Major Temples and Stupas
Kathmandu is the city of temples, and more than three thousand of them within the valley itself. Let's begin with the major temples and stupas you can visit as a tourist.
Pashupatinath Temple
The very holy plus sacred Pashupatinath Temple of Kathmandu is visited by nearly 1.5 million tourists annually. The prime time to visiting this tourist area is during the Mahashivratri Festival, a sight worth watching as tons of ascetic yogis roam around this region.
In this sacred temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped, who is believed to have taken the form of ‘Pashupatinath’ (protector of animals). Not to forget that even human beings are considered as social animals.
Pashupatinath Temple is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Residing at the banks of the holy Bagmati River, you'll also get to witness the rites of cremation.
And during the evening time, there's a grand ‘Sandhya Arati’ performed every single day. Don't miss this must-do activity when you're in Kathmandu!
Bouddhanath Stupa
The Bouddhanath Stupa is as holy as the Pashupatinath Temple for the Buddhist community that live in Nepal. It's another location of Kathmandu - listed in 'UNESCO World Heritage site'.
The Bouddhanath Stupa's mandala - makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. The special thing we'd like to share about this place is that it is believed that there are remains of Gautam Buddha here.
Its architecture also has symbolic meaning. The base represents earth, the dome represents water, the spire represents air and top pinnacle represents void.
Once you enter the gate of the Bouddhanath Stupa, you'll instantly see the glimpse of a spiritual walking called “kora walk” around the stupa. It's best that you walk for three rounds to bring spiritual purification within yourselves.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Just like Bouddhanath Stupa Swoyambhunath has a symbolic significance among the Buddhist community. Every step of Swoyambhunath (a total of 13) represents each stage (out of 13) of Nirvana.
This holy tourist place is located in a hill station of Kathmandu and has numerous rhesus macaque monkeys. That's also why - Swoyambhunath is often referred to as the ‘Monkey Temple’.
Let us also not forget - the fact that it is one of the oldest stupas in the globe. It is also another tourist place in Kathmandu to have its name under the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When visiting this landmark, you won't just pay respects to the stupa but also get a spectacular view of the polluted Kathmandu Valley. In fact, when the sky is clear (especially in the winter season), you'll be able to see the snow-capped mountains, mainly the Langtang Himal range.
Dakshinkali Temple
If you're willing to witness unique rituals of the Hindu community, like animal sacrifisation, Daskinkali Temple should be on your bucket list when visiting Kathmandu.
While most Saturdays are busy, the main time to visit this temple is on Dashain. During the crowded days, you get to see people offering animal sacrifises to Goddess Kali.
It's indeed a unique sight to witness and you don't have to be scared seeing the scarification. It's just one part of ritual and worship done by devotees.
Dakshinkali Temple is a little away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu valley. And when you’re travelling to this destination, other landmarks are worth visiting too. We’ll get to them soon.
Budhanilkantha Temple
This is another holy temple for Hindu people where Lord Vishnu worshipped. It’s located right below the Shivapuri Hills.
The temple features a 5-meter statue of sleeping Vishnu, which represents the cosmic rest between the cycles of creation and destruction. But accordingly to legends, temple has a significant relevance of Lord Shiva too.
It’s believed that the pond is directly connected to Gosaikunda. And name of ‘Budhanilkantha’ itself represents ‘Nilkantha a title provided to Lord Shiva after he drank poison to save the world.
Besides Hindus, even Buddhists worship Budhanilkantha as the ‘Blue-Throated Buddha’. They believe that the statue is of Avalokiteshvara, a tenth-level bodhisattva.
Kopan Monastery
Kopan Monastery, often referred to as Kapan Gumba, is the perfect tourist place in Kathmandu for those seeking spiritual guidance and inner peace. It’s not open for everybody (even locals), and you have to get a special permit to enter.
While it used to be a sight to visit in the past, Kopan Monastery now functions as a hub for spirituality and educational offerings. More than 3000 people visit here for this purpose every single year!
Reportedly, more than 360 monks, lamas, teachers and workers live here. You’ll find monks from both Nepal and Tibet whose age ranges from 7 to 70. Kopan Monastery can be your go-to spot for practising the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, mainly that of Lama Tsong Khapa.
Also, note that the surrounding area has its school, nunnery, and many monastic events are conducted every year. It’s a rare place to be in.
White Monastery (Seto Gumba)
Another peaceful tourist spot in Kathmandu is the White Monastery. Locals call it the ‘Seto Gumba’, because its all white, and the scene from a little far looks mesmerizing.
However, its original name is Druk Amitabh Mountain, and its located a little north of the Swayanhunath Stupa that we discussed earlier. Note that you can only pay a visit here every Sunday.
While it definitely holds a religious significance among the Buddhists, White Monastery is also a great place to enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. Most people go there to experience Tibetan architecture and culture.
You’ll get to witness paintings, murals, statues, and other Buddhist cultural practices here. It’s one of the places in the city offering peaceful as well as serene environment.
Vajrayogini Temple
Vajrayogini Temple might not be a popular tourist place in Kathmandu. But if you’ve fallen in love with the temples in Kathmandu, we surely don’t want you to miss out on this hidden gem.
Located in Bajrayogini, Sanku, traveling to the temple takes you via narrow village roads and wheat fields. Once you reach the destination you’ll understand why this temple is so underrated.
The main temple is a three-story structure, where you’ll find the statue of the goddess Vajrayogini. There are also other small temples in the region and even a Buddha Shakyamuni stupa.
In fact, there are even multiple caves that too hold great significance for the Hindus as well as Buddhists.
Kathesimbhu Stupa
For those of you who are unable to make it to Swayambhunath Stupa during your short Nepal trip an alternative is the Kathesimbhu Stupa. It’s widely recognized as Kaathe Swyambhu, but also has other names.
Just like thirteen steps in Swayambhunath Kathesimbhu Stupa also features thirteen steps which represent the 13 stages of reaching Nirvana.
According to mythology, this chaitya was constructed using the remaining materials after the completion of Swayambhunath Temple. The people in Ason and nearby areas visit here and also conduct different events, one mainly on the full moon of Asoj.
Charumati Stupa
Charumati Stupa of Chabahil, Kathmandu, is often overlooked by many tourists but the spot is worth stopping by when you’re on your way to Bouddhanath Stupa.
While it may not offer a significant space it’s still one of the oldest stupas in Kathmandu Valley carrying rich history and Buddhist culture.
Since Charumati Stupa was built by Indian emperor Ashoka’s daughter Charumati it’s named after her. During its reconstruction back in 2003, many artefacts, coins, and manuscripts were found that dated back to the Licchvi period.
Museums, Libraries, and Historical Landmarks
Kathmandu is heavily rich in history, and culture. Archaeologists have even found evidence that the capital city of Nepal has been a habitant of people for over 2000 years.
There have been plenty of ancient landmarks, still preserved to this date. Let’s explore the main landmarks of Kathmandu in greater detail here below.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
As we mentioned earlier, Kathmandu is considered the city of temples. And this royal palace museum at the heart of the city makes the phrase even more realistic as there are more than 50 temples here itself.
That’s also the reason Kathmandu Durbar Square is referred to as the ‘museum of temples’. It’s another tourist destination in Kathmandu that is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It was the Royal Palace of the Malla Kings, and Shah kings until 1886 when they shifted to Narayanhiti Royal Palace. The entrance to this palace is called ‘Hanuman Dhoka’ all thanks to the statue of Lord Hanuman right on the door.
However, the very popular ‘Hanuman Dhoka Palace’ isn’t just limited to the entrance. It features Nasal Chok, Mul Chok, Mohan Chok, Sundari Chok, ten large courtyards, and multiple museums.
The entire Kathmandu Durbar Square Museum, aka Basantapur Durbar Kshetra is home to exquisite stone carvings, thrones, ornaments, weapons, lavish furniture, wooden temple carvings, and plenty more.
While we can certainly not list all 50 temples in the region. let’s have a look at the most significant ones here:
Kashthamandap Temple
This has to be one of the architectural masterpieces of Kathmandu but was sadly destroyed after the devastating earthquake of 2015. It has been reconstructed now ensuring the designs remain intact.
While the 7.9 earthquake is a sad memory for all Nepalese, it did lead to some hidden manuscripts that mentioned Jayasthithi Malla, Jyotir Malla and Yogmati Bhattarika, which added to the extraction of more information related to Nepal’s medieval history.
Shree Kal Bhairav Temple
A holy spot in the Kathmandu Durbar Square premises is the temple of Shree Kal Bhairav. Sculptured from a single stone, the statue of Kal Bhairav is featured in the open area of Basantapur.
There are both early morning and late evening aratis. This means that you can relax on one of the temple’s stairs and watch the rituals right in front of your eyes.
Kumari Bahal
When you’re travelling to Kathmandu you must know that there’s a living goddess living here. She’s called ‘Kumari’ and there’s a huge crowd every single day to watch her come out of her home’s balcony.
There are actually multiple Kumaris in Nepal but the one we are referring to here is the most significant one who is called the Royal Kumari. She’s considered the reincarnation of goddess Taleju and there’s a complex selection process among the Newar community to select a young girl as Kumari.
Note that Kumari is a ‘virgin girl’ who is selected during her childhood until the period she experiences her first menstruation or anytime she bleeds due to some physical injury. That’s the time she loses her divine status, and the process of Kumari selection restarts from a new young girl.
Taleju Temple
Another historical and religious temple in the Kathmandu Durbar Square region is the Taleju Temple which is a pagoda-style, multi-tiered structure with wooden carvings and a golden spire on the top, where the Goddess Taleju Bhawani is worshipped.
As per myths, the temple has been standing since the 12th century. It underwent multiple reconstruction phases, and today, it’s much different than what it probably looked in the past.
Jagannath Temple
Not everybody gets the chance to visit Jagannath Temple of Puri, Odisha in India but after a temple was constructed, people in Kathmandu are able to worship god Jagannath, a form of Vishnu.
With that said, you’ll find all four manifestations of Vishnu inside the temple–Vasudeva (Krishna), Samkarshana (Balarama), Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.
Shiva-Parvati Temple
Also known as Navadurga Temple, the two-story Shiva Parvati Temple features a pair of mannequins (depicting Shiva and Parvati) on the upper section. You can’t literally get inside the temple, as it’s a restricted region.
Nonetheless, you can get the glimpse of the architecture and the main one-roofed building itself when you’re in the south-west side of the Basantapur area.
Ashok Binayak Temple
If you’re a devotee of Lord Ganesh, you shouldn't miss this tourist place when you’re in Kathmandu. On Tuesdays, the Ashok Binayak Temple in the Kathmandu Durbar Square region gets crowded just like any other Ganesh temple in Nepal.
The exterior part of the temple is plated in gold, while the interior contains the holy shrine of Ganesh’s Ashok Binayak. There’s also a statue of Mushak Raj (divine vehicle of Ganesh) right across the narrow road of the Ashok Binayak Temple.
Basantapur Tower
The nine-story Basantapur Tower, whose upper two floors collapsed after the 2015 earthquake, has finally been reconstructed. Its historical appearance is back with slight changes, so it’s a great chance to check the tower out at this time.
The palace of the spring can only be accessed from inside of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The entry point is basically in the Lohan Chowk, and its believed that you can even get glimpses of the mountains form the top floor (which is currently not possible).
The Old Freak Street
When you’re in the Basantapur area, you certainly do not want to miss out on the historic Freak Street. It was very popular during the 1960s and 1970s for the government-run hashish shops.
You heard it right! Nepal used to sell legal cannabis, and the southern part of the Kathmandu Durbar Square used to serve as a part of the hippie trail.
While currently there’s no such business around, you can still get to the Old Freak Street to see the modern popularity of the area among Nepali youths.
Thamel
While Freak Street served as a tourist hub in the past, Thamel has definitely overshadowed its popularity over several decades now. This is where most tourists spend their night when visiting Kathmandu.
Thamel also offer the best hotels in the town, and also has tons of restaurants, shopping, cafes, food counters, and trekking stores. Even the many travel and trekking agencies, including Happyland Treks ourselves, reside here.
The highlight of this tourist place in Nepal is its nightlife. There are tons of clubs, including the Lord of Drinks (LOD), which is regarded as the 50th best club in the world by DJ Mag.
Durbar Marg
A similar reflection in Kathmandu is Durbar Marg, which is very close to Thamel. This part of the capital city features shopping stores of some of the best brands in the world.
Moreover, there are more aesthetic cafes and restaurants, luxury hotels, malls, etc. It is many tourists’ favorite spot for breakfast and dinner. There are discos, pubs, casinos, and a few clubs here too.
Durbar Marg can be a great spot to roam around during the early mornings and late evenings (when there’s no crowd). Right in the roundabout is the Royal Palace Museum, which served as the residence for the kings until the end of monarchy in 2008 AD.
Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum
In Nepal, the debate over monarchy and democracy is always a trending topic despite the monarchy being abolished for nearly two decades now. That’s simply because kings had played vital role in identity, and dignity of this country.
To learn more about Nepal and its monarchy rule Highland Treks highly recommend you to visit the Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum in Durbar Marg, Kathmandu.
It was a lavish multi-wing palace for the Shah kings constructed during the Rana regime. As we mentioned earlier, in 1886, the kings were transferred to Narayanhiti Royal Palace from Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square area.
Sadly, the 1934 Nepal–Bihar earthquake damaged the palace and also killed King Tribhuvan’s two infant daughters. Only after its reconstruction in 1969, King Mahendra relocated here with his family.
After Gyanendra Shah vacated Narayanhiti, it was transformed into a museum, where the royal crown is displayed to date. All the necessary items used by the kings, along with other national treasures are present here.
You can even check out the room where the Royal Massacre happened. The gun shots on the walls are still preserved. And don’t forget to roam around the exterior of the palace that features water spouts, Narayan Mandir, Garuda, and many more attractions.
Dharahara (White Tower)
Dharahara used to be consider the tallest building in Kathmandu. And in fact until 2015 the first glimpse you’d be shown when watching any video related to Kathmandu was the Dharahara due to its historic significance.
However after Dharahara collapsed in April 2015 due to an earthquake there was a void left in Kathmandu. Thankfully, the reconstruction has already been completed, and it is also open for visitors.
The current Dharahara is now known as the White Tower and is a replica of the original monument. With that said, the remains of the old Dharahara remain in the White Tower compound.
Indra Chowk-Ason Area
If you truly want to witness the vibrant lifestyle of the people in Kathmandu, the Indra Chwok and Ason areas is the place to be. It’s very close to the Kathmandu Durbar Square area.
Not to forget that when you’re in the area, you’ll be passing through the New Road gate, followed by Sukra Path. These locations have recently been colored white to add the beauty and give a proper welcome to the Basantapur area.
Once you reach Indra Chowk, don’t forget to try the famous Lassi here. And then, head towards the Ason area. We recommend you to use your feet to explore the region better. The street is full of local stores and you can find any items here, that too, in a budget!
The Indra Chowk-Ason area also features multiple temples. Here are the main ones that you should visit:
Annapurna Temple
A temple where food is worshipped. Yes, you heard that right. We, people in Nepal celebrate everyday stuff and have god associated with them. We literally take the phrase ‘God is omnipresent’.
So, if you also would like to take blessings from the Goddess of food and nourishment, it’s a good idea to stop by at the Annapurna Temple when you’re roaming in the Ason area.
Seto Machhindranath Temple
If you’re in Kathmandu during late March or early April there’s a festival called Seto Machhindranath Jatra that you shouldn’t miss.
A chariot procession is held for three long days, where the idol is placed in between and roamed around Kathmandu. Even the living goddess Kumari attends this function, so you see how significant the jatra is.
The journey starts from the Seto Machindranth Temple, a sacred temple where a white deity with eyes half-closed is worshipped.
Skywalk Tower Kathmandu
Glass-bottomed skywalks have been quite popular over the years across the globe. And Kathmandu features its very own skywalk tower with an incredible view of the entire valley.
Located in Kamaladi, the viewtower is 256 feet high with 26 storeys! During winter and clear weather, you can even get the glimpses of the snow-capped mountains from here.
This is new tourist place in Kathmandu and is worth going for the experience. A tip for you is to take your kids so that they enjoy amazing moments too.
National Museum of Nepal
To learn about Nepal’s history, art, culture and past activities in a greater detail you can visit the National Museum of Nepal in Chhauni, near Swayambhunath.
There are historical, Judhhajatiya art, and Buddhist art galleries present in the premises. Also, there’s a 142-seat auditorium with a good audiovisual and lighting system for organizing educational programs and seminars.
The National Museum of Nepal can serve as a perfect tourist spot for those seeking academic tours.
Military Museum
Right opposite the National Museum of Nepal, you can find the Military Museum in Chhauni, Kathmandu. It is a home to Nepali Army’s history, uniforms, and weapons.
You can find every military-related item that were used in different wars. Even the first car of Nepal, which was gifted by the British Queen Elizabeth II is present here.
Visiting here gives you the opportunity to learn about the kings of Nepal, the unification campaign, and more. There are different rooms dedicated to different activities related to military, which includes the battle, fort, bastion, historical photo collection, military uniform, etc.
Nepal Aviation/Aircraft Museum
Located in Sinamangal (close to Tribhuvan International Airport), Nepal Aviation Museum or also called Nepal Aircraft Museum is one of the two aviation museums in the country. Another is in Dhangadi.
It’s important to note that the authorities (main credit goes to Captain Bed Upreti) have utilized an Airbus A330-300, a Turkish Airlines plane that no longer functions to create a museum inside of it. It’s a smart idea to establish a museum this way, isn’t it?
Getting inside means you’re going to get an educational tour of how an airplane functions. Besides, there’s every piece of information available on Nepalese aviation history.
Kaiser Library
Keshar or Kaiser Library is a public library in Kathmandu where you can find more than 60,000 books, papers, journals, and manuscripts. It should be on your go-to list of tourist places in Kathmandu if you’re seeking to learn more about Nepal through hard copies.
The library stands on your way from Durbar Marg to Thamel, and has been here since its establishment back in 1907. Ever since then, it is a home to every genre of study materials, including philosophy, astronomy, theology, social science, game, hunting, military science, gardening, medicine, biography, literature, and history.
Once you’re inside the library, you’ll be greeted with six different sections-Kaiser Collections, New Collections, Children and UNESCO, Periodicals Collections, Administration and accounting, and Technical Section. The study materials are categorized accordingly.
Museum of Nepali Art
If you love art and artistic practices, we highly suggest you visit MoNA (Museum of Nepali Art) in Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel. Here, you can learn about Nepali art and artistic heritage.
This museum is dedicated to reflecting the country’s culture and soul. Hence, you can find different forms of art that cover both religious traditions and secular manifestations.
Reportedly, the museum hosts thematic exhibitions every single year. So, if you wish to check out the art works by generations of Nepali artists, it would be a good time to visit Kathmandu at that time.
Taragoan Next Museum
Another tourist place for art lovers in Kathmandu is Taragaon Next which it is located in Bouddha and very close to the Bouddhanath Stupa. It hosts art related events and festivals.
This place houses a museum, gallery, design store, sculpture garden, studio, hall, amphitheater and cafe. With such an ample space, different types of exhibitions, events, and workshops are held every week.
You can learn about Nepal’s 18th and 19th century photographs, engravings, artist sketches, maps, drawings, and other documentations.
The highlight of this tourist place has to be the Austrian pod-style structure of buildings. It used to be a hostel for artists, writers, and scholars in the past.
Kathmandu Art House
Are you a contemporary art enthusiast? If so, Kathmandu Art House is exactly what you’re looking for! It might not be on everybody’s bucket list, but definitely a tourist place that’s worth visiting for art lovers.
This is a spot where you’ll find the blend of Nepali traditions and contemporary arts from different local artists. From Mithila to hyper-realistic portraits you can find a range of arts here.
Kathmandu Art House is located in Thamel, and you can pay a visit when you’re strolling in the streets there.
Parks and Lakes
While museums and historical places take you back to Nepal’s past, we’re pretty sure a lot of you are looking for more of natural escapes from the busy city’s hustle and bustle.
While Kathmandu may be the crowdest place to be in Nepal, it still has a few parks and lakes open for both local and international tourists. Ler’s get into the one by one.
Garden of Dreams
Just beside the Kaiser Library, you’ll find one of the best gardens in Nepal. It’s a part of Kaiser Mahal complex and is the best tourist place in Kathmandu for dating, relaxation, or just reading a book.
You’ll find pavilions, fountains, Europen-inspired pergolas, balustrades, urns and birdhouses. It also has its own restaurant and a bar. It was something out of a dream for the peopl in Nepal back in the days.
The highlights of Garden of Dreams are the sunken flowers and large ponds. Other types of shrubs and trees can also be found here.
Rani Pokhari
Rani Pokhari is at the heart of the Kathmandu district. As the name suggests, it’s basically a pond and was built by King Pratap Malla to console his queen after their son was trampled to death by an elephant.
Right in the middle of the pond, you’ll find Balgopaleshwor Temple, where there’s a huge crowd on the final day of Tihar (Bhai Tika). Those who do not have a brother/sister visit here to receive and offer Bhai Tika.
Even many tourists participate in this festival to celebrate something special. Once you’ve put ‘Tika’ by one of the ladies, you two become siblings.
Kamal Pokhari
Another pokhari (pond) in Kathmandu is the historically important Kamal Pokhari. It was used as a vital water source for the Malla Kings in the past.
But in the modern period, people like to spend quality time sitting beside the pond for a quick peaceful escape.
The best time to visit Kamal Pokhari is summer and monsoon seasons. During winters, the water here dries out.
Naag Pokhari
As the name suggests, Naag Pokhari is named after snakes/serpents. It holds a great religious significance compared to the two other ponds that we mentioned earlier.
Especially during the Naag Panchami festival, there’s a huge crowd in the temple right next to the pond.
You can take a round of the pond for a more immersive experience. Try to get a closer view of the statue of a golden serpent which is right in the middle of the pond when you’re here.
Swayambhu Peace Park
After visiting Swayambhunath Temple, don’t forget to get to the Swayambhu Peace Park (aka Buddha Amideva Park) which is at the base and close to the main road. We’re mentioning this here as many tend to skip this tourist place in Kathmandu.
As soon as you enter the entrance gate, you’ll be greeted with Tibetan prayer flags. And of course, the highlights here are the three statues sitting right in front of your eyes.
These three statues portray the three main Bodhisattvas in Buddhism. The main middle one is called Shakyamuni Buddha (Gautam Buddha) which is approximately 67-feet tall.
Next statue to Gautam Buddha on the left is Chenrezig or Avalokitesvara at 64 feet. And on the right is the Guru Rinpoche or Guru Padmasambhava, also at 64 feet.
Ratna Park
Ratna Park used to be one of the go-to parks in the past days. However, due to deteriorating conditions, we can hardly find tourists visiting this destination at the center of Kathmandu.
Yet, the greenery is still there and you can visit the garden to get away from the crowded New Road area just nearby.
Tundikhel
The south of Ratna Park is where Tundhikhel is located. It’s basically a huge grass-covered rectangular ground which is used for multiple purposes. These include military parade, horse races, spot for religious festivals, concert venue, or simply to spend time with your loved ones.
It’s a historic ground and perhaps a spot that you’ll see often when roaming around the district of Kathmandu. Our suggestion is to spend time here during the Dashain festival.
On the Fulpati day (seventh day of Dashain), the Nepal Army holds a feu de joie. Meaning, rifles and ancient cannons are fired to indicate the start of the grand festival.
Shankha Park
Kathmandu is considered as one of the most polluted cities in the world. And to let people get the fresh air they deserve, Sankha Park was built in the late 1970s.
Even today, it serves the same purpose. Many locals visit here for morning and evening walks. So, if you’re living close to the Maharajgunj-Chabahil area, do visit this park for quick escape from pollution.
The highlight of the park is the statue of a special-type of trumpet called ‘Sankha’, which is exactly what it’s named after.
Ranibari Community Forest
There aren’t much places left for birdwatching in Kathmandu. Home to nearly 67 species of birds is the Ranibari Community Forest. It’s also a great spot for morning and evening walks.
Coming back to temple lovers, there’s a Ranidevi temple on top of a small hill. Here, you’ll find multiple statues of Shiva, Ganesh, and Shree Krishna.
Besides the variety of bird species, Ranibari Community Forest also features a variety of native plants, and some rare faunas too. Some of these include golden jackals, mongooses, squirrels, etc.
Baber Mahal Revisited
Once a royal palace of the Ranas, the Baber Mahal Revisited now serves as a luxury tourist hub in Kathmandu. It houses the best restaurants and traditional retail stores, a perfect blend of heritage with modern lifestyle.
The complex features five courtyards and one galli (narrow street). There are art galleries, gyms, spas, restaurants, cafes, shops, and even residential boutique hotels/villas in Baber Mahal.
Kalu Panday Memorial Park
Kaji Kalu Pandey was one of the brave soldiers during Prithvi Narayan Shah’s era. He lost his life during the battle of Kirtipur.
He was a remarkable person in Nepalese history and even the right-hand of Prithvi Narayan Shah. For his remembrance, a memorial park is built in the western part of Kathmandu.
While this place hasn’t yet earned the tourist status as it deserves to, it’s a worthy place to visit for sure. Besides the memorial park, there’s also a newly built view tower that provides a breathtaking view of Kathmandu, along with its neighboring districts of Gorkha, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Makwanpur!
Note that Kalu Pandey Memorial Park is a little far from the city. So, be prepared for a short yet fun drive.
Taudaha Lake
While we did cover the ponds earlier, we haven’t talked about the lakes in Kathmandu yet. That’s because there’s only one natural lake in Kathmandu, which is Taudaha Lake.
The lake is on your way to the holy Dakshinkali Temple, and hence is a bit far form the main city. Taudaha won’t just be a normal escape for you but also teaches you a lot about Kathmandu Valley’s history.
There’s a temple inside the premises, where Shree Karkotak Nagraja and Nagrani are worshipped. They were the serpent king and queen that resided in Kathmandu when the valley was once completely filled with water.
Beside the temple, Taudaha is another great spot besides Ranibari Community Forest for birdwatching. Reportedly, tons of migratory birds are seen in the region, which is hence a perfect place for photographers too!
Dhap Dam
While Taudaha is the only natural lake in Kathmandu, there’s one artificial lake/reservoir that looks absolutely stunning. It’s the Dhap Dam, which was constructed to increase water discharge in the Bagmati River during dry seasons.
Less popular among international tourists, it is located far from the city, in the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park region. Also, the road condition is a bit poor.
Many opt for a hike to reach Dhap Dam, but since private vehicles reach up to the dam itself, Happyland Treks suggests going here on a two-wheeler or four-wheeler. Don’t worry! You can contact us for more information regarding this.
Manichud Daha
We bet you’ve never heard of Manichud Daha before. It’s just on the way to Dhap Dam, and all you have to do is park your vehicle and hike for about 15 minutes to reach the destination.
It’s a sacred pond nestled at the heart of Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park. And it has gained immense popularity among local tourists in the recent times due to its prayer flags.
The main reason to visit Manichud Daha is something else though—its mythological story! A king named Manichud had sacrificed his head to help save his people from a pandemic. To learn more, it’s just better to get to Manichud Daha yourself.
Viewpoints, Hill Stations, and Hiking Destinations
There are no any trekking destination in the Kathmandu district itself but there are plenty of hill stations, viewpoints, hiking, and cycling destinations in and around.
Some of the tourist places we are going to mention next can also serve as a great picnic spot and hence don’t forget to carry some dry snacks. Remember that it's always better to go with a team too.
Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park
The northern and western fringes of Kathmandu fall under the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park region. There are plenty of spots to reach within the region, some of which include Dhap Dam and Manichud Daha that we included earlier.
A Shivapuri Day Hiking starts by reaching Budhanilkantha Temple and then proceeding towards the national park entrance gate. After getting the necessary permits, the hike beings early in the morning.
There are multiple hiking route within the region itself. Some prefer reaching Baghdwar, while some settle for shorter hikes to Bishnudwar. You can even take the Muhan Pokhari route and hike towards Nagi Gompa Monastery or get to Danda Gaun and Bhanjyang.
The 1-day Shivapuri Hike depends on your travel package and travel agency. If you wish to customize yours, don’t hesitate to contact Happyland Treks right away.
Chandragiri Hill Station
Just a short drive of about 13 to 15 km from the main city takes you to one of the best hill stations of the valley, i.e. Chandragiri. You can either choose to hike or use the cable car service to reach to the top.
There’s Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, of course. Note that Chandragiri is at an altitude of 2551 m, so you’ll feel the elevation gain once you reach the top. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t face any altitude sickness issue here.
Besides the temple and cable car service, Chandragiri is quite popular among the local tourists during snowfall. Also, during clear weather people come here to see the panoramic mountain views of the Langtang range, Mount Everest, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, etc.
At such a serene location, you’ll also find luxury stays and adventurous activities (like, ziplining, wall climbing, and free-fall). There’s even amusement park for the kids and an ampitheatre for entertainment and community gatherings.
Kirtipur
Kirtipur is a municipality within the Kathmandu district, but was once a separate kingdom before being unified to Nepal’s territory. The specialty of this small town is the Newari food and culture.
Visiting here feels like you’re just in a different part of the country. It’s very much different from the main Kathmandu city and the people’s lifestyle here is sure to mesmerize you.
When you’re in Kirtipur you must visit the famous Bagh Bhairab Temple, where Kalu Pandey’s weapons are still showcased. Remember his memorial park we discussed earlier?
Also, don’t forget to get to Chilancho Stupa, Uma Maheshwor Temple, and Nagar Mandap Shri Kirti Bihar. Note that even Taudaha Lake is a part of Kirtipur.
Pharping
Another Newari tourist place in Kathmandu, just about 12 km away from Kirtipur is Pharphing. It’s somewhere in between Taudaha Lake and Dakshinkali Temple.
There are a plethora of places to visit in Pharping itself. The most iconic location is the Pharping Hydropower Station, which features a small pond and a couple of trees. You can sit on a bench and relax for hours.
Besides, there are tons of Buddhist monasteries and also a few caves around the area. The two famous caves that you can get to are Asura Cave and Yanglesho Cave.
And if you’re looking for a picnic spot around the area, you can visit Bhundole Ground. Surrounded by forest on all sides and an open space in between looks amazing.
Champadevi Hill
Besides 1-day Shivapuri hike, even Champadevi is a popular hiking destination in Kathmandu. This tourist place takes you to an elevation of 2,285 m.
The trail to Champadevi Temple is well-maintained and every beginner can do this hike which is a total duration of 5 to 6 hours. The hike starts from Pharping village and you’ll also get a glimpse of Taudaha Lake during the return trip.
When the sky is clear, you might get the chance to view the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Dorje Lhakpa (6,966 m), Ganesh Himal (7,422 m), Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Jugal Himal (6,095 m), Langtang Himal (7,234 m), and even Mt. Everest (8,849 m).
Jamchen Vijaya Stupa
A very recent addition to Kathmandu’s tourist places is Jamchen Vijaya Stupa. It’s another hiking destination that you should add to list.
Located on top of Budhanilkantha Hill it takes about 1 to 2 hour to reach the stupa. Along with the stupa, you can even enjoy a magical view of Kathmandu from there.
In fact, if you love cycling or riding a motorcycle, you can visit here even more quickly. We’re speaking this out of experience, and the off-road might be a little difficult, especially if you’re new to Nepali roads.
Jamacho Gompa HIking
Another hiking destination within the Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park is Jamacho Nagarjun Hill hiking in Kathmandu. Just like Jamchen Vijaya Stupa, it offers a memerizing view of Kathmandu Valley and there’s a gumba/monastery to receive prayers after a long day hike.
The overall hiking duration is about 5 to 6 hours, and even beginners may go for it. Just make sure you carry all the hiking essentials.
Don’t forget to visit the nearby Buddha Cave. Both the gumba and the cave tells us how sacred this place is for the Buddhist community.
Tarebhir
A tourist place for a weekend getaway in Kathmandu itself is hard to find. However, Tarebhir is one of the very few places that offers the best view of the city and also best place for camping.
Even if you’d like to go for a 1-day hike or a short ride, both are possible too. Tarebhir is also immensely popular among rhododendron lovers. The national flower of Nepal is found here in abundant amount.
There are multiple routes to reach Tarebhir, from Kopan Monastery or even via Jagdol, Gokarneshwor. All roads lead to the main viewpoint.
Dhaireni Danda (Heaven Danda)
The last one on the list of tourist places in Kathmandu is Indrathan’s Dhaireni Danda, which the locals often refer to as Heaven Danda. It’s the best picnic spot in Kathmandu that offers a great peek at the city’s buildings.
Very few international tourists visit here though, and you’ll need to reach here via a private or reserved vehicle. Even taxis can help you reach to the final point.
Actually, you can combine this short trip with the Kalu Pandey Memorial Park that we discussed ahead. And don’t forget to visit the holyIndra Daha when you’re here.
Tourist Places in Nearby Districts
There you have it! The best tourist places in Kathmandu District. But that’s definitely not all. You can even visit some more landmarks that are immensely popular in nearby districts.
Especially since we’re referring to Kathmandu, the entire Kathmandu Valley comes in. And that brings even Lalitpur and Bhaktapur to this list. However, there are so many locations in these two districts that mentioning all in this single article would simply be overwhelming.
Happyland Treks promises to offer more similar in-depth guides. For now, let’s get to the main locations of the nearby districts of Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kavre, Makwanpur, and also Nuwakot in short.
Patan Durbar Square
Just like Kathmandu Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square has numerous temples and monuments all scattered around the place. The main museum features every part of the Malla Dynasty that ruled over Patan.
Besides that, Krishna Mandir is its other main highlight. What’s so special about this Sikhara-style temple is that it has been built on a single stone!
A little further (about 200 meters) from the main area is where Golden Temple is located. Inside here, you’ll find a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.
Some other popular destinations within the durbar square premises include Ashoka Stupa, Rato Machhindranath Temple, and statues of the former Malla kings.
The Central Zoo
The only zoo in Kathmandu Valley is located in Lalitpur’s Jawalakhel. While many of you might be against keeping wild animals in a closed cell, The Central Zoo is more than just a normal shelter.
The main objective of The Central Zoo is improve animal health and welfare. For that, a natural habitat is created within the premises for every wildlife present. Even the diet for every animal and bird is well maintained.
Here, you’ll find a total of 942 mammals, birds, and fishes and 127 species of reptiles. Reportedly, there are more than 1 million annual visitors, and is especially a popular destination for kids.
Godawari Botanical Garden
Along with fauna, Lalitpur is home to the flora as well. The National Botanical Garden in Godawari conserves nearly 1000 species of plants.
It also features a Biodiversity Education Garden, where 120 species of native plants from tropical, subtropical and alpine regions are safeguarded. Not to forget about the VVIP Plantation Area, which allows head of the state and head of the government of different countries for plantation here.
Other popular attractions in the area are Rock Garden, Botanical Information and Exhibition Center, Taxonomic Family Garden, etc.
In fact, there’s also a short hiking and riding destination to Phulchowki Hills which is considered the highest hill of the Kathmandu Valley standing at an altitude of 2,782 m. This tourist place in Lalitpur is famous for its panoramic mountain view of the entire Himalayas.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Similar to Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur District also features its very own durbar square. And along with the main museum, the 55 Window Palace, Nyatapol Temple, and other nearby attractions are even more famous.
You can even visit Siddha Pokhari on your way to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. And don’t forget to try the local Juju Dhau (also known as the king of curds).
The Pottery Square near the durbar square premises has also become immensely popular among both local and international tourists these days.
Changunarayan Temple
Along with Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square, Changunarayan Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This tourist place in Kathmandu Valley is famous for Vishnu temple. There’s a huge gathering during the Harishayani Ekadashi and Haribodhini Ekadashi festivals. Changunarayan Temple carries rich cultural heritage and its architecture is simply mind blowing.
The temple is a home to the main Vishnu Vishwarup idol along with other shrines of Goddess Chhinnamasta, Badeshwar Mahadev, Kileshwar, and Laxmi Narayan.
Nagarkot Hill Station
After your visit to Changunarayan Temple in Bhaktapur, you could continue your way on to reach the Nagarkot hill station. This is a perfect a 1-night or weekend getway spot, where you can easily catch the best mountain views.
It also offers one of the best scenic short drive (if you take the Shanku-Nagarkot road). The hill is also very popular for organizing picnics.
Some other locations within the Nagarkot region include the Geodetic View Tower, Buddha Peace Park, Rani Jhula, and Muhan Pokhari.
Dhulikhel Hill Station
Similar to Nagarkot, Kavre’s Dhulikhel also offers a great place to watch sunrise and sunset from. When visiting here during the peak season you get to see the cloud resting right underneath you, which is a sight to behold.
Even the mountain views are worth it from different spots of Dhulikhel. When you’re here, do visit the Kali Temple in Devithan. Dhulikhel’s iconic selfie stone is present right here.
Note that while many steps here, Highland Treks highly advises against doing so. It has gained tons of criticism among the devotees of Kali as the stone is believed to be a holy spot.
Some other nearby destinations worth visiting Dhulikhel include Namo Buddha, Palanchowk Bhagwati, Sanga, Gosai Sthan, Chandeshwori Temple, etc.
Kakani Hill Station
Moving on to Nuwakot District, it also features its own durbar square. However, it is still undergoing reconstruction since after the palace was destroyed after the 2015 earthquake.
So, for now, the best location in Nuwakot has to be Kakani. It’s home to tons of waterfalls, like Lauke Jharana (two waterfalls are there), Fung Fung Waterfall, Bhulbhule Waterfall, etc.
There’s also a view point that offers a great scene of the Nuwakot valley. And when you’re in Kakani, don’t forget to go for strawberry picking and try trout fish.
Markhu and Chitlang
The final one in this list of tourist places around Kathmandu is a short trip to Markhu and Chitlang. These destinations are located in the Makwanpur district and offer probably the best weekend getaway for those residing in Kathmandu.
First, let’s talk about Chiltang. It has got quality village resorts, which perfectly blend village life with modern lifestyle. It features the very popular Bheda Farm, organic pear farming (inside the Chitlang Organic Farmhouse premises), and other cultural/historical attractions.
Moving from Chitlang to Markhu, you’ll reach Indrasarovar Lake, which is the largest man-made lake in Nepal. Here, you can book yourself either a boat or motorboat ride. And even head to Mohini Waterfall aka Thadokhola Jharana.
Your trip to Kulekhani shall be worth it and we even suggest spending two to three nights here for proper exploration. There are luxury resorts with swimming pools and offer a short yet memorable experience.
Final Words
Of course, there are more tourist places in and around Kathmandu that are left to be explored. We’re surely going to cover them one by one in our blogs.
In case you’ve come across similar destinations and need help from our side, don’t hesitate to contact us for customized trips. Happy traveling to Nepal!
