Places to See in Kathmandu, Nepal
Kathmandu's Main Tourist Attractions from Temples to Palaces
Jul 1, 2008
Many tourists come to Nepal mainly for trekking or mountaineering, but Kathmandu is a great city to spend some time in on the way to the mountains. Home to some of the most famous Buddhist temples in Asia, Kathmandu also hosts Nepal's holiest Hindu temple. Most Kathmandu sights mentioned in this article charge foreign tourists entry fees (up to US$6.00-7.00).
Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
The eyes of the Buddha over the white stupa of Boudhanath are one of the most famous images of Kathmandu. Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in Asia, and visitors can join hundreds of pilgrims who walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning prayer wheels to release prayers. Many devotees perform their pilgrimage or kora by repeatedly prostrating in the ground as they slowly move around the temple. Boudhanath is a also centre for Buddhist studies, and there are several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries nearby.
Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu
Kathmandu's other famous Buddhist temple, Swayambhunath stands on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, and if the weather is clear, it offers a great view from the top of the hill over the Kathmandu Valley. A long and steep stairway leads to the top of the hill. Like Boudhanath, Swayambhunath is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambhunath is also called "Monkey Temple" due to the large colony of energetic monkeys living in the area.
Pashupathinath Temple in Kathmandu
Located by the holy Bagmati River, Pashupathinath is Kathmandu's main Hindu temple and attracts pilgrims from all over Nepal and India. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the innermost area of worship, but tourists can walk around other areas in the temple complex or try to get a view of the temple from the other side of the river (although entrance fee still applies). Celebrations here during Shivaratri, the night of Shiva in February, are world-famous.
Kathmandu's Durbar Square
Durbar Square, in the old city, is home to Kathmandu's old Royal Palace and several beautiful temples. Many of the buildings here represent the Newari style of architecture. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating area to walk around exploring the temples and palaces.
Off Durbar Square is Jhocchen, also known as Freak Street. This is where the hippies stayed in the past, and the area still has some backpacker accommodation, although most guesthouses have moved to Kathmandu's main tourist area Thamel. Just off Freak Street, the Snowman Cafe does an amazing cheesecake.
Nepal's political climate can change rapidly, so check the current security situation before travelling to Nepal.
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