Visiting Kathmandu is like visiting legendary shrines as every monument or tourist attraction has a legend associated with it. The cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktpur, and Patan are so close in distance but so distinct in their architecture and landscape that it is difficult to imagine that they are close neighbors. One common aspect that brings them together is the existence of the Durbar Square around which most of the attractions are located. Kathmandu has four World Heritage sites, namely, Durbar Square, Swaymbhu Nath, Boudh Nath, and Pashupati Nath Temple.
The hilltop Stupa of Swayambhunath, considered 2,000 years old, is one of the holiest places for Newari Buddhists. The hilltop is a pleasant spot to view the valley and is home to hordes of monkeys. On major Buddhist festivals like Buddha Punima or Tibetan Losar (New Year), Buddhists throng to the stupa.
The Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of River Baghmati around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside. An annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organised here every year in the month of February.
Boudnath is one of the largest stupas in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage. Today, Boudnath bustles with Tibetan population, busy with carpet manufacture, trade, and prayers at the several monasteries belonging to different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
The name of the old royal palace has been derived from the statue of Hanuman (the monkey god of Hindu mythology) that guards the entrance. The building has remained uninhabited from the days of its first construction in the 13th century. Most of the older structures are now gone and the present building is a highly modified version of the earlier one. It is now used mainly for royal ceremonies. The main attractions here include the Nasal Chowk, Tribhuvan Memorial Museum (the section open to public), Basantpur Tower, Mahendra Memorial Museum, and a stone inscription.
Machchendra Nath Temple
Machchendra is considered as the guardian of the valley and his temple is one of the most revered among Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple is situated in Kel Tol, north of Durbar Square. The white-faced image of Machchendra Nath is paraded around during the Machchendranath Festival in April.
Residence of the Living Goddess
This is an 18th-century palace in Kathmandu with beautifully carved window frames, some of them carved in the shape of peacocks while the central one is covered in gold. The palace is known as Kumari Bahal, where Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu, resides. The goddess appears out of the windows in the courtyards sometime and it all depends on your luck whether you can see her or not.
The place which gave Kathmandu its name, the Kashthamandap temple is perhaps the oldest surviving structure in Kathmandu. Although there have been alterations over the centuries, the central image in the temple is of Saint Gorakhnath, who watches over the Shah Dynasty. A small shrine of Ganesha is also located inside the temple.
There are several places of places near Kathmandu that make excellent excursion options.
Kirtipur is situated at a distance of 6 km from Kathmandu and a picturesque Newari village with fifth-century temples, old lanes, and weavers dressed in traditional clothing.
Chovar is the site of a gorge where the water drains from the valley. It is situated 6 km south-west of the city and there is a small pagoda of Adinath on the top of the gorge.
Buddhanikantha is situated 8 km north of Kathmandu and there is a pond where you can see the great stone figure of Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of a serpent.
National History Museum
National History Museum is an excellent place to explore the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of Nepal. The museum building is as much important structure as the objects displayed in the museum.
Narayanhity Durbar is the present Royal Palace, which is named after a famous waterspout called Narayanhity, situated at the southern corner of the Palace.
The twin city of Patan might have an independent existence than with Kathmandu. Today it is separated from the latter by a bridge over River Baghmati. The place has a distinct character and is full of temples. The main attractions in the city are Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Kumbheshwar, Jagan Narayan, Krishna Mandir, and Mahaboudha Temple.
The temple of thousand Buddhas is situated along Mangal Bazaar east of Durbar Square. The architecture is inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. This is a shikhara-style temple covered with terracotta tiles, each of which is painted with image of Buddha.
Situated 14 km east of Kathmandu, Bhadgaon or Bhaktpur was founded by Raja Ananda Malla in AD 889. Durbar Square is the main attraction showcasing the best examples of architecture developed by Newari People. Other places to see are Siddha Pokhari, Durbar Square, Golden Gate and Lion Gate.