There are many best places to visit in Kathmandu. The trip to the Himalayas is why most people visit Kathmandu. However, many people are unaware of Kathmandu’s secret gems. There are several must-see destinations before or after your vacation to the Himalayas.
The Kathmandu Valley’s main attractions are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. You can also explore and learn about the new places.
Table of Contents
10 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu
Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple, one of Nepal’s holiest Hindu shrines, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Shaktipeetha. It has 518 small temples and a main pagoda house. The temple complex is only accessible to Hindus. The Jyotirlinga, located in the Pashupatinath temple, is believed to represent the head of the body, which consists of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas. It stretches along both sides of the beautiful and sacred Bagmati River on the eastern fringes of the capital city of Kathmandu.
The majestic shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts thousands of devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek his grace. The environment is joyful and celebratory on occasions such as Sankranti, Mahashivaratri, and Teej. Visitors who are not Hindu are welcome to see the temple on the other side of the Bagmati River.
Boudhanath Stupa
Budhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest and most important stupas. It is believed that a monarch of the Nepalese Licchavi Kingdom built it in the late 5th/6th century, and it was later rebuilt and added to, most likely in the 14 century. The stupa is 100 meters in diameter. It is both Nepal’s and South Asia’s largest stupa. The Budhanath Stupa is 36 meters tall. There are numerous buildings in the stupa, each unique in some way.
This was designed in mandala architecture to resemble Tibet’s Gyangtse. The stupa was built by placing Kassapa Buddha’s relics inside. Budhanath Stupa was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Over the years, the Budhanath Stupa has been known as the Buddha Stupa, Chorten, Chaitya, Jarung Khashor, and Khasti. Every day, thousands of pilgrims from many religions gather here. Many monasteries and smaller stupas surround Budhanath Stupa.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of Nepal’s three Durbar Squares. It is also known as the Museum of Temples, as it contains over 50 temples, palaces, and courtyards. Basantapur Square, central Durbar Square, and Hanuman Dhoka are divided into three squares. The majority of Durbar Square is open to tourists. The open Basantapur Square area is located to the south of the complex, while the central Durbar Square area is located to the west. The former was a stable where royal elephants were kept for many years. Today, it is home to souvenir shops.
The second half of the square lies in the northeast of the complex. The entrance to the Hanuman Dhoka is set in this area. The location is an active walkway that connects various streets for the general public. Although the durbar is no longer used for coronations, it is popular for celebrations such as Dashain, Indra Jatra, Machhindranath Jatra, and Gaijatra.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the main tourist attractions in Kathmandu Valley. It was previously home to Bhaktapur’s royal family. Tourists can explore the full complex of four squares, known locally as Khwopa or the ancient Newa City, which includes Taumadhi Square, Durbar Square, Pottery Square, and Dattatreya Square. It is located approximately 13 kilometers east of the Kathmandu Valley.
The entire square is an impressive display of traditional Newari architecture. The square was extensively damaged in Nepal’s earthquakes of 1934 and 2015. Most ancient architecture was damaged, and several buildings, statues, and structures were destroyed.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
The Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), located atop Semgu Hill on the borders of Kathmandu Valley, is one of Nepal’s most prominent religious sites. The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most popular places and the holiest site among Buddhists and Tibetans. Once inside the temple, climb the 365 steps to the top to enjoy a panoramic view of the capital city, Kathmandu.
With a white dome stupa and various shrines, this place attracts visitors daily. Circumnavigating the temple in a clockwise direction is common among pilgrims because it is believed to wash away all sins. This holy place of worship is also known as Swayambhunath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Swayambhu Maha Chaitya. It has been around for centuries and has long overlooked most of the Kathmandu Valley.
Chandragiri Hill
Chandragiri Hill is located in the south-west of Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Chandragiri Hill is a popular day trip destination. The main attraction of Chandragiri Hill is the mountaintop. The top offers breathtaking views of the stunning Himalayan mountain ranges. The crisp, cold weather will surround you, with a snow-covered peak of various mountain massifs rising above the cloudy mist and the green valley of Kathmandu at the bottom. It looks magnificent and glorious. The best way to reach Chandragiri Hill is through the cable car.
The Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple on Chandragiri Hill has a pleasant, vintage vibe. The temple has two levels of pagoda-influenced Nepalese architecture, wooden grid windows, and wall carvings of many gods and goddesses. You can also see the statue of King Prithivi Narayan Shah standing outside the temple.
Budanilkhantha Temple
Budhanilkantha Temple is an open-air shrine in Kathmandu Valley at the foothills of Shivapuri Hill. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has a unique statue of the main god lying down in a pool of water. This is Nepal’s largest stone statue. It is said the name Budhanilkantha, which means “old blue throat,” was created during the rule of Vishnu Gupta, a monarch who worked under the King of the valley of Kathmandu, King Bhimarjuna Dev, in the 7th century.
Some locals say a farmer and his wife discovered the statue while plowing a field. They struck something while plowing, and blood began to ooze from the ground. After digging deeper, they discovered a massive idol of Lord Vishnu.
There is also a myth about a curse that comes with visiting the temple. According to legend, King Pratap Malla had a vision that convinced him that they would die if the King went to the temple. As a result, no King of Nepal ever visited this temple.
People think it’s a miracle that the idol has been lying on Sheshnaag while floating in a pool of water for years. A small piece of the idol was tested after the middle of the 1900s and found to be made of low-density silica-based stone similar to lava rock in many ways. Many people, both devotees and tourists, come to the Budhanilkantha Temple. They come especially during the Haribondhini Ekadashi Mela.
Kopan Monastery
Kopan Monastery is a stunning Tibetan Buddhist Monastery founded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is located on the Kopan Hilla (20 minutes drive from the city center) on the outskirts of Kathmandu. You can spend a few hours exploring the beautiful and tranquil monastery, attending a retreat, or taking one of the courses. Kopan Monastery is a popular tourist destination that attracts those interested in learning Tibetan Mahayana Buddhism.
You can enroll in a short-term (7-day) course to get a feel for this ancient way of living. The facilities are essential, but they make sure everyone leaves feeling calm and collected. They have a cafe where travelers can enjoy a simple and wholesome vegetarian meal before strolling through the monastery gardens. Everyone is welcome to observe the peace, even for an hour.
Sanga
Sanga is a famous Hindu pilgrimage and one of the best places to visit in Nepal. It is about 20 kilometers east of Kathmandu, between the Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchwok districts. One of the main attractions of Sanga is the Kailashnath Mahadev statue, standing at 144 feet. It is the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva. Sanga has various temples, including the Nasikasthan, Ashapureshowr, Latarameshowr, and Sweet (Seto) Bhairab, which hold great spiritual significance for visitors.
The Sanga offers a pleasant retreat with its cool, green surroundings and is a gateway to nearby attractions like Dhulikhel and Namobuddha. You can find many affordable resorts and the best hotels around Sanga.
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Conclusion
Kathmandu is the most holy and peaceful place and capital city of Nepal. The beauty of nature surrounds Kathmandu. There are several popular places to visit in Kathmandu. Anyone who wants to visit the city can find something they like, whether interested in nature, adventure, food, wildlife, or culture. Kathmandu has a lot of the best places to visit. You can spend the morning hiking in the mountains and the evening exploring the bust streets of the city. From soothing experiences to thrilling adventures, Kathmandu is full of fascinating places that will mesmerize you.
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FAQs
Which is the most beautiful place in Kathmandu?
One of the most beautiful places in Kathmandu is Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Swayambhunath sits on a hill and offers stunning views of the city. The Swayambhunath temple is a peaceful spot. It is surrounded by prayer flags, small shrines, and monkeys roaming around.
What are three places you can visit in Kathmandu?
You can visit the three places in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath Temple, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, and Patan Durbar Square. Pashupatinath is an important religious site for Hindus. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is home to 177 species of birds, 102 species of butterflies, and 129 species of mushrooms, and Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines.
What is the famous of Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is famous for several tourist places like Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Monkey Temple, Boudha Stupa, Basantapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Narayanhiti Palace Museum and many more.
Is three days enough for Kathmandu?
Three days in Kathmandu is just the right amount of time. You’ll have enough time to visit the essential places in the city and explore the charming spots in the Kathmandu Valley. Many people who come to Kathmandu also use it as a place to get ready before heading off on a trek.
What is the most famous street in Kathmandu?
The most famous street in Kathmandu is Thamel. Thamel is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that serves as the city’s tourist hub.
