacles of nature. During your stay in Kathmandu Nepal, you will surely have a great time.
If you are an adventure freak you may also check this article Daring And Thrilling Things To Do In Nepal
Top 10 Places To Visit In Kathmandu
1. Swayambhunath Temple
Swayambhunath Temple is an exciting place to visit in Kathmandu. It is a temple complex with so many smaller temples. The area is situated on the top of a hill. It requires quite a bit of walking to reach the top of the hill. It is a site specially dedicated to the followers of Buddhism.
Highlights of Swayambhunath Temple:
- It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
- It is also known as the monkey temple, as a large number of monkeys live here.
- The temple has a mythological and historical origin.
- It also serves as a park and a viewpoint.
- The complex gets crowded especially during Buddha Purnima.
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is listed as number 2nd on our Top 10 Places To Visit In Kathmandu. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most preferred places to visit in Kathmandu. The area receives a very high number of young visitors, as it is considered a hip place. The complex features museums, and mainly temples, including Taleju Temple, Vishnu Temple, and so on.
Highlights of Kathmandu Durbar Square:
- It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
- There are two similar palace squares in the neighboring cities of Bhaktapur and Patan.
- It is a religious significant area for Buddhists and Hindus.
- It is a center for many cultural and religious programs.
- It is also the home of Kumari – the only living goddess in the world.
3. Boudhanath Stupa Nepal
Boudhanath Stupa Nepal is situated on the route that the merchants took to travel from Kathmandu to Tibet and vice versa. Tibetans always made sure to visit the complex and offer prayers during their visit here. They settled around the temple complex after migrating here.
Highlights of Boudhanath Stupa Nepal:
- It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List.
- It is the largest dome-shaped structure in Nepal.
- It is a complex consisting of numerous monasteries and gompas.
- It is one of the most visited places in Nepal.
- It is the most significant religious site for Tibetan Buddhists.
4. Garden of Dreams
Garden of Dreams is one of the loveliest places to visit in Kathmandu. The garden was built on a small part of Kaiser Palace, which still stands strong and serves as a department for the Education Ministry. The garden is a great place to relax with loved ones.
Highlights of Garden of Dreams:
- It features beautiful gardens and artificial ponds.
- There is also a cafe inside the garden called Kaiser Cafe.
- The place remains busy throughout the year with local and international tourists.
- It is a highly preferred location for photography
- The visitors also get a brief insight into the interiors of the palace.
5. Narayanhiti Palace
During your visit to Nepal, Narayanhiti Palace should be among your top places to visit in Kathmandu. It offers you an insight into the history and culture of Nepal. The palace also showcases the legacy of the royal family, as go through all the displayed rooms.
Highlights of Narayanhiti Palace:
- The palace museum features the spots where members of the royal family were massacred.
- It consists of 75 rooms, each representing the 75 districts of Nepal.
- The palace served as the place of residence for 3 generations of the royal family.
- It converted into a museum in the year 2008
- The palace was built in 1963 by King Mahendra.
6. Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is one of the most visited religious heritages of Nepal. It is visited not just for worship, as the complex also consists of a crematory by River Bagmati. There is also an old age home in the Pashupati complex. Old people who can’t take care of themselves are served here.
Highlights of Pashupatinath Temple:
- It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- It is the most significant Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal.
- The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- It receives a lot of visitors during Shivaratri.
- The temple is actually a complex of so many smaller temples.
7. Chandragiri Hills
Chandragiri Hills is a tourist spot that pulls thousands of tourists from all around the country every year. It is a perfect family getaway spot for the weekends and during holidays. You can do so many activities here. However, just a sightseeing experience is also no less by any means.
Highlights of Chandragiri Hills:
- The hill serves as an excellent viewpoint.
- It features an amusement park, resorts, and a temple.
- It takes a 15-20 min long cable car ride to reach the top of the hill.
- One can also choose to hike to the top.
- It receives a large number of local and international tourists.
8. Bhrikuti Mandap Amusement Park
Bhrikuti Mandap Amusement Park is yet another significant places to visit in Kathmandu. It is another ideal weekend getaway spot for families and friends. There are so many things to do here; there is something for everyone here. You should give it a try if you have a few hours.
Highlights of Bhrikuti Mandap Amusement Park:
- The entire area is separated into 3 sections – an amusement park, a garden, and an exhibition ground.
- It is the preferred location for different exhibitions and musical programs.
- There are exciting rides that one can go for.
- The area also features numerous food stalls and eateries.
- The visitors can also get involved in light-hearted games.
9. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Sightseeing, bird watching, jungle safari, hiking, rock climbing, canyoning, and so on are few of the major activities that the tourists can be a part of during their visit to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is among the most exciting places to visit in Nepal.
Highlights of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park:
- It is one of the richest protected areas of Nepal.
- It is one of the preferred trekking and hiking destinations.
- It features natural spectacles such as rare flora and fauna and waterfalls.
- There is also a temple as a major attraction of the national park.
- The entire area is looked after by Nepal Army.
10. Thamel Area
Thamel Area is probably one of the most convenient locations for tourists to explore, as most of them tend to stay here. If you’re looking for a laid-back kind of experience, well, Thamel offers you so many opportunities. You should definitely visit the area.
Highlights of Thamel Area:
- The area features a host of restaurants, serving cuisines from around the world.
- There are concert spots, movie theatres, malls, and other options for entertainment here.
- You can go for a spa and massages here.
- The area also features numerous places of stay – from luxurious to affordable.
- It offers a serene musical environment for tourists to stroll around in the evening.
During your stay in Kathmandu Nepal, there are so many activities that you can be a part of. Most of the places mentioned above limit you to sightseeing, especially the religious places. However, you’ll be glad to know that there are so many other things that you can try, both challenging and adventurous in nature. The city of Kathmandu has something for everyone. These places to visit in Kathmandu are only the tip of the iceberg. When you arrive here, and your guide offers you an insight into the things that you can do, you’re sure to be overwhelmed. You should definitely choose Nepal as your holiday destination during your upcoming vacation.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal || Things to Know.
Nepal is a country in South Asia that is known for its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each of which offers a unique glimpse into the country’s history, culture, and natural wonders. Here is a brief explanation of each of the ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square – Located in the heart of the capital city of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that dates back to the 12th century. It is a testament to the country’s rich cultural heritage and is a popular tourist attraction.
- Patan Durbar Square – Located in the city of Patan, also known as Lalitpur, Patan Durbar Square is a complex of temples, palaces, and courtyards that date back to the 16th century. It is a fine example of Newari architecture and is a popular tourist attraction.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square – Located in the city of Bhaktapur, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a complex of temples, palaces, and courtyards that date back to the 15th century. It is a fine example of Newari architecture and is a popular tourist attraction.
- Swayambhunath Stupa – Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa is a Buddhist temple complex that dates back to the 5th century. It is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the large number of monkeys that inhabit the area.
- Boudhanath Stupa – Located in the city of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa is a Buddhist temple complex that dates back to the 14th century. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
- Pashupatinath Temple – Located in the city of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple complex that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Changu Narayan Temple – Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Changu Narayan Temple is a Hindu temple complex that dates back to the 4th century. It is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal and is a fine example of Nepalese architecture.
- Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha – Located in the southern part of Nepal, Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site that is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is home to several temples, monasteries, and other religious sites.
- Sagarmatha National Park – Located in the eastern part of Nepal, Sagarmatha National Park is a protected area that is home to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. It is also home to several other peaks, glaciers, and valleys.
- Chitwan National Park – Located in the southern part of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a protected area that is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tigers, rhinoceroses, and elephants. It is also home to several indigenous communities.
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