Kirtipur is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. It is an old city with an ancient essence, a thriving culture, & hospitality, as well as breathtaking views of the countryside and monuments. Kirtipur refers to “renowned town” in English. It is also known as “Kipoo” and “Kyapu” in the Newari language.
Kirtipur is 10.3 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is among the Kathmandu Valley’s oldest human communities. Kirtipur was also listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Kirtipur was a subdivision of Lalitpur during the medieval era in 1099. It is located on a hill and provides a panoramic view of the city and the Himalayan ranges.
Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded Kirtipur and incorporated it into his dominion in 1767. The Gorkhali troops lost their leader Kalu Pandey during the first attack, while Surpratap, who was Prithivi Narayan Shah’s brother, became blind by an arrow. Then after, Prithvi Narayan Shah finally took over Kirtipur.
List of the Top 10 Places to Visit in Kirtipur, Nepal:
1. Mandap Nagar Kirti Bihar ji
Shri Kirti Bihar Nagar Mandap is a well-known historical site in NayaBazzar Kirtipur. This is a Theravada Buddhist monastery constructed in the traditional Thai style.
Visitors of all ages are welcome. A tiny garden and a pond enhance the beauty of Bihar.
Visitors can also visit the Thai Hall, which has a unique statue of Lord Buddha. If you want to discover peace and calmness, then Nagar Mandap Shri Kirti Bihar will be the perfect spot.
The Temple has an aesthetically appealing stone gate at the entry and wooden doors and pillars carved with imaginative depictions of many gods and goddesses.
- Things to Do: Meditate in the serene environment, explore Buddhist architecture, and learn about local traditions.
- How to Reach: Accessible by road from Kathmandu via public buses or taxis, approximately 8 km from central Kathmandu.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit the historical town of Kirtipur, nearby Buddhist stupas, and local eateries for Newari dishes.
2. Khokhana Town
Khokhana is a lovely hamlet close to Kirtipur. Khokhana is mainly known for its sightseeing and immaculate cultural spectrums, but it also has excellent hospitality and a mind-blowing ambiance. Since ancient times, this town has been known for producing delicious mustard.
Gai Jatra, Sikhali Jatra, Khayasanhu, Kartik Jatra, Bhimsen puja, Paha-charhey, sithi nakha, and other major Jatras are held in Khokhana village. Nepal’s prosperous cultural village, Khokhana, attracts many visitors each year. Explore the culture, traditions, values, and beauty of the rural lifestyle near Kathmandu.
- Things to Do: Stroll through this heritage town, explore oil-pressing techniques, and observe local craftsmanship.
- How to Reach: Take a local bus or taxi from Kathmandu to Khokhana, about 6 km away.
- Nearby Attractions: Bungamati Village, famous for wood carving and sculptures, and Rato Machindranath Temple.
3. The Dhamma Kitti
Are you seeking the most significant meditation spots? Dhamma Kitti, situated in the Kirtipur Municipality, is among the most incredible places to meditate. It has a broad field, a dhamma hall, a kitchen, and a few houses for students and instructors.
The center offers one-day, three-day, and ten-day courses and a children’s course, amongst many others. There is no need to pay for the training, but you can donate afterward if you wish to do it. It is essential to prepare yourself before beginning any vipassana training. The course is challenging, and you must closely stick to all the guidelines. If you have faith in meditation, you must pay a visit at least once. Every course is beneficial and profitable to all.
- Things to Do: Participate in a Vipassana meditation retreat, ideal for travelers interested in spiritual practices.
- How to Reach: Located near central Kirtipur, reachable by local taxis or by walking if staying in Kirtipur.
- Nearby Attractions: Kirtipur’s temples and monasteries, Mandap Nagar Kirti Bihar, and scenic hill viewpoints.
4. BP Koirala Memorial
The BP Koirala Memorial and Science Museum, situated near Tribhuvan University in Kirtipur, is Nepal’s first science museum. More than 50 modern devices are used to study science, botany, and astronomy.
Another appealing feature of this museum is a robot titled Foolmaya. Visitors can also communicate with Foolmaya. All the equipment is meant to be engaging, allowing visitors to study science and technology while having fun.
There is a separate floral collection area where you can find various preserved and live plants. This is the most fantastic museum to visit. If you are a student of science, then you must go to the museum at least once.
- Things to Do: Tour the museum, view historical exhibits, and learn about BP Koirala’s contributions.
- How to Reach: Take a local bus or taxi from Kathmandu; it’s around 8 km from the city center.
- Nearby Attractions: Taudaha Lake, a beautiful spot for birdwatching, and Panga, a quaint settlement with traditional architecture.
5. Suspension Bridge
Tinthana Suspension Bridge is among Kirtipur’s most famous bridges. It is about a 20-minute walk from Naya Bazar. It links Kirtipur with Tinthana. Only some people are aware of Kirtipur’s suspension bridge. It is located in Tinthana Chandragrir and offers beautiful landscapes and breathtaking vistas. Explore nature and other nearby activities. You will get the opportunity to discover the most attractive aspects of Kirtipur.
Because of the pleasant weather, this bridge attracts more tourists in the early morning and late evening. The verdant forest around the bridge and the plethora of valley vistas make the location more appealing.
- Things to Do: Walk across the bridge for scenic views, take photographs, and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
- How to Reach: Accessible from Kirtipur by local transport or taxis, located at a short drive from the main town.
- Nearby Attractions: Pukhu De pond and Vihara Chilanchu, both offering unique scenic spots and peaceful environments.
6. Temple of Bagh Bhairav
Bagh Bhairab Temple is a well-known religious site among the top ten most incredible places in Kirtipur. The Temple is devoted to Lord Bhairab and is seen mainly by Newars.
It is thought that the Temple has sixty-four distinct types of Bhairab. There are 18 pinnacles, one on each roof, one on the first, six on the second, & 11 pinnacles on the top.
You can get a lovely view of the entire valley from the Temple. Because of the serene and beautiful surroundings, the Temple attracts more tourists and devotees in the early morning.
The locals gather here in the early evening to enjoy the birds chirping and inhaling fresh air.
- Things to Do: Observe the ancient temple architecture, attend morning prayers, and explore the vibrant local rituals.
- How to Reach: In central Kirtipur, accessible by foot if staying nearby or by local bus/taxi.
- Nearby Attractions: Uma Maheshwar Temple and Mandap Nagar Kirti Bihar, both offering cultural insights and panoramic views.
7. Newa Lahana Restaurant
Do you want to try Newari cuisine? Most of Kirtipur’s residents are members of the Newari community who have lived there for generations.
As a result, there will be many Newari restaurants and hotels. Newa Lahana is the most popular and well-known Newari cuisine restaurant in Kirtipur.
This restaurant serves around 50 different types of Newari food, choyalas, including baras and sukutis. The majority of the restaurant staff will be dressed in traditional attire. You will be treated there with fantastic hospitality. Another wonderful experience in Newa Lahana is sitting on the ground with pillows. To enjoy Newari cuisine, you must visit this restaurant at least once.
- Things to Do: Savor traditional Newari cuisine, try local delicacies, and enjoy cultural performances occasionally hosted here.
- How to Reach: Located in Kirtipur, easily reachable by walking or a short taxi ride from other Kirtipur attractions.
- Nearby Attractions: Temple of Bagh Bhairav and local Kirtipur market for shopping and souvenirs.
8. Vihara Chilanchu
Chilanchu Vihara, constructed in 1515, is crowned with a majestic stupa. The Harmika (square tower) had a dome, but it was removed for restoration after the 2015 earthquake and was never replaced.
The stupa is surrounded by a Chaitya garden and faces a massive Dorje sign. Five more beautifully decorated stupas surround the Chilanchu Vihara, including Dhyani Buddhas.
- Things to Do: Explore the vihara, meditate, and enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley from the hilltop.
- How to Reach: Accessible by a short hike from Kirtipur or by road via taxi.
- Nearby Attractions: Suspension Bridge, Temple of Uma Maheshwar, and Taudaha Lake.
9. Temple of Uma Maheshwar
The Uma Maheshwar Temple is one of the most famous Bhavani Shankar temples in Kirtipur. It was built in 1663 and had four roofs. One of the roofs was destroyed in the 1934 earthquake. The 1418-meter-high Temple offers a spectacular panoramic view over Kathmandu Valley and the Northern Himalayan range.
Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, and Cho Oyu are prominent peaks from the Temple. This Temple also features a Croydon-made British bell.
- Things to Do: Visit the temple for stunning valley views, explore the ancient architecture, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
- How to Reach: Located on a hill in Kirtipur, a short walk or taxi ride from central areas.
- Nearby Attractions: Mandap Nagar Kirti Bihar and Bagh Bhairav Temple, both offering a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
10. Pukhu De
If you’ve been to Kirtipur’s Bagh Bhairav Temple, you’ve probably seen a greenish pond and a Mughal-styled white monastery to the north. The pond is known as De Pukhu, which means the “country’s pond” in true definition. The calm water of the pond lends a sense of serenity to the visitors.
It is located right in the center of a crowded Newar hamlet and to the south of the famous Bagh Bhairav Temple in Kirtipur. However, those who have visited the pond in its current form will undoubtedly agree that the water should be cleaned. Rainwater is the only water source in the pond; no other source exists.
Despite rainfall being the only source of, ponds never became dry in their lifetime. The only time the pond was known to be dry was during the war of Kirtipur when Kirtipurians utilized its water extensively for cleaning and bathing.
- Things to Do: Relax by the pond, enjoy the surrounding traditional architecture, and take photographs of this historic spot.
- How to Reach: Centrally located in Kirtipur, easily accessible by foot or short taxi ride.
- Nearby Attractions: Vihara Chilanchu and local eateries for sampling Newari cuisine.
Conclusion
One of the most enjoyable features of this location is its potential to take you to a bygone era. Apart from the temples and ancient monuments, the town is famous for its historical story. When Prithvi Narayan Shah rushed into the valley in 1768 & conquered the city, he commanded that every man in the town have his nose and lips chopped off. Only those who could play wind instruments had their nose and lips left. The city, which was heavily damaged by the earthquake, has been primarily restored. The location provides several panoramic views of some of the country’s most magnificent mountains.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is Kirtipur known for?
Kirtipur is known for its ancient temples, traditional Newari culture, and historical sites. It’s a beautiful town with rich history and scenic views near Kathmandu.
2. Where is Kirtipur located?
Kirtipur is located about 5 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, Nepal, and is easily accessible by road.
3. What are the must-visit temples in Kirtipur?
Key temples to visit are the Bagh Bhairab Temple, Uma Maheshwor Temple, and Chilancho Stupa.
4. Is Kirtipur a good place to learn about Newari culture?
Yes, Kirtipur is known for its traditional Newari culture, with festivals, food, and crafts that give visitors an authentic cultural experience.
5. What other attractions are there in Kirtipur?
Besides temples, you can visit Kirtipur Hill, Tribhuvan University, and explore local markets for traditional Newari handicrafts.
6. How much time should I plan to spend in Kirtipur?
A half-day to a full day is typically enough to explore the main attractions in Kirtipur.
7. Are there any viewpoints in Kirtipur?
Yes, the Uma Maheshwor Temple area offers a great viewpoint with panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas on clear days.
8. What is the best time of year to visit Kirtipur?
The best time to visit Kirtipur is during autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and pleasant.
9. Is Kirtipur easy to reach from Kathmandu?
Yes, Kirtipur is only a 15-20 minute drive from Kathmandu, and local buses or taxis are readily available.
10. What foods should I try in Kirtipur?
Try traditional Newari dishes like Yomari, Samay Baji, and Newari curries, which are popular in local eateries in Kirtipur.
