Best Travel Guide Kathmandu | ArrivalGuides.com

KathmanduGuide was updated: 2024-05-02

Stunning Himalayan vistas, big-city bustle, centuries-old temples, an array of vibrant colours, intoxicating aromas and friendly smiles all come together in the eclectic metropolis that is Kathmandu. Nepal's capital is an emerging cosmopolitan city, yet it remains steeped in cultural, artistic and religious traditions. Kathmandu offers visitors an assortment of unique sights and experiences. Independent travellers and trekking groups alike will find no shortage of things to do.

Do & See

Kathmandu is a spiritual and cultural centre of great importance for both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, and as such, it boasts a dizzying wealth of stunning temples, shrines and sacred places that have been delighting visitors for years. The city is also home to a few genuinely interesting museums that record the tumultuous history of Nepal.

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Amitabha Monastery Hike

From Swayambhu to the Amitabha Monastery (in Nepali 'Seto Gumba' you will master an approximately 15 kilometre (9.3 miles) long, 4-5-hour hike, with beautiful panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley and the chance to admire a breathtaking sunset or sunrise, if you time your journey right. For inexperienced hikers, it is recommendable to join a group or to hire a guide for the trek.

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Hike to Kakani

From Kathmandu to the small village Kakani — this hiking path leads you through the sub-alpine forests of Nepal. The trek itself is graded easy with only a slight incline. Keep in mind that the walk might take up to 5-6 hours, though. It is recommended to hire a local agency for secured transport and experienced guides along the way.

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Hanuman Dhoka

Dedicated to the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman, this impressive palace complex was constructed between the 4th and 8th centuries and then expanded considerably in the 17th. Spread over 5 acres, it contains the Royal Palace and many beautiful temples and courtyards. Unfortunately, the complex was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquake and reconstruction is still underway.

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Durbar Square

Kathmandu's central square is a breathtaking sight, packed with palaces, temples, shrines, and pagodas. The colours, sounds and smells are intoxicating as what seems like the whole city passes through on any given day. It is the centre of spiritual and cultural life in Kathmandu and cannot be missed. Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (The Golden Temple)

Dating back as far as the 12th century, this unique Buddhist monastery gets its name from the many decorative gold plates covering much of the facade. It is located in Patan, to the south of the city, and the doorways and courtyards hold shrines dedicated to Buddhist gods and elaborate statues of the temple's mythical guardians.

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Boudhanath Stupa

This temple, located northeast of central Kathmandu, is the largest stupa in the country and the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. After the Chinese occupation of Tibet, thousands of Tibetan refugees fled to Nepal and settled in the area around this temple, making it an important haven for Tibetan culture.

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Population:	1.5 million
Currency:	Nepalese rupee (Re., Rs., रू) 1 NPR = 100 paisa
Emergency Numbers:	Emergency: 100
Newspapers:	Nepali Times: nepalitimes.com Himalayan Times: www.thehimalayantimes.com The Kathmandu Post: kathmandupost.com
Website:	ntb.gov.np »
Opening Hours:	Nepalese businesses are typically open 7 days a week. Banks open Sunday to Friday 9am–3pm, and Saturday 9am–noon. Shops usually open at around 10am and close at 8pm and remain closed on Saturdays. Bars and restaurants close at 10pm, since music in public places is forbidden after that, but some bars and clubs stay open until midnight.
Tourist Information:	Nepal Tourism Board — Tourist Service Center Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall Pradarshani Marg, Kathmandu +977 1 4256909 info@ntb.org.np