Destination: Kathmandu

The City of Peace

Kathmandu – a city of peace, lives true to this description. The city is charming, busy, bustling, serene, alive, and asleep – all at once. The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is the most accessible city in the country – it is Nepal’s only metropolitan city as well.

History and Culture

Kathmandu was the centre of the Kingdom of Nepal. The Narayanhiti Royal Palace was the home and the workplace for the Monarch of Nepal and his family. In modern times, however, the city is growing exponentially with the construction of many luxury and residential building complexes and so on. Throughout the 20th century, we have seen several changes in power, culminating finally in the first parliamentary elections in 1991 under the new constitution.

Kathmandu in Nepal is synonymous with trekking and adventure and is truly a paradise for adventure and culture-loving tourists and travelers. The combination of the natural beauty of the Himalayas and the wildlife, culturally inclined temples, stupas and monasteries, and the various kinds of adventures and sports available here makes it the perfect destination to visit. Remote trails, hidden villages, and timeless Himalayan scenery make impeccable scenery which is a treat to the eyes.

Interesting facts about Kathmandu

Nepal is an extreme territory both in altitude and depth and we confirm it through the existence of Kali Gandaki Canyon with 4,375 meters is the second deepest canyon in the world.

Both in their mythology and their geological studies they confirm the capital of Nepal ‘Kathmandu’ was once a lake. Nepalese mythology holds that Manjushri flew to Kathmandu and seeing the huge lake, he cut the Chobham’s crest in half with his mighty sword and drained the waters in order to allow civilization to develop in the fertile sacred valley. On the other hand, scientific theory explains that there is ample geological evidence to demonstrate the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake.

The Legend Of the Yeti, The Abominable Snowman – The most interesting fact about Nepal is the character, ‘Yeti’ or ‘Jigou’ by the Himalayas Tibetans, a beast which has been analyzed as a bipedal inclined slightly forward. Although people in some monasteries use to say they have remains belonging to this beast.

Places to see in Kathmandu

Bhaktapur Darbar Square 

Located 12 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon literally meaning ‘the City of Devotees’ is the smallest city in the Kathmandu valley. Its Main Square or ‘Layaku’ is famous for the 15th-century Palace of 55 Carved Windows with the Golden Gate as a royal entrance. In front of the palace building are innumerable temples and architectural showpieces including the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla mounted on a giant stone pillar, and the stone temple of Vatsala Devi; another beautiful example of Shikhara-style architecture. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the Bell of Barking Dogs. This was erected in 1737 by King Ranjit Malla; its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath is the country’s oldest and largest Buddhist stupa (a monument containing Buddhist relics) that serves as the religious center for the many Tibetan immigrants who now live in Nepal.  Dedicated to the teachings of the Buddha, this huge white dome-shaped monument boasts hundreds of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind and draws millions of religious devotees, seekers, and tourists annually.  

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital of Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation, and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments.  Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries-old civilization. Among the chief places you visit is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, Mahadev & Parvati Temple. At the southern end of Durbar Square is one of the most curious attractions in Nepal, the Kumari Chowk. This gilded cage contains the Raj Kumari, a girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess Durga. After the main square’s tour continue towards the local bazaar with a colorful array of stores selling daily household commodities.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple dating back to 400 A.D. is one of the oldest Hindu Temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is for the Hindus what Mecca is for the Muslims. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple is built in Pagoda Style with a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Pashupatinath is the centre of the annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. You’ll also be able to see cremation grounds that lie on the banks of Bagmati behind the temple. We then witness the Aarti ceremony by the banks of the Bagmati River. It is a fascinating experience of music with mantras, bells, incense, and light.

Swayambhunath stupa

It is said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire is the all-seeing eye of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

Patan Durbar Square

Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, and ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Patan is believed to have been built in the 3rd century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Lichhavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life and houses a beautiful museum.

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