Kathmandu Travel Guide: Temples, Trekking & Nepal Tourism
Overview of Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It sits in a large valley with green hills all around. This city is famous for its old buildings and busy streets.
Our guide helps you explore this fun place. You will learn about the best spots to see. Plan your trip to Nepal's main city today.
Entry Details and Timing for Kathmandu
Most people who visit Kathmandu will need a visa. You can get a visa when you arrive at the airport. The process is simple for many countries.
Shops in the city usually open around 10 AM. They stay open until about 8 PM. Tourist areas like Thamel stay open much later.
You should plan to stay for five to seven days. This gives you enough time to see the city. It also lets you take short trips to nearby places.
What To Expect at Kathmandu?
When you arrive in Kathmandu, you will feel its energy. The streets are full of people, cars, and bikes. You will hear bells ringing from small shrines. The air smells like incense and yummy street food. People are friendly and often smile.
This Kathmandu travel guide shows you all the great spots. There are many fun things to do in Kathmandu. You can explore old squares and big white stupas. Or you can find a quiet garden to relax. The city has something for every type of traveler.
History of Kathmandu
The history of Kathmandu is very old. Legends say the valley was once a huge lake. A holy person cut the hill to drain the water. This made the valley a good place for people to live.
The city grew big during the Malla dynasty. They built many beautiful palaces and squares. For a long time, it was a key stop on the trade route. This route ran between India and Tibet.
Today, the city's past is still easy to see. Old buildings stand next to new ones. This mix makes the city very special. You can feel the history as you walk its streets.
Why Kathmandu is Known For
- Kathmandu is famous for its seven World Heritage Sites. These sites show the area's rich history and art. This is a big part of Nepal tourism.
- It is the main starting point for trekking adventures. Many climbers come here before they go to the high mountains.
- The city has many amazing temples. Hindu and Buddhist sites are found all over the valley.
- Local art and crafts are also very famous. You can find handmade paper, wood carvings, and metal statues.
More About Kathmandu Scenery
The city of Kathmandu is in a bowl-shaped valley. Green hills surround it on every side. These hills are great for short hikes. From the top, you can see the whole city below.
On very clear days, you can see the great Himalayas. The tall, white peaks stand against the blue sky. The view is amazing, especially at sunrise. At night, the city lights twinkle like stars in the valley.
The Bagmati River flows through the city. It is a holy river for many people. The scenery is a mix of city life and nature.
Architecture and Style of Kathmandu
The style of old buildings in Kathmandu is unique. You will see many pagoda-style roofs. These roofs are stacked on top of each other. They are often made of shiny metal or clay tiles.
Many buildings have detailed wood carvings. Look at the windows, doors, and roof supports. You will see gods, dragons, and flowers carved into the wood. This style is called Newar architecture.
Houses in the old parts of the city are made of red brick. They have small courtyards inside. The streets are often narrow and paved with stone. This makes you feel like you have gone back in time.
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Nepal is in the autumn. This is from September to November. The weather is clear and the air is fresh. The days are warm, and the nights are cool.
Spring is also a great time to visit Kathmandu. This season runs from March to May. The flowers are in bloom, and the weather is nice. These two seasons are the most popular.
To avoid big crowds, you can come in the winter. December and January are cold but sunny. The summer monsoon brings a lot of rain. It lasts from June to August.
How to Reach Kathmandu
The main way to reach Kathmandu is by air. Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) is the city's airport. It is the only international airport in Nepal. Flights come here from many cities in Asia and the Middle East.
From the airport, you can take a taxi to your hotel. It is a short drive to the main tourist areas.
You can also travel to the city by bus. Buses run from towns on the border with India. The bus ride can be long but shows you the country's landscape.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kathmandu
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Carry a bottle of water with you.
- Follow the local rules and customs.
- Stay safe and be aware of your things.
- Respect the Kathmandu culture and its people.
- Bring clothes you can wear in layers.
- Do not bring items that are banned.
- Always ask before you take a photo of someone.
- Try the local food but be careful with street food.
- Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Bargain politely when you shop in markets.
- Learn a few Nepali words like "Namaste."
Top Attractions In or Near Kathmandu
-
Swayambhunath Stupa: This spot is in Kathmandu on a high hill. It is also called the Monkey Temple. You can see the whole valley from the top. The big white dome has the eyes of Buddha painted on it.
-
Boudhanath Stupa: This is one of the biggest stupas in the world. It is in Kathmandu and is a very important place for Buddhists. Many people walk around it while spinning prayer wheels. The area has many rooftop cafes with great views.
-
Pashupatinath Temple: This is a very holy Hindu temple on the river. It is a sacred place for worship. Only Hindus can go inside the main temple. But visitors can see the buildings and ceremonies from the other side of the river.
-
Kathmandu Durbar Square: This old square is in the heart of the city. It has old palaces, courtyards, and temples. You can see the old royal palace here. It is a great place to see traditional Nepali architecture.
-
Thamel: This is the main tourist neighborhood in Kathmandu. It is full of hotels, shops, and restaurants. The streets are busy and full of life. It is the best place to buy souvenirs and plan your trips.
-
Patan Durbar Square: This spot is in the nearby city of Patan. It is known for its amazing art and architecture. The square is full of temples and a beautiful old palace. It is less crowded than the square in the main city.
