TravelEnthusiast

KATHMANDU

Itinerary

Suggested Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
BEST TIME TO VISIT KATHMANDU:
January to March; December 

Saroj Shakya (TE Tour Guides)
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My Thoughts on Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu (The City of Light), is the capital city of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, the largest Himalayan state in Asia; and the largest metropolis in the Himalayan hill region. With a population of 2 million in the city, 6 million in its urban areas, it is truly bustling, and its humans are as heartwarming as chicken soup for the soul. The city stands at an elevation of approximately 4,600 feet above sea level and is the home of Newar culture; a cosmopolitan urban civilization in the Himalayan foothills. Kathmandu has been the center of Nepal's art, history, culture and economy, and has beckoned for me for a while now. It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religion and culture are a major part of the lives of the humans of Kathmandu. And the Himalayan mountains are a huge source of tourism for this part of the world. However, I am staying clear of the mountains and just nestling in the city itself. There's a lot to enjoy in this city. There are 7 casinos, a plethora of restaurants with insanely delicious food, some monumental sites to explore, hence this city was ranked the top 10 upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor in 2013, and 1st in Asia. Historic areas of Kathmandu were devastated by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25th, 2015, and the destruction is still visible today. There are massive ongoing renovations at every turn. Nepali is the most spoken language in the city, while English is understood by the city's educated residents; and I'm finally here... Lo and behold, it's election day tomorrow 12/7/17. Which means, everyone is on lock down, and I'll be on "hotel arrest", literally. No cars, (public or private) are allowed on the roads tomorrow; and minimal or no movement is encouraged. I was here for 4 days and 3 nights, so that disrupted my itinerary somewhat, as EVERYTHING, monuments, temples, stores, were closed on election day. So there goes one day of sightseeing. Only hotel to airport and airport to hotel transits were allowed on the roads and one better have their particulars ready?! Be that as it may, I always welcome an unplanned break. A day of doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Ahh! Pure and utter bliss. Welcome to Kathmandu, a TE recommended destination. Remember to click on all pictures on this page to reveal additional photos or useful links. 

Airports to Fly Into

  • Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
  • (Distance from KTM airport to Kathmandu city center and Fairfield by Marriott Hotel: 14 minutes. Click on photo to get airport website and travel information).

Where to Stay

FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT KATHMANDU
Tridevi Marg, KMC- 29, Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal +977 1-4217999

My TE Spotlight is on Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu. This hotel is located in the energetic neighborhood of Thamel, which is right in the heart of the city. It is near restaurants, clubs, shops and a few major sites such as Pashupathinath Temple and Narayanhiti Palace Museum. Boudha Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and Garden of Dreams, are also all near this hotel. Discover the many sides of Nepal's most wondrous city using Fairfield by Marriott as your launching pad. I am giving it a TE's thumbs up for its convenience, its location and its price.

OTHER SUGGESTED PLACES TO STAY IN KATHMANDU:

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel (0.3 miles from city center)
Manakamana Marg, Naxal Kathmandu, Nepal 44600 +977 1-4443040

Aloft Kathmandu Thamel (0.7 miles from city center)
Chhaya Devi Complex, Amrit Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal 44600 +977 1-5252000

Hotel Crowne Imperial (3.4 miles from city center)
Ravi Bhavan, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal +977 1523 4725

(Side Bar Information: Airline: Air India. Currency: Nepalese rupee (NPR). Currency Exchange: $1 = 119.66 NPR. Distance from airport to Kathmandu city center: 3.5 miles. Approximate Taxi Fare: $8 (957 NPR). For more hotels in Kathmandu, please visit the world wide web.

Where and What to Eat

NEPALI CHULO RESTAURANT

Nepali Chulo is a Newari restaurant that offers traditional and authentic Nepali cuisine such as Daal Bat. It is located on Lazimpat, behind Hotel Gangjong, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal. It's suggested to be the best restaurant in Kathmandu for Nepali food. I was advised to order Daal Bat. To my utmost surprise, it was a 12 course meal. They start you off with pop corn, which didn't irritate the lining of my stomach; then delicious potatoes (Aalu Tareko); delicious steamed dumplings (Momocha), Kwati soup which is a soup made with 9 different beans, absolutely yummy, and just when you are stuffed, they bring out the main course which comprises of 7 different delicacies. They top that off with tea or coffee, all while entertaining you with live Nepali folk dancers and music. Total cost? $15. Insane! I absolutely recommend this restaurant for their outstanding food and entertainment. I'm still in shock at the amount of food I consumed. And it just kept coming... Daal Bat is one of the most delicious flavorful dishes I've ever tasted. Also try the complimentary Chhoila (delicious chilled chicken). So good!
 
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RAMA'S KITCHEN

Rama's Kitchen is a 'cash only' Nepali and multi-cuisine restaurant located on Thamel Marg 26, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal. They are known for their fresh Asian inspired dumplings that are impossible to get enough of. However, their long standing reputation was built on their fresh, delicious, Asian-fusion vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines. They also offer the traditional Nepali cuisine, Daal Bat; as well as Continental, Italian, Chinese, Grilled and Indian cuisines. It is a comfortable, yet somewhat funky atmosphere and a restaurant favored highly by locals. Try them.

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KAVA RESTAURANT

Kava restaurnat is located at the Fairfiled by Marriott Hotel on Tridevi Marg, KMC- 29, Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal. At this restaurant you can sample local specialties and international favorites 24-hours a day. They offer a very tempting breakfast buffet, a relaxed menu at lunch, and sumptuous dishes at dinner time, much like this perfectly seared salmon. Head to Java to sip on some cocktails after a busy day in Kathmandu. Their meals were delicious which is why I have chosen to showcase this restaurant as one of the restaurants to frequent while visiting Kathmandu even if you aren't residing at the Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu Hotel. 

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NEPALI TEA

When in Kathmandu, indulge in Nepal's award winning teas. These high quality organic orthodox teas are delicious and almost cleansing in effect. These beverages are made from the leaves of Camellia Sinensis, a tea plant grown in Nepal. They are distinctive in aroma, taste and appearance, and are in many ways similar to Darjeeling tea. Try some for some rejuvenating effect or while having some Nepali cuisine or visit Teafresho, a tea shop in Kathmandu. While there, try their healthy tiger balm herbal mix. 

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16 Best Things to See and Do

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom is one of three Durbar Royal Palace Squares in the Kathmandu Valley. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durbar Square is surrounded with spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The Royal Palace was originally at Dattaraya square and was later moved to the Durbar square. The Square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.

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Hanuman Dhoka ~ Old Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of the Malla kings and the Shah dynasty is amongst the Hanuman Dhoka complex of structures located in Durbar Square in central Kathmandu, Nepal. The Palace got its name from the Hindu deity, a stone image of Hanuman which sits near the main entrance. 'Dhoka' means gate or door in Nepali. It is spread over five acres. It was originally at Dattaraya square but was later moved to the Durbar square. The buildings were severely damaged in 2015 as a result of an earthquake.

Kathmandu City Skyline

Kathmandu is named after Kasthamandap temple, which stood in Durbar Square. In Sanskrit, Kha means "wood" and Maap means "covered shelter". This temple, also known as Maru Satta: in the Newar language, was built in 1596 by Biseth in the period of King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. The two-story structure was made entirely of wood and used no iron nails nor supports. According to legend, all the timber used to build the pagoda was obtained from a single tree. The structure collapsed during a major earthquake on April 25th, 2015.

Bouddhanath Stuppa

Bouddhanath Stuppa is a stupa in Kathmandu. It is about 6.8 miles from the city center. The stupa's massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and it has eyes on all sides. It is cute and creepy all in the same breath. The Buddhist stupa of Bouddhanath dominates the skyline and is one of the largest stupas in the world. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Along with Swayambhu, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is a famous, sacred temple dedicated to Pashupatinath (Lord of all animals), or Lord Shiva and a sacred temple of the Hindu faith. It also serves as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. It is also the cremation site for all Hindus, and it happens live, in the open, for all to see. This UNESCO World Heritage Site and "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of ashrams, temples, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries. It is included as one of the seven monument groups in UNESCO's designation of Kathmandu Valley as a cultural heritage site. The main temple is built in the Nepalese pagoda style of architecture and the features of the pagoda style are like cubic constructions. It is on 264 hectares of land, with 518 temples and monuments. One of the major Festivals of the temple is Maha Shivaratri on which day over 800,000 devotees visit here. This temple is one of the 275 Tamil Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva) on the continent. While there, I witnessed a cremation.

Thamel

Thamel is a commercial neighborhood in Kathmandu and has been the center of Kathmandu's tourist attraction for decades. Lots of backpackers make their way to Thamel because they can find affordable items to buy and inexpensive places to eat within their budget. It stands out for its narrow alleys crowded with various shops and vendors, and for its Nepali flags that offer shade and comfort. It is also aesthetically pleasing to behold as a result of its colorful flags. Commonly sold goods include jewelry, spices, tea, pastries, Himalayan salt, food, fresh vegetables and fruits, trekking gear, souvenirs, wool, walking gear, music, DVDs, handicrafts, and clothes. There are also grocery stores, hostels, restaurants, travel agencies, etc., on the streets of Thamel. Cars, cycle rickshaws, two-wheelers and taxis ply these narrow streets alongside hundreds of pedestrians. As always, prices vary depending on which tourist trap one ends up in. Be that as it may, I found the currency to be quite favorable against the US dollar.

Pashupatinath Temple River

The river at Pashupatinath Temple, is considered holy water or a holy river, and people (the Hindus) bathe in this river which is a mixture of the ashes of the dead and/or their loved ones. I just couldn't stop shuddering. This was the only junction in Nepal that left me perplexed and at a cross road. But to liven up my mood, I met two amazing priests or sharmans who were absolutely lovely enough to capture a shot with me, to bless me and to realign my day. Here at the temple, you'd encounter priests, live rituals and consultations, and live cremation ceremonies. The smell is what stays with you, no disrespect intended to their culture. It's still a definite must see.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhu, meaning "Self Created", is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of the city. It is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. For the Buddhist Newars, in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice, Swayambhunath occupies a central position, it is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. For Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudha. The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of temples and shrines, some dating back to the Licchavi period; a Tibetan monastery, a library, and a museum. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on. There are also shops, restaurants and hostels around it. The site has two access points: a long stairway with 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple.

Swayambhunath Monkey Temple

Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north west parts of the temple. They are holy because Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom and learning was raised in the hill which the stupa stands on. He was supposed to leave his hair short but he made it grow long and head lice grew in it. It is said that the head lice transformed into these monkeys. Manjusri had a vision of the Lotus at Swayambhu and traveled there to worship it. Seeing that the valley can be a good settlement and to make the site more accessible to human pilgrims, he cut a gorge at Chovar.

Garden of Dreams


The Garden of Dreams, a.k.a. the Garden of Six Seasons, is a neo-classical garden in Kaiser Mahal Kathmandu, built in 1920. It consists of 6,895 square meters of lush gardens with three pavilions, ponds, urns, an amphi-theatre, and pergolas. From the mid-1960s, upon the death of its patron, Kaiser Sumsher Rana, it lay in neglect but was recently restored with the help of the Austrian government.

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Kathmandu Durbar Square Market

Kathmandu's Durbar Square Market is a world famous market located 2 minutes walk from Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is strategically located in front of the palace of the oldest Kingdom of Kathmandu. You can buy anything from textiles to food items.


Ason Bazaar

Discover Kathmandu's Ason Bazaar a.k.a Asan, or the market popular amongst locals. It is a ceremonial market and residential square in central Kathmandu and is one of the most well-known historical locations in the city. It is famous for its bazaar, festival calendar and its strategic location. This bazaar has been described as a fine Newar example of a traditional Asian bazaar. Six streets converge on Asan giving the square a perpetually lively bustle and stance. It attracts shoppers from all over Kathmandu because of the range of merchandise sold here. You'll find spices, traditional clothing and textiles, food, fruits and vegetables, teas, electronics and even bullion. Ason is also one of the popular tourist spots in the city because of its charm, architectural presence and ambiance. There are banks, restaurants, bus stops, taxi stands, a post office and more at Ason.

Ride A Rickshaw

Rickshaws in Kathmandu are not only modes of transportaion, they have become makeshift beds for Rickshaw drivers on a break. You'd find many of them sleeping in the, in amazing forms and angles. They are the cheapest modes of transportation while visiting Kathmandu in event you want to save a bit more funds or if you'd like to avoid using a taxi. 

Herbs and Spices

The richness, diversity and deliciousness of Nepali cuisines can be credited to the wide variety of Nepalese Herbs and Spices used in these dishes. The most commonly used being turmeric, salt, fenugreek seeds, ginger, coriander, cumin, garlic, green chillies, cilantro, and szechwan pepper. Less commonly used spices include bay leaves, mustard seeds, cardamom (black and green pods), ajowan seeds, cloves, etc. Explore the wide varieties of spices, herbs and flavoring ingredients used in Nepali cooking and if possible, take some home with you to incorporate exquisite flavors, nutritional and medicinal values, texture, freshness, heat and aesthetics in your next dish.

Kopan Monastery

Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Boudhanath, on the outskirts of Kathmandu in Nepal and got its name from the name of the hill on which it sits on. It is famous for teaching Buddhism to visiting Western foreigners. The first annual month-long meditation courses began in 1971 and entailed a combination of Lam Rim teachings with informal discussions, several periods of guided meditation, and a vegetarian diet. They also teach spiritual and practical guidelines modeled on that received by monks. This monastery was established by the FPMT's founders, Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Thubten Zopa Rinpoche, who bought the property from Nepal's royal astrologer in 1969.

Sharmans and Priests

Out and about in Kathmandu, you'll find its lovely humans in the most wonderful forms. There are Sharmans, priests, soothsayers, fortune tellers, etc., at each temple you visit. For some, stopping by and getting a reading or getting blessed is a main event and critical part of their visit to Kathmandu especially if you are a practicing Hindu or Buddhist. 

Discover My Favorite Quotes

You know that strange attraction you feel to something, someone, or somewhere, but can't quite explain why and what it is that has gotten a hold of you? That's how I feel about Kathmandu. This city is filled with good vibrations. 

- Lynda 'Kechy

When I'm in Kathmandu, I go out into the hills and go trekking.

- Manisha Koirala

I have spent time in many of the world's popular wilderness locations and I would say Nepal should be proud. It is an example of man repairing the damage he has done.

- Ben Fogle

Nepal is a beautiful country with a lot of holy places. I also like the country because it's close to the Himalayas. According to Hindu mythology, that's the abode of Lord Shiva.

- Kailash Kher

Nepal is a magical country and one of the only places in the world where they are winning the fight against illegal poaching. 

- Ashlan Gorse Cousteau

Nepal: once is not enough.

- Lumlenepal

TIPS TO REMEMBER WHILE VISITING KATHMANDU

1. A Tourist or Business Visa is needed for Nepal. Ensure to get one before departing your country of residence or you can obtain one on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM). Check to make sure that your country or nationality is amongst the list of countries that qualifies for visa on arrival as some countries are exempt from and must attain their visas prior to arriving Kathmandu or Nepal. I tend to get my visas directly from the consulates rather than online agencies. If living in the United States of America, there are two Embassy's of Nepal: New York and Chicao. Visit https://us.nepalembassy.gov.np/tourist-visa/ for more information or to apply without accruing or paying any additional agency fees. Visa fees must be in the form of Money Order or Cashiers Cheque made payable to the Embassy of Nepal. The fees are as follows: 15 days Multiple Entry Visa - $ 30. 30 days Multiple Entry Visa - $ 50. 90 days Multiple Entry Visa - $ 125. Note that children below 10 years other than the U.S. Passport or Travel Document holder do not required Visa Fee.

2. Nepal is a trekkers paradise. If embarking on a hike in the Himalayan Mountains, ensure you have travel insurance. Accidents tend to happen on these very grueling hikes and not having insurance might be a very poor idea. Most back-packing travelers recommend 'World Nomads' for travel insurance and have been happy with them. If you get ill or injured, or experience any kind of theft, they pay for your medical bills and/or replace any stolen or broken items without giving you the run around or frustrating the life out of you, unlike most insurance companies in the United States of America.

3. Nepal is very close to India. If at all possible, try to sneak in New Delhi on your itinerary prior to or post Nepal. Also, when in Nepal, squeeze in Patan and Bhaktapur if time permits. I flew into Kathmandu, Nepal from New Delhi, India on Air India (1 hr 30 min flight). Take advantage of surrounding countries when necessary to really stretch your funds and captitalize on one long-haul ticket. You also get to check off more countries on your bucket lists.

4. Download maps.me to offer guide catalogs or directions in and around the city without WIFI or network connection. On September 28th, 2011, Thamel was declared a full Wi-Fi zone. It is the first Wi-Fi zone of Nepal. So you could access free Wi-Fi at most restaurants.

5. Get a SIM card for international calls or to stay connected with family and friends when abroad. This is an inexpensive way to avoid any roaming charges or data usage.

6. Always have a copy of your passport on you. It's imperative to have this on hand for any unforeseen circumstances. 

7. Another mind boggling scene in Kathmandu, are its electrical poles and communication wires. There are very exposed and are everywhere. Surely, this can't be good. Be mindful as you navigate around the city.

8. Make sure you are aware of any trip altering events before you arrive, such as strikes, elections, massive renovations, etc. When I arrived Kathmandu December 6th, 2017, there were massive renovations and ongoing constructions at every turn and the next day (December 7th) was election day. Which meant, everyone and everything was on lock down. I ended up being on "hotel arrest" literally and lost an entire day of sightseeing. No cars, (public or private) were allowed on the roads; and minimal or no movement was encouraged. 

9. Lastly, as always, be modest, be mindful, be sensible, be cautious and be kind when traveling, but most especially when exploring religious sites.  

FINAL THOUGHTS ON KATHMANDU, NEPAL:

Exploring Kathmandu was quite the experience for me. One must continue to remember that albeit the journey of life is pleasurable and wonderful to be experienced with others, it is quite imperative to experience life alone as well. I set off on this journey for peace of mind, for clarity, for fulfillment and to reclaim my lost spirit. Kathmandu seemed to have helped in finding them. One is reminded of how formidable they are in this life, and that "God goes with you", wherever you venture - all the days of life. The world is still kind and you can feel that in Kathmandu. For MORE ON NEPAL, click the button below. Cheers and safe travels.

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