Kathmandu has stood in the Himalayan mountains for over 2000 years. Once believed to be Shangri-La, the mythical font of eternal youth, nowadays it’s a favourite destination for youthful adventurers and backpackers looking to experience all the thrills this epic landscape has to offer. From mountain-climbing to white-water rafting, few visitors come here to relax, which is just as well as modern day Kathmandu is a dizzying hive of activity crammed into narrow streets and lanes that still house hidden temples, fascinating backstreet markets and so much more.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Kathmandu
Durbar Square — Nepal’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durbar Square is an ancient site that has been a focal point for merchants and shoppers alike for over 1000 years. The square features as its centrepiece the Kasthamandap, or "Wooden house", from which the city derives its name, as well as many other buildings and statues of note. If the square itself is a bit too hectic for your liking, why not climb the steps to one of the surrounding temples and watch all the comings and goings from above.
Garden of Dreams / Kaiser Mahal — These idyllic walled gardens are the perfect place for quiet contemplation. Beautifully renovated and with a bar and a number of lovely cafes, the Garden of Dreams is not far from Thamel and the former Royal Palace, and also boasts two Hindu pavilions.
Swayambhu aka Monkey Temple — One of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites, the path to this hilltop compound requires a fair bit of exertion, but the view as you climb up the 350 steps to the top will take your breath away. And once you reach the temple itself you will discover a treasure trove of ancient carvings, not to mention a welcoming troupe of playful monkeys eager to make your acquaintance.
Itum Bahal — The largest Buddhist monastery courtyard in Kathmandu’s old town, this square has been an oasis of calm in the city for hundreds of years. The Kichandra Bahal on the courtyard’s western flank has been standing since 1381, and its Buddhist shrine evocatively features a Bodhi tree growing right through it. This is symbolic of just how long the sanctuary has offered refuge, and also perhaps evocative of the beliefs that inform the city’s welcoming attitude.
Things to See in Kathmandu
Another World Heritage Site in Kathmandu is Boudha Stupa in Boudha, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most sacred sites. The Narayanhiti Palace Museum occupies the former Royal palace and offers another place to see filled with historic interest. For a less regal experience of everyday Kathmandu, pop along to Thamel Chowk with its many restaurants and shops. If you need a moment of profound calm and reflection the Bhagwan Vishnu at Budda Neelkanth Temple is hard to beat.
Things to Do in Kathmandu
Trekking is of course the primary activity for most visitors to Nepal, but there are a few other things worth considering. The world’s third highest bungee jump is just a three hour bus ride away, whilst for those of you keen to get a bird’s eye view of this majestic landscape, you can book morning ‘flightseeing’ trips every day from Kathmandu airport.
