The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu is a splendid mixture of spiritualism, ancient architecture, Himalayan culture and normal life that is running at its own warm and colorful pace. To Indian travelers and the rest of the world at large Kathmandu is not necessarily a place but a living museum of temples, legends, art and traditions that dates back to thousands of years.
As demand for Kathmandu trip packages rises, the city has emerged as one of the top spots among spiritual travelers, lovers of the history, adventure interested, and backpackers seeking a one of its kind experience without having to spend a lot of money. The beauty of Kathmandu is based on the small heritage lanes, bustling bazaars, serene monasteries, old palace squares, and holy temples such as the Pashupatinath which hosts millions of pilgrims annually.
You have your first visit to Kathmandu or you are going there to be able to remind the great culture of the town, this is the full list of the places to visit, places to stay, and the most exciting activities in Kathmandu, as well as the necessary information to plan the best trip ever to Nepal.
Why Kathmandu Trip Packages?
Kathmandu is a very varied tourist attraction in South Asia. It has religion, culture, adventure, shopping, food, nightlife and history all in one active yet lovely valley.
Some of the major factors that make Kathmandu trip packages more attractive to tourists:
- Deep spiritual roots: Sacred temples such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath.
- Low-cost overseas travel: Kathmandu is among the cheapest capitals to travel.
- Close proximity: Road and air connectivity in India.
- Included in the Nepal ideal tour packages: Kathmandu is well known to be accompanied with Pokhara or Chitwan tour vice versa.
- Combination of the vintage and modern: old temples are at the same location with bustling cafes and modern malls.
The city of Kathmandu is very special; it is a relaxing but thrilling investment that one would want to visit once in a lifetime.
Trip to Kathmandu: Top Places to See
These are the most famous and significant places to see in Kathmandu that are part of virtually every Kathmandu trip package, and they all give the city a new taste.
1.Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is a religious centre of Kathmandu and one of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva. The temple has been built along the shore of the sacred Bagmati River, making aarti ceremonies, chants, and rituals here generate a feeling of utter devotion. The golden roofs of the temple, old carvings and the spiritual ambiance produce an impressive impact on any visitor.
Pashupatinath is not a place to visit, it is a divine peace experience. It is also a significant attraction of virtually every Nepal tour package.
2.Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath is one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world which spreads peace and purity. The stupa is reflective and mindful with giant eyes painted on each of four sides as a symbol of the Buddha overseeing humanity.
There are monks walking around, prayer wheels rotating softly and the chants sounding which makes this place the best place to meditate.
Cafes located on the roof of the stupa provide great views and food that costs less.
3.Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal that exists on a hill overlooking Kathmandu. The views are breathtaking as one gets to see the whole city, old stupas and the mischievous monkeys that inhabit this temple.
The location is a mixture of Hinduism and Buddhism which makes the site a representation of the cultural unity of Nepal.
4.Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site with hundreds of years of old palaces, open-air courtyards, museums, and finely carved wooden buildings. It was the previous site of the royal palace where ceremonies and kings were crowned.
Key attractions include:
- Hanuman Dhoka Palace
- Kumari Ghar (position of the living goddess)
- The pagoda-style traditional temples.
It is as though one is walking back to the royal past of Nepal.
5.Thamel
Kathmandu has a cultural and tourist center called Thamel. This is where you will feel alive, in case you love energy, markets, music, shopping and food.
Here you will find:
- Handcrafted souvenirs
- Adventure gear and clothing
- Cafes, live music pubs and rooftop restaurants.
- Five star and four-star hotels.
To most tourists, Kathmandu is Thamel, which is energetic, colorful and alive.
6.Garden of Dreams
The Garden of Dreams is the hidden jewel in the sea of a busy city, a serene neoclassical garden where one can relax, read or just sit back and admire the serenity. It is ideal with couples and travellers who need to have a relaxing getaway out of the city noise.
7.Narayanhiti Palace Museum
The palace, which until recently was a residence of the royal family of Nepal, now is a museum, which provides information about the royal family of Nepal, country traditions, and politics of the country. It is especially fascinating for the travellers who may be interested in the transition of Nepal as a kingdom to a republic.
See also: Why Larnaca’s Beach Hotels Are a Traveler’s Paradise
Top Hotels in Kathmandu
The experience of Kathmandu can entirely change when the correct location is selected to stay. The following are the most suitable neighbourhoods that can be found in the majority of Kathmandu trip packages based on the kind of travelling one is doing.
1.Thamel – Best for Tourists
The most popular stay area is Thamel due to:
- Millions of hotels of every price range.
- Restaurants, cafes, and pubs
- Shopping options
- Proximity to important attractions.
Thamel is the best option in case you are seeking convenience and entertainment.
2.Boudha – Peace and Spirituality Best
In case you want to have peaceful mornings, meditation, and a tranquil environment, it is best to stay close to the Boudhanath Stupa. The whole territory is calm, it has numerous monasteries and retreat centers.
3.Lazimpat – Luxury According to Stays
Lazimpat boasts of luxurious hotels, embassies and expensive restaurants. It is suitable for travellers who want to be comfortable and have privacy.
4.Patan – Best for History Lovers
Patan is a little more out of central Kathmandu and is characterized by:
- Patan Durbar Square
- Art galleries
- Temples and traditional houses.
It is ideal for those who are interested in culture and other individual travellers in search of more in-depth experiences.
Best Things To Do in Kathmandu
Sightseeing is not the only thing that Kathmandu offers, but an experience that one may keep in mind even after the end of the trip. These are some of the best and most valuable activities to engage in within the city.
1.Evening Aarti at Pashupatinath
One of the quietest things to do in Kathmandu is the evening Bagmati River aarti. The whole place is filled with divine energy due to the sound of bells and chanting.
2.Explore Local Markets
Other markets such as Asan Bazaar sell spices, clothes, fresh vegetables, handicrafts and traditional Nepali household products. It is incredibly cheap to shop in this place and it will provide you with the local flavor.
3. Try Authentic Nepali Food
Do not miss:
- Thakali thali
- Nepali dal-bhat
- Aloo tama
- Newari cuisine
- Hot momos and jhol momos
Kathmandu Valley is heavenly to food lovers.
4.Live Music Cafe in Thamel
Thamel is very vibrant at night with live music and cultural performances and rooftop cafes. It is among the most effective methods to relax the day after exploration.
5.Go to Monasteries and meditate
There are also numerous monasteries where one can meditate or just take time and relax in Kathmandu. Boudha adjoining monasteries are particularly tranquil.
6.Nepalese Handicrafts
The artisans at Kathmandu are known to make:
1.Thanka paintings
2.Handmade jewelry
3.Tibetan bowls
4.Woolen shawls
5.Wood carvings
They are significant souvenirs back home.
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
Virtually all year round Kathmandu is a good place, however the best months are:
- February- June – Excellent sightseeing weather.
- September -December- Sunny and cold climate.
These seasons will enable you to have the beauty of Kathmandu without being interrupted by weather.
Final Words
Kathmandu is a city that brings an indefinitely memorable impression- be it the ancient temples, serene stupas, busy streets or people. It is a place where history is found at every turn and spirituality permeates in the air.
When travellers are seeking an informative and fulfilling foreign vacation, Kathmandu trip packages offer them the best combination of affordability, convenience, culture and adventure. With Kathmandu being a must visit site in the most popular Nepal tour packages, Kathmandu is the place where anyone would love to feel Nepal in its pure form, whether in terms of its interests and tradition or timeless beauty.
It may be the need to visit royal palaces, have a blessing at Pashupatinath, savor Nepali cuisine, roam through heritage lanes or just unwind in a serene monastery and Kathmandu will leave a mark on the psyche and soul.
