Kathmandu sightseeing and things to do

Newars of Kathmandu have rich cultural heritages. Green hills surrounding the valleys provide great hiking and recreational places. We offer you sightseeing and tour activities in Kathmandu for exclusive local experience.

Things to do in Kathmandu

Heritage Tour of Kathmandu
Newari cooking class
Homestay in Kathmandu
Hiking around Kathmandu
Kathmandu mountain biking

Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is the historic seat of royalty built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The Durbar Square is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument listed in 1979 which epitomizes the social, religious and cultural life of the Nepalese people. It is the place where the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronation solemnized. There is also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the place building.

Swayambhu Nath Stupa: Swayambhu Nath Stupa is 3km west of Kathmandu city situated on a hillock about 77m above the sea level of the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and the best place to observe religious harmony in Nepal. Both Hindus and Buddhists worship here. It is said to be 2,000years old. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Pashupati Nath Temple: It is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage spot situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva. The richly ornamented pagoda houses, the scared linga, or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva fascinates everyone. There are also small temples dedicated to other deities. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Near the temple at the edge of Bagmati River lies "Arya Ghat" where cremation is performed. Colourful market surrounds the temple.

Boudha Nath Stupa: It is the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and lies 8km east of Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the South Asia, looming 36m overhead. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979 is also known as Khasti. The name ‘Boudhanath’ is composed of two different words Boudha and Nath. Boudha means wisdom and the suffix Nath stands for Lord. Thus Boudhanath means the Lord of wisdom. In this area there are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries located at the base.

Patan : Patan is an ancient Buddhist city dominated by Bahal & Bhai (Newari monasteries). Some of these monasteries are over 1,000 years and are still intact. Patan’s original Sanskrit name is ‘Lalitpur’ meaning the city of fine art. No wonder, Patan has got collection of the most beautiful temples and monasteries and most of the natives still carry on the lost wax process of metal sculpting.

Bhaktapur : The hamlet of Bhaktapur in the east of Kathmandu valley is cultural gem of Nepal. The town is known for its tremendous culture, graceful art and self-sufficient medieval lifestyle. The town of terracotta commonly exhibits fine wood carving in its overhanging balconies, doors and struts supporting projected roofs. Sunken water spouts found in ample displays exquisite stone sculptures. Communities inside the protective Mandala of Asta Matrika (group of eight mother goddesses), socialize in their pavilions, dry crops, give bath and massage in their courtyards and celebrate at local shrines in their traditional attire. No wonder Bhaktapur is a living museum.

Kathmandu - the first traveler's choice destination in Asia
Travel website, tripadvisor on Dec 2013 announced Kathmandu as first traveler's choice destination in Asia and third choice globally for coming days. The choice is based on increasing positive reviews.

Homestay in Kathmandu

Kathmandu the city and villages in the outskirt have many government registered homestays. Stay with locals and discover the yet unexplored side of Kathmandu.

Newari cooking class

Spend time with local Newari women learning Newari cuisines flavored with their authentic spices and home cooking. Newari women of Khokana grow up learning the age old recipes prepared with their home grown spices and food. ‘SABHA NEPAL’ trained them to cook like professionals through various training on hygienic cooking. ‘SABHA NEPAL’ has been working to improve income of marginalized home based workers of Khokana village in the outskirt of Kathmandu.

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Hiking around Kathmandu

Hills around Kathmandu have vantage points that offer magnificent view of Himalayas. There are protected forests and national park offering great day hike or short trek. One can stay in comfortable hotels and resorts in popular hill stations like Dhulikhel and Nagarkot and hike for about 3 to 5 days around Kathmandu.

Mountain biking in Kathmandu

Dirt roads connecting villages in the outskairt of Kathmandu make good mountain biking trail with the backdrop of the Himalayas.

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