Places to visit in Kathmandu

This site is located deep in the heart of Kathmandu and includes several important attractions, including the Kasthamandap, the KumaruGhar, Jagannath Palace and Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Taleju Temple, and the Jagannath Temple. Various rulers and kings have dedicated themselves to building this complex over the course of many centuries since it boasts of a huge royal square with intricate displays carved out of wood and stone, exemplifying architectural styles connected culturally and socially to the local Hindus. KathmandyDubar Square is present right at the heart of the old city of Kathmandu in Basantpur and never fails to impress all the first-time visitors with its meticulous wood carvings and interesting history. Surrounded with various concrete buildings and structures, the complex happens to be an oasis in the midst of a fast-rising, chaotic and modern city.

The site served as the residence of the whole royal family of Nepal and all the coronation ceremonies took place at the spot. The palace seems to be a combination of western and eastern styles of architecture with additions by the Shah and Rana rulers over the centuries. A number of temples are present in the vicinity including the famous temple dedicated to TalejuBhawani. There are two different courtyards in the Durbar, the outer Kasthamandap known as KumariGhar and the Shiva Parvati Temple, and the inner section consists of the main palace and the Hanuman Dhoka. A few floors of the site have been transformed into museums which depict the history of three whole generations of the Shah kings. Most of the areas of the palace premises remain open to tourists over the course of the week.

One of the most popular and the ancient temples of Nepal, the Pashupati Nath Temple is located in Kathmandu. With River Bagmati flowing on one side of the temple, this ardent Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal.

Known for: Panch Deval Complex, Lingams, and the Golden Spire of the temple with silver sheeted doors. 

How to reach: Take a tourist bus from the city center.

Cost: The entry is free, as it is a temple.

Operating hours: 4 am to noon, 6 pm to 7 pm.

Any precautions/ must carry items etc.: Wear traditional attire.

Type: Temple.

There are plenty of religious sites in Kathmandu and some of them date back to the ancient times. The Boudhanath Stupa, for example, happens to be the biggest stupa in all of Nepal and is the centre of Tibetan culture in the city of Kathmandu. The structure happens to be rich in Buddhist symbolism. KumariGhar happens to be the home of the Living Goddess, a specially chosen girl from the community who is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Durga. The brick building has been decorated in a beautiful manner with all types of reliefs carved in wood.The Swayambhunath Stupa can only be reached by climbing a high and steep staircase and the atmospheric "Monkey Temple" at the top is the oldest and most important Buddhist shrine in the entire city of Kathmandu.

The museums of the city of Kathmandu tend to have a lot of historical value since they showcase artifacts which cover various dynasties and centuries that ruled the country. The Kathmandu Valley consists of a number of art galleries and museums which display art works from the past and the present. The museums tend to have a rich collection of historical, archaeological, and artistic significance. Some of the most important museums in the city include the the Museum of Natural History at Swayambhu, National Museum at Chhauni, the National Library at Puchowk,the museums at Kathmandu Durbar Square, National Birendra Art Gallery at Naxal,Kaiser Library at Thamel, National Woodworking Museum at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Asa Archives at Tangal, Bronze and Brass Museum at Bhaktapur, National Art Gallery at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and the Nepal National Ehnographic Museum at BhrikutiMandap.

There are lots of beautiful parks and gardens in the city of Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Fun Valley is one of the most important sites in Kathmandu and has loads of fun rides and countless promises hours of entertainment. There are some major attractions at the BhrikutiMandap Fun Bark. The Botanical Garden in Kathmandu is situated at Godavari. The Balaju Water Garden and the Garden of Dreams are well worth a visit.

The most famous landmark in the city of Kathmandu is Durbar Square.