Updated on June 11th, 2026
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 I had been trying to gather over the last few weeks, as I was planning 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. So many monuments and temples are treasured in the city, even after a natural disaster a few years ago. In 2016, it was a depressing scene when I visited this city.
Effects of the Earthquake in 2015
During an earthquake in April 2015, 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 but was trying to put itself back together. Many buildings were so damaged that you could see them only from a distance, as they were not safe to visit. As I write this blog after a few years, I hope the situation is better today.
Kathmandu: Tracing into history
Historically, they originally knew Kathmandu as Kantipur. It was a trading centre 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. A long rivalry, regular infighting, and wars between these kingdoms resulted in the decline of the valley’s kingdoms. Still, finally, in 1769, an invasion by Prithvi Narayan Shah led to the unification of Nepal and to Kathmandu becoming the capital city.
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 took shape. Tourists from all over the world began coming to Nepal to enjoy the exotic, beautiful 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 centres, where you can spend time, but if you are thinking of buying something, never forget to bargain. Yak wool woollens, 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. Similarly, wines and other drinks are available in local general stores.
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 congestion, street vendors, and the 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.
… a 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 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 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 the temples and the entire city is full of woodcarving and metalwork. 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 kilometres outside the city. This temple was under construction again, but there were still a lot of visitors browsing 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 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 at the top of the hill. To reach there, take the 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. 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 the food while taking in 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 learn more about it.
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