No matter how short of time you are, there is always room for enjoyment, a place where you can let your soul fly high. When I say Nepal, you probably hear trekking in Everest or hike around Pokhara.
In fact, Kathmandu is rarely coined as the best place to explore. However, I would say that’s because most of the people haven’t really explored Kathmandu at its best, apart from the ancient palaces and architectural wonders. Indeed, Kathmandu is more beautiful than anybody has expected. After reading this blog, you will change your mind if you were on the other side.
Kathmandu is a historic city dotted with countless buildings and bustling roads that break into endless alleys forming an impassable labyrinth. Each road takes you to a unique setting with people of different cultures and belief systems.
The pristine culture of Newars and their tongue-luring cuisines have captivated the mind and soul of every visitor for decades. The luxury of Kathmandu is in its deeply underpinning culture and its authenticity.
Let us hover around some must-go-sites and must-do-activities in Kathmandu:
Honacha is a family-owned restaurant serving delicious Newari delicacies for over six decades. This place offers the same hospitality and seats as was offered 60 years back; to be typical, no transformation has occurred for these so many years. Where can you ever find such an amazing place?
At first glance, anybody might wonder how on Earth is this place so admired. That was the same for me. But, as you grab your first bite of the food served at Honacha, you will realize why that place is so praised, literally, everywhere.
Honacha is hidden inside the Patan Durbar Square behind the Krishna Temple, but the aroma of food is sure to drag your mind and body into the place.
In the peak seasons, you might not get a seat. It is because anybody who tastes the food there is sure to return another time. Baras, available in different flavors, are the best of all, according to me. So, don’t miss this place, the next time you visit Kathmandu.
Pashupati Arati is one of the most divine acts conducted every night (usually after 6 pm) in the Pashupatinath Temple for the well-being of all the living souls. Arati is considered to be the best way to worship God than Bhajans and Prayers.
For this holy act, 3 priests chant the ‘Mantras’ and move their hands (with the oil lamps and lanterns) in a circular fashion. Followers (on the side) sing Bhajan being deeply consumed in the sacredness of the divine Lord Shiva. Interestingly, some of them step ahead to perform Tandav Dance (a cosmic dance believed to have performed by Shiva), showing ultimate respect to Lord Shiva.
This ritual of performing Arati in Pashupati has started in the year 200; however, the regularity of performing this act was sanctioned in 2006, and ever since followers come to push themselves into the divine setting of Arati.
As Hindus believe in the existence of God in every living soul, this act places importance on the well-being of the whole of humanity, and not just for one. At the end of this Arati, a big thank is bestowed upon God for all that he has provided to us.
[Note: crowds are usually noticeable on Saturday, Monday and festivals.)
One of the best places to explore and experience the hospitality of historical Nepal is boutique hotels: one of them is Baber Mahal Vilas.
The luxury of ancient Nepal is meticulously furnished in this villa, keeping in mind the authenticity of décor. A century-old uniform of Chandra Shumsher is hung on the wall to propel a feeling of Royalty in the customers. Also, many other antique elements can be found in a different part of this hotel.
This hotel is inspired by 4 different architectural styles: Newari style, European inspired Rana style, Terai style, and Upper Mustang style. The rooms are no exception in reflecting the true aura of these styles. This hotel becomes complete with a rooftop swimming pool offering great views of Kathmandu city.
Get ready to delve into this amazing setting.
Patan, the oldest city of the Kathmandu valley, is praised for its artistic heritage, circulated around the alleys of Patan. The biggest of all is the Durbar Square built in the medieval times in Newari architectural style, which unfurls the ideas and beliefs of ancient Rulers and Emperors of Patan.
This Durbar square embodies countless buildings of different sizes and styles, all of which contribute to establishing Patan Durbar Square is an architectural wonderland.
This place has been luring visitors from all over the world for decades. Hundreds try to accommodate the overall beauty of Patan in a photograph but spotting a perfect place can be a nerve-wracking ordeal. But, if you look over the sweets-selling vendor on the opposite of the police check-post, you will see a weird-looking one-story shop. From the top of it, you will get a perfect picture of the Patan.
Don’t miss out on this.
Kirtipur, which was once a separate kingdom of the Kathmandu valley, holds many centuries-old histories endorsing its glamour. One of the most-go-sites of Kirtipur is Bagh-Bhairav Temple, revered as a holy shrine of a god. Inside the temple, you will see a statue of Bhairav made from clay with silver mask toppings.
Likewise, Uma Maheswar Temple is another brilliant piece of architecture, which you will regret if not visited. This temple is guarded by two large statues of Elephants and is adorned with intricate carvings, in and out of the temple. There are many other not-to-miss places around the Kirtipur.
The most beautiful of all is the Photo-point, which gives a perfect shot of the houses terraced one above the other. This photo-point manages one of the most eye-captivating settings.
Laphing is one of the most popular foods in Boudha. This street food is believed to have Tibetan origin; yet, Nepalese prefer this more than anybody else.
Laphing is cold and spicy with delicious flavors. It is available with varied toppings: Jhol or sukkah(with soup or without). You can try both of these. This is a noodle dish, and the noodle is prepared from the starches of either potato or flour. Before serving, this dish is seasoned with mouth-watering spices. Don’t forget to let your tongue taste this amazing food.
Basantapur Durbar Square (aka Kathmandu Durbar Square), which is one of the three Durbar Squares, is as beautiful as the rest of the architecture.
In the past, Kathmandu was a separate kingdom and this durbar square was the palace of the ancient Royal Emperor of Nepal. There is also a British-inspired building with long and white pillars.
Around the area of Basantapur Durbar Square, there are small vendors lining up parallel to the pedestrian lane, where you can shop for antique souvenirs and handicraft items.
Importantly, tea is a big part of the Basantapur Durbar Square. Little girls (tea girls) wander around asking whether you want a cup of tea. During the day, they go to school, while on the off days, they sell tea and manage money for their study expenses.
But, importantly, sipping a cup of tea and enjoying the beauty of Durbar Square is really a romantic setting, especially during the later afternoon. So, don’t miss out on romance in such a pristine setting.
Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world. This stupa, which is famous for its massive mandala, stands to dominate the skyline. With zillions of visitors every day, Boudhanath Stupa claims to be one of the ultimate destinations for anybody.
This place is sacred among Buddhists and Hindus. Around the periphery, you could witness the prayer flags and prayer wheels, which is inscribed by Buddhist prayers.
To grab a perfect shot, you may climb up to any rooftop restaurants. These restaurants do not charge you any for the photos. This is a part of their hospitality. But, make sure you enjoy the scenery without disturbing them or their property.
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