Kathmandu is one of Asia's most extraordinary cities – a vibrant, chaotic and deeply beautiful capital where medieval palace squares share streets with modern restaurants, where Hindu cremation rituals at ancient river ghats happen within earshot of Buddhist monks spinning prayer wheels around 5th-century stupas, and where the Himalayan chain is visible from the valley rim on clear October mornings. At 1,400m above sea level, Kathmandu is the gateway to Nepal's Himalayan world and a profound cultural destination in its own right.
The Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and among the finest examples of medieval South Asian urban architecture anywhere. Pashupatinath Temple on the Bagmati River is Nepal's holiest Hindu site; Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's largest Buddhist stupas; Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple) offers panoramic valley views from its ancient hilltop complex. For the serious traveller, Kathmandu alone justifies the journey to Nepal.
Beyond the heritage sites, the real Kathmandu is found in the ancient markets of Ason Bazaar and Indra Chowk, the metalwork workshops of Patan and the extraordinary street food culture of the old city lanes. Our partners at Getaway Nepal organise in-depth Kathmandu Valley cultural tours with knowledgeable local guides.
Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse historic city with breathtaking Newari architecture, centuries old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites along with dedicated tourist-friendly accommodation and restaurants. Stepping into Kathmandu is like stepping into another world that everybody should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Kathmandu is a city where ancient traditions rub shoulders with the latest technology. The grandeur of the past enchants the visitor whose gaze may linger on an exquisitely carved wooden window frame, an 18th century bronze sculpture or a spiritually uplifting stupa. Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, is the political as well as cultural capital of the country.
Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade, but despite the hustle and bustle so typical of metropolitan cities, its people remain refreshingly friendly. The city is a warden of its ancestral value “Atithi Devo Bhava” meaning "Guest is equivalent to God".
Retaining its ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed by Living Goddess Kumari and is enriched by endless ceremonial processions and events that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking joy in spiritual celebrations. These religious festivals are steeped in legends and are quite a spectacle with chariot processions and masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities.
Kathmandu is a result of diverse culture and lifestyle, a long history of faith and beliefs, and of arts and architecture. Therefore, more than just a city, Kathmandu is a living museum, it is an opportunity to travel back in time and to relive in the history.
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