Nepal
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Nepal - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Bhaktapur–Durbar Square
Plaza/SquareSome 8 miles east of Kathmandu, it is worth making the trek to explore capital city's smaller, quieter little sister, expecially since minibuses run between the two centers on a regular basis. Founded in the 12th century, Bhaktapur was the capital of an independent kingdom until the 18th century. Most of the buildings on its Durbar Square date from the latter part of that history, but were badly damaged by a major earthquake in 1934. The area now enjoys UNESCO World Heritage protection, and the steep entry fee you pay (unless you turn up in the middle of the night), goes towards ongoing renovations. The fee covers the whole of the historic center, including four squares of which Durbar Square is the most impressive. Similar in scope to its namesake in Kathmandu, it is traffic-free and less overrun with touts trying to become your trekking guide, making it a lovely place to hang out, people watch, and gaze at the magnificent architecture. Pride of place goes to the 55-Window Palace, with its many elaborately carved windows and doors; it now houses the National Art Gallery.
Bhaktapur, Central Region, NepalSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs.1100 -
2. Bodnath Stupa
Boudha | Religious Building/Site/ShrineAround 2 miles northeast of central Kathmandu in the suburb of Boudha, the 14th-century Bodnath Stupa is the largest in Nepal, and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. Although built in the Middle Ages following the Mughal invasions, it only truly soared in signifcance after the Chinese invasion of Tibet in 1959, which saw thousands of refugees flee across the border into exile. The large white dome of the stupa sits atop three irregularly shaped platforms that represent the Earth. Meanwhile, Buddha's eyes gaze serenely down at you from the square tower above the dome. A lot of Tibetans live in the narrow streets around the complex, so it's a colorful place to wander, browse the handicraft stalls, or eat momos (Tibetan dumplings).
Gangalal Way, Kathmandu, Central Region, NepalSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs.150 -
3. Durbar Square
Plaza/SquareNothing can prepare you for your first experience of Kathmandu's central Durbar Square, one of the world's great public spaces. While other squares have vast open areas to take your breath away, what leaves you open-mouthed here is the sheer onslaught of colors, sights and sounds—from the tangle of beautifully carved shrines and temple pagodas, to brightly adorned saddhus passing through on their spiritual journeys. Most of the temples date from the 18th century. You could spend hours here just hanging out—and indeed, many people do just that. Of course, many less scrupulous locals also know that sooner or later, every foreign visitor will find their way here, so be prepared to fend off a continuous string of begging requests and bogus offers from trekking tour guides. Don't let that put you off either—this is one sight you really should not miss.
Kathmandu, Central Region, NepalSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs.750 -
4. Patan–Durbar Square
Plaza/SquareThe only way you could fail to be impressed by Patan's magnificent central Durbar Square would be if you've already been in Kathmandu some time and have become 'templed out'. Officially a seperate city to Kathmandu, Patan's center is only 3 miles (and a short bus ride) away, and over time the two urban sprawls have merged into one. Patan's comparatively quiet Durbar is filled with intricately carved shrines and temple pagodas. Possibly the most impressive is the octagonal gray stone Krishna Temple, dating from 1723. Occupying one whole side of the square is the Royal Palace of the Malla Kings, a series of interconnecting temples and courtyards begun in the 14th century.
Patan, Central Region, NepalSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs.500 -
5. Swayambhunath Temple
Religious Building/Site/ShrineAlso known as the Monkey Temple in honor of its resident population of sacred simians, Swayambhunath is an ancient cluster of religious buildings that sits atop a small hill dominating the west of Kathmandu. This is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage places in Nepal—second only in importance to Bodnath—and is also revered by Hindus. Among the oldest religious sites in the country, it was said to have been founded about the beginning of the 5th century. Consisting of a central stupa, and numerous surrounding shrines and temples, the former was completely renovated in 2010—the 15th such makeover in its 1,500-year history, which saw the dome re-gilded with 40 lbs of gold. The most striking feature of the stupa is the square structure above the dome with Buddha's eyes painted on each face, gazing out in all four directions. The eyes are said to represent wisdom and compassion, while the 'nose' in between is actually the Nepali symbol of unity. The main access to the site is via a long stairway on the east side containing 365 steps. Devotees would not consider arriving any other way, but for the less eneregetic there is also a road leading up to the southwest entrance.
Kathmandu, Central Region, NepalSight Details
Rate Includes: Rs.250 -
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