Top 15 Places to Visit Around Kathmandu
The city of temples and monasteries, Kathmandu is a major tourist destination for travelers. With diverse culture, vibrant colors and faces, Nepal is authentically beautiful place to be at. Kathmandu featured at fifth place in the top city to visit in the Best in Travel 2019 published by lonely planet. Kathmandu is naturally as well as culturally beautiful.
History reflecting places of places of Kathmandu are symbol of Nepalese artistic beauty. Also, the monasteries and temples manifests fascinating architecture, colorful street markets and important historical monuments.
Also, for those who have a spare time to spend in Kathmandu, they can definitely visit this culturally rich and naturally beautiful places around Kathmandu.
On this blog, we present you the top 15 places to visit around Kathmandu.
1) Garden of Dreams
Sapana ko Bagaicha meaning in Nepali, garden of dreams is a beautifully renovated garden in the heart of Kathmandu. If you are feeling low, take a walk up to the garden and soak up the essence of clam and serenity of the place. Since its creation, garden has been able to steal the heart of visitors.
The garden used to be a private garden of late Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana. The garden has become an oasis in Kathmandu's crowd-fed city.
How to reach there?
Garden of Dream lies in Thamel therefore from the central Thamel, it is just few minutes' walk to the Garden of dreams.
What to do there?
There are plenty of things you can do at garden of dreams. Like lay down on the beautifully put grass, be a photographer, sit down on one of the benches or verandas, tour around the park, sit at the park's café and sip a cup of tea or coffee. Also, don't forget to stop by the Kaiser library which is just next door. The library is old and earthquake did made it worse for the library. The library has a collection of more than 45000 books, old manuscripts for the visitors to look at.
What to pay?
National citizen- 100 rupees
International Citizen- 200 rupees
*Rupees is Nepalese currency. 1 USD = 100 NPR
2) Narayanhiti Museum
Narayanhiti Museum used to be an abode for the late royals of Nepal. But now palace has turned into a museum for the visitors to see and learn more about the fateful day for the millions of Nepalese.
Still you can find the some significant detail of the royal massacre that happened almost two decades ago. As much as the stories that is related with the palace is interesting, the alarming beauty of palace is even more captivating and amazing.
How to reach there?
The museum is few minutes' walk from the bustling Thamel. So, it is easily accessible from any part of Kathmandu valley. The visiting time of the palace is from 11 am to 4 in the afternoon.
What to do there?
Take a look around the impressive throne and banquet halls and striking décor of the palace.
What to pay?
National citizen- 100 rupees
SAARC Country Citizen- 250 rupees
International Citizen- 500 rupees
3) Kathmandu Durbar Square
Basantapur Durbar Square is also known as Hanuman Dhoka or Kathmandu Durbar Square. The complex design of the palace and the surrounding Newar community is the highlight of the place. From the architecture and designs of the palace, you can see the cultural richness prevalent during the days of Malla kingdom.
What to do?
Visit around the nine storied palace, kastamandap temple, kumara ghar, kal bairabh mandir, museum inside the palace.
How to reach there?
You can simply take a 30 minutes' walk from central Thamel. You can also take a richshaw ride to reach the Durbar Square.
What to pay?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- 100
International Citizen- 300
4) Swayambhunath
Swayambhuntah is another religious pilgrimage site listed on the world heritage sites of Nepal. The temple is located at the top of the hill from where you can get the wonderful view of whole Kathmandu valley. Swayambhu is one of Nepal's most sacred Buddhist stupa. The stupa has also been the hallmark of faith and harmony with Hindu temples and deities for centuries.
How to reach there?
You can simply take a taxi from your location or take a public bus from Thamel to reach Swayambhunath. The taxi fare is about 300 NPR but you can get the best minimum price with us for the trip to Swayambhu and Boudhanth trip.
What to do there?
Swayambhu is also known as monkey temple therefore there is huge number of monkey found in the temple. Do not forget to get friendly with them. Likewise, huge statues of Buddha and its mythical character can be seen so, do not miss the capture them.
What to pay?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- 50 rupees
International Citizen- 200 rupees
5) Bouddhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is one of the UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Nepal. The dome of the Bouddhanath stupa is the biggest in the entire Asia. The place offers a sense of joy even if you are in the crowd of hundreds of people. It is interesting to see the faith and beliefs of the people who follows Buddhism.
How to reach there?
You can take a taxi from your location to the Boudha and it cost around 600 rupees. You can take the same service if you book via us at just USD 5. We provide private car for your convenient.
What to do?
Take into the essence of Boudhhanth by observing the pilgrims visiting the stupa. And take a round of dome at least three times, it is said that your wishes will come true if you do it. Or you can also sit in one of the rooftops café and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and observe the environment around you.
What to you?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- 40 rupees
International Citizen- 150 rupees
6) Pashupatinath
For hindu all over the world Pashupatinath temple holds a very special place in their heart. At this UNESCO listed world heritage sites, you can discover the art, culture and Devotion of people towards their deity.
How to reach there?
You can simply take a taxi from your location or take a public bus from Balaju or Bus Park to reach Pashupatinath. The taxi fare is USD 500. But if you choose to take our service then, it cost USD 5 but in a private vehicle which is a lot comfortable and easier.
What to do?
Observe the Hindu cremation ceremony in Pashupatinath. Also, be part of temple aarati (puja) that takes place every day. The ceremony is grand and hundreds of Nepalese take part in this aarati.
What to pay?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- 500 rupees
International Citizen- 500 rupees
7) Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one the preserved monumental sites of Nepal. The palace is listed as world heritage sites of Nepal. The complex design of the palace is one of major factor of attraction among the visitors. Likewise, the rich cultural heritage that this place possess is incomparable. The 55 window palace, the golden gate, Nyatpola Degutale are some of the historically and culturally monuments of the Durbar.
How to reach there?
Getting to Bhaktapur is one of the easiest route. Most of the buses that take form the bus park in Ratnapark will take you to Bhaktapur. But if you want to ignore the hassle of getting to Bus Park then simply take the taxi from your location to Bhaktapur. The price is USD 7 but you can get the same service at just USD 5 with us.
What to do?
Get insights on the traditional Newar community, their lifestyle, culture and custom. Also learn the story behind the palace and take into the ambience of the place.
What to pay?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- 100 rupees
International Citizen- 1500 rupees
8) Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is the main attraction of Lalitpur district. Palace is listed as world heritage sites by UNESCO because of its fine arts, architecture, décor, the artistic talent showcased on the windows, doors of the palace. As much as the historical side of the Patan Durbar Square is pleasantly interesting, the place is also famous as religious pilgrimage site since popular temple Krishna Mandir is based at this location.
How to reach there?
There are several way to reach Patan Durbar Square. You can take a direct bus to Lagankhel from Lazimpat or any bus from Ratnapark to Patan. Or more convenient is to take a taxi from your location and drive to entrance of Patan Durbar without any problem. The taxi fare is USD 5 but with us you can get the same service at same price with a private vehicle which is a lot comfortable.
What to do there?
You can simply sit and observe the surrounding, tour around the Palace, capture the impressive wood carving done on the different part of the palace.
What to pay?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- 25 rupees
International Citizen- 300 rupees
9) Godawari
Godawari is situated in the Lalitpur district about 17 km away from central Thamel. Godawari is famous for its well-maintained garden where you can find different species of plants. The setting of garden is very peaceful thus people looking for a serene and quiet environment should without a doubt visit the place.
Godawari is perfect for the people who loves nature and for bird watcher too. People from all over the Kathmandu come here to enjoy its beauty.
How to reach there?
Getting there is quite hassle if you are taking public vehicles. You will have to take a bus to Patan from Ratna Park and again another bus from Patan to Godawari. So, we suggest you to hire a van and drive to Bungmati. We offer the transport service to Godawari at just USD 40 and for your comfort we provide a private vehicle. Know more about our program by click this link here.
What to do?
Observe the setting of the garden, learn about the diverse plants vegetation found in Nepal and simply enjoy the quiet nature of the place. Likewise, visit the nearest monastery and temple based on Godawari.
10) Bungmati
Bungmati is small town in the Lalitpur district mostly inhabitant by Newar ethnic groups. Bungmati is a hometown of Machhindranath who is believed to invent the Hatha yoga. Every year, local community of Bungmati conducts a Machhindranath jatra (Chariot festival). If you really want to see the real madness then you should definitely take part in one of these festivals.
How to reach there?
Getting there is quite hassle if you are taking public vehicles. You will have to take a bus to Patan from Ratna Park and again another bus from Patan to Bungmati. So, we suggest you to hire a van and drive to Bungmati. If you take our service, you can comfortably drive to Bungmati in a private vehicle at just USD 20.
What to do?
You should definitely visit Machhindranath temple and Bhairav temple and traditional houses.
What to pay?
National citizen- Free
SAARC country citizen- Free
International Citizen- Free
11) Budhanilkantha
Budhinilkantha is located in the foothills of Shivapuri hill in the northern – most part of the Kathmandu valley. Budhanilkantha temple is famous for its Vishnu temple. The temple has the largest statue of Lord Vishnu. There is great story behind this largest shrine. Every year a grand Mela (fair) is held at Bidhanilkanth on the auspicious festival celebrated in Nepal.
Budhanilkantha is superbly calm place even it is just few minutes' drive from central Kathmandu. The concrete jungle of Kathmandu fazes out in Budhanilkanth and surrounds you with the greenery of the place.
How to reach there?
You can take a local bus from Balaju, Lazimpat or Ratna Park and get to Budhanilkantha. You can also get a taxi to reach the place. Budhanilkanth is just 8 km away from the city. The taxi fare to Budhanilkantha ranges from 800 – 1000 Nepalese rupees. We offer great transport service at the same price but in a private car.
What to do there?
Stroll around the town of Budhanilkanth, visit the nearest monastery in the hills and mainly visit the Budhanilkantha temple of Lord Vishnu.
There is no entry charge for any historical or touristic place based in Budhanilkantha.
12) Kirtipur
One with a spare time should definitely visit Kirtipur inhabited by the ethnic Newari community of Nepal. The place is very endearing as you will get to see the authentic lifestyle of Newar community. The houses, alleyways, temples, and monastery everything about this place is interesting.
The place offers breathtaking panoramic view of Kathmandu valley and impressive medieval temples, monuments and shrines. Visiting kirtipur during their long jatras (Street festival) is even more fun as it expose you the tradition and custom of the place and the Newar community.
How to reach there?
You can take a local bus to Kirtipur from Lazimpat and Bus Park. If you want to skip the hassle of finding the bus then we suggest you to take a taxi to Kirtipur. The taxi fare ranges from 700 – 1000 Nepalese rupees. We offer transport service to Kirtipur at the same price but in a private vehicle with a very professional driver.
There is some mandatory service charge is applicable to all the visitors.
13) Chandragiri Hill by Cable Car Ride
Though it has been only few years visit to Chandragiri has been to its visitor, the place has been able to gather love and attention from its visitors. On top of the hill there is a temple of Hindu mythical god Bhaleshwor Mahadev. Besides temple, the views of Kathmandu valley you will get to see from the top of the mountain is just awesome. Moreover, a cable ride to the top of the hill is even more fun and exciting. You can visit the place any days since it is open every day.
How to reach there?
You can take a local bus to Chandragiri from Bus Park, Ratna Park. Likewise, you also have an option of going there by Taxi and it cost about USD 10. We run a daily tour to Chandragiri Hill with a hotel pick at just USD 50 in a private car with a very professional English speaking guide.
What to do?
Visit the temple of Bhalaeshwor Mahadev who is a Hindu deity. From the top of the hill you can see the picturesque view of the mountain range of Nepal and wide view of Kathmandu valley.
What to pay?
National citizen- 700 rupees
SAARC country citizen- 1120 rupees
Chinese citizen – USD 15
International Citizen- USD 22
14) Sanga
The impressive statue of Mahadev, a Hindu deity is the second largest statue in the whole Asia. The making of statue was completed in 2010 and since its creation, it has been able to garner the love and attention of the people. Sanga is situated in between infamous Bhaktapur and beautiful Kavrepalanchowk district.
The most fascination part of this place is statue itself and the remoteness of the place. Though the place is just kilometers away from the main cities, it still harbors the country lifestyle. Also, it is a lot greener and gives you the feeling of freshness. Sanga is the perfect place to escape the crowd that city possess.
How to reach there?
You can take a local from Bus Park to Sanga or hire a car or any other type of vehicle and reach Sanga. Hiring a private car is a lot more convenient. The cost of taxi service is 2000 rupees and but you can get the private vehicle service from us at the same price.
What to do there?
Visit Shiva temple, observe the people that come there to pay respect to Lord Shiva who is also known as Mahadev.
The visitor have to pay 100 rupees to enter the main visiting area where they can see the great statue of Lord Shiva up close.
15) Panauti
Panauti is a local traditional village which just located in the outskirt of Kathmandu valley. When visiting this place you will get to see the classic Kathmandu in the modern days. Before all the development took place, Kathmandu city used to look like Panauti. Many of the important temple of Nepal are based on Panauti therefore, one can definitely observe the religious side of this place.
You can experience the rich cultural heritage of Nepal in Panauti therefore Panauti is still relevant as popular sites of Nepal among the foreign visitors.
How to reach there?
You can take a bus from old bus park, Ratnapark to Panauti. Or more convenient is to take taxi from your location and drive Panauti. It cost about USD 30 in a taxi. But if you choose to take our service then, it costs USD 25.
What to do?
You can visit many temples based on Panauti and meet the locals and get insights on their life.
What to pay?
There is no entrance charge.
Note: Entry fees are subject to change. So please do not be surprised if prices do not match.
This is just the list of places around Kathmandu that domestic as well as foreigner prefers to visit. Hope this would be little helpful if you are wondering how to spend your free day in Kathmandu. All of the above mentioned places only requires a day to visit and hence most popular places of Kathmandu. Therefore, it is our top 15 places to visit around Kathmandu.
If you are interested to visit one of these places, please do not hesitate to write to us. We are always here to assist you. Just drop of message to our support team at [email protected].