Kathmandu; the capital of Nepal is a living cultural museum. The city is also known as a city of Temples. There are various attractive places to visit in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple; one of the four most important religious sites for devotees of Shiva lies on the eastern outskirt of Kathmandu on both banks of the Bagmati river. The main temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and magnificent wood carving and is a masterpiece of Nepalese architecture. Only Hindus are allowed in the main temple, but foreigners are allowed to visit all other buildings. The temple is designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. There are about 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas, and 12 Jyotirlinga.
Highlights
• A huge statue of Nandi bull in front of the western door
• Holy Bagmati river
• Temples and Shrines in the inner courtyard
• Ram Temple
• Jaya Bageshori
• Cremation of Hindus
• Sadus and many more.
Syambhunath
Syambhunath is one of the most important spiritual sites in Nepal. The holy Buddhist stupa is believed to be self-originated. According to Syambhupuran, Shyambhu was originated from a lotus flower that grew in the middle of the lake. The Kathmandu valley was once filled with an enormous lake. Thousands of Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage visit this place during Buddha Purnima.
Highlights
• The huge goldplated vajra (thunderbolt)
• The largest image of Shakyamuni Buddha in Nepal
• Shikar style temple erected by king Partap Malla
• The sleeping Buddha
• Chaityas, Statutes and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities
• The Dewa Dharma Monastery and many more.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Stupa in Kathmandu is the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The 36-meter high Stupa lies on the northeastern outskirt of Kathmandu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1979. It is said that the stupa contains relics of Kashyapa Buddha. There are 108 small images of Dhayani Buddha around the base of the stupa.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most important historical sites of Nepal. It was the residence for Nepalese Royal family until the 19th century. It is the palace where Kings were crowned. The site was designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. The Durbar Square held the palaces of Malla and Shah Kings.
Highlights
• Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex
• Kumari Bahal
• Kal Bhairav
• Taleju Temple
• Kotilingeshwara Mahadev Temple
• Indrapur Temple
• Bishnu Temple and many more
Shivapuri National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park lies on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley. The Park established in 2002 covers the area of 159 sq km. The park is home for more the 177 species of birds, 102 species of butterfly and different species of mammals.
Possible Sighting
• Rhesus Monkey
• Jungle Cat
• Leopard
• Great Himalayan Barbets
• Kali Pheasant
• Blue Magpies and many more
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu Valley. The UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of Newari architecture. There are 136 Bahals (courtyards) and 55 major temples.
Highlight
• Royal Palace of Malla King of Lalitpur
• Krishna Mandir
• Bhimsen Temple
• Patan Museum
• Keshav Narayan chowk
• Sundari Chowk
• Mul Chowk