Best Places to See in Kathmandu Nepal.
Obviously, there are numbers of places to see in Kathmandu Nepal. The valley lies at an altitude of 1,336 m above sea level and covers an area of 218. sq. miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu Valley is amazing, therefore we created the blog for Places to see in Kathmandu Nepal. The skillfully built temples and palaces, delicately engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history-laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newar’s artistic achievements. So find the highlights of Places to see in Kathmandu Nepal.
Machchendranath Temple:-
The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath lies at Machchhendrea Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Besides Jammadyo and Machchhendra, the god has several names. However, these are the best places to See in Kathmandu Nepal.
Akash Bhairav Temple:-
In a three-story temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square):-
It is the history of royalty. Thus Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. And all was finally on the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
On the right-hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The Screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.
There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside museums. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays and government holidays.
Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar):-
Kumari (Vestal Virgin), or the living Goddess, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Teleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple of Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during the Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari’s blessing.
Kasthamandap:-
Obviously, Kastamandap is located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla at the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Ashok Vinayak:-
The small but very important temple of Ashok Vinayak lies behind the Kashtamandap. It also goes by the names Maru Ganesh or Kathmandu Ganesh.
Jaishi Dewal:-
A five-minute walk from Kasthmandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.
Tundikhel:-
A huge green field known as Tundikhel flanks one entire side of the old city. Some of the important landmarks of the Kathmandu valley are located on the periphery of this area. The Dharahara, or Bhimsen Stambha tower, which stands 59.29 meters tall at the southwest corner of Tundikhel, was built in 1832 AD by the previous prime minister, Bhimsen Thapa. The Sundara fountains with golden water spouts, situated at the foot of this great tower, also belong to the same period.
Martyr’s Memorial (Sahid) Gate:-
It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev and the busts of four martyrs.
Bhadrakali Temple:-
At the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate, stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This is one of the most important “Shakti” temples in Kathmandu, Nepal. People call also it the Lumarhi temple.
Singha Durbar:-
A grand imposing palace built in the neo-classical style, Singha Durbar was the private residence of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal.
Narayanhity Durbar:–
It is the present Royal Palace. Narayanhity, a famous ancient water spout, is set at the palace’s southern corner. Foreigners get permission to enter Royal Place only on Thursdays between 13:00 and 15:00.
Kaisar Library:-
Located inside the premises of the Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great centre of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open to the public except on Saturdays and other government holidays. Obviously, the library is open from 9:00 hrs – 17:00 hrs (summer) and from 9:00 hrs – 16:00 hrs (winter).
Budhanilkantha:-
while, about 8Km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill, is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth-century status is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
Balaju Water Gardens:-
Indeed, the Balaju water garden lies approximately about 5km northwest of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile-headed water spouts dating from the eighteenth century. There is also a large swimming pool inside the park.
Swayambhunath:-
This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. In brief, it is 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all-seeing eyes of Load Buddha. It lies just 3 kilometres west of Kathmandu city on a hillside approximately 77 meters above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands a magnificent view over the valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. In 1979, it was on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The National Museum:-
Approximately about 2km west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artefacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. But, its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is not open on Sunday/Monday and on government holidays.
Natural History Museum:-
Situated 3km west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Inside the museum still does not permit photos.
Pashupatinath Temple:-
One of the holiest sanctuaries for Hindus is the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple. It is about 5 kilometres to the east of Kathmandu and has two golden domes and silver entrances. Although only Hindu people can go inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on this temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple 1979, was on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Guheswari Temple:-
Near Pashupatinath Temple is another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindu people allow entering the temple.
The magnificent Chabahil Stupa was built in the third century BC by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashok. And there are ancient statues around the Stupa still.
Chandra Vinayak:-
The temple of Chandra Vinayak lies about 200m north of Chabahil stupa and is still beautiful. This double-tiered brass-roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant-headed god.
Outskirts of Kathmandu
Boudhanath:-
Moreover, the Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This gigantic, ancient stupa, is among the biggest in the world. In 1979, it was on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Gokarna: –
Furthermore, the lovely Royal Games Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10 km northeast of Kathmandu. Spotted deer and other wild animals see in this sanctuary. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
Sankhu:-
Especially, Sankhu is a typical Newari town, with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, upon a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogii, a historical temple that offers a beautiful view of the local area.
Sundarijal:-
It is famous for its scenic beauty, but, there are magnificent waterfalls. Cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal picnic spot, just a short hike away from the motorable road.
Kirtipur:-
Of course, Kritipur is a small town, 8km southwest of Kathmandu and situated atop a hill. Tribhuvan University, Nepal’s premier seat of education is located at the foothills of Kirtipur. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the people are weaving on looms while wearing traditional clothing.
Chobhar:-
Situated 9km southwest of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water from the valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill from where one can take in a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks.
Shekha Narayan:-
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayan of the Kathmandu Valley. But, the other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur and Visankhu Narayan of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Naryan of Bhaktapur,k Visankhu Naryan of Patan and Ichangu Naraytanb of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali:-
One of the most important Hindu gods is Dakshinkali. The temple is approximately two kilometres south of Shekha Narayan. Visitors come here to pray and worship the god with animal sacrifices. This place is also a popular picnic spot.