Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu is a bewitching place which we can’t illustrate its greatness with some striking words. The heritage, culture, religious significance, history, nature, majestic peaks, and a lot more in Kathmandu entertain every type of traveler. Especially, the city with an uncountable number of temples and monasteries highlights it as the best historical site in Nepal as well as in the world. In addition to this, the city folded in the Himalayas offers exciting adventurous acts such as trekking, hiking, rafting, paragliding, etc. With all these, Kathmandu looks like a perfect tourist hub with all variations.
Before you visit this tourist hub city, here some top prior tourist attractions of Kathmandu was placed. So, please take a read with patience to plan what to explore in Kathmandu.
Among numerous Durbar Squares in Nepal, Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is the finest one and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The history of Nepal kingdom was born in this place. From centuries back many kings ruled Nepal from this seat. Due to the reason, here you can witness the true Nepalese ancient culture in different forms. The architectural styles and craftsmanship jeweled in this Durbar Square remembers the back days of Nepal.
In this Durbar Square, the must-see portions are Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Bahal, Taleju temple, Kasthamandap, and Jagannath temple. Horrible thing is, in the 2015 earthquake this place was the most effected area. That’s why many major things were wiped out. But still, the glory of Kathmandu lights bright.
UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pashupatinath temple located on the banks of sacred Bagmati River is the holiest place in Nepal for Hindus. Hordes of people will come to this sacred place to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. In Kathmandu, this temple is an architectural masterpiece with brilliant use of Pagoda architectural style. Intricate design works, roofs made of copper, silver coated doors, and many more, showcases splendid architectural styles of Nepal.
The major attractions of the temple are Golden statue of Nandi, Sacro sanctum means Mukkhalinga (a linga with a face). It is said to be this temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
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Boudhanath Stupa is the largest and famous temple in Nepal. In 1979, it was recognized by UNESCO World Heritage site for its stunning architectural styles and religious significance. To this place, a large number of Buddhist pilgrims visits daily. The Stupa in an octagonal shape with a diameter of 120mts surrounded by 147 prayer wheels looks massive and shocking.
Here at this Stupa, the things to observe are the five statues of Dhyani Buddhas, nine levels symbolizing Mount Meru, and 108 images of Buddhist deities. For Buddhists, this is one of the best religious sites in the world.
To enjoy the floral beauty of Nepal in a glance, the Royal Botanical Garden is the best and ideal spot. This beautiful botanical garden is located at the base of Phulchowki hill with an area of 82 hectares. Here in this garden, you can see nearly 500 different species of plant. At this wonderful garden, you can experience various types of rock plants, lilies, ferns, ornamental plants, orchids, rhododendron collections, and many more.
Vision center of this garden is a nice place to catch the beautiful looks of different floral plants at a time. After it, coronation pond is another great attraction in this garden. Just to chill in a pleasant environment, Royal Botanical Gardens is the best one.
Located on Semgu Hill of Kathmandu valley, Swayambhunath temple is another sacred place for Buddhist followers after Boudhanath Stupa. This Buddhist temple complex was built by King Mahadeva in the 5th century. The complex comprised of a mighty Stupa, numerous shrines and temples, museum and library, and a Tibetan monastery makes aware of different principles of Lord Buddha.
Here temples with Lord Buddha eyes is a different thing to see. Monkey temple is also an important portion because this temple is the abode for monkey troops. After climbing 365 steps you will reach the temple but the views of Kathmandu valley make you forget the strain of climbing 365 steps.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a witness of historic tales where the transformation of Nepal had taken place from monarchy rule to Democracy. Until 2008, this palace is home to the monarchies of Nepal. But in the year 2008, Nepalese people voted for Democracy and shot downed the monarchy rule. Notably, the 2001 massacre of royals by crown prince Dipendra is a well-known issue in this palace. In such a way, this palace is home to many political dramas in Nepal.
What to see in the museum means, several meeting rooms, belongings of royals, a large tiger skin rug, beautiful chandeliers, witnesses of the 2001 massacre, and its architecture.
In Kathmandu, Thamel region is quite popular for shopping, restaurants, and heritage walk tours. This place was dotted with a huge number of shops, restaurants, and temples. Also, Thamel is one of the oldest areas of Kathmandu and well-known as the tourist industry of Nepal. Here tourists will be seen very busy in shopping or having some delicious food. Everything will be found in this region but we have to show some bargain skills.
In a word, Thamel is the center point of the tourism industry. Because here you can opt for different tours and travels, it is a base camp for trekkers, home to an infinite number of shopping destinations and restaurants, and so on. So just take a walk to explore this tourist industry.
For Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a wildlife treasure. In 1973, the Chitwan National Park covering an area of 932sqkms was marked as the nation’s first National Park. Until the 19th century, this park was used as winter hunting grounds for Nepal’s royals. Later in 1984, it was recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park with conditions of marshlands and rippling grasslands home to many endangered animals and plants.
Here you can spot one-horned rhinos, elephants, tigers, sloth bears, leopards, gharial crocodiles, and 540 bird species. According to 2011 recordings, this park holds 501 rhinos and 125 tigers. However, in Kathmandu, a visit to this national park is must and should.
Dakshinkali temple is one of the sacred places in Kathmandu and Nepal too. It is a famous temple dedicated to Mata Kali who is the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The idol of Mata Kali holding a sword and a skull cap seem to be furious and anger.
For religious acts and traditions, this temple was the name. The chants of the people, loud rings of bells, and different musical instruments make you feel goosebumps. Especially, twice a week here animal sacrifices will be carried out. People sacrifice their goats and cockerels to the goddess for the fulfillment of their wishes. To witness the culture and traditions of Kathmandu, a visit to this temple is the must.
In Kathmandu Durbar Square complex, Hanuman Dhoka is a magnificent part with stunning architecture. Once this was a royal palace for Malla kings and Shah dynasty. Here the statue of Lord Hanuman at the gateway is a major attraction. Due to this reason, this palace got fame as Hanuman Dhoka, here Dhoka means gateway. Statues in this palace are the significant portions which exhibit brilliant architecture styles of the 16 th century. Some of the best-known are Vermilion smeared statue, Narasimha statue, and a few. Another interesting thing is from here you can reach Nasal Chowk, Mul chowk, Tribhuvan museum, and Mul Chowk. Among them, the Tribhuvan Museum is the worthy place to see the royal belongings in the complex.
Garden of Dreams located in Kathmandu is a wonderful place to get rid of stresses and hurry burry life. The garden seems to be if a dream comes true maybe it will be like this. Such beautifully and perfectly the garden was shaped out. This garden was built by Field Marshall Kaiser Shumsher between 1892 and 1964 inspired from Edwardian England trip. Later, the Austrian team renovated this garden.
The things in the garden that steals your heart are exquisite fountains, ponds, marble inscriptions, a hidden garden with three marvelous pavilions, and some other pretty things. For a relaxing and calm environment, the Garden of dreams is the right choice to dream beautiful moments.
At the outskirts of Kathmandu, Taudaha Lake is a pleasant destination to get relax in lush greenery. The lake surrounded by mountains and greenery offers a pleasing environment to enjoy nature’s grace. Here what attracts tourists come to this lake is its environment and birds. This lake is a perfect place for birdwatchers. Different migratory birds visit this lake. Visiting the places like Taudaha takes you to a serene world.
It’s an interesting place to visit in Kathmandu. Kumari Bahal is a beautiful palace which was made of wood and red bricks. The architectural styles and intricate carvings embellished to the palace attracts everyone to visit. What’s the interesting thing about this palace is the living goddess “Kumari Devi”. People believe that she will protect the community and region. For the position of Goddess, a prepubescent girl will be chosen from Bajracharya or Shakya castes. She will reside in that palace until she’s period completed. Only during some festival days, Kumari Devi will appear to the devotees. And also, photography is not allowed in this palace.
Asan Tole is a paradise for shopaholics. In Kathmandu, this shopping destination is quite popular for every item or thing. Everything will found here from home needs to clothes, footwear, and so on. Simply, there will be no item that shouldn’t found in this market. Due to this market is a historic one, here you can observe unique structured market streets and some historical temples also. The best things to buy here are spices, all local needs, clothing, footwear, copperware, sweets, brassware, woolens, etc. Once you visit the place you can purchase what you like.
Visiting Kathmandu and not going to a monastery is a big mistake. If you want to go, Kopan monastery on the Kopan hills, close to Kathmandu is the best place. This sacred monastery was established by Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa. In this monastery, they started to teach Mahayana Buddhism to the people. Here you can join in the courses like meditations, following vegetarian diets, etc. Also, you can choose one week course.
At this monastery, you can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere with the serene vibes of Buddhism. Views from this hilltop monastery attract everyone. If anyone wants to learn about Buddhism means, this is the right place to come.
Established in 1928, the National Museum of Nepal in Kathmandu is very famous throughout the country. This national museum houses three main portions namely Historical Museum Building, Buddhist Art Galley, and Juddha Jayatia Kala Shala. All these portions known for exhibiting Nepal’s history, culture, and Buddhism.
Here in this museum, you can explore the historical things, weapons, artworks, different species of plants and animals, statues, cultural attractions, philatelic sections, etc. This museum is a great wealth of Nepal’s history and culture. To know more about Kathmandu and Nepal visiting this museum is fine enough.
It is all about the top 15 best tourist attractions to explore and to experience different shades of Kathmandu tourism. Not only this but also many other tourist destinations of Kathmandu surprises you with different attractions. So if you want to explore Kathmandu’s eternal beauty include these places in your bucket list.