Updated on November 2nd, 2026
We planned a trip to Kathmandu in December 2016. It was a trip for both leisure and professional reasons. The few days I spent there were full of memories I had been trying to gather over the last few weeks, as I planned to shape those moments into a blog highlighting a few attractions in Kathmandu. Kathmandu is a historical, spiritual, enticing, and vibrant place with many things to offer visitors. The city treasures many monuments and temples, even after a natural disaster a few years ago. In 2016, the city looked depressing when I visited.
Effects of the Earthquake in 2015
During the April 2015 earthquake, centuries-old buildings such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Changu Narayan Temple were destroyed. A nine-story building, Bhimsen Tower, was also destroyed. In 2016, the city was still recovering from the disaster and trying to rebuild. Many buildings were so damaged that you could only see them from a distance, as they were unsafe to visit. Writing this blog a few years later, I hope the situation is better today.
Kathmandu: Tracing into history
Historically, 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 of its monuments and incredible temples, including the famous Durbar Squares, were built. Kathmandu was an independent city within the surrounding valley areas, divided into three kingdoms. Long rivalry, regular infighting, and wars between these kingdoms led to the decline of the valley’s kingdoms. Still, in 1769, Prithvi Narayan Shah’s invasion led to the unification of Nepal and made Kathmandu the capital.
In 1846, another major change occurred. Rana’s family ruled Nepal for almost 100 years. In the 1950s, Nepal became a tourist destination, and the tourism industry began to take shape. Tourists from around the world began coming to Nepal to enjoy the exotic scenery, and hippie culture became part of life. Finally, in 2006, a parliamentary democratic setup was restored, and since then, the country has enjoyed a politically stable era.
Nepali people & lifestyle
Nepali people are amicable and welcoming. I met many people for professional reasons; they were all very cooperative. The city is full of activities all day. There are shopping centers where you can spend time, but if you’re buying 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 and move on because you can easily get in trouble—you’ll find almost everything, vegetables, edibles, fruits, and cigarette vendors, on the roadside. Similarly, wines and other drinks are available in local general stores.
If you are visiting for the first time
This blog is not meant to portray the city negatively, but a few details are worth sharing. 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 congestion, street vendors, and car beeps 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 impressive that you’ll keep clicking photos.
… a few more attractions in and around Kathmandu
Kathmandu has so many awesome things that any visitor would love to see. As I mentioned earlier, that city also has historical and religious significance. Visiting different temples can make you feel blessed. You will also find Sadhus (Monks) outside temples, always ready to pose for photographs in exchange for a donation. Pashupati Nath temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, is on the banks of the Bagmati River. The huge temple is a place 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.
The surrounding city has 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 temples’ remarkable architecture and the city itself are rich in woodcarving and metalwork. You’ll feel awe as you admire these monuments. Bhaktapur is nearby, and its beautiful temples attract tourists. You can spend hours strolling and exploring this incredible place on foot. Boudhanath Temple is situated several kilometers outside the city. The temple is under construction again, but many visitors still visit it. If you can spare a little more time, Pokhara, Chitwan & Chandra Giri can offer you plenty of breathtaking, soothing relaxation. Tourism is a way of life, and you can feel it everywhere, from the city’s chaotic streets to religious and historical temples.
Visiting Chandra Giri Hills
We planned to visit the Chandra Giri Hill resort and temple at the top of the hill. To reach there, take a ride on the cable car, and a 10-15 minute journey with astonishing views of the mountains is so fascinating that you can’t stop saying, ” It’s fabulous. A cold, fresh breeze welcomes you. It’s a climb of about 2500 meters from sea level. Snow-capped peaks are visible from the top, which makes the surroundings feel like a dreamland. A temple on the hill is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with an idol of Nandi.
A cafeteria next to the temple serves snacks like popcorn and dumplings. You can sit in the open area and enjoy the food while taking in nature. From there, you can see the snow-capped peaks of Everest. I still remember the panoramic view of Everest.
In conclusion, Kathmandu is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. I wish to visit once again to learn more about it.
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