Kathmandu Valley trekking information

Location

27° 43' 0.12" N, 85° 19' 0.12" E

Kathmandu Durbar SquareKathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. Sometimes two other cities called Patan and Bhaktapur are mistakenly considered to be part of Kathmandu as well. The Kathmandu city is approximately 4,500 ft. It is the most developed city of Kathmandu.

Newars are the people who can be as old as the history of Kathmandu. Kathmandu used to be called as “Kantipur” during the Malla region and they build temples, buildings and other monuments which can be seen today also. Kathmandu was an independent city but in the 14th century the valley was reunited by the Malla King of Bhaktapur. You can see the Hindu culture floursihing around Kathmandu but there are also Buddhist, Muslims and Christian believer  in town. The Shah dynasty unified Nepal in 1769 AD and made the city of Kathmandu its new capital. Kathmandu is the home of most of the government offices, embassies, corporate houses and not to forget the palaces. When you stay in Kathmandu you should visit these places:

Durbar Square : It is the historic seat of royalty. Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized here at Durbar Square.

Kasthamandap : This temple was constructed in the time of King Laxmi Narsingha Malla. It is constructed from the wood of a single tree.

Budhanilkantha: Situated the base of Shivapuri hill it is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snake. It is said to be the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period.

Swayambhunath: This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist stupas. It is said to be 2000-years-old. It is three kilometer west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77m. You can see the beautiful sunrise and sun set from here large part of the Kathmandu Valley.

Pashupatinath Temple: It is the most important Hindu Temple in Nepal. It is situated 5-kms east of Kathmandu. It is the temple of Lord Shiva (Pashupatinath) with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. The tourists have to pay Rs. 250 for entering into the area but you cannot enter the temple because only Hindus can enter the temple but you can see it from the view point. It is also a place for cremations.

National Museum: It has splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing.

Tundikhel: A huge green field where you can see the special programs on army day.

Bhadrakali Temple: This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and it is one of the main “Shakta” temples of Kathmandu city.

Thamel: It is the main tourist attraction which is centrally located in a city. It’s convenient and enjoyable area to stay.

Guheswari Temple: In this temple also like Pashupatinath temple only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Chabahil: This lovely stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd century B.C. There are also few ancient statues around the stupa. Chandra Vinayak: This double tiered brass roofed temple has an image of Lord Ganesh, the Elephant-headed God.

Bouddhanath: It lies 8-kms east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world. It is the main Buddhist attraction in Nepal and you can see many Buddhist monks around Bouddhanth.

Gokarna: It is also called as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10-kms north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as Spotted Deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an Elephant back.

Kirtipur: It is a small town, 8-kms south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Most of the people who lives here are from Newar community so you can see and feel the Newar culture here.

Chobhar: It is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top you can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.

Dakshinkali: The temple of Dashinkali is situated about 15 km south of Kathmandu. Kali is regarded as one of most important Hindu Goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the Goddess. Besides this, the surroundings of the temple have been developed as a popular picnic spot.

The best way to see Kathmandu and the valley is to walk or ride a bicycle. In Kathmandu, you can find the transport easily to reach to the place where you wanted to go. There are also mini and micro buses, taxi services or you can just hire a bicycle to visit around the places in Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport is also in Kathmandu, so it means when you enter Nepal by air you will be entering Kathmandu by itself.

Useful links for Kathmandu:

Guest houses
Hotels
Restaurants
Trekking-agencies
Kathmandu pictures

Javascript is required to view this map.
Syndicate content
Kathmandu Valley | trekking-world.com / hiking