Nepal is a country between India and China, small in size but rich in cultural and natural significance. Nepal encompasses a large portion of the Himalayas mountains, which is why it is often called the Top of the World. Nepal is also the motherland of Mount Everest.
The capital, Kathmandu, is a bustling city with significant pollution and dust, largely due to the earthquake of 2015 that struck Nepal. Despite this, the city offers a wide range of tourism alternatives. If you’re like me and dislike pollution, a tip to combat this issue is to use a pollution mask, which you can easily purchase in local markets. Believe it or not, this really helps with breathing.
Kathmandu is known as the city of temples, where you can easily get lost among the many religious sites. While most of the temples are Buddhist, the Hindu population is also significant.
Here are my top 6 sights in Kathmandu:
City Walks: If you enjoy exploring cities on foot, don’t miss the chance to walk through Kathmandu’s mini alleys and streets. These alleys are all interconnected, making it fun to navigate this labyrinth and discover small, non-popular temples with local people. I recommend starting in the Thamel sector, where most hotels are located. This area is very commercial but full of hidden gems to uncover.
Old Kathmandu: It’s always interesting to compare a city’s old and new parts. In Old Kathmandu, you can find traditional architectural buildings with a European style that contrasts with the modern parts of the city, highlighting how much it has changed over the years.
Street MOMO: Is a typical dish found throughout Asia, originally from Tibet but now a staple of fast food in many Southeast Asian countries. I highly recommend trying the MOMO in Nepal because they are not as spicy as the Indian versions. The buffalo momos are the best, but you can also find delicious vegetarian options like potato and cheese MOMO.
Bargain Shopping in Thamel: Thamel, as mentioned earlier, is where you can find all kinds of Nepali handicrafts. For a shopaholic like me, this place is paradise.
Travel tip: Be cautious with prices and always ask before buying food or items in the store. People can be tricky, so it’s better to ensure you’re spending your money wisely.
5. Visit the Buddhist Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Also known as the Monkey Temple due to the many monkeys that inhabit the area, this site offers an amazing view of Kathmandu from the top. While some parts are under construction due to the 2015 earthquake, it’s still a must-see.
Things to see inside the temple complex:
- Museum of Buddhist Sanctuary
- Dongak Chöling Gompa (under construction)
- Harti Temple
- Tara Statues
- Amitabha Statue
- Nayupura (Air Symbol)
- Vasapura (Earth Symbol)
- Nagpura (Water Symbol)
- Dorje (Thunderbolt Symbol)
- Rathasambhava Statue
- Pratapura Temple
- Aksobhya Statue
- Anantapura Temple (damaged)
Know before you go: The entrance fee to the temple is 250 Nepali Rupees, and for SAARC countries, it’s 150 Rupees.
There are several ways to reach the temple, including by taxi, cycle rickshaw, motorbike, bicycle, or on foot. The temple is quite close to Thamel, so if you’re on a budget like me, you can easily walk there.
6. Relax in Thamel: Thamel has plenty of rooftop restaurants, where you can take a break from exploring the city. A good book, a cup of tea, and some relaxation can make for the perfect end to your day.
