Kathmandu Travel Guide

Kathmandu City is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It is the cosmopolitan heart of the Himalayan Region. It is the gateway to Nepal. It has a glorious history going back two thousand years, and a refined culture that ranks among the highest in Asia. It is also a modern financial and business hub, exotic tourist destination, and a sacred goal for pilgrims.

Kathmandu is situated in a bowl shaped valley in central Nepal. The Kingdom extends about 885 km. east to west and 193 km. in width north to south. The entire terrain is like a steep incline, descending from the icy Himalayan heights to the hot Terai flatland within a short distance.

The country has an area of 147,181 sq.km., and is positioned between 26022" to 30027' North Latitude and 80004' to 88012' East Longitude. It is bordered by China in the north and by India in the south, west and east. Nepal is a totally landlocked country.
there is lots of world heritage places in details below:

Swoaymbhunath Stupa :
The Buddhist stupa of Swoyambhunath is situated on the top of a hill west of the city. Swoyambhunath literally means self originated god. This 2000 years old Stupa, is one of the most sacred Buddhist religious sites in Nepal. The huge symbolic representation of Buddhahood signifies five elements through which the living being are made up of �EAir, Water, Fire, Earth & Ether. The thirteen steps going up spirally are the steps of wisdom, crossing each spires successfully leads an individual towards the ultimate goal i.e. to attain enlightenment to liberate human kind from sufferings.

Pashupatinath Temple:
Not only is Pashupatinath the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. It's one of the most important Shiva temples on the subcontinent and draws numerous devotees from all over India each year. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva who is the destroyer and creator of the Hindu pantheon and appears in many forms. His terrible forms are probably best known, particularly his appearance in Nepal as the cruel and destructive Bhairab, but he also has peaceful incarnations including those of Mahadev and Pashupatinath, the lord of the beasts. As the temple is located on the bank of the Bagmati River, which is considered to be the holy River, therefore Hindu people prefer to be cremated on the bank of this river - as such visiting this temple would facilitate our visitors to be acquainted with the death rituals that are being carried out.

Boudhanath: On the eastern side of Kathmandu, just north of the Airport stands a huge Stupa of Boudhnath, the largest Stupa in Nepal and one of the biggest in the world. It is a popular religious hub of considerable population of Tibetans. Many of these Tibetans are refugees who fled their country following the unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese invaders in 1959. They have been energetic and successful enough in the intervening years, as the large houses in and around Boudhnath Testify. This is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan culture is both accessible and unhindered.

The Stupa: There does not seem to be any agreement on how old the site is, but it is likely that the first stupa was built some time after 600 AD after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo, was converted to Buddhism by his two wives. The present Stupa is built after the depredation of the Mugul invaders in the 14th century. To house the monks of different sect of Buddhism the Gompas are in and around the Stupa.

Dakshinkali Temple: located in somewhat spooky location in the cleft between two hills and at the confluence of two rivers stand the temple of Dakshinkali; the temple is dedicated to Kali Shiva's consort in her most bloodthirsty incarnation, the temple is quite famous for animal sacrifice, twice a week i.e. on Tuesday and Saturday the faithful Hindu people come here to satisfy her blood lus.

Jal Binayak Temple: Temple of Ganesh stands on the riverbank. The triple roofed temple dates 1602 although there was probably a temple here even earlier. On the temple's Platform there is an image of Shiva and Parvati

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Last edited Nov 14, 08 11:44 PM. Contributors: Ram G.

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Next: Natural Environment

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We did Annapurna Curcuit trek took about 21 days, it was the most Awesome thing I have ever experienced (to date that is). The scenery is undescribable. There was four of us 3 blokes and me, we carried all our own..

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1. Janelle's Tip on Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, Nepal

Bhaktapur is a museum, a movie set and another world all at the same time . Built from red brick with intricately carved wooden structures, temples, lively markets, narrow lane ways and flaming colours are an overload on your senses. Perfect for experiencing true Nepali life in an unspoiled Nepali city, Bhaktapur is the most memorable city. Bhaktapur is the religious heart of Nepal, where the people rise at 3 o'clock every morning to pray. If you're staying the night, you too will be woken up, to the sound of bells ringing all over the city. The town is World Heritage listed and is home to Nepal's tallest temple, Nyatapol Temple standing 30 metres tall.

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2. Tam's Tip on Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

These are some of the poorest and yet most content people I have met. It is a place visually rich in color, texture and faces. Be generous when you tip. They have nothing and your money will be spent on vitals. Their money is worth nothing - for example you can buy a beautiful hand knit wool sweater there for about the equivalent of two canadian dollars.

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3. Christian's Tip on Patan

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Patan is the sistercity of Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, and one of the 3 royal cities in Nepal (Kathmandu, Patan and Bakhtapur). The whole Kathmandu valley is really worth a visit, although the air quality is not the best. There is a lot to see: from old palaces to stupas and cremation areas, where the dead are burnt. Good Nepali food and very cheap. Even though there were quite a few security issues, the place is nonetheless safe to travel, above all since the political situation completely changed. Served by Qatar Airways, Royal Nepal, Yeti Airlines, Druk Air, Air india, Thai Airways,...

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4. Daniel's Tip on Nagarkot

Nagarkot, Nepal

You have to get up very early in Nagarkot. Around 5 in the morning you will have a clear sky and you will see most of the highest mountains in the world.

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5. J a s o n's Tip on Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath, Nepal

A great destination that's easily reachable by taxi from Kathmandu. The ghats and temples are really beautiful, but my favorite part was the troop of monkeys that came bounding down the steps. Great place to spend an afternoon.

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6. Paloma's Tip on Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

Okay, I'm sorry this may not seem relevant. But if you ever need a bathroom, good food, or protection GO TO THE AMERICAN EMBASSY!! They have a tennis court, a swimming pool, a full gym and who knows what else. From one traveler to another, this may be the most important traveling fact you learn!!

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7. Joe's Tip on Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

This is an honest-to-God tip for Kathmandu. If you are staying in Thamel (as most do) treat yourself someday to a Pizza and a few beers at Fire Ice. It is not only the best Pizza you'll get in Nepal, it is as good as I have eaten ANYWHERE in the world. A real gem, using only fresh ingredients, quick, friendly service and a lovely little spot too. You don't expect to find this much quality, at such a low price in a backpacker area. 10/10

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8. Paul's Tip on Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

I stayed at the Kathmandu Guest House. The rooms are nice and the staff is VERY friendly and helpful. The Food was good. The Italian restaurant across from the entrance gate to the Guest House has really good food also.

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9. Tobias's Tip on Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur, Nepal

bakthapur used to be a capital of one of the former kings before nepal became one country. the old town is very nice with a great major place.

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10. Ilse's Tip on Kathmandu

Kathmandu, Nepal

The via via cafe in kathmandu and the monkey temple

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