Nepal is a historic and pure surprise of types, so you could possibly think about how ecstatic I used to be once I had the possibility to go to this superb vacation spot final 12 months while I did varied enjoyable issues to do in Kathmandu!
FYI: To greatest make clear the distinction between Kathmandu metropolis and Kathmandu Valley, you have to first perceive that the Kathmandu Valley is made up of three stunning historic cities, specifically: Kathmandu (the biggest metropolis and capital), Lalitpur (additionally known as as Patan), and Bhaktapur.
As such, these 3 locations that make up the Kathmandu Valley have an enthralling mixture of sights, smells, and sounds, in addition to an awe-inspiring variety of temple complexes and squares. As a matter of truth, this 220sqm area has turn out to be a spot that has the densest focus of UNESCO World Heritage Websites on this planet!
That being mentioned, for such an intoxicating place like this, you’ll certainly must be on prime of the most effective issues to do in Kathmandu metropolis — or the valley as a complete. However fret not, as a result of, with the information under, you can be profiting from your time right here as you base your self within the capital metropolis of Kathmandu!
» Fast Journey Planning
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High Issues to Do in Kathmandu Valley
1. Go to the town’s key landmarks
Photographs by: Shutterstock
With such a dynamic metropolis like Kathmandu, there are positively numerous points of interest or landmarks which can be value seeing, however to begin off, under are among the spots that you just completely should NOT miss!
NOTE: *★ – A UNESCO World Heritage Website
- ★ Pashupatinath: It is a sacred Hindu temple complicated that serves because the seat of Nepal’s nationwide deity, Lord Shiva (one of many principal deities of Hinduism through which Pashupatinath or Pashupathi is one in every of his given names). Because the oldest Hindu temple within the metropolis, you will discover a sprawling mixture of temples, ashrams (religious monasteries), photographs, and inscriptions from the second that you just set foot on this place.
- TIP: If you would like a novel expertise, you may go to within the morning to see them do cremations or go to within the night from 6PM to see the aarti (worship with fireplace).
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- TIP: If you would like a novel expertise, you may go to within the morning to see them do cremations or go to within the night from 6PM to see the aarti (worship with fireplace).
- ★ Boudhanath: Dominating the skyline of Kathmandu, it is a well-known stupa (place of meditation) through which its huge mandala (religious image in Buddhism) makes it one of many largest spherical stupas in Nepal. It helps to notice that for hundreds of years it has stood as a beacon of Buddhist perception and has since been an necessary place of meditation and pilgrimage for lots of native Nepalis and Tibetan Buddhists.
. - Swayambhunath: That is an historic spiritual structure that accommodates shrines, temples, a stupa, a Tibetan monastery, a museum, and a library — furthermore, additionally it is surrounded by ‘holy monkeys’ (as per mythology) which made it achieve the nickname: ‘Monkey Temple’. Though this web site is taken into account Buddhist, it stays to be revered by each Buddhists and Hindus.
- TIP: To get an incredible panoramic view of the stupa, enter the Tamang Gompa monastery. In the meantime, for a much less crowded surroundings, it’s greatest to return both early within the morning or early within the night.
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- TIP: To get an incredible panoramic view of the stupa, enter the Tamang Gompa monastery. In the meantime, for a much less crowded surroundings, it’s greatest to return both early within the morning or early within the night.
- ★Durbar Sq.: ‘Durbar Sq.’ is a generic identify used to explain plazas which can be reverse outdated royal palaces in Nepal, and this explicit Durbar Sq. in Kathmandu metropolis is surrounded by spectacular structure that showcases the abilities of Newar (historic inhabitants of Kathmandu Valley) artists for hundreds of years. Regrettably, among the buildings right here have collapsed due to the massive earthquake that occurred final 2015 — nevertheless, the great thing about this sq. stays as a result of its astounding palaces, courtyards and temples.
- Previous Metropolis: Just be sure you discover this tangle of slender alleys and temples which can be discovered north and south of the central Durbar Sq. as one in every of your issues to do in Kathmandu metropolis in an effort to additionally get a more in-depth look into the native’s tradition and lifestyle.
- Different Durbar Squares: When you’ve got the time, take a look at the opposite Durbar Squares discovered within the Kathmandu Valley (at Patan and Bhaktapur).
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- Backyard of Goals or Swapna Bagaicha: If you wish to discover a house that’s away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, the serene ambiance of the beautifully-restored neo-classical Swapna Bagaicha or Backyard of Goals shall be your needed respite. Right here, you may take pleasure in an enormous backyard that has 3 pavillions, an amphitheater, ponds, urns, and pergolas (walkways).
. - Kopan Monastery: This Tibetan Buddhist monastery close to Boudhanath is primarily in style amongst foreigners for its programs on Tibetan Buddhism. In truth, guests are welcome to hitch their morning meditation periods in addition to their introductory and superior programs (held in English)
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Wanna do a guided Kathmandu tour?
With the assistance of a neighborhood information, you may participate in a 7-hour Kathmandu day tour which can cowl the entire metropolis’s prime highlights and UNESCO spots. To e-book your spot, go right here.
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2. Undergo Thamel and have some enjoyable!
When you’re in search of the liveliest industrial neighborhood within the metropolis, you solely want to go to Thamel which is distinguished for its slender alleys which can be crammed with varied buildings and distributors: golf equipment, inns, hostels, pubs, eating places, retailers, tour operators, and extra — you actually will discover virtually all the pieces right here!
To refill your itinerary, under is an inventory of beneficial issues to do in Kathmandu’s Thamel:
- Buy groceries: Convey residence some souvenirs and items by shopping by way of the array of colourful shawls, jewellery, statues, work, and so on. As for my #1 tip? Haggle onerous if you wish to get a good and good worth. As a normal, purpose to ask for half or a third of their unique quoted worth. (However if you happen to’re not too privy like me whereby you wouldn’t thoughts giving some additional assist to the locals — even when they’re not being precisely honest with the value — it’s wonderful to skip on the bargaining.)
. - Stuff your self with native meals: At the start, eat “momo” which is a steamed dumpling that’s native to Nepal and Tibet. When you’re relatively in search of a full meal choice, get a “thali set” which holds a number of bowl alternatives reminiscent of rice, curry, pickles, greens and “dal bhat” (a staple meals in Nepal that may be a thick lentil soup). In the meantime, for dessert, search for “sel roti” which is good and crispy on the surface, and delicate and chewy on the within.
. - Do some courses or workshops: There are a selection of outlets in Thamel that may, as an example, educate you how one can prepare dinner Nepali delicacies, do Buddhist thangka work, make woodcarvings, and extra. You may even enroll in a tremendous yoga class or retreat! Your exercise decisions are completely limitless.
TIP: When you’re relatively in search of genuine bazaar-esque locations, head on over to both Asan, Indrachok, or Mangal bazaars.
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3. Fly above the Himalayas and Mt. Everest
Photographs by: Shutterstock
Let’s face it: numerous us are NOT ready to scale the summit of the world’s highest peak; so fortunately, as a part of your issues to do in Kathmandu, there are suppliers in Nepal that give anybody the possibility to get a bit near the Himalayas and see the wonder that’s Mt. Everest.
In fact, nothing beats the expertise of trekking as much as the summit or to the Everest Base Camp — BUT, if you happen to can’t try this, then why not simply fly there, proper? Apart from, you’ll be among the many fortunate few who can get to witness this majestic mountain vary from up excessive to just some hundred meters away!
But… as you’ll anticipate, that is NOT completely low-cost; however for certain, it’s going to definitely be value it!
Lasting from 45 minutes to an hour, most flights begin from round $150 and there are 2 choices so that you can select from: doing it by helicopter or by airplane. There are numerous tour operators who provide helicopter rides, however in terms of aerial rides, there are 3 airways who’re well-known for doing it: Buddha Air, Guna Air, and Yeti Air.
Wanna e-book an Everest flight?
For a hassle-free expertise, you may e-book your Everest mountain flight right here. Topic to schedule availability, this flight tour shall be made by way of Buddha Air, Yeti Air, or Simrik Air.
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TIP: E-book a flight through the earliest a part of the day for the least likelihood of getting cloudy or unhealthy climate.
NOTE: If in case you don’t have the price range to fly nor the capability to hike/trek, there may be an alternative choice so that you can see Mt. Everest “up shut”. Other than the plain truth that you just simply go to locations or cities which have a transparent view of the Himalayas, you may as well get an ‘aerial glimpse’ from up excessive on the airplane while you get in or get out of Nepal — supplied that you just decide the correct seat.
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For instance, if you happen to’re flying to Nepal from Southeast Asia, reserve a window seat on the correct (these labeled letter Okay, for instance). And when flying again to Southeast Asia from Nepal, go for the left seats (letter A’s). You’ll be able to all the time ask for ideas from the airline you’re flying with to make certain!
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4. Benefit from the pure panorama by way of out of doors actions
Photographs by: Shutterstock
As part of your issues to do in Kathmandu, you need to just be sure you additionally seize the possibility of having fun with the town’s surrounding pure terrain by doing the next out of doors actions…
- Climbing/Trekking: There are a selection of fantastic hikes that you are able to do across the valley reminiscent of Chisapani, Champadevi, Nagarkot, and Nagarjun. You may additionally go to to the excessive peaks of Shivapuri Nationwide Park, or in case you are up for an extended hike, there’s a 6-day trek from Kathmandu to Langtang Nationwide Park (the first Himalayan nationwide park in Nepal). All in all, I can guarantee you that the sights shall be gorgeous — extra so while you get to see the encircling terrain throughout dawn or sundown.
. - River rafting: When you search this type of adrenaline-pumping exercise, you may decide to go for a river rafting tour that goes by way of the Trishuli River which connects the town of Kathmandu to Pokhara. To order your spot for this journey, go right here.
. - Mountain-biking: You’ll discover that while you undergo Thamel, there shall be numerous retailers that provide guided mountain-biking journeys or who merely provide bikes for lease. When you’re up for this, I say do it as a result of the journey shall be value your whereas!
. - Mountaineering: When you’re in search of one thing to climb that’s not Mt. Everest, there are a number of choices for you within the coronary heart of Kathmandu. First up, in case you aren’t prepared but to go for pure cliffs, there may be an Astrek Climbing Wall in Thamel. In any other case, nice pure climbing cliffs might be discovered at Hattiban (Pharping) and Nagarjun.
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5. Discover close by cities and cities
Wanna totally escape the site visitors and concrete setting present in Kathmandu? There are a number of charming cities and cities that you could possibly discover throughout your time there.
- Bhaktapur: As one of many historic cities that make up Kathmandu Valley, you’ll take pleasure in how this place has probably the most temples per sq. kilometer in Nepal! Reality be informed, it has the best-preserved palace courtyards and outdated metropolis heart within the nation.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). Experience a bus at Bagbazar or Ratna Park that prices about 50 NPR (lower than $1), or get a taxi that can price you round 1,000 NPR a technique ($9~). In any other case, you may as well be part of a Bhaktapur Tour with a visit Patan right here.
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- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). Experience a bus at Bagbazar or Ratna Park that prices about 50 NPR (lower than $1), or get a taxi that can price you round 1,000 NPR a technique ($9~). In any other case, you may as well be part of a Bhaktapur Tour with a visit Patan right here.
- Lalitpur or Patan: If Bhaktapur is probably the most Hindu of the cities within the Kathmandu Valley, Patan can be probably the most Buddhist (and Kathmandu is someplace within the center). Anyhow, very like Bhaktapur, Patan has an array of comparable structure; nevertheless, the plus facet of going right here is that it’s a lot nearer to Kathmandu metropolis itself so it makes for an incredible facet journey if you happen to’re pressed on time. When you can come early within the morning, you need to go to the Golden Temple to listen to the attractive chanting music made by the choir.
- TRANSPORTATION: (half-hour away). Experience a bus at Ratna Park or a blue/inexperienced bus at Ring Street which can price about 15 NPR (lower than $1). Taxis, then again, shall be about 200 NPR ($2~). In any other case, you may as well be part of a Patan Tour with a visit Bhaktapur right here.
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- TRANSPORTATION: (half-hour away). Experience a bus at Ratna Park or a blue/inexperienced bus at Ring Street which can price about 15 NPR (lower than $1). Taxis, then again, shall be about 200 NPR ($2~). In any other case, you may as well be part of a Patan Tour with a visit Bhaktapur right here.
- Bungamati and Khokana villages: Regrettably, numerous the important thing buildings in these villages have been destroyed as a result of 2015 earthquake — however it’s extra of a purpose why you need to come go to with the intention to assist elevate tourism and support them in rapidly restoring their temples. In any case, of their prime, these 2 villages have been revered as two of the prettiest villages within the valley.
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). It’s preferable to get a day tour that covers each of those villages. To order a spot, go right here.
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- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 1 hour away). It’s preferable to get a day tour that covers each of those villages. To order a spot, go right here.
- Panauti: – This is likely one of the oldest cities in Nepal and its nostalgic appeal stays as much as in the present day, making it an incredible day journey in your issues to do in Kathmandu. Personally, I completely loved going by way of its quaint streets throughout my go to. I even had the superb alternative to do a homestay with a neighborhood household and it was one of the crucial enriching experiences that I’ve had!
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Experience a bus from Ratna for round 60 NPR (lower than $1~). Taking a taxi shall be dearer at about 2,500 NPR ($24~).
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- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Experience a bus from Ratna for round 60 NPR (lower than $1~). Taking a taxi shall be dearer at about 2,500 NPR ($24~).
- Nagarkot: – Nearly 32 kilometers away from Kathmandu metropolis by automobile, this has since been recognized as the highest spot for having fun with Himalayan views, sunrises, and sunsets. Other than this, its lush forests make it an incredible spot for rest and out of doors actions — so why not make a go to right here as one in every of your issues to do in Kathmandu?
- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Experience a bus at Bakhtapur Bus Terminal at Ratna Park, and from Bhaktapur you may get to Nagarkot (whole of about 70 NPR or lower than $1~). Since this may be fairly a problem, it’s relatively greatest to get a personal automobile for rent or a taxi which might be round 3,000 NPR ($30~).
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- TRANSPORTATION: (Lower than 2 hours away). Experience a bus at Bakhtapur Bus Terminal at Ratna Park, and from Bhaktapur you may get to Nagarkot (whole of about 70 NPR or lower than $1~). Since this may be fairly a problem, it’s relatively greatest to get a personal automobile for rent or a taxi which might be round 3,000 NPR ($30~).
- Kirtipur: Situated proper subsequent to Patan, Kirtipur is likely one of the most well-known and spiritual locations to go to within the valley of Kathmandu. You’ll completely love the clear air in addition to the majestic Himalayas that ache the background of this historic metropolis.
- TRANSPORTATION: (About half-hour). Experience a bus at Ratna Park for lower than 50 NPR (lower than $1~) or get a taxi for about 500 NPR ($5~).
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- TRANSPORTATION: (About half-hour). Experience a bus at Ratna Park for lower than 50 NPR (lower than $1~) or get a taxi for about 500 NPR ($5~).
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High Issues to Do in Kathmandu Valley
» Finest Time to Go to Boracay
Under are the outstanding 4 seasons in Nepal…
- Spring: With nice temperatures averaging from 16ºC to 23ºC. That is the 2nd hottest season with its hotter days and flower blooms such because the rhododendrons which is the nationwide flower of Nepal. The one con for touring throughout this time is that there’s the next likelihood of haze that can obscure the mountains from decrease elevations.
- Summer season: Scorching and moist, averaging from 23ºC to 30ºC. There’s excessive humidity and there’s rain virtually day-after-day so it’s not a really perfect time to go to particularly if you wish to discover nature. (However metropolis visits are wonderful since there shall be lesser crowds).
- Autumn: With cooler temperatures, averaging 15ºC to 25ºC. That is the most effective vacationer season on condition that the climate is extra nice, bringing in clearer views of the mountains. Moreover, huge Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar occur throughout these months so it could get fairly full of life.
- Winter: With cool climate averaging 9ºC to 12ºC. That is additionally the season the place the skies are clear, however simply just be sure you are properly ready particularly when going out on treks for the reason that temperature drops considerably at evening time.
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» Getting in to Nepal
By airplane. My go-to platform for grabbing the most effective flight deal is Skyscanner. Nepal’s essential worldwide getaway is Tribhuvan Worldwide Airport (KTM) which is positioned about 6km from Kathmandu metropolis.
In an effort to get to the middle (reminiscent of that of Thamel), you may organize a resort switch, a pay as you go taxi (approx. 700~ NPR), a daily taxi (approx. 400~ NPR), or a bus (approx. NPR 10~).
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» Visa for Nepal
Sure, ALL foreigners (besides Indians) are required to have a visa to go to Nepal. Relaxation assured, the method is pretty simple and quick, and you may acquire it on arrival. To know the entire course of and particulars, see my ‘The best way to Apply for a Nepal Visa on Arrival‘ information.
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» Nepal Foreign money
Nepalese Rupee (Re., Rs., रू) whereby USD $1 = रू127~ (as of July 2022). Within the occasion that you just need to trade your cash, I extremely advise that you just do NOT trade your cash on the airport for the reason that charges there are usually not aggressive.
- The best way to greatest trade your foreign money? Both trade it at a financial institution or at a cash exchanger in your house nation or in any of Nepal’s metropolis facilities. Higher but, simply withdraw from an ATM together with your debit/bank card — nevertheless, you have to make one huge withdrawal to attenuate charges together with your financial institution. Talking of playing cards, many Nepalese institutions settle for bank cards nevertheless it’s all the time advisable to have money available as a result of numerous smaller retailers do not settle for playing cards.
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» Value of Journey in Kathmandu
To offer you an concept, you need to anticipate to journey to Kathmandu with a mean each day price of about USD $12~ per particular person on a price range, or at the very least $30~ if you wish to expertise extra consolation in actions, excursions, inns, and extra. (Values under present low price range to medium price range ranges solely).
- Resorts: $4 to $11 USD / day
- Transport: About $1 for a brief taxi journey
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» The place to Keep (Kathmandu Lodging)
To seek for the most effective resort lodging in Boracay at the most effective costs, I counsel cross-checking resort costs between Agoda and Reserving.com. However if you happen to’re relatively focused on renting comfy homes or residences, you need to search by way of AirBnB.
For the final word checklist of low-cost hostels and luxurious lodging, take a look at this checklist of the greatest inns in Kathmandu.
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» The best way to Get Round Kathmandu
Some locations might be reached by foot, however since it could get fairly chaotic as a result of lack of avenue names, it’s greatest to both get a rickshaw particularly if you happen to don’t have Google Maps available to navigate your means as you execute the above checklist of issues to do in Kathmandu.
Rickshaws might be discovered in every single place and costs can begin at 15 NPR — nevertheless it’s extremely seemingly that the driving force will set the next worth, so be happy to haggle.
In the meantime, taxis and inexperienced or blue buses are very best if you wish to go to far locations inside or exterior of the Kathmandu Valley. Taxis are additionally not that onerous to seek out particularly through the day (it will get tougher at evening although) and the fee can begin at 300~ NPR if, let’s say, you need to get to Patan. As for buses, you’ll find them across the metropolis or on the ‘Ring Street’ and the fee can begin from 20 NPR. Simply take notice that the buses are fairly outdated and it’s not completely comfy.
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» Security in Nepal
I’ve traveled solo in Nepal and have by no means felt unsafe. A variety of the locals have been even pleasant and accommodating; in reality, there’s a low price of great crime within the nation. Nonetheless, petty crime can occur as a result of variety of vacationers so it’s greatest to remain vigilant and to remain avenue good always.
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» Useful Nepalese Phrases
Many native Nepalese don’t have any difficulties talking English as a second language, and it turns into extra prevalent while you’re within the capital of Kathmandu. However in fact, it doesn’t harm to study a little bit of Nepali.
Good day: Namaste / Namaskār ((Nah-MAH-stay / Nah-MAH-skar)
Thanks: Dhanyavād (DHAN-naii-bat)
Sure: Hajur / Ho (HA-jur / HO)
No: Chaina / Haina (Chai-NA / Hai-Na)
Goodbye: Namaste / Namaskār ((Nah-MAH-stay / Nah-MAH-skar)
Excuse me (begging pardon): Maaf garnus (MA-af-GAR-nus)
Excuse me (getting consideration): Sabai le sunnus ta
I’m sorry: Ma maafi chahanchu
Is there somebody right here who speaks English?: Koi English bolne cha? (Ko-i English bol-ne-cha?)
Assist!: Aapat paryo! (Aa-pat par-yo)
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Reserving Necessities
TIP: It’s a good suggestion to crosscheck your World Nomads‘ whole journey insurance coverage worth with that of SafetyWing as a result of the latter is commonly priced cheaper (particularly when it includes journey that spans for a number of weeks or months — and even years!).
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Nevertheless, take notice that SafetyWing’s affordability usually means lesser protection than World Nomads. So please all the time be sure that you learn the wonderful print with the intention to decipher which journey insurance coverage firm is the correct match for you and your journey! On that notice, HeyMondo can also be a very good different (click on this hyperlink to get 5% off).
DISCLOSURE: Thanks a lot to the Himalayan Journey Mart 2017, PATA and PTBA for making this Nepal journey occur
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Total
Very like what I skilled, I hope that this checklist of issues to do in Kathmandu will enable you to seize the most effective of the valley’s cultural and pure highlights.
Certain sufficient, there’s a dizzying variety of actions and sights for you on this vacation spot however I can assure you that the issues listed above will already provide you with an incredible Nepal expertise that shall be value your money and time. Take pleasure in!
