Kathmandu Nepal 🇳🇵

Kathmandu, Capital of Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a fascinating city with a lot of history and culture. It's located in the Kathmandu Valley and has a mix of old traditions and new developments. You can see amazing buildings like the Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, which are special places recognized by UNESCO. The city has busy markets, like the lively Thamel district, where you can find all sorts of things and try local food. Kathmandu is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the people there are really friendly. It's a wonderful place to visit and experience.

About Kathmandu

1.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Durbar Squares, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, showcasing its rich cultural and historical significance.

2.

Living Goddess Kumari: Kathmandu is the residence of the living goddess, Kumari, a young girl revered as a deity. Witnessing her during festivals like Indra Jatra offers a unique glimpse into Nepal's spiritual beliefs.

3.

Thamel District: The vibrant heart of Kathmandu, Thamel is a bustling neighborhood known for its diverse shops, restaurants, and lively nightlife, attracting tourists from around the world.

4.

Newari Architecture: Kathmandu displays impressive Newari architecture, characterized by intricate wood carvings and pagoda-style temples, which reflect the city's traditional craftsmanship.

5.

Traditional Festivals: Kathmandu celebrates a plethora of vibrant festivals throughout the year, such as Dashain and Tihar, providing an opportunity to immerse in Nepalese culture, music, dance, and religious rituals.

What to do & places to visit in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

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Explore the Durbar Square: Wander through the ancient royal squares of Kathmandu and marvel at the stunning palaces, temples, and intricate woodwork.

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Swoyambhu Mahachaitya

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Visit Swayambhunath Stupa: Climb the steps to this iconic Buddhist stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.

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Thamel

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Take a Thamel Shopping Spree: Dive into the vibrant markets of Thamel, where you can find colorful souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, and enjoy live music and bustling nightlife.

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Chandragiri Cable Car Top Station

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Chandragiri Hills near Kathmandu offers stunning Himalayan views. The Chandragiri Cable Car takes you there in 10 minutes, providing panoramic vistas. At the top, explore Chandragiri Bhaleshwar Temple, go on nature walks, and savor local cuisine. It's a memorable escape

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Buddha Stupa

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Boudhanath Stupa: Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this massive Buddhist stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

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Pashupati Temple

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Discover Pashupatinath Temple: Pay a visit to the sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Observe religious rituals and witness cremation ceremonies.

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Garden of Dreams

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Garden of Dreams: Find tranquility in this neo-classical garden with beautifully manicured lawns, fountains, pavilions, and a charming cafe, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

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Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

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Trek to Shivapuri National Park: Embark on a hiking adventure to this beautiful national park located on the outskirts of the city, offering lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

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Nagarkot

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Nagarkot: Escape the city's hustle and bustle and take a journey to Nagarkot, a small mountain village located just outside Kathmandu, offering breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas.

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What to eat in Nepal

Momos

These delicious dumplings are a must-try in Kathmandu. Filled with meat or vegetables, they are often served with spicy dipping sauces.

Dal Bhat

A staple dish in Nepal, it consists of lentil soup (dal) served with steamed rice (bhat), accompanied by a variety of side dishes like curries, meat or fish, pickles, and yogurt.

Newari Cuisine

Indulge in the flavors of Newari cuisine, including dishes like Kwati (mixed bean soup), Choila (spicy grilled meat), and Bara (lentil pancake).

Juju Dhau

Known as "King of Yogurt," Juju Dhau is a sweet, creamy yogurt that originated in Bhaktapur, a nearby city. It's a delightful dessert to end your meal.

Where to stay in Kathmandu

Here are three hotels in which I personally stayed at during my time in Kathmandu.

Hotel Shanker Kathmandu

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An old palace that got turned into a hotel about 50 years ago. I stayed there for a few days. Huge building and a cool and unique atmosphere.

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Kathmandu Suite Home

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Lovely small hotel with spacious rooms, super welcoming staff and a great rooftop from where you have an amazing view over the city. They also have a restaurant serving local and international food

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Indreni Suites

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This hotel is a bit outside of the main tourist areas of the city. More inside a local neighborhood, which I really liked. They have big and spacious rooms, fast wifi, a rooftop restaurant and also a great gym.

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Enjoy your trip!

Nepal has a lot to offer and is a great place for some real adventures! Personally, I spent 4 weeks in this country and I am sure I'll return again. I hope this little guide here helped a bit to get a first glimpse into Kathmandu and Nepal in general. 

Enjoy your time in Nepal and have a lot of fun!

Greetings,

Ken