Exploring Kathmandu over an intense week became a crash course for me on this unique culture! There’s a reason why Bob Segar, Janice Joplin and Cat Stevens all wrote songs about Kathmandu. Perhaps, artists are the only ones to describe this culture, transcending the mundane world. In 2018, I spent over 10 days in Kathmandu as my hub for my volunteer for Acupuncture Relief Project in rural Nepal. So, read on to discover my insights on top 10 Kathmandu Nepal attractions. Additionally, I introduce the 7 World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
At one time it was a pristine valley of exquisite temples, carved by the winds of time with Himalayan mystery. Today, fast forward to the 21st century, after the 2015 earthquake. Overall, its community seems to have been shaken by the Hindu God, Shiva “The Destroyer” himself, leaving behind a strange limbo, a rebirth into the unknown where the old and new dance.
Kathmandu I’ll soon be seeing you
And your strange bewildering time
Will Keep me home
-Cat Stevens
Kathmandu Background
Kathmandu Valley is the epicenter of Nepal’s culture and heritage, home to 7 *World Heritage Sites. Overall, these are within 30 km and 3 ancient Kingdoms: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Therefore, it provides the ideal springboard from which to explore later the Himalayan adventures in rural Nepal. However, many of Kathmandu’s beautiful temples were severely damaged by the 7.9 magnitude earthquake in 2015. So, many historic landmarks have been destroyed or under reconstruction. Overall, these are the 7 World Heritage Sites.
7 World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath
Swayambhunath
Changu Narayan Temple
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
My Week in Kathmandu
I spent one week exploring the top attractions in Kathmandu Valley before volunteering for Acupuncture Relief Project in rural Nepal. It was a whirlwind week of fun and awe at a frenzied pace, all embraced with endless, heartwarming Namaste’s. Even though I’m an experienced traveler, I found it difficult to navigate Kathmandu alone. It has relentless traffic, reconstruction, with labyrinthine streets and alleyways. Therefore, once I got local guides, my experiences smoothed out so I could more easily enjoy this intense culture.
The weather was mostly overcast, therefore I missed out on the epic, horizon views of the supernatural Himalayas. Even though I wore a mask, the polluted air was my biggest concern. Being the end of the dry season, air quality can be very poor in these months. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my intense week exploring these top attractions and discovered the old and new of Kathmandu.
Top 10 Kathmandu Nepal Attractions with 7 *World Heritage Sites
“It is often said that while you first come to Nepal for the mountains, you return for the people.”
From Lonely Planet
1) The Nepalese People
The Nepalese people are the best window into the culture of Nepal. I learned from them firsthand what “Namaste” truly means: the sacred in me honors the sacred in you. And this sums up the essence of Nepalis, crossing the language barrier over and over again with their heartwarming greetings. Most Nepalis dress in traditional clothing with colorful Hindu styles. In addition, many carry the bamboo “Dokos” or baskets on their back with produce. Overall, the Nepal people expressively live by rituals and customs according to their Hindu religion.
2) Shopping & Eating in Thamel
Since the 60’s, this commercial neighborhood has been a happening place for shopping and nightlife. Many of its streets are car-free zones, with colorful Tibetan prayer flags hanging overhead. Tourists and trekkers shop here to prepare for their travels in Nepal. There are restaurants and various stores for merchandise, such as, souvenirs, Nepalese clothing, trekking gear, Thangka paintings and Tibetan singing bowls.
I received a rejuvenating spa for less than $30 to experience my first Shirodhara-Ayurvedic massage. Also, there are Momo’s (Nepalese dumplings) served at many restaurants. I enjoyed almost daily the Gaia Restaurant for organic coffee and meals. Overall, as a refuge from the relentless traffic, Thamel remains one of the top attractions in Kathmandu.
3) *Kathmandu Durbar Square – World Heritage Site
This is 1 of the 3 Durbar Squares in the valley. Much of it has been reduced to rubble from the 2015 earthquake. I paid homage to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, but with realistic expectations. Much of the splendid architecture collapsed during the earthquake. For example, the renowned Kasthamandap by Newari artisans built entirely by wood with no nails, had severe damage.
It’s a whirlwind now due to all the reconstruction and congestion with dust everywhere. I regretfully didn’t have a guide this first day. Finally, I returned to my motel exhausted, hot and overwhelmed. Thus, please read on, as this was the low point of my week in Kathmandu. The rest of the week became more smoothly informative and interesting with a guide. Also, south of Durbar Square, I found the legendary Freak Street. It was the epicenter for the hippies in the 60’s & 70’s, because here marijuana was legal with government-run hashish shops.
4) *Patan Durbar Square – World Heritage Site
As one of the 3 kingdoms of Nepal, contemporary Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overall, it’s a setting for some of the most magnificent Newari architectural treasures in Nepal. My local guide gave me an informative tour of the highlights: Kwa Bahal “Golden Temple, Patan Museum.
Patan’s Durbar Square is a stunning collection of temples and figurines. However, it coexists with the ongoing reconstruction from the 2015 earthquake. The temple, Krishna Mandir, remained intact as the earliest stone temples showing the influence of Indian design. Also, Patan was the traditional center for handicrafts and a great place to purchase jewelry and Buddhist or Hindu figurines.
5) *Bhaktapur “Place of Devotees” – 2 World Heritage Sites
Another one of the 3 kingdoms, this ancient community is 8 miles from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur has the most preserved city center and 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: ** Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changu Narayan Temple. Its Pottery Square is a popular tourist site, however, most the pottery is made in the nearby city, Thimi. Bhaktapur is renowned for its unique yoghurt called Ju (king) Khau (curd) made with water buffalo milk and served in miniature clay pots. I loved the light, creamy taste so much that I savored 3 servings.
Bhaktapur reveals dramatic damage from the 2015 earthquake. Overall, its monuments are scattered with rubble, scaffolding and reconstruction work. Remains of the Nyatapola Temple “5 Story Roofed Temple” is a disheartening testimony. Originally, this temple was the tallest temple of Nepal at 30 meters high. Also, it reveals the damage from the 7.9 magnitude earthquake with only the leveled platform intact.
6) *“Monkey Temple” or Swayambhunath – World Heritage Site
Monkey Temple or Swayambhunath is one of the top attractions in Kathmandu. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overall, this complex dramatically spreads over a hill with Buddhist shrines, temples, statues, colorful prayer flags and monkeys everywhere.
Legend goes that Manjushree, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Learning lived on this hill. His hair grew long with head lice, transforming into monkeys. Swayambhunath means self-risen and is derived from this legend. Additionally, after climbing 365 stairs, you are rewarded with the panoramic views of the Kathmandu valley.
7) *Boudhanath – World Heritage Site
5 km NE of Kathmandu stands Boudhanath one of the world’s largest stupas. It’s also the most important Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet, as another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (First Blog Photo) This great white Stupa has vibrant prayer flags and flowerpots.
The surrounding Tibetan community offers many Tibetan Buddhist handicrafts, singing bowls, jewelry and more. Moreover, I found a Tibetan Medical Center (left photo), where I would’ve loved to receive a health consultation.
8) Kopan Monastery – Kathmandu Nepal Attractions
Just north of Boudhanath, this Tibetan Buddhist Kopan Monastery majestically sits on Kopan hill. I unsuccessfully attempted to walk up from Boudhanath through the labyrinth of winding roads and terraced hills. Feeling lost and overheated, I finally just hailed a taxi to take me to the monastery. My day was wonderful wandering the gardens and doing Buddhist rituals. Furthermore, I enjoyed my conversations with Monks, at the cafeteria with fresh watermelon juice. This complex is home to 360 monks, lamas and teachers. It offers meditation courses and Weekly Dharma Talks open to the public. Moreover, there’s a panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley amidst exquisite architecture, flower gardens and Buddhist artworks.
9. *Pashupatinath – World Heritage Site
The Hindu Mega Temple, Pashupatinath is 5 km from Kathmandu on the Bagmati River. It’s dedicated to Shiva, part of the trinity of Hindu Gods and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers opportunity to witness the Hindu cremation procedure at Aryaghat.
Also, it’s a cacophony of things, such as, temples, ashrams, devotees, cows, cadavers, and endless smoke from the ongoing cremation processes. Overall, it was truly a unique experience to wander and put in perspective this Hindu custom for death.
10) Garden of Dreams – Kathmandu Nepal Attractions
Lastly, a short walk from the whirlwind of Thamel is a sanctuary for a quiet interlude of peace and natural beauty. The Garden of Dreams is walled off for an escape into a European style splendor. For example, it has fountains, flowers, trees, trellises, birdhouses and 6 pavilions. Furthermore, each pavilion corresponds with one of the 6 seasons of Nepal (spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, pre-winter and winter). I went here for a meditative time to enjoy the gardens with tea and crepes at their Kaiser Café.
Related: A Heartwarming Day at Nepal’s Tibetan Refugee Settlement
Overall, Kathmandu Nepal Attractions
Kathmandu is legendary and currently hanging on to its crumbling heritage with true Nepali pride. Even though the earthquake and overpopulation are pushing up against its mountain walls, Kathmandu still stands on top of the world with its ancient culture in modern times. Whenever missing it, I replay the Bob Segar video:
I think I’m going to Katmandu
That’s really, really where I’m going to
If I ever get out of here
That’s what I’m gonna do
K-k-k-k-k-k Katmandu
I think that’s really where I’m going to
If I ever get out of here
I’m going to Katmandu
