Nepal is, of course, a beautiful nation with its amazing landscapes and mighty mountains. Being in Nepal, one can have once in a lifetime memories either in cultural mystics or natural wonders. The capital city – Kathmandu is the city where every tourist step first. The Kathmandu consist of all kinds of ways to engage its visitor from the spiritual environment to the modern world stuff. There is a way to many things to do while being in Kathmandu but some of the things are as such which must be done. The city of temples, Kathmandu is suitable for every people from every corner of the world. Enjoy the vibrant and amidst the chaotic environment of Kathmandu before proceeding for any further itinerary in Nepal.

The top places for sightseeing in Kathmandu, Nepal

Stroll around the street of Thamel

The tourist hub Thamel is in center of the city and a perfect place to start a trip. Thamel is full of scattered travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and shops. Walk through the vibrant and busy streets of Thamel, where many voices invite you to visit the shops around you. Pass by the shops of handicraft, paintings, adventure gears and lot more. Walk into any of the restaurants and have a coffee/lunch. Enjoy the paintings and handicraft you witness throughout the walk. Go for round encircling the Thamel area and finally visit the Garden of Dreams and reserve a table at Kaiser Cafe and enjoy the Garden view with the sip of coffee. Opt for shopping if you need some clothes or handicrafts. The nightlife in Thamel is the way to awesome with colorful streets and surrounded music and beats. Check in to any of the Pub and enjoy the nightlife.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Nestling at the center of the city, Kathmandu Durbar Square is perfect for observing arts and architecture along with ancient cultural place. The beautifully settle Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Gaddi Baithak, Taleju temple, Kal Bhairav, and Kumari Bahal provide more charms here. Observe the ancient and modern cultural and architectural blend. Walk by the bustling streets of Ason tole where every produce of the valley is sold. Pass by the shopping lane where you can buy several local specialties including delicious food, fruits, and vegetables, pastries, trekking gear, walking gear, music, DVDs, handicrafts, souvenirs, woolens, and clothes. Enjoy a coffee at one of the Cafe and enjoy people passing by below in the narrow and busy streets.

Pashupatinath Temple

The holiest temple in Nepal, Pashupati is settled on the bank of holy river Bagmati. It is the mystical place filled with thousands of temples and the main temple of Lord Shiva. Being here takes you to the whole new world of myth and spirit, the sighting of the Sadhus, Hindu devotees, bulls wandering and people chanting mantras and incense smell all around. Walk up to the deck at the opposite side of the Temple, get a seat on one of the bench and observe people weeping at the bank of river and people worshiping. The cremation of dead bodies on the bank of Bagmati and the people performing the funeral and some waiting for their turn to burn away their loved one’s dead bodies. Monkeys all around the Temple are fun to watch too. Witness deer at the Deer Park on the way to Guheshwori. The evening aarti usually between 6 – 7 in the evening is another charm of this place. Overall Pashupati is must visit place while being in Kathmandu.

Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest Stupa in the valley, Boudhanath Stupa is a magical place full of Buddhist devotees. It is best to visit the place in the morning and most likely in the evening. After the sun goes down, devotees from the Tibetan community circumambulate the stupa chanting the divine mantra – “Om Mani Padme Hum” and prayer wheel on their hand. Circle the stupa along with other devotees and visit the Tamang Gompa among the other Gompas, from where you can witness the awesome view of the Stupa. Get into any of the Tibetan restaurants for some delicious Tibetan dishes and drinks. Enjoy the night view and sparkling eyes of the Buddha at the top of the stupa.

Swaymbhunath

Swayambhunath at the hilltop is another charming place to be while being in Kathmandu. This holy place for both Hindu and Buddhist is also known as Monkey temple. With glorious history, the 5th century-old arts and architecture are well preserved here. The place is at hilltop offers a beautiful view of Kathmandu valley. Look out for the monkeys and Buddhist monks chanting mantras. The evening is the best time to be here and observe the beautiful scenarios around. Participate in the meditation sessions or prayer sessions. Swayambhunath is one of the oldest stupas of its kind and is believed to be the most sacred one among Buddhism.