🛕 Kathmandu, Nepal: Gateway to the Himalayas & Heart of Heritage

---

🌍 Why Visit Kathmandu?

Kathmandu, Nepal’s colorful and ancient capital, is a living museum of art, faith, and tradition. It sits in the lush Kathmandu Valley, ringed by hills and temples, and serves as a launch point for Himalayan adventures and spiritual pilgrimages alike. Whether you’re drawn by its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its rich Newari culture, or its gateway status to Mount Everest, Kathmandu stirs the soul.

---

🌟 Top Things to Do in Kathmandu

1. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

An iconic hilltop stupa offering sweeping views of the valley—home to prayer wheels, monkeys, and timeless serenity.

📍 Western Kathmandu
🎫 Entry: ~$2 USD

2. Boudhanath Stupa

One of the largest spherical stupas in the world and a spiritual heart for Tibetan Buddhists.

📍 North-east Kathmandu
🎫 Entry: ~$3 USD

3. Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site, where sadhus gather and cremation ceremonies unfold along the Bagmati River.

📍 Eastern Kathmandu
🎫 Entry: ~$10 USD (foreigners)

4. Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka)

A historical square filled with palaces, courtyards, and temples that reflect Nepal’s royal past and architectural finesse.

📍 Old Kathmandu
🎫 Entry: ~$10 USD

5. Thamel District

Kathmandu’s tourist hub packed with guesthouses, trekking shops, cafés, music bars, and handicraft stalls.

📍 Central Kathmandu
🎫 Free to explore

---

🏞️ Day Trips & Nearby Sights

• Patan (Lalitpur) – A city of art and Buddhist history just across the Bagmati River.

• Bhaktapur – A preserved medieval city with wood-carved temples and brick courtyards.

• Nagarkot – For panoramic views of the Himalayas and sunrise over the snow peaks.

• Chandragiri Hill – Take the cable car up for a bird’s-eye view of the Kathmandu Valley.

---

🍛 What to Eat in Kathmandu

• Momo – Nepal’s beloved dumplings, steamed or fried with spicy tomato chutney.

• Dal Bhat – The national dish: lentils, rice, vegetables, and curry.

• Newari Cuisine – Try Bara (lentil pancakes), Yomari (rice dumplings), and Samay Baji (festival platters).

Where to Eat:

• OR2K – Vegetarian Middle Eastern–Nepali fusion.

• Yangling Tibetan Restaurant – Excellent momos in Thamel.

• Bhojan Griha – Traditional Nepali feast in a restored mansion.

---

🛌 Where to Stay in Kathmandu

• 🏨 Hyatt Regency Kathmandu – Near Boudhanath with luxury spa and gardens.

• 🛏️ Hotel Thamel House – Authentic charm in the heart of the tourist district.

• 💰 Zostel Kathmandu – Trendy, affordable hostel with mountain vibes.

---

✈️ Getting There & Around

• ✈️ Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) – Nepal’s main international gateway.

• 🚖 Taxis – Widely available but negotiate or use a trusted service.

• 🛵 Rickshaws & motorbikes – Local ways to zip through traffic.

• 🚶 Walking – The best way to navigate Thamel and old quarters.

---

☀️ Best Time to Visit

• Autumn (Sep–Nov) – Clear skies and festivals like Dashain and Tihar.

• Spring (Mar–May) – Blooming rhododendrons and perfect trekking weather.

• Winter (Dec–Feb) – Cool but good for sightseeing; low tourist season.

• Monsoon (Jun–Aug) – Lush landscapes but heavy rains and leeches in the hills.

---

💡 Travel Tips

• 🛂 Carry copies of your passport and visa when sightseeing.

• 🧼 Use bottled or filtered water—tap water isn’t safe to drink.

• 🙏 Dress modestly at temples and remove shoes before entering.

• 🏔️ Planning a trek? Get your TIMS card and permits in advance.

• 💵 Carry Nepali rupees—most places don’t accept cards.

---

✨ Final Thoughts

Kathmandu is both a gateway to the Himalayas and a journey inward—its spiritual energy, ancient architecture, and welcoming locals make it one of Asia’s most unforgettable capitals. Whether you’re meditating in a monastery, browsing hand-carved masks, or sipping chai in Thamel, Kathmandu invites you to slow down, reflect, and discover.