What pops on your mind when you ponder about Nepal? Being a mountainous region, it is prudent to appear Himalayan range on your mind. However, besides the mountain, there are various things to explore in Nepal. Nepal abodes eight out of fourteen tallest mountains in the world—including Mount Everest, the roof of the world. The idiosyncrasy of having the tallest mountains in the world makes the Himalayan nation the best destination for hiking and trekking. However, not just tall and pristine mountains make the Himalayan nation unique, besides there are some uncanny topography those abodes breath-taking lakes, exquisite landscapes, deep valleys and many more–extending from Terai to the high Himalayas.
However, what comes on your mind when you think of Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, which is also the first stopover if you are travelling through air. Some people hold the prejudice that there is not much to do in Kathmandu.
However I pardon you to differ, I believe Kathmandu offers many things to do because of its spirituality, diversified culture, beautiful places, pristine hills for hiking and trekking, pure temples, thousands of year old heritage and many more to offer on the list, just you need to explore them to know them in detail.
Here is the List of Activities To Do in Kathmandu
- Paragliding
- Sunrise and Sunset View
- Rafting
- Spiritual or Religious Tour
- Yoga
- Hiking/Trekking
- Experiencing Local(Newari) Food
- Cultural Tour
- Water Park
- Visiting Museum
- Explore Handicrafts
- Casino
- Experience Cable Car(Chandragiri, Manakamana)
- Visiting Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Patan(major cities in Kathmandu)
- Experiencing Nightlife(Bar, Night Clubs, DiscoTheque)
- Visit Gardens(Garden Of Dreams, Ratna Park)
- Visit Monasteries
- Visit National Park(Shivapuri National Park)
- Cycling Tour
- Visit Nagarkot Hill-station
- Watching Movies(Nepali Movies, Bollywood, Hollywood)
- Experience Street Art
- Archery
If you are planning to explore Kathmandu shortly, do not just stop for a few days. In this article, we unravel the top 10 things to do in Kathmandu, which we bet you will be benefitted to visit. Ranging from places to do spree of shopping to visit spiritual places like temples, pagodas, stupas, and UNESCO heritage sites.
Best 10 Things To Do in Kathmandu
1. Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum
Royal Palace was built in the early 1960s, which has served as the residence for the Kings of Nepal for many years and generations. The palace was an artistic marvel at the time, which is situated at the heart of Kathmandu in Kings Way. It is situated in the heart of Kathmandu, the place acted as the centre of attraction on special occasions and royal hospitality. Before the last King of Nepal—Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev the palace was the residence of all the kings of Nepal after 1963 and before 28 May 2008. The abolition of the King from Nepal, the museum was open for the public which receives a large number of tourists—both internal and foreign tourists each year. The palace has a wide array of courtyards, gardens, and buildings.
2. Go Hiking!
Hiking around the emerald hills in the Kathmandu takes the spot in the 10 things to do in Kathmandu. The Capital offers some of the best places for hiking. Nepal is not just about Everest and Annapurna trekking, if you are planning for the long days of trekking it is best to go hiking for a couple of days around the hills of Kathmandu. The panoramic scenic views from the hills of the Kathmandu provides some soothing experience to the people who are rejuvenated from after the walk. The steep hills are challenging yet rewarding with the fresh air and clement milieu.
3. Explore Bhaktapur
Durbar Square is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and has some incredible things to offer in Kathmandu. However, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a few kilometres far away from the main city. Some of the exquisite places to visit in the city are Nyatapola Temple, Durbar Square, and Taumadhi square. Nepalese art history dates back to many years which is properly preserved in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square Museum. Some other historically important places to offer in Bhaktapur are the Dattatreya Temple and 55 window palace. The ancient architecture marvel gives you an enthralling and incredible experience when you roam around the city on foot.
4. Visit Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is the ancient Hindu temple, which receives many pilgrims throughout the year in the sacred place. With over millions of devotees visiting here in Maha Shivaratri, the spiritual shrine is an attractive place to offer spiritual experience in Kathmandu. The whole temple spreads around the large area. The most uncanny scene foreigners might get a chance to view is the public cremations that happen on the riverfront of the holy Bagmati river and it is more likely that you will come across these.
5. Explore the Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas of Nepal, and the ancient and the best things to do in Kathmandu. It is the best thing for the religious and spiritual people who loves to explore the spirituality of Nepal. The ancient complex is worth wandering and exploring because it is also the ancient trade route with Tibet. There are many things to do in Boudhanath ranging from shopping the ancient goods to drinking coffee at little shops. Many foreigners crave to visit the holy site.
6. Observe Taleju Temple
Taleju temple lies in the north end of the Kathmandu Durbar square, which will captivate you with the awesome structure and the things to do in Kathmandu. Historically, Taleju temple is the most important Hindu sites of the nation. However, unlike other temples, it is closed to the public. Nevertheless, the temple is most visit to observe the architecture marvel of thousands of years back. The temple is open during the Dashain festival when Hindu devotees get a chance to enter the ancient temple. If you get a chance to visit at that time you will be overwhelmed by the culture and the treat that the temple offers to you.
7. Shop at the Ason and Mangal Bazaars
Ason and Mangal Bazaars are the ancient and thriving area of the Kathmandu that can enthral you with the scintillating shopping experience. The place is popular for street food, mundane goodies, gifts, and ancient shops and gifts. It will be easier for you if you brush up your bargaining skills because the place is notorious for raising the price to foreigners.
8. Eat At the Local Cuisine:
Local cuisines at Kathmandu is famous for its delicacy and savouring tastes. Newari cuisine is delicious and authentic to eat. The ambience in the restaurants and hotels in the valley provides an exquisite ambience with friendly staff and groovy interiors and an awesome seating area. We recommend you to try Nepali local beer fermented from rice.
9. Visit Swayambhunath
Among many things to do in Kathmandu, visiting Swayambhunath temple, which is the spiritual and holy site, is worth visiting. Many things will wander you in the temple; among them, the population of monkeys in the temple will catch your eyes. Swayabhunath temple despite a hit by the 2015 earthquake still stands tall and the history of the stupa dates back to the 5th century.
10. Visit a Nearby Village in Kathmandu
Kathmandu district is not just about the hustle and bustle, neither it is about the dust and dirt; there are many things to do in Kathmandu, among them visiting the traditional villages nearby Kathmandu is the best option. The villages are pristine and untouched by westernization and modern development.
Some of the awesome villages worth visiting in Kathmandu are Bungmati and Khokana, which is situated in the south of Kathmandu, not very far from the heart of the city. The two ancient village offers wood carving and sculpture, which are architecture marvel. Khokana and Bungmati are famous for mustard oil farming besides offering amazing hinterland experience.