Updated on May 27th, 2023

We planned a trip to Kathmandu in December 2016. It was a trip for both leisure and professional reasons. The few days spent there were full of memories that I was trying to gather for the last few weeks as I was planning to put those moments in the shape of a blog, highlighting a few attractions that Kathmandu has. Kathmandu is a historical, spiritual, enticing, and vibrant place and has many things to offer to visitors. So many monuments and temples are treasured in the city, even after a natural disaster that occurred a few years back. In 2016, it was a depressing scene when I visited this city.

Effects of Earthquake in 2015

In an earthquake in April 2015, centuries-old buildings, like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan Temple, were destroyed. A nine-story building called Bhimsen Tower was also destroyed. In 2016, the city was still under the effect of disaster but trying to put itself back together. Many buildings were so damaged that you could see from a distance only, as they were not safe to visit. As I am writing this blog after a few years, so I hope the situation would be better today.

Kathmandu: Tracing into history

Going back in history, they originally knew Kathmandu as Kantipur. It was a trading center between India and Tibet, which gradually led to the growth and construction of present-day Kathmandu. The city flourished in the 13th century when most monuments and incredible temples, including the famous Durbar Squares, were built. Kathmandu was an independent city within surrounding valley areas divided into three kingdoms. A long rivalry and regular infightings and wars between these kingdoms resulted in the decline of the valley’s kingdoms. Still, finally, in 1769, an invasion by Prithvi Narayan Shah made the unification of Nepal and Kathmandu became the capital city.

In 1846 again, a big change occurred. Rana’s family became the royal family of Nepal for almost 100 years. In the 1950s Nepal became a tourist point, and the tourist industry took an important shape. Tourists from all over the world started coming to Nepal and enjoying the exotic and beautiful scenery, and hippy culture became a part of life. Finally, in 2006, a parliamentary democratic setup was restored, and since then, it has had a politically stable era.

Nepali people & lifestyle

Nepali people are amicable and welcoming. I met many people concerning my professional reason; they all were very cooperative. The city is full of activities all day. There are shopping centers, where you can spend time but if you are thinking to buy something, never forget to bargain. Yak wool woolens, especially blankets, are very popular and you will find them everywhere. While moving you will surely find local whispering offers of weeds, hash, and opium in your ears. It is always better to say no to them and move on because you may get in trouble easily—almost everything like vegetables, eatables, fruits, and cigarette vendors you will find on roadsides. Same way, wines, and other drinks are available in local general shops.

If you are visiting for the first time

Portraying a city with a negative image is not the purpose of this blog, but a few details need to be shared. If you are visiting for the first time, you must keep in mind that it is still a developing city with many things that can frustrate you. Under construction roads, dusty air, traffic nuisance, street vendors, and beeps of cars are everywhere. When you stay a few more days, you will also find many outstanding things that you will never forget. Buddhist and Hindu temples are so outstanding that you keep on clicking all on your cameras.

…few more attractions in and around Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, there are so many awesome things that any visitor would love to see. As I mentioned earlier, that city has historical and religious significance as well. Visiting different temples can make you feel blessed. You will also find Sadhus (Monks) outside temples always ready to pose for photographs for some donation. Pashupati Nath temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is on the banks of the Bagmati River. The huge-sized temple is a commonplace of worship for Hindus and Buddhists, where cremations take place along the river’s edge. This temple is so big that you can spend an entire day browsing the campus.

In the surrounding city, there are so many attractions that can add more memories to your trip.

While you are in Kathmandu, you can’t miss visiting another ancient place, Bhaktapur. The remarkable architecture of temples and the entire city is full of woodcarving and metal craft. You feel while praising those monuments. Bhaktapur is a nearby place where a beautiful temple attracts tourists. You can spend hours strolling and exploring this incredible place on foot. Boudhanath Temple is situated several kilometers outside the city. This temple was again under construction, but still, there were a lot of visitors browsing it. If you can spare a little more time, Pokhara, Chitwan & Chandra Giri can offer you a lot of breathtaking and soothing relaxation. Tourism is a way of life, and it can be felt everywhere, from the city’s chaotic streets to religious and historical temples.

Visiting Chandra Giri Hills

We planned to Visit Chandra Giri Hill resort and temple which is on the top of the hills. To reach there, take the ride on the cable car, and a 10-15 minute journey in astonishing views of the mountains is so fascinating that you can’t stop saying, it’s fabulous. Cold and fresh breeze welcomes you with its freshness. It’s a climb of about 2500 meters from sea level. Snow-capped peaks are visible from the top, and this entirely makes the surrounding a dreamland. There is a temple on the top of the hill dedicated to Lord Shiva, where an idol of Nandi is erected.

There is a cafeteria next to the temple where you can get snacks like popcorn and dumping. You can sit in the open area and enjoy eatables while enjoying nature. You can view the snow-capped tops of Everest from there. I still remember the panoramic view of Everest.

In concluding words, I can say that Kathmandu is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. I wish to visit once again to recapture more about it.