Smaller in size a beautiful nation Nepal is a warm-hearted country and the locals of the country are simple, welcoming, and smiling. Nepal is the one and the only country which has never been under another’s regime i.e. never came under the British Empire. The traditions and culture of Nepal are reminiscent or perfectly mixed with its giant neighbors, India and China. Hence, this tiny mountainous kingdom in the lap of the Himalayas boasts a more distinct culture and history.
Guarded by the gigantic yet breathtaking Himalayas in all cardinal directions, Nepal certainly abounds in an authentic natural state. Be it the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan ranges or the secluded valleys, most parts of Nepal resemble just like an image (photoshopped one ) which turns our childhood fairy-tale books ’context into existence.
Besides its topography, the country has a plethora of options and quality content for culture enthusiasts. Nepal, being a hot melting pot of both Buddhist and Hindu ideologies, has a rich history that is unique and enchanting within itself. While hopping around, one can see massive Hindu temples, quaint Buddhist monasteries, and architectural masterpieces. Nepal has it all, with a myriad of options to offer.
When it comes to Kathmandu, the most happening place in the entire country,. It is the capital where citizens from all around the globe come. In the hippie era, Kathmandu’s freak street used to be a hub. In other words, the valley is also renowned as “The City of Temples.”. The best thing is that a large number of Nepal’s top-rated cultural, traditional, and historical attractions are found in and around Kathmandu, making them easily available for visitors.
The remarkable capital of Nepal, Kathmandu, has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. With various incredible tourist destinations in Kathmandu, you could never be bored here, and when visiting Nepal, make sure you spend at least a few days here.
Kathmandu never stops amusing its guests with many amazing places to visit, and as a nature guide residing here in this fascinating capital city of Nepal, I’ve put together this epic list. I am pretty sure it will help you plan your travels! Top 10 historical places in Kathmandu you should visit, Highland Eco Trek is always ready to help explore the historical places of Kathmandu valley.
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square once used to be the king’s place where rulers were once crowned and legitimized, and from where they ruled (here Durbar means Royal Palace). Perched in the middle of the valley, Durbar boasts many squares, temples, sub-temples, and paved alleys, which makes the premises so enchanting. Hence, it remains the traditional heart of the old medieval town and Kathmandu’s most curious legacy of traditional architecture.
The entire complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 AD. Most importantly, all of the squares date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Kathmandu Durbar Square is also popularly known as “Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace.”. Besides, the premises of Taleju Temple and Hanuman Dhoka are the places that draw visitors’ attention.
One can easily reach here after 15-20 minutes of a stroll from Thamel, the hub of tourists.
2. Boudhanath Stupa
When we go 7 kilometers northwest from the center of Thamel, Boudhanath (or Boudha) stands as the most stunning tourist place in Kathmandu.
Boudhanath Stupa is enlisted as one of the largest stupas in Asia and is already recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (A stupa is a place of worship where followers of Buddhism generally visit for worship).
Boudha, the preacher of Buddhism and spreader of peace and prosperity is impressive to your both eyes as well as your soul and can be observed from a few kilometers away. Believe me but when you are up close to this sacred point: Quaint one; the meeting point of followers, thousands of non-followers, locals, and tourists it leaves us all in awe.
This Chorten was believed to have been built around 600AD, which the same time the Tibetan King decided to convert to Buddhism, as a result today Boudha is worshiped with huge importance and is considered a very sacred place for Buddhists.
Luckily, It survived the horrendous tremor of 2015 with very titchy damage.
As hundreds of thousands of holidaymakers enter Nepal for vacation, Boudha normally gets very busy. Hence as a guide, I would like to provide my valuable clients, readers, and guests with a tip.
Tip: The best time to visit is just in the dark when locals/pilgrims come out to light butter lamps. Likewise, in the morning,. Don’t miss this place if you visit Kathmandu.
Entry Fee:
1. Foreign nationals, including Chinese, 400 NPR
2. Citizen of a SAARC nation (100 NPR)
3. Nepalese Citizens: Free
3. Shree Pashupatinath Temple
This temple is the biggest Hindu temple in the world and is devoted to Lord Shiva. Enlisted as one of famous Nepal’s most famous historical sites, this holy site is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Situated on the banks of the river Bagmati which lies at a distance of 5 kilometers towards the northwest of the capital city of Kathmandu, it extends on either side of the Holy River, Bagmati.
Shree Pashupatinath Temple is often worshiped as the “Temple of Living Beings,” as it attracts a legion of pilgrims every day from faraway places to offer their prayers and ask for blessings.
Apart from its religious and cultural importance, this temple’s premises are a paradigm of ancient architectural prowess. Saints from Nepal, a few parts of the world, and especially those representing India reach here in a large crowd to celebrate Shivaratri, “the night of Lord Shiva.”. There is also a cremation site where the dead bodies of Hindus are burned with fire.
Entry Fee:
a) For Foreign Nationals or SAARC Nationals: 1000 NPR
b) No Entry Fee for Nepalese or Indian Citizens
4. Swayambhunath
Perched at a mere distance of 3 kilometers from the Thamel district, this is another of Nepal’s UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. It is believed that a millennium ago, this area was an island and King Manadeva had built a temple here around 460 A.D.
Among its foreign visitors, this holy site is known as the Monkey Temple for the primate population in and around the temple’s surroundings. Also, we can see a Hindu temple at the top, which makes this temple a counterexample of religious harmony.
Nowadays, the stupa has an apex made up of copper with a conical spire whereas the lower hemisphere is comprised of clay and brick. And the signature gesture is that it has Lord Buddha’s eyes adorned in all cardinal directions. The eye shots from the top are just WOW as most parts of the valley can be overlooked.
Entrance Fee:
a. Foreign nationals, including Chinese: 200 NPR
b. For SAARC Nationals: 50 NPR
c. For Nepalese: Free
5. Patan Durbar Square
The ancient town of Patan can be reached within a mere distance from the capital, Kathmandu, which is surrounded by four stupas erected by Emperor Ashoka in the third century B.C. Also, known as the city of Lalitpur, the Patan Durbar Square is already been listed among the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites featuring Nepal. The Durbar complex is a marvel of Newari architecture, with a square floor tiled/paved with red bricks and slates. Believe me, people usually get confused with houses and temples here at Patan because housing is inspired by temples and monuments.
With a rich and diverse history dating back to the medieval period, Patan has always played a paramount role in both the cultural and political history of Nepal.
Entrance Fee:
a) For Foreign Nationals including Chinese – 1000 NPR
b) For SAARC Nationals: 250 NPR
6. Changu Narayan Temple:
This temple is revered as the oldest Hindu temple and is based at the eastern rim of the valley. And still in use, this creation of the 4th century was built in the two-tiered pagoda style, where the main shrine is guarded on all facets by pairs of real and mythical beasts such as elephants, lions, winged lions, and ram-horned griffons. Another highlight of this temple is its roof, which is amazingly furnished with intricate carvings of Tantric deities.
Changu Narayan and its peripheral buildings were badly affected by the terrific earthquake of 2015; however, restoration of the complex is under construction.
Entry Fee:
a) For Foreign Nationals (including Chinese): 300 NPR
b) For SAARC Nationals: 100 NPR
c) For Nepalese Citizens: Free
7. Kapan Monastery
Kopan Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries and is based along the outer rim of the valley. The ‘Kapan’ name is kept based on the hills on which it is positioned as well as built. It is a Tibetan monastery, near Boudhanath which can be reached after an hour of the hike.
More famous as a teaching place of Buddhism to the coming foreigners, this sacred stupa gives rise to only positive vibes and will make you feel relaxed, calm, and rejuvenated.
Tip: Buddhist sacred architecture like monasteries, stupas, and Chortens are a great place to meditate, live, or explore as you get to learn a lot of new things.
Entrance Fee:
No entrance fee! But then you have to pay if you want to stay there. The cost ranges between 7 and 20 USD, for which you will get three vegetarian meals.
8. Gardens of Dreams [GOD]
GOD is a neo-classic garden that is just based at the entry point of Thamel still midst of the mayhem of the capital. We can witness this quaint walled garden just before a junction between Thamel and Kantipath, and the good news is- entry to Garden of Dreams is public.
It was built in the early 1920s, but it was extensively renovated in the early 2000s. As the name indicates, Garden of Dreams, just outside Thamel in Kathmandu today is hosting numerous visitors by offering a pleasant environment away from the traffic, noise, and pollution from the hullabaloo of Kathmandu city. Inside the walled garden, one can get to see an ornate garden split into several pavilions. Not only that, there’s a small museum, an amphitheater and a cafe which makes it more complete and perfect hub to rest, relax, and read books.
Entrance Fee:
a) NPR 100 For Nepalese citizens
b) NPR 200 For Non-Nepalese
9. Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum
This palace museum was once a royal palace of Nepal which resides at the center of the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu near Thamel. For a very long time, served as the chief residence for the nation’s sovereign rulers until Nepal, from this very palace monarchy, ceased a decade ago. It then was turned into a museum and made public entry to all. Currently, hundreds of thousands of visitors from Nepal, as well as people from all over the world, enter the, Narayanhiti Palace Museum.
Entrance Fee:
a) 100 NPR for Nepalese (while students have to pay Rs 20 only)
b) 250 NPR for SAARC Nationals.
c) 500 NPR for other foreign visitors.
10. Thamel, Asan Tole, and Freak Street
Kathmandu’s tourist hot spot, Thamel, is a junction of international as well as national tourists. Dominant with international restaurants, souvenir shops, hiking stores, groceries, Thanka shops, travel agencies, and street vendors selling delicious cuisines, this place is the most happening hub. While strolling around Thamel, we can observe so many architectural masterpieces, even from the alleys.
While heading from Thamel to Kathmandu Durbar Square, we have to pass through Ason Tole. It is one of the oldest markets in the country where people go to get their servings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Indeed, this ancient Tole resembles an outside supermarket with everything available, from exotic spices, marigolds, kitchen utensils, clothes, etc.—you just name it. Ason has it all to offer and sell, from wholesale to retail.
Then comes a cool, once hippies’ hub, Freak Street (today known as Jochhe Marg), which used to be the Thamel of the 1960s. with awesome restaurants, paved alleyways, strange characters, cool and freak-out youngsters, and especially those seeking enlightenment on their holy visit to Nepal or those who dwell within the country.
OKAY, rather than mentioning every nit and bit here in this small blog, let me help you take a grand tour featuring Kathmandu soon. If this genre of Kathmandu chronicles hits you up, kindly mail me.
Bye! See you in Nepal!
Nayabazar, Kathmandu, Nepal
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