What to see in Kathmandu, among temples, monuments and palaces scattered throughout the mystical territory of this city, the starting point for many excursions to the daring peaks of the Himalayas.
Tourist information
Capital of Nepal, Kathmandu has always been the entry point of the nation, in a mystical land of temples, mountains and monasteries, a place where large groups of adventure-loving travelers gather to share their experiences before tackling the high passes mountains that await them as a challenge of man towards nature.
Since 1950, geologists and mountaineers have come here to study and climb what are the highest mountains on earth. The valley floors are dotted with medieval villages that are worth a visit, including ancient Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu where internet cafes, restaurants and pizzerias meet alongside temples with centuries-old history.
Since 1979 Kathmandu has become part of the UNESCO world heritage, its city center presents itself as a living museum with temples, palaces, shrines and the effigies of divinities scattered on its narrow streets.
Many visitors spend a few days in Kathmandu to acclimatise, before embarking on a tiring but fascinating trek on the Himalayan chains.
What see
Boudhanath Stupa
Topped by a golden spire and decorated with Buddha's eyes, this famous Buddhist monument intended for the conservation of relics dates back to 600 AD. Thousands of Tibetan refugees and Buddhist devotees gather in this place every day at sunset to go around the stupa, 36m high, equipped with butter lamps as a sign of good omen.
Durbar Square
It is a square formed by a magnificent complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that mark the heart of the old city, with stepped roofs that rise above the cobbled streets and finely carved wooden statues to surround.
Hanuman Dhoka
Built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century, the former royal palace dominates the southern end of Durbar Square. The royal apartments have been transformed into a museum containing objects of the kings, but what is most striking are the sumptuous decorations of the rooms.
Swayambhunath
Perched on a hill west of Kathmandu, this Buddhist temple offers spectacular views of the Kathmandu valley. The main stupa is surmounted by a golden tower with Buddha's eyes that cast a watchful eye on the city. Swayambhunath is commonly called monkey temple because of the wild monkeys that crowd the stone staircase to the shrine.
Kathesimbhu Stupa
The most dramatic of the ancient shrines scattered through the alleys south of Thamel, the stupa Kathesimbhu is located in a secret courtyard near Thahity Tole. Surrounded by statues, miniature stupas and shops selling Buddhist paraphernalia, the monument was built in 1650 as a scale model of Swayambhunath.
Kumari Ghar
This 18th century palace is dedicated to the goddess Kumari, a young girl worshiped by the Hindu Nepalese as an incarnation of the goddess Taleju. On special occasions, the statue of the child goddess is displayed to crowds of devotees on the carved wooden balcony.
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Patan Durbar Square
In the past an independent city-state, Patan's Durbar Square presents itself as a rich fantasy of palaces, temples and courtyards with the typical decorations of Nepalese architecture.
Bhimsen Tower
Highest scenic spot in central Kathmandu, the Bhimsen Tower stands like a lighthouse in front of the main post office. From the top of the 62m high tower, you can see the streets of old Kathmandu and the sawtooth mountains beyond the valley wall.
Garden of Dreams
In an oasis of calm amid the noise and bustle of Thamel, the dream garden looks like a miniature piece of the Parisian gardens of Versailles. The ponds and pavilions, built in 1920 by Kaiser Shumsher using the proceeds of a successful gambling evening, were restored in 2006 with funds from the Austrian government.
National museum
West of the center, in the Chauni district, the National Museum houses a large collection of ancient artifacts, temple sculptures, statues, paintings and medieval weapons. Among the treasures are the personal armor and weapons of the kings of Nepal.
