Explore the Famous Cities of Nepal
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing
Kathmandu Valley incorporates the three cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, which between them boast no less than seven World Heritage sites – the greatest density anywhere in the world.
Eash settlement has its own distinctive character, with outstanding temples and works of art and architecture, as well as a varied calendar of feasts and festivals.
Any of our treks or activity holidays in Nepal can be combined with some time spent sightseeing and relaxing in Kathmandu.
Kathmandu
A fascinating melange of old and new, Kathmandu is characterful and buzzing with life, offering a spectrum of experiences from the age-old spirituality of its legendary temples to teeming touristy Thamel and bazaars, markets and more modern shopping centres.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The impressive Durbar Square is crammed with ancient temples and palaces, echoing centuries of culture and Hindu tradition. Here, too, is the home of Kumari, or ‘the living goddess’, a young girl chosen as a reincarnation of the goddess Durga.
Patan
Patan, or Lalitpur, is dubbed ‘the city of beauty’ and nowadays merges almost seamlessly into Kathmandu, its bigger sister on the opposite north bank of the holy river Bagmati. More relaxed than Kathmandu, Patan also has a wealth of Hindu and Buddhist temples, as well as impressive bronze gateways and fabulous wood-carvings. Patan is home to many expert craftsmen and metal workers.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan’s central Durbar Square is the main focus of a visit, being full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, adorned with exquisite carvings. The Patan Musuem has many fine artifacts from Nepal’s ancient cultures.
Bhaktapur
Situated 14 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is by far the least developed of the three Kathmandu Valley cities – in fact a visit Bhaktapurto with its ancient square and network of medieval streets is really like stepping back in time. The narrow, brick-paved streets are as intact and unspoiled as they were several centuries ago and harbour seemingly hidden shrines and statues around almost every corner.
Many of Bhaktapur’s activities and customs have remain unchanged and it is easy to spend an entire day here absorbing the ancient atmosphere and watching potters, woodcarvers and weavers at work.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Despite being badly hit by an earthquake in 1933, the square still has many temples and other architectural showpieces which remain unscathed, including the Lion gate, the statue of King Bhuparindra Malla, the National Gallery, the Palace of 55 Windows and the Bell of the Barking Dogs.
Major sites of interest in the valley include:
Boudhanath
This monumentally impressive Stupa is in the heart of Kathmandu’s Tibetan quarter, eight kilometers east of the city centre. Always an intriguing place for people-watching, Bouddanath is thronged with monks, pilgrims and tourists and is surrounded by shops selling Tibetan jewellery, thangkas and other gifts. A dawn visit is recommended to catch the Stupa at sunrise and to see many Tibetans paying ritual homage.
Swayambhu
PashupatinathOtherwise known as ‘the monkey temple’ thanks to its resident population of wayward primates, Swyambhu is one of the world’s most famous Buddhist Chaityas and dates back more than 2000 years. This spectacular Stupa, topped by its famous all-seeing eyes, has a hilltop site 2 kilometers from Kathmandu city centre – and commands wonderful views of the capital and its valley.
Pashupatinath Temple
Famous for its ghats, or cremation platforms, this is an ornate and fascinating temple on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, 5 kilomtres east of Kathmandu. The Pashupatinath Temple,a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who in his manifestation as Pashupatinath is both the creator and destroyer of life. This area is home to many sadhus, charcterful religious ascetics who will cheerfully let you photograph them in exchange for a few rupees.
Kirtipur
Less frequented by tourists, this is an ancient Newar township, where the people are known for their expertise in building and weaving, situated 16 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu.
A natural fortress with a proud and courageous history, Kirtipur has narrow medieval streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. Its major sights include the Chilmahu Stupa and the Temple of Bagh Bhairab.
