Top 8 Best places to visit in kathmandu

Are you planning to visit Kathmandu, or are you already in Kathmandu and wondering what the best places to visit in Kathmandu are? Then you are on the right page, as here we will be discussing the top 8 best places to visit in Kathmandu. As you know, the Kathmandu Valley is the capital city of Nepal, known for its cultural heritage and ancient temples, which are also called the temples of the city.

In Kathmandu, you will see the ancient museums, temples, Gumbas, and monasteries; beautiful gardens; local markets; and the hustling and bustling, never-sleeping city.  Whether you are an adventure lover, peace lover, or nature lover, Kathmandu Valley, and Surround is perfect for you to spend quality time with yourself and your family. Let’s discuss in detail the places:

Pashupatinath temple

Pashupatinath Temple is a historic and must-visit place in Kathmandu. It does not matter which religion you are—Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and more. Every religion’s followers are welcome here and treated as guests, and they are respected here. Pashupatinath Temple is famous for being the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (sacred shrines of Shiva) presenting immense spiritual value. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historic background.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies near the riverbank of the Bagmati River, making it a sacred place. Bathing in the river and praying in the temple is believed to be the place of salvation, free from all the sins people have in their lives. You will often see Sadhu, the holy guru, sitting here and praying to the Lord Shiva. It’s the cultural hub for the Hindus, making it the perfect spot for spiritual practice and devotion.

Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath Temple is another sacred place for the Buddhist followers. It is believed to be over 2000 years old, making it the most historic site in the Kathmandu Valley. The story of the formation of Swayambhunath is unique and interesting, as it is believed that 2000 years ago Kathmandu was against a lake, and there was a lotus flower in the middle of the lake, and one day when Manjushri was on her visit to Kathmandu, she saw the lotus, and she thought of draining the water, due to which she cut the Chobar hills, and the water drained out, and the flower was naturally made, due to which it’s called the self-existent temple.

It is famous for its spiritual significance and panoramic views of 360-degree Kathmandu from the top. It is also the symbol of alignment and cultural richness.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is another notable place to visit in Kathmandu Valley. It is believed to be the palace of the Malla Dynasty, due to which it’s known for its rich history, art, and architecture. It’s one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, as it’s one of the oldest palaces in Nepal, built in the 12th and 18th centuries. When visiting this place, you will experience the daily life of the local people, their rituals, and festivals that unfold amidst ancient architecture.

Suggested Read: Best time to visit Nepal

Also, you can visit the places within the Durbar Square, which are the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, Kumari Ghar—Home of the Living Goddess, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, Jagannath Temple, and many more. If you love exploring ancient marvels, then this can be the best place for you.

Thamel

Thamel is another must-visit place, or you can stay in Thamel only, as it’s in the heart of the city, and it’s for tourists from all over the world, making it a tourist hotspot. Thamel has been a tourist hub since 1970, as it was popularized by hippie travelers. It is the place where you will find local handicrafts, vibrant streets, national and international cuisine restaurants, nightlife, and cultural fusions. You can visit places like the Garden of Dreams, live music, and bars; you can go shopping in the vibrant streets of Thamel; or you can stay in top-star hotels like Aloft and Yatri.

You can visit clubs like Lod and Purple Haze, or you can book your adventure and trek from the different offices for tours like Muktinath temple, or the treks like Manaslu circuit trek, Annapurna base camp, EBC trek, or your adventure activities like rafting. It does not matter what you want to book from Thamel; you can do it. If you want me to suggest the best trekking agency for every activity, then it’s Adventure Vision Treks, the best youth company hosted by Jiban Thapaliya in the city.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is another beautiful destination for you to witness the majestic Himalayan ranges like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, and the socially Everest ranges as well if the weather is very clear and dust-free. Nagarkot is a peaceful hilltop located at an altitude of 2,175 meters above sea level. Nagarkot is known for its peaceful vibe and nature. You can visit star hotels that offer the best rooms, and the rooms offer the best views of the Himalayan ranges while sleeping from the bed. You can go hiking and relax in nature. It’s the best place in Kathmandu if you want to escape from the hustling and bustling city area.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is another place in Kathmandu that takes you back to the medieval time. The Bhaktapur is known as the Bhadgaon or Khowa, sometimes located just a 30-minute drive from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites for its beauty and ancient marvels, culture, and traditions. You can visit places like 55 Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, Golden Gate (Sundhoka), Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square (Talako Tole). The place is known for its ancient culture and traditions, art, and architecture; it is known for its festivals like Indra Jatra, local crafts, and food. Don’t forget to try Juju Dhau and the Newari Khaja set here, which are the best foods you can try here.

Chandragiri Hills

Chandargiair Hills is known for its awesome views of the cities and mountains. It lies at an altitude of 2551 above sea level. It’s famous for the viewpoint of the Himalayan ranges like Langtang, Manaslu, Everest, and the Ganesh Himal. You can do a cable car ride here. On the top of the hills, Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple is a sacred place for the late King Prithvi Narayan Sah. On the top of the hill, you will find the resorts and restaurants offering the best foods.

If you are a couple or family, this can be the best place to visit and spend time with your loved ones. It’s the perfect spot for adventure and relaxation. You can ride to Chandragiri or just hike here, or you can just take a cable car ride and enjoy.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is one of the best places in Kathmandu if you love exploring the ancient arts and architecture with the blend of the modern world. Patan is believed to have been established during the Licchavi period (around the 3rd century CE) and was a hub of Buddhist and Hindu culture, art, and architecture. The Malla rulers contributed significantly to the construction of temples, shrines, and monuments. It is known to rot the royal application of the Malla kings, who once sued to rule over Kathmandu, later taken over by the late king Prithvi Narayan Sah.

You can visit places like Patan Museum, Krishna Mandir (a sacred place for the Hindus), Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), Mahabouddha Temple (also known as the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas), and Royal Palace (Patan Durbar). Also, you will experience the local Newari culture the same as Bhaktapur.

Suggested Read: Why Annapurna Circuit Trek should be on your bucket list?