Kathmandu, the soul of Nepal, enriched in history, resplendent culture, and second to none in beauty, is a destination that has.. something for every kind of traveler. This write-up takes you through all the places one must visit, best times to make visits, and a wide range of experiences that this vibrant city offers. Here are the list of 5 best places in Kathmandu that you have to explore.
Exploring Enchanting Kathmandu
Kathmandu is famous for great heritage among visitors from the world and divergent cultural traditions from elsewhere. It is a city which is to provide modernities with the blend of images. Starting from historical places and ancient temples to the crowded lively streets teeming with thousands of other tourist attractions, dooming its popularity, this is the city that will not let you down.
Places of Interest in Kathmandu
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is considered one of the most sanctified Hindu temples in the world. It is a cultural treasure besides being a religious place. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, this World Heritage Site by UNESCO is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This golden spire and silver-plated doors temple complex is a masterpiece in Hindu architecture. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit every year to attend the major aarti and celebrate the joyful Maha Shivaratri festival. Lying amidst tranquil surroundings, with sadhus meditating, it is a place of reckoning where spirituality is palpably felt.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Lying at the northern fringes of Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is paradise for nature lovers. Various flora and fauna call this park home-a trekkers’ and bird watchers’ paradise. There are various trails from which one can see the Himalayas and the surrounding landscape-a hike, for instance, to Shivapuri Peak or via the Baghdwar route.
The park is also a major religious destination, housing many such spots. Some of the more well-known ones are the Nagi Gompa monastery, where people go to seek peace and meditation. Whether you seek thrill or serenity, this national park can be an escape into the very core of nature.
Patan Durbar Square
Located at the very center of Lalitpur is Patan Durbar Square, a Newari architectural wonder and representative of Nepal in all its cultural glory. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, representing a combination of palaces, courtyards, and temples dating back to the Malla period.
Krishna Mandir is among the most exquisite highlights in Patan, an exquisitely carved stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. The wood carvings and metalwork present some of the artistic aptitude of Newar artisans, in addition to Patan Durbar Square. It also includes the Patan Museum, with its repertoire on display regarding the history and culture of the Kathmandu Valley.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Narayanhiti Palace Museum used to be a royal residence for the Nepalese monarchy; now it is a public museum showcasing glimpses from the country’s past replete with royalty. The traditional Nepalese and the modern architectural style has been blended together, giving it lavish rooms for hosting foreign dignitaries and events of the royal family.
Exhibitions held in the museum relate to the personal artifacts of the Royal Family, historical documents, and the history of Nepal’s monarchy in photos. Visitors get to tour the grand throne room along with the chambers belonging to the king and queen and also the inner courtyard where ceremonies were held.
Swoyambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the most feasible landmarks in Nepal, situated at the top of a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, and is often called Monkey Temple. It is said that these wide-set eyes on each side of the stupa symbolize wisdom and compassion, watching over the valley.
The site has both Buddhist and Hindu shrines and temples; the latter prevail in the complex in quantity and variety. It is quite breathtaking from the top after negotiating the steep sets of staircases, with panoramic views over Kathmandu at any time of the day, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Playful monkeys dwell in the area and are part of the temple’s uniqueness.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site that Kathmandu boasts is Kathmandu Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka. It used to be a royal palace of the then Malla kings and later for the Shah dynasty. The area is a teeming culture and religion hub, with temples and shrines showing off some of the finest examples of Newari craftsmanship.
Main attractions are the Kumari Ghar housing the living goddess Kumari. Intricately carved wooden windows and doors of the palace and temples add to the charm of this square. Festivals like Indra Jatra are celebrated here with a lot of vitality thus providing peeps into the vital traditions of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Lying just a short drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a living museum of medieval Nepalese art and architecture. Better than any other city in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur-also known as the “City of Devotees”-has preserved its cultural heritage.
The stunning structures housed in the square include the 55-Window Palace, Vatsala Temple, and the iconic Nyatapola Temple, which is the tallest temple in Nepal. Walking through Bhaktapur Durbar Square is like going back in time, with its cobblestone streets, ancient buildings, and vibrant local life. This square hosts plenty of festivals during the year, including Bisket Jatra, where the rich traditions of this city come alive.
Best Time To Visit Kathmandu
So, as far as the best time to visit Kathmandu goes, there are different experiences one will encounter with changing seasons.
September to December (Peak Season)
This is the best time to visit Kathmandu due to the very beautiful weather with clear skies and temperatures in the range between the mid-20s and low 30s degrees Celsius, translating from the 70s to 80s degrees Fahrenheit.
Owing to the dry season, sightseeing and trekking can perfectly be done without any interference from rain. Popular attractions such as Swayambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple look beautiful without any disturbance from rainfall. This time of the year goes hand in hand with the celebration of the major festivals of Nepal—Dashain and Tihar—so one catches a lot of flavor culturally.
March to May (Moderate Season)
During spring, the temperatures vary from the mid-teens to the mid-20s Celsius or in the 50s to 70s Fahrenheit, hence suitable for outdoor activities.
Blooming flowers and clear skies add beauty to Kathmandu’s gardens and parks. There is a moderate number of tourists at this time of year, but you can still visit major sites such as Patan Durbar Square and participate in ebullient cultural celebrations like Holi.
June to August (Off-season)
During the monsoon, Kathmandu becomes lush and green, with much cooler temperatures in the high teens to mid-20s (°C).
The rain makes the surroundings really peaceful, and fewer tourists come, so one can glimpse Kathmandu Durbar Square without feeling it is crowded. It occasionally rains; views are more lush and less crowded: this is the best time to visit Kathmandu for those who really want to have a peaceful trip.
Fairs and Festivals
Kathmandu is a city of festivals, each carrying its flavor and excitement.
Losar Festival (February)
Losar indicates the Tibetan New Year and is relished with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu. The festival offers-colorful parades, traditional music, and folk dance that brings into light the richness of the cultural manifestations of Tibetan traditions.
The streets wear a vibrant look, and a host of events and rituals are arranged to welcome the New Year with festivity and good fortune. This is the best time to witness traditional Tibetan culture combined with local festivities.
Holi (March)
This is one of the major festivals of Kathmandu and is enjoyed with immense enthusiasm. It’s the time to get together and have fun in colored powders and water, together with locals and tourists both. Due to these very reasons, the atmosphere is quite vibrant throughout this day.
The streets will be filled with laughter and joy as people participate in the fun and messy celebration. It does not end here; along with colors, the involvement of traditional foods and music makes Holi a wonderful time to be part of, whoever partakes in it.
Vikram Samvat New Year (April)
The New Year in the Hindu lunar calendar, Vikram Samvat, falls in April and is commemorated by different cultural programs organized across Kathmandu. The first day of the Hindu New Year, the event is graced with traditional rituals in music, dance, and other performances depicting Nepal’s vibrant cultural traditions.
The celebrations offer a great opportunity to experience local traditions and participate in festivities marking the start of the new year according to the Hindu calendar.
Indra Jatra
The traditional festival for the god of rain, Indra, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kathmandu. Giant chariots, traditional dances, and the symbolic pulling of chariots across the streets will be some of the main attractions.
Locals and visitors gather to see the vibrantly colored festivals with similarly dispositioned festivities: music, dance performances, and rituals are held in hope of securing bountiful harvests and rainfall.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is the birthday, enlightenment, and death of Siddhartha Gautama, later named Buddha. This prominent Buddhist festival is celebrated by special prayers, ceremonies, and processions in all Buddhist spots in Kathmandu. Devotees throng to the stupas and monasteries, joining in peaceful ceremonies and praying for peace and enlightenment. The temples are most beautifully decorated during the serene and reflective nature of the festival.
Tihar
Tihar, popularly known as Deepawali, or the Festival of Lights, is welcomed with eagerness and excitement. This celebrates five days in total. Each day of this Tihar is dedicated to different gods and activities: honoring crows, dogs, and cows, and strengthening the bond between brothers and sisters.
Houses are decorated with oil lamps and various colored Rangoli patterns. The streets go lit with decorative lights and feasts. The sisters pray for their brothers’ good health and wealth. The event is quite warm and jolly. Bhai Tika is the last ritual of the festival.
Maghe Sankranti
This Hindu festival marks the movement of the sun into the Capricorn zodiac sign. It also denotes the end of the winter solstice. During Maghe Sankranti, lots of traditional food is prepared; rituals are carried out, and fairs are also organized.
They come together, sharing various special dishes prepared with sesame seeds, molasses, and other seasonal ingredients, while taking part in the cultural events and religious ceremonies that occur. It symbolizes the coming of longer days and is thus a time for renewal, with much positive energy.
Shivaratri
Shivaratri usually falls in the month of February/March. It is considered one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism and falls upon the Great Night of Shiva. People celebrate this day with reverence and devotion through night-long vigils, prayer, and fasting.
The city of Kathmandu has several temples, especially Pashupatinath Temple, housing grand gatherings of these devotees offering rituals to Shiva by singing enacting songs and making offerings to the deity. The city takes on a peculiarly spiritual atmosphere during this festival, while special events and ceremonies are held all over the city honoring the deity.
How To Book Bus For Kathmandu in Nepal
Step 1: Choose Your Date of Departure
To plan your travel with Go My Go, select your date of travel. Our flexible booking system has an option to choose dates that best suit your personal schedule. Equally, it offers you the liberty of viewing all available services on chosen days.
Step 2: Seat Selection
Our user-friendly interface provides a detailed layout of the bus, allowing you to select your preferred seat. Whether you enjoy window views or desire quick access to the aisle, you can secure your ideal spot with just a few clicks.
Step 3: Payments
You can make your Go My Go payments using one of the multiple channels we make available to you. Our secured payment gateway ensures that your transaction details are safe, at no point falling into the wrong hands. This way, you enjoy a risk-free experience.
Step 4: Confirmation and Ticket Retrieval
After your booking is complete, you will receive a confirmation email and sms with your e-ticket. You can also retrieve your ticket at any time by accessing the Go My Go app, which is downloadable from Google Play directly onto your smartphone.
Benefits of Booking with Go My Go
Booking your bus tickets with Go My Go offers numerous benefits:
24/7 Customer Support: Our team is always eager and ready to help in the case of any queries or complaints.
Exclusive Discounts: Access promo discounts and offers exclusive to Go My Go users.
- Loyalty Rewards: Special points will be earned every time the user makes a trip with Go My Go, and those points will be converted to discounts and redeemed in future bookings.
Popular Routes
| Routes | Ticket Price(Nrs.) | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Pokhara to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Biratnagar to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Bhairahawa to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Janakpur to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Butwal to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Dang to Kathmandu | Book Now | |
| Kailali to Kathmandu | Book Now |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Q: What are the places I shall visit in Kathmandu?
A: Kathmandu is filled with great spots, which include Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Patan Durbar Square.
Q: What is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
A: The best time to see this place is from September to December and from March to May.
Q: Which are some good hotels in Kathmandu?
A: Kathmandu has different types of accommodation, from 3-star to even 5-star hotel stays.
Conclusion
Kathmandu belongs to that category of cities which has never disappointed a single traveler who stepped his feet on this ancient city, be it rich history, vibrant culture, or breathtaking scenery. May it be the ancient temples, national parks, or some of the local festivals; it will surely give you a greater experience.
For more insights and tips on bus travel, check out these helpful links:
