One of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a hotbed of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Kathmandu is the land of the mighty Mount Everest, making it the most visited destination in Asia. You can take a helicopter ride from Kathmandu to take a closer look at the glorious mountain peak that enthralls all visitors with its towering height of 8,848.86 metres. The city is a year-round destination; however, August to December is the best time to visit Kathmandu. An incredible tourist hotspot where temples, stupas and mountains come together to offer an experience that is enthralling and mesmerizing, Kathmandu is simply magnificent.

The Temples and Stupas of Kathmandu

Kathmandu is dotted with the most intricately designed temples and stupas, which adds to its enigmatic character.

The Pashupatinath Temple

The world-famous Pashupatinath Temple is among the most revered Shiva temples, visited by lakhs of devotees every year. This iconic religious site is a World Heritage Site and one of the must-visit places in Nepal. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, watching the aarti (evening prayer) conducted here is a surreal experience. The towering Pashupatinath Temple catches the sight of every visitor even before one lands in Kathmandu and is surely worth visiting.

Boudhanath and Swayamhunath Stupas

The other not-to-miss sites in Kathmandu are the Boudhanath Stupa and Swayamhunath Stupa. The Boudhnath Stupa, built around the 5th century AD, is one of the iconic structures of Kathmandu overlooking the town. One can often see pilgrims circumambulating the monument while chanting mantras, and just being there fills you with a feeling of divine assurance. Another must-visit stupa in Kathmandu is the Swayamhunath Stupa. Perched atop a hill, the architecture is phenomenally strong for the time it has stood its ground. The stupa offers a panoramic view of the entire city, letting you soak in the unique culture of Kathmandu. Spending time in both these stupas helps you reconnect with yourself and lead you into a journey toward self-awakening.

The Culture Cauldron

Kathmandu has many cultural hubs which will let you soak up the sensations, sounds and scents of this mesmerizing country.

Durbar Square

You can start with Durbar Square, one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. A UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Durbar Square is simply enthralling with impressive pagodas, intricately carved temples, and statues showcasing exquisite Nepali architecture. With tourists and locals walking in and out, Durbar Square is like a city centre constantly pulsating with action.

Thamel

A few kilometres away lies Thamel, another iconic tourist hotspot in Kathmandu. A cultural hotbed with hundreds of shops selling everything from wooden masks, apparel, and trekking gear to the latest electronic gadget, Thamel encapsulates the essence of Nepal.

Patan

Patan is another must-visit destination in Kathmandu. This fortified city with numerous palaces is famous for its everlasting royal charm. Home to some of the finest craftsmen, it will transport you back in time to the royal era of Nepal. The major attractions here include the Krishna Temple, Golden Window, Patan Museum, and the Mahaboudha Temple.

The Enthralling Countryside

If Kathmandu city is mesmerizing with its vibrant culture, the countryside is equally enthralling with open fields and lush green mountains.

Nagarkot Hill Station

Visit Nagarkot hill station, just 30 kilometres from the city centre. At an elevation of over 2000 metres, Nagarkot offers a panoramic view of Nepal’s natural beauty, including the majestic Himalayan ranges. Nagarkot is also a popular adventure hotspot where people come to indulge in exciting activities like mountain biking, trekking, and paragliding. Watching the sun set behind Mount Everest is an amazing experience.

Phulchowki

For nature lovers, Phulchowki is the highest hill near Kathmandu and is a must-visit. A trekker’s paradise, Phulchowki offers breathtaking views with pleasant weather throughout the year. From here, you can soak in the scenic beauty of the snow-capped Himalayas.

The Garden of Dreams

While visiting Kathmandu, one should not leave the city without visiting the Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical historical garden situated within the city. This little paradise with beautifully landscaped gardens, walkways and Victorian-style architecture is an oasis of tranquillity within the city.