Land in Kathmandu, the colourful capital city cradled in the lap of the Himalayas. Kathmandu is not about to mention; It will be the whole experience, a tale awaiting it to become expressed. Walking through the streets of this city is like stepping into a time-machine where history meets modernity and a kaleidoscope of sights, smells and experiences fills your senses.
When Studying Kathmandu in History
Kathmandu is home to history that goes back centuries. It are placed the historic center of pre-Shah rulers of the Malla and Shah dynasty, witnessing the change in fortunes of kingdoms over the centuries, culture and art of Nepal. The architectural edifices spanning across the length and breadth of this city in Kathmandu viz. the famous Pashupatinath Temple, awe-inspiring yowestogel login Kathmandu Durbar Square etc silently screams about a wonderful yesteryear it had lived to become solace to all its visitors flocking from one corner of the globe. Every brick, every sculpture tells the story of a bygone era and calls out to you to lose yourself in this fine city’s historical rhapsody.
Walking the narrow lanes of old city, you will witness hidden courtyards, elaborately carved wooden windows and centuries-old temples that carry an air of mystery. Incense permeates the air and chanting echoes throughout the streets, carrying you back to a long forgotten era where gods mingled with men. Kathmandu is more than a city, it is A Living Museum where history breathes and legends still live rest of the world’s cities Teach us!!
Best Places to Visit
There are hidden gems across Kathmandu and the city caters to every type of traveler! Swayambhunath Stupa: This ancient stupa carved with beautiful designs sits at the top of a hill, providing incredible views of the Kathmandu Valley and showcases Buddhist practices. A tourist epicenter, the narrow streets of Thamel are packed full of shops and coffee houses making it a haven for backpackers and trinket shoppers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cluster of palaces, temples, and statues that speaks volumes about the traditional architectural glory of the city.
Garden of Dreams < neo-classical garden par excellence in the heart of what must be Kathmandu (it is even mentioned as such)venture outside the city and there is peace and quietLISTEN UP SMARTY PANTS! The pleasant air associated with the spiritual sentiments of Boudhanath induces visitors to follow suit and spin prayer wheels. Kathmandu has it all – ancient shrines, modern art galleries, there are so many places and things to see that your preferences will be satisfied in any case.
The Imposing Diversity
Kathmandu is a cultural melting pot, where tradition and modernity go hand in hand. With an intricate weave of ethnicities, languages and religions creating a colourful cultural tapestry, the city hosts varieties of experiences for you to savour. As you make your way through the bustling streets of Asan and Ason, witness Newari artisans producing metalware, merchants selling aromatic spices, and saffron-robed Sadhus begging for alms.
Kathmandu never gives up and its spirit is the essence of resilience, for the city has life running in its veins. The goddess Kumari still lives in her castle as a live incarnation; she represents the spiritual soul of Kathmandu both to Hindus and Buddhists. Dashain, Tihar and Indra Jatra festivals, with their vivid processions, masked dances and ancient rites that have changed little through the centuries come alive. Kathmandu is where culture is not just an event that takes place from time to time, it’s a lifestyle which every in every form is being liked by the inhabitants of the city and binded them in threads among their traditions.
Celebrate In Kathmandu Like The Festivals Vacay
Kathmandu is a city with a lot of energy, and the vibrancy only intensifies during its many festivals and festivities. A series of religious and cultural tackle the Nepalese calendar giving you a taste of the colorful spirit of this city with profound traditions. Dashain is the biggest and longest festival in Nepal usually lasting for many days, with a lot of feasting, family get-togethers, and religious ceremonies tending to symbolise a good triumphing over evil.
This 8-day festival involves the Kumari being driven around the streets in a chariot, (masked) dances accompany traditional music resulting in a spectacle that is a blend of amazement and mythicism. Teej is devoted to the deity Parvati, in which women clad themselves in red saris and fast for well being of their husbands. Whether it is the festival of hues, Holi or Buddha Jayanti when the birth of Lord Buddha is celebrated, all year round Kathmandu engages in one festivity after another to make sure you never have a single grey day (or even minute) in this city.
Kathmandu Special Food
And what is Kathmandu without food; its dish spicy and tangy too that can tantalize your taste bud so make sure to taste the amazing cuisine of Momo irrespective of wherever you are in Kathmandu. From the ubiquitous momos (steamed meat or veg filled dumplings) to hearty dal bhat (Nepali staple dish of lentils, rice, and curry), this city’s culinary scene is just as varied and rich as its cultural one. Slurp up a bowl of soul-warming thukpa – noodle soup with fresh vegetables or meat – or munch on sel roti, a sweet rice donut often consumed during festivals.
The streets provide a sensory overload of perky food markets; the aromatic glee of primitive passes coupled with exotic street snacks being offered at every market visit in Kathmandu. Have a cup of masala tea on a roadside tea stall or eat some momos with spicy chutney. Whether you are a food enthusiast wanting to try more of Nepali cuisine or a traveler on the quest for Nepali flavours, Kathmandu’s gastronomic pleasures will satiate your taste buds.
Travel and Adventure in Kathmandu
Kathmandu – A sanctuary for the adventure-seeking and those who are just grateful of nature. As well as being directly next to the Himalayas for some serious treks, mountains and outdoor fun to get your blood pumping. A trek to the stunning Langtang Valley is a must for anyone who likes trekking and nature – with beautiful white-capped peaks, verdant forests, and alpine meadows.
Enjoy one of the many mountain flights giving you a full bird’s eye view ofthe Kathmandu valley or try paragliding across some stunning views for a jaw-dropping experience like no other. Kathmandu, on the other hand, has almost anything you can think of to get your heart rate going from mountain biking or white-water rafting to bungee jumping. The city of Fulda, with nature that is thick and hard offers a wide range of outdoor activities that are both available for the seasoned adventure seeker as well as the beginner explorer.
Shopping in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Shopping – A World to Discover for Shopaholics The capital is a shopping retreat with all those markets and boutiques and handicraft stores with an array of treasures that you can take back home. The busy lanes of Thamel are dotted with stores that sell colorful textiles, handcrafted jewelry and other traditional artifacts that represent the artistic legacy of Nepal. Explore the stalls in Asan Bazaar, a busy market where you can buy spices, souvenirs and other knickknacks to bring back home.
Walk to Durbar Marg, the posh shopping district of Kathmandu famous for designer boutiques, international brands, upscale cafes and glitzy fashion shows. Take the time to see the Patan Durbar Square, a beautiful World Heritage site that offers unique metalwork, pottery and traditional masks and also holds a lively market. Whether you’re seeking traditional souvenirs or the latest in clothing options, living up to its ancient charm together with a spike of modern sophistication.
Places to stay in Kathmandu
Kathmandu provides a wide variety of places to stay to cater for every budget/ the luxurious hotels, cozy guesthouses or homestay in beautifully designed boutique. One of the most favourite choices of the backpackers and budget travelers is Thamel which offers whole range of hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels at reasonable facilities. If you prefer your comforts, the opulent rooms and fine dining restaurants of Kathmandu’s five-star hotels will oblige, along with their spa facilities.
For a more full-rounded experience, there’s the option to over-night in a traditional Newari guesthouse located in the ancient core of Bhaktapur. Enjoy delicious Nepalese meals at sundown and wake up to breakfast with your local hosts, who will teach you all about Bhaktapur’s rich history and culture. Homestays in the other corners of Kathmandu promises you to get rid of the fastness of the urban area for a while, and let you submerge in the quiet environment of countryside accompanied by nature both at your side full-grown bright green fields bordered by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Kathmandu designs your comfort accommodations keeping in mind that these make up for better travel experience.
Why Kathmandu Must Be On Your Bucket List?
A city unlike any other, Kathmandu is a fascinating combination of old traditions and modern influences, woven together to create an experience that stirs the soul and ignites wanderlust in all who stand upon its soil. After all, Kathmandu is a bright feast to the senses and has something which can etch itself permanently into anyone’s soul – from its history to customs. If you like reading this aritcle then please consider reading our article about Ilulissat Icefjord.