Best places to visit in Kathmandu valley
Situated in the center of Nepal, Kathmandu Valley is just not the capital city but is also known for its cultural diversity, temple, and many more. There are many places to visit in Kathmandu Valley where you can experience the art, culture, and traditions. As the international airport is also located in Kathmandu city the starting point of the trek is Kathmandu therefore it will be the most visited place for visitors anyone visiting Nepal.
Kathmandu is the most desirable city for the Nepalese as well because there are lots of opportunities. Kathmandu is known for its natural beauty and you will get to encounter ancient buildings, and museums. There are three major cities Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan. Each city offers a special fusion of its ancient past and contemporary allure.
In this blog, we have short-listed some of the best places to visit in Kathmandu Valley. Though you are a first-time visitor or have already visited Nepal it can be fruitful for everyone.
Why Visit Kathmandu Valley?
Kathmandu Valley is known for its rich cultural diversity as you will get to encounter various castes of people living there and it is surrounded by hills all around. The valley is rich in history and offers unique art and architecture. Seven UNESCO sites are also located in Kathmandu valley so it can be a great experience for the visitors. You will get to see the old palace which is made with exquisite woodwork and elaborate stone carvings to the spiritual sites that showcase the co-existence of Hinduism and Buddhism in the nation.
There are many temples, stupas, and monasteries in Kathmandu Valley that showcase Hinduism and Buddhism in the nation. Castes like Brahmin, Chhetri, Tamang, Tibetan, Rai, Newar, and different ethnic groups living in the Kathmandu valley however newar culture is predominant in the city.
There are many festivals celebrated in the valley like Dashain and Tihar apart from that jatras of Kathmandu Valley add cultural richness here. Your trip can be worth it if you can schedule your trek around the holiday season as you will get to understand the culture and take part in numerous celebrations held in the valley.
List of Best places to visit in Kathmandu
1. Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swoyambhunath Stupa is also known as Monkey Temple, one of the most iconic landmarks of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of those sites reflecting Buddhism and is located on a hill from where the entire Kathmandu valley can be seen.
The spiritual atmosphere here is quite remarkable as you feel at ease among the colorful flag blowing in the wind and the constantly rotating prayer wheels.
Those who are interested in learning Buddhism can interact with the resident monks indulge in meditation and learn the different teachings of Buddhism. There are many shops here where you can find Tibetan handicrafts as well.
2. Nagarkot
Nagarkot is one of the best destinations to explore and visit in Kathmandu Valley as it offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayas and this hill station is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. Those who want to get rid of the hustle and bustle of the city and want a break usually prefer this destination.
Nagarkot is renowned as one of the best sunrise viewing points in Nepal and it’s praised for its breathtaking panorama views of the Himalayas. There are many cozy hilltop resorts where you can get the best hospitality and a lifetime experience. Apart from that there are so many short trekking routes where you can hike around. One of the popular hiking trips is Nagarkot – Chispani trek for mesmerizing view.
3. Chandragiri Hills
Chandragiri Hills is one of the best hill stations located in Kathmandu Valley. It is located 17 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 2551 meters. This place offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and even Mt. Everest on clear days. It is one of the best destinations for tourists as well as locals. If you are an adventure lover there are a few hiking routes that you can enjoy and you can find restaurant and resorts that serves the best hospitality.
One of the primary attractions of Chandragiri Hills is that you can enjoy a 10-12 minute cable car trip where you can view the surrounding forest. Bhaleswor temple is also one of the major attractions of Chandragiri which lies uphill.
An amusement park, amphitheater, restaurants, picnic areas, hiking, a zipline, and a viewpoint tower are just a few of the recreational options that Chandragiri has to offer in addition to its natural beauty and spiritual experiences. This makes it a famous and popular place to visit in Kathmandu Valley with families and friends. Chandrigiri Hills is famous for adventurers, and exploring nature’s beauty.
4. Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal. This temple is devoted to lord Vishnu who is known as the main God in Hinduism. Changu Narayan Temple is located on a top hill close to Bhaktapur which is 17 kilometers east of Kathmandu valley. It is one of the top listed UNESCO World Heritage sites and popular places in Kathmandu as well as the world for Hindu pilgrims.
Changu Narayan Temple is surrounded by verdant landscapes it is not just the temple for worship but it reflects our traditions as well as showcases our culture and historical hub. There are many villages around Changu Narayan which reflects the glimpse of Newari culture. For those who want to understand or are interested in understanding Nepal culture, it can be worth it for the visitors.
During Maha Shivaratri, Chaitra Dashain the temple is filled with visitors as they worship the god and take blessings so it is considered one of the important sites for Hindus. You can explore the beauty of Nepal with its religious and cultural heritage along with the beautiful landscapes from Kathmandu – Bhaktapur – Lumbini – Bandipur.
5. Thamel
Thamel is always considered the heart of Kathmandu city as it is one of the important sites of tourism. Thamel is one of the popular places in Kathmandu that helps in the economy of the nation as visitors and tourists come to explore and experience the culture. As you visit Thamel you can see lots of foreigners roaming around the road enjoying the hospitality of the area. Many shops offer traditional handicrafts, trekking gear, jewelry, and street vendors.
Thamel is the major hub for tourists as there are lots of clubs, spas, pubs, and hotels, restaurants where you can enjoy every moment and try different cuisines as per your choice. As it is centrally located you can explore the entire city and its surroundings.
Thamel is the central hub to enjoy and experience the nightlife in Nepal. Thamel is one of the popular places to visit in Kathmandu Valley to refresh enjoy and party at the weekend. There are many travel and trekking companies in Thamel where that are ready to assist you with the best service for upcoming adventures and excursions.
6. Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Narayanhiti Palace Museum is located in the heart of the Kathmandu center. Previously it was the residence of the Shah Kings and later it was transformed into the Museum symbolizing Nepal’s transition from monarchy to a republic.
Narayanhiti Palace Museum reflects Nepal’s history and royal traditions. The museum blends with Nepali architecture and modern design. The grandeur of the royal is reflected in the palace’s exquisite architecture, elaborate constructions, verdant courtyard, lovely garden, and extensive collections and displays. The trip of Kathmandu – Chitwan helps to explore the history of Nepal at this palace and refresh in natural landscapes of Chitwan with different adventures and jungle safari.
7. Pharping
Pharping is one of the popular places in Kathmandu Valley for Buddhists and it is located 23 kilometers south of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1600 meters. Neyo Tashi Choling and Palyul Samten Osel Ling are some famous monasteries where visitors can meditate and practice spirituality.
Asura and Yanglesho caves are located in Pharping which is known for their revered connections to Guru Rinpoche the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. For people who are looking for blessing and spiritual awakening, these caves can be the best choice for visitors.
For those who want to enjoy the peaceful environment and enjoy its scenic surrounding landscapes, it can be fruitful for the visitors. Pharping is an important attraction in terms of spiritual, natural, and cultural significance.
8. Kirtipur
Kirtipur is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kathmandu Valley which is 8.5 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Newari architecture.
Kirtipur is one of the oldest places in Kathmandu which reflects our Nepali culture featuring wooden crafted windows, temples, and pagoda-style architecture. Festivals like Indra Jatra, Biska Jatra, and many cultural events that showcase traditional music, and dance are hosted by Kirtipur. So it’s like a home for many of the festivals.
Many famous Newari traditional restaurants serve the best Newari food so the visitors can enjoy the scenic views and delicious Newari food. Kirtipur is very famous for both the locals as well as tourists.
9. Godawari Botanical Gardens
Godawari Botanical Gardens is located in the Godawari area of Lalitpur district which is 19.6km away from Kathmandu valley. There are over 500 plant species in the gardens the flora includes flowers, shrubs, trees, and herbs.
For those who are natural hikers and want to enjoy the greenery environment, it will be worth it. Apart from enjoying scenic beauty, you can get together as a picnic with friends and family. So it’s an ideal place for sightseeing, picnics, photography, and relaxation.
The botanical garden is the center of attraction for many visitors as the environment area is very greenery and clean so it plays a vital role in terms of research and promotes environmental preservation. Therefore, Godawari Botanical Gardens is a blend of natural beauty and exquisite surroundings.
Godawari is the best place in Kathmandu Valley to explore the different flora and fauna along with hundreds of plants and flowers.
10. Gardens of Dreams
The Gardens of Dreams is built by Field Marshal Kaiser Jung Bahadur Rana in the early 1920s. It is also popular by another name Kaiser Mahal Garden. It is located near Thamel which is considered a hub of tourist areas. This is the most popular place to visit in Kathmandu Valley to spend your time with lovers and friends.
The Garden reflects European architectural styles as well as Nepali styles so it’s a blend of both with elegant architectural designs, and fountains. The Garden is the ideal location for a tranquil atmosphere and relaxation as the lawns are maintained beautifully with colorful flower beds.
11. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
As you move forward to the northern edge of Kathmandu, you will come to the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park which is one of the closest parks to Kathmandu valley. This park offers a wide range of outdoor activities and is a true paradise for natural lovers so this park is perfect for relaxation and adventure activities as well.
A wide range of plants and animals can be found in the park’s lush topography. In addition to observing rare orchid and rhododendron species, visitors can also see various species of birds in the national park.
There are numerous short treks near Shivapuri Nagajun National Park so near future if you are planning any trek it can be ideal for the visitors to get their feet wet.
Shivapuri Peak is one of the famous hikes of this region which necessitates ascending to the summit and can be challenging for beginners however the beauty of the Himalayas will reward you at the end of the hike.
Apart from Hiking visitors can explore the Holy Bagmati River in Baghdwar which is located inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. This is the popular place to visit in Kathmandu Valley to hike around the Kathmandu Valley and explore the beauty of Kathmandu Valley with nature.
12. Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath temple is one of the famous temples in Nepal. It reflects the culture and traditions of Nepali culture. It is one of the holiest temples of the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and it is believed that here he manifests himself as the lord of animals. It is situated in the Kathmandu Valley which offers an exhibition of pagoda construction and some of the most intricate woodwork.
There are numerous ghats along the Bagmati River where Hindu cremation rites are regularly performed. On the other side of Ghat, you will see evening aarti which provides solace to your mind and heart. If anyone visits Kathmandu Valley their first priority is to visit Pashupatinath temple and explore the religious beauty.
13. Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is located in Kathmandu Valley which is one of the largest stupas in the world it reflects Buddhism and it’s a site for Buddhists.
Apart from its enormous size, the Stupa is a unique fusion of architecture and spirituality with each component signifying a different facet of Buddhist Philosophy.
