The Kathmandu Valley offers a fabulous mix of world heritage sites, Buddhist meditation temples, rooftop terraces, crafts and Everest views in Nagarkot.
From the tourist hub of Thamel to Kopan monastery, Patan or Bhaktapur, the Kathmandu Valley is full of attractions. Most are free but the upkeep of world heritage sites is far beyond the country’s means. Entrance fees may be charged to visit some temples and squares, but that’s only a small contribution compared to the cost of a flight to Kathmandu.
Today the city is generally safe but still requires a little care. Avoid walking alone late at night, beware of traffic, especially motorbikes, and use common sense when dealing with strangers, whether visitors or locals.
Kathmandu, Top Things to Do in Thamel
- Wander through the lanes and shop for pashmina, temple bells, ethnic jewellery, hand-made paper, books, T-shirts and trekking gear. Bargain to your heart’s content but remember this is a poor country.
- Enjoy a pancake or an apple pie on a rooftop terrace and look out for a joyful procession on its way to a shrine, it happens almost every day. Pop into the Kathmandu Guesthouse if you’re looking for a trekking companion.
- On the Durbar Square bordering Thamel, climb up the steps of the highest temple and look down on market stalls, rickshaws and holy men. Take time to explore but be firm with unofficial guides and if you need a taxi, walk a few streets away for a better price.
Kopan and Buddhist Meditation, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
- Visit the monastery and Buddhist meditation retreat in Kopan. Perched on a hilltop above Boudhanath, it’s a lovely oasis with flowers and gilded shrines and superb views all around.
- Join the late afternoon procession in Boudhanath when Tibetan devotees walk around the giant stupa garlanded in prayer flags. This is also a good place to buy Tibetan artefacts and watch craftsmen working in the back streets.
- Climb up the 341 steps to Swayambhunath temple, or take a taxi to the top, and enjoy a stunning panorama of Kathmandu and the snow-capped peaks of Langtang by clear weather. Soak in the atmosphere but beware of stealing monkeys.
- For another glimpse of Kathmandu spiritual life, head for the colourful Hindu complex of Pashupatinath. Be respectful in the cremation area, have some change for the beggars and the lame and head straight up the hill to enjoy the peace where few tourists venture.
Bhaktapur, Nagarkot and Mountain Flight for Everest View
- Take a taxi to Bhaktapur, part of the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage, and see the beautifully restored temples on the square. Explore the lanes where grain dries in the sun and potters are at work from morning to night.
- Make your way to Patan Durbar Square, on the edge of Kathmandu, and watch the medieval temples glowing all shades of red in the setting sun.
- Weather permitting, enjoy a memorable view of Everest, either in the distance from Nagarkot, or closer on the daily mountain flight. The views of the Himalaya and Everest itself are well worth the cost and early morning start. Highly recommended unless you intend trekking to base camp or flying to Bhutan.
Copyright Solange Hando. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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