Things to Do in Kathmandu Valley
When you visit Nepal, Kathmandu Valley is the place where you landed first. As you land here, you can do many things around this bustling Kathmandu valley. Despite continuous groan of vehicles and annoying touts, this city is endless appealing. The cultural and artistic history of the Kathmandu valley is just prevalent everywhere. Despite the 2015 earthquake, many historic temples and royal palaces are waiting to be traverse.
Another beautiful thing about Kathmandu valley is the people living inside the city. People are so friendly and smile on their face. When you are in Kathmandu city explore every beauty inside here. It’s worth staying in this fascinating place and soaking up its atmosphere.
Here are some beautiful Things to Do in Kathmandu Valley during your stay.
Swoyambhunath temple is also called The Monkey Temple which is located in atop of the hill to the west of Kathmandu city. This temple is the oldest religious site which was founded in 464-505 CE by the great grandfather of King Manadeva. To reach in the top of stupa you have to walk up 365 steps. As you walk you will notice many monkeys roaming around everywhere near the temple premises. When you reach the top of the stupa you’ll see a beautiful panoramic view of whole Katmandu Valley. The temple entrance fee is 200 rupees for foreigners.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square (royal palace) is constructed dates back to the third century by the Licchavi period. This Durbar Square is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Inside Kathmandu Durbar Square there are many Hindu and Buddhist temples dating back to the 12th century. The royal family used to live there until the 19th century. Due to the 2015 earthquake south part of temples is badly damaged including the palace. However, the renovation work is going well.
The entry fee in Kathmandu Durbar Square is NPR 150 for SAARC countries and NPR 1000 for other foreigners. Children below 10 years have free entry.
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupathinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temple located on the bank of Bagmati River. This sacred temple is built back to the 5th century by Licchavi King. Pashupatinath Temple is enlisted on the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Once you are inside this sprawling temple explore the religious sites and experience this sacred place.
Shivapuri National Park is only a national park that is the nearest to Kathmandu valley. It is located in the northern part of Kathmandu with a height of 2732 m. those who have no time and want beautiful nature walk then Shivapuri hike is one of the best options for them. This trek offers sprawling forest, natural environment, spectacular mountain views, and cultural village too. As you go to the top of the Shivapuri peak you will witness beautiful mountains like Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Mt. Gaurishankar. The main beauty of this shivapuri hike is that you can choose numerous hike route with your choice – weather to hike for 2-3 hours or the entire day. This national park is preserving more than 500 species of animals and birds. Please check the entry fee for Shivapuri National Park here. Some of the popular hikes inside shivapuri national park are:
- Shivapuri Baghdwar Hike
- Chispani Hike
- Bishnudwar Hike
- Shivapuri Peak Hike
- Nagi Gompa Hike
- Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the heart of Bhaktapur city. This World Heritage Site is also incredible to roam around and see ancient architecture. Once you are here, visit Nyatapola Temple to see Durbar Square and explore Taumadhi Square. Other attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are 55 window palace, Vatsala Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Nyatapola Temple, and Bhairavnath Temple. We highly recommend you taste Juju Dhau (king of yogurt) too.
- Circumambulate Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is on the northeast outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. The beauty of this stupa is large spherical shape stupa with massive mandala. In 1979, Boudhanath Stupa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you are fond of religious history then you find many interesting things during your visit to Boudhanath stupa. It is said that when refugees from Tibet entered here in the 1950s, many decided to live in Boudhanath surrounding. The best time to visit this stupa is morning and evening because you can see prayers around Boudhanath. The entrance fee for foreigners inside this stupa is NRS. 250.
- Try local cuisine
Nepalese cuisine looks similar to Indian and Tibetan influencers but has its own unique and typical dishes. If you like to taste Nepali cuisine then Kathmandu city will not disappoint because of a variety of restaurants. Some street foods you must try are Momos. Chatamari, Samosa. Choila Set, and Sekuwa. Some of the best restaurants for local cuisine are:
- Bhojan Griha
- Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
- Kaiser Cafe
- Krishnarpan Restaurant
- Temple View Palace Restaurant
