5 places you should visit in Kathmandu

A short definition of Kathmandu could be a holy city, recently an environmental disaster sufferer, may be a time capsule, some even might call it a tourist trap. Kathmandu is not just a single layer of culture you probably have in your mind. There are at least few hundred layers of individual Kathmandus that make up this city. Chaos and sophistication is ordinary. But it is a melting pot for dozens of ethnic groups and the communities are built primarily with aboriginal Newa Culture. Kathmandu was a core trade centre for more than a thousand years. No wonder, conceivably, the city has so closely embraced the tourism business.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Entrance Fee: NRs 1000 

The first thing you would like to do after you land on the Tribhuwan International Airport is go visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (also sometimes known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Sqyare). It is a place where historical Malla and Shah kings built their palaces and courtyards from 12^th to 18^th century. In 1979 it was then designated as a  UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kathmandu Valley itself has three Durbar Squares(A palace Square). Rest of the two are Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Locals can enter the square for free, while  tourists have to have an entrance fee of 1000 NRS only (Approx 10 USD). It is a gold mine of culture consisting Palaces, Courtyards and Temples.

Hanuman Dhoka Palace is one the central sites here. The shah royalties of Nepal lived in this palace until the 1800s. temple of Taleju Bhawani is another core attraction here. It was the tallest structure then which was built by King Mahendra Malla. Kathmandu got its name from Kastamadap(A big wooden house) is a structure placed in the same square, which sadly was taken down by the earthquake  in 2015, is being rebuilt. You should definitely visit Kal Bhairav, idol of shiva in his most ferocious avatar.

Another must see is Kumari Temple. It is a temple, a brick structure where the living goddess Kumari lives. Kumari is a young girl who is believed to be an incarnation of goddess Durga (also called Shakti). You might catch glimpse of Kumari Devi through the window. You will not be allowed to take pictures of her so make sure you put your cameras away while you are seeing her. During the festival of Indra Jatra, Kumari  is taken out in a chariot procession through the main streets of Kathmandu.

Thamel

Entrance Fee: Free

Thamel is just at the north of Kathmandu Durbar Square. It is the most popular tourist place in Kathmandu. The narrow street, hotels, clothing stores, bars, pubs and souvenir shops is what makes Thamel Thamel. You should also probably walk to this place from Kathmandu durbar square as it is quite near and going to be much faster than taking a taxi through the narrow streets. Thamel shares a different touristy chi both during the day and the night.

.You can take home local products from here. Rice paper journals, Nepalese tea, sculptures, incence, prayer flags, puppets, Nepalese handicrafts, jewelleries, scarvs, singing bowls, pottery, traditional masks, you name it.  You will have to bargain a little bit because prices are going to be much higher since it’s a famous tourist area. Try sticking with small money bills during your shopping since it will make bargaining easier.

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

Entrance Fee: NRs 200

It is a Buddhist stupa (A dome structure which is a Buddhist shrine where people meditate. It is also called ‘Monkey Temple’ because of the abundance of monkeys in the site. They might look cute and friendly they are quite mischievous specially around people with food.

Situated on a hill with an overlook view of the Kathmandu valley, it is a great place for panoramic city view. It is one of the most sacred sites in Nepal.

The stupa has four pairs of watchful eyes of Buddha painted on all four walls. It symbolises watchfulness and serenity. A third eye as a dot is drawn on the top of both eyes on each wall This signifies wisdom.

It is a common spiritual pilgrimage site for both, Hindus and Buddhists. This is a sign that symbolises unity among Nepalese.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Entrance Fee: NRs 250

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in South Asia and the largest in Kathmandu. It is 36 meters high and is the center for Tibetan Buddhism. It was a sacred site for Tibetan merchants who passed though the trade route of Kathmandu. This has remained an important site of pilgrimage for Tibetan and Nepali pilgrims. It has also been listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site also because of  its increased popularity after 1959 Chinese Invasion when Tibetans were forced to flee from their country.

The stupa itself is engraved in sacred texts and holy relics. It is believed that some objects used by Buddha possible even some of his body parts have been contained in the Stupa. But the stupa has been sealed from the outside and nobody really knows what really in contained in it.

The stupa is in the center of a Mandala which represents the universe itself. Colorful prayer flags swaying  in the wind decorate the stupa. Colours in the flag represent the five elements air, water, wind, fire and earth. Sacred texts are written the flags and hung up so that the prayers are recited by the heavens by the wind. Take a clockwise route when you are there. It is a Tibetan custom to circle the stupa in clockwise direction.

When they blow downwards, it is believed the gods are sending down their blessings from the heavens. Remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction to observe Tibetan custom.

Pashupatinath Temple

Entrance Fee: NRs 1000

Pashupatinath Temple is seated along the banks of Bagmati river. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva who is considered to be the first yogi. He is the god of the gods and Shiva represents absolute truth. It is probably the most famous and important Hindu Temple of Nepal. Even hindus from India offer their pilgrimage to this sacred temple of Pathupatinath. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main temple premises. But, it is a very much worth a walk around.

It is very likey that you will witness cremation taking place in the open air. Many Hindus have their last wish of being cremated on the banks of river Bagmati. Hindus believe that if they are cremated here they will definitely incarnate as a human in their next life. You will see colourful sadhus along the banks of Bagmati. Be prepared to pay them before you want to take pictures of them.