Kathmandu

Nestled in the grand Himalayas, Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal, showcases a fascinating mix of traditional customs and contemporary charm. This energetic city is a blend of diverse cultures, featuring historical temples next to lively marketplaces and fashionable coffee shops. The tourism scene in Kathmandu flourishes due to its deep-rooted history, highlighted by famous sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage recognized Durbar Square and the revered Swayambhunath Stupa, attracting travelers from all over the world. A travel guide for Kathmandu would lead visitors through the winding streets of the historic area, where the scents of spices combine with the ringing of temple bells, providing a deeply immersive experience in this magical place.

How to reach Kathmandu?

By air: Tribhuvan International Airport serves as Nepal's sole international airport and is situated 4.08 kilometers from Kathmandu. IndiGo provides daily direct flights to Kathmandu.

By bus: There are also bus routes available to arrive in Kathmandu from India, starting from either Varanasi or Gorakhpur to the Sunauli border in Nepal. Following that, one can take a local bus to reach Kathmandu. Additionally, a new bus service connects New Delhi to Kathmandu, with a travel time of approximately 30 hours.

Getting around/local transport in Kathmandu: The primary means of getting around the city include local city buses, taxis, and car rentals.

 

 

Places to visit

The Durbar Square complex

A site recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Location, featuring stunning buildings, historical palaces, shrines, and detailed wooden carvings, offering a view into the deep-rooted history and cultural legacy of Nepal.
 

Suggestions
• Operating Hours: Open all day
• Discover and learn about the architecture, history, and culture
• Durbar Square may become busy as the day progresses, so think about arriving in the early morning
• Visit the local markets and assist community artisans by buying handcrafted items

Swayambhunath Stupa

An old Buddhist structure located on a hillside, Swayambhunath Stupa, commonly referred to as the Monkey Temple, provides sweeping vistas of the Kathmandu Valley. It is decorated with vibrant prayer flags.
 

Suggestions
• Hours: Open all day
• Allocate some time to investigate the nearby region, which features smaller temples, monasteries, and tranquil gardens
• Ascend the steps to attain the summit of the hill for stunning sights of the Kathmandu Valley and the adjacent Himalayas

Thamel District

Kathmandu's lively center is recognized for its active roads, energetic environment, varied boutiques, and wide-ranging food options, providing a spectrum of experiences for visitors to engage with.
 

Suggestions
• Stroll along the pathways of Thamel, uncovering unique spots like community markets, art spaces, and charming coffee shops
• Savor a dining adventure featuring classic Nepali cuisine
• Enjoy the lively nightlife in Thamel, which keeps the fun going into the morning hours

Boudhanath Stupa

Among the most prominent stupas in Nepal, enveloped by monasteries and teeming with visitors and devotees, providing a tranquil environment for contemplation and meditation.

Suggestions
• Hours: Open all day
• Ensure to navigate in a clockwise direction around the stupa while turning prayer wheels and reciting prayers or mantras along the way
• Check out a rooftop cafe close to the stupa for sweeping views of the surroundings
• Explore the stores encircling the stupa for authentic Tibetan crafts, prayer flags, and spiritual items.

 

 

Best time to visit

The ideal period to explore Kathmandu is in the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November. During these times, the climate is enjoyable, the skies are bright, and activities in the open air are pleasant.

Most commonly spoken languages

In Kathmandu, the primary language spoken is Nepali, which serves as the official language, along with English and several local dialects like Newari and Maithili.

Shopping

Kathmandu offers an exciting shopping experience featuring Buddha figurines, vibrant masks, Tibetan jewelry, stylish T-shirts, and traditional keepsakes. Collectables like posters depicting Mount Everest and the Annapurna Range are also quite sought after.

Mangal Bazaar: Wander through the stalls at Mangal Bazaar or visit a shop in Thamel to find T-shirts adorned with mandalas, Buddha eyes, or themed options such as ‘Yak Yak Yak,’ ‘Tintin in Tibet,’ and ‘Hard Yak Café. ’
 

Durbar Marg: If you prefer a more sophisticated style, check out the upscale boutiques on Durbar Marg for Western-style clothing or explore Kathmandu Mall located on New Road.
 

Bhadgaon and Bhaktapur towns: The towns of Bhadgaon and Bhaktapur are renowned for the Newari black cap known as the Bhadgaule topi, or you might want to buy a traditional Dhaka topi with stripes. Patan, an ancient kingdom in Nepal referred to as the ‘City of Living Art,’ boasts numerous artisans selling artwork, metal crafts, singing bowls, and masks.
 

Khukri House & Handicrafts: For authentic Nepali curved daggers known as khukris, make your way to Khukri House & Handicrafts in Patan Industrial Estate. Folk Nepal is another shop that specializes in fair-trade crafts.
 

The Peacock Shop: Visit The Peacock Shop located near the Peacock Window in Bhaktapur to find pottery and terracotta items while you explore Thimi. In tourist areas like Bouddha and Swayambhunath, you can observe locals creating paintings, thangkas, mandalas, and stone sculptures, making it a perfect spot to purchase directly from the artists.

More reasons to visit

Kathmandu presents numerous exciting activities and sites to explore, making it an essential stop for tourists. One of the key motivations to visit Kathmandu is:

Kathmandu Valley: While you navigate the area, having a map of Kathmandu will certainly help you locate various attractions for visitors. The ancient capitals of the Malla confederation scattered throughout the Kathmandu Valley—Kantipur, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur, often referred to as Patan—are delightful walled cities featuring durbar squares adorned with pagodas and significant landmarks. In Bhaktapur, you can admire the Lu Dhowka (Golden Gate), the Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar (Palace of Fifty-five Windows), the five-story Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square, the Peacock Window, and Hanuman Ghat, which houses a collection of lingams, including the largest one in Nepal. Centered in Lalitpur is Patan Durbar Square, which includes Krishna Temple, the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), Rato Machhendranath Temple, and the Taleju Bhawani Temple that honors the deity of the Malla dynasty

Visa and Immigration

Nepal ranks among the most desirable destinations for travelers worldwide. Holders of Indian passports aren't required to obtain a visa for entering Nepal. The only necessary documents are an Election Card from the Election Commission and a voter's identity card. Conversely, international visitors must acquire a visa to enter Nepal. Once granted, the tourist visa for Nepal remains valid for six months. The maximum stay allowed with a tourist visa is up to 15 days, 30 days, or 90 days starting from the date of arrival. The allowed duration of your stay in Nepal is determined by the specific type of tourist visa that you request.