Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and is very popular for its tradition and monuments. The city also possesses some religious temples. Hindus have great belief in these temples. The place consists of some UNESCO World Heritage sites as well. These sites are lovely and unique to see.
The culture and the rituals of the city are also wonderful to watch. Local inhabitants are also greeted by the visitors in their city and invited them to their homes and guide and provide some advice about the city.
The list of 10 Most Famous Monuments in Kathmandu, Nepal:
1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This is the last palace among the 3 old palaces of Durbar Square. People also know it as the Khwopa or Bhadgon, located around 12 km east of Kathmandu. It consists of one of the best showcases of Nepali architecture and craftsmanship.
Four squares jointly make up the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, namely Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square.
It includes some most prominent monuments and landmarks: -Lions gate, Golden gate, Art gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, and fifty-five windowed Malla palace.
- Why: Explore ancient palaces, temples, and artworks that reflect Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
- Getting There: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the Bhaktapur district, about 13 km east of Kathmandu. It can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 1,500 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Admire the intricately carved peacock window, visit the Golden Gate, explore the 55-Window Palace, and experience the Nyatapola Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: October to December for clear skies and comfortable weather.
2. Swayambhunath Stupa
The stupa is one of the oldest monuments in Nepal. Its origin is tied to the origin of Kathmandu. Historical records and engraving have traced this stupa complex back to 1500 years ago while religious stories are going further.
It is said that Swayambhunath means self-sprung and was formed when the lake dried out to give rise to the current valley. It is a mixture of Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas. Two different types of architecture are merged here in a single stupa. It is an ideal location for viewing Kathmandu valley from here.
- Why: Enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and explore one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Nepal.
- Getting There: Swayambhunath is located about 2.5 km west of Thamel and can be reached by taxi or a short hike up the hill.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 200 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Climb the stairs to the stupa, visit the various shrines and temples, and observe the resident monkeys.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear skies and cool weather.
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3. Pashupatinath Temple
The temple is ancient in Kathmandu and is very important in the Hindu religion. The temple is manufactured in a large area of land. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at the river bank, namely Bagmati.
The temple is also visited by older people who come to visit before their last breath. It is also concluded in UNESCO world heritage sites. Devotees celebrate the famous Shiva Ratri festival with great joy.
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The temple comprises four doors covered with silver and the roof of the temple is plated with gold.
- Why: Experience the spirituality of one of the most sacred Hindu temples and witness traditional cremation ceremonies along the Bagmati River.
- Getting There: Pashupatinath is located about 5 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 1,000 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Attend the evening aarti (prayer ceremony), explore the temple complex, and observe the Sadhus (holy men).
- Best Time to Visit: February to May and September to November for favorable weather.
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
The place is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Palace; the Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three durbar squares in the valley of Kathmandu.
Once upon a time, this was the old royal palace and Mallas and Shahs of Kathmandu’s courtyard with an empress of temples and shrines. The main palace compound was structured in the 15th century, and additional buildings and monuments were added as time went on.
The things that should be noticed here include the namesake monument Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Mandir, Nine Storey Basantpur Tower, etc. Read Also: 10 Popular Reasons to Visit Kathmandu
- Why: Discover the architectural wonders of ancient Nepalese palaces, temples, and courtyards.
- Getting There: Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or on foot from Thamel.
- Ideal Duration: 2-3 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 1,000 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Visit the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Bahal (Kumari Temple), and Taleju Temple.
- Best Time to Visit: September to November for clear skies and pleasant weather.
Read also: Top Places to Eat in Kathmandu
5. Kailashnath Mahadev
The temple was completed in the year 2011, and it took seven-year to complete. The statue is 144 ft. tall. The statue is structured so that it seems that it represents the hand gesture.
It covers a distance of 12 miles to the east of Kathmandu. The Statue of Lord Shiva is manufactured with copper, steel, zinc, and concrete. It is the second tallest statue in all over the world.
The name Kailashnath Mahadev means master of mount Kailash and great God.
- Why: Visit the world’s tallest Lord Shiva statue and enjoy panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.
- Getting There: Kailashnath Mahadev is located in Sanga, about 20 km east of Kathmandu, and can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 150 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Admire the statue, explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the views.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear views and comfortable weather.
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6. Kala Bairav
The temple is situated on the premises of Kathmandu durbar square. The temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. The statue of Lord Shiva wears a snake which is ornamental, tiger skin, and an apron that is made up of human bones.
The statue is 12 ft. tall and was built in the 6th century. It comprises an open area for devotees to worship God, and the statue is the largest in the world. King Pratap discovered the temple in the 17th century.
- Why: Experience the unique atmosphere of a temple dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva.
- Getting There: Kala Bairav Temple is located in the heart of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or on foot from Thamel.
- Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Entry Fee: Free
- Things to Do: Pay respects to the deity and explore the surrounding area.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
7. Thahiti Chowk
Thahiti chowk is situated between Thamel and Jyatha. It is founded in the 15th century, according to the documents. The stupa, situated at the chowk, is also magnificent, and the statue is also easily accessible from the garden park.
From the North of the side, the Nateshwar temple is located, dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, the place is rarely visited by tourists. The chowk comprises a few streets as well. Read Also: Top 10 Reasons to Visit Nepal
- Why: Experience the cultural and historical significance of this ancient square in Kathmandu.
- Getting There: Thahiti Chowk is located in the heart of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or on foot from Thamel.
- Ideal Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Entry Fee: Free
- Things to Do: Explore the architecture and soak in the local atmosphere.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day.
8. Changu Narayan Temple
It is considered the oldest temple in Nepal. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is established on a high hilltop known as Changu or Dolagiri and it is well surrounded by forest having a Champak tree and a small village, namely Changu village.
The temple is addressed around 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu. There is an information center, as well as a couple of museums, which are also located there. The stone and the pillar, along with the temple and its various statues, have recorded that it was built in back 464 AD. Read Also: Why you should Visit Pokhara: Top 9 Reasons
- Why: Visit one of the oldest Hindu temples in Nepal and admire its intricate stone carvings.
- Getting There: Changu Narayan Temple is located about 12 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 300 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Explore the temple complex, admire the artwork, and enjoy the views.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March for clear skies and comfortable weather.
9. Boudhanath Stupa
If Pashupatinath is the holiest temple of Hindus, then its Buddhist counterpart is the Boudhanath stupa. It was said that it was built by Licchavi king Siva deva in the back 5th century.
Presently, it is one of the largest Buddhist stupas globally, and its whole surrounding area is a crowded Buddhist area with over 40 houses nearby. A large number of people visited this stupa every day because of their reason. Chanting monks, flocks of pigeons, prayer wheels, and the smell of incense sticks are some factors that make the atmosphere unique in this location. Read Also: The Currency of Nepal (Traveler tips for Money Exchange)
- Why: Experience the peaceful atmosphere of one of the largest stupas in Nepal and explore the surrounding monasteries.
- Getting There: Boudhanath Stupa is located about 7 km northeast of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: NPR 400 for foreigners
- Things to Do: Walk around the stupa, visit the monasteries, and observe the rituals.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a quieter atmosphere.
10. Budhanilkantha
It is situated at Shivapuri hill. The temple is located in the North of the valley, covering a distance of 9 km from the central city. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The temple is situated in such a way that it is lying in the water.
It is said that only Hindu people can touch the statue’s legs, whereas foreigners don’t allow them to touch his legs.
During the time of Pratap Malla, people believed that if any king visited this temple will die after coming from the temple. It is also the home of Vishnu for sleeping purposes. Read Also: List of Popular Historical Sites in Asia.
- Why: Visit the sacred site of the sleeping Vishnu statue and admire its craftsmanship.
- Getting There: Budhanilkantha is located about 8 km north of Kathmandu and can be reached by taxi or bus.
- Ideal Duration: 1-2 hours
- Entry Fee: Free
- Things to Do: Admire the statue, explore the temple complex, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime during the day for a peaceful experience.
Conclusion
Many monuments are located in Kathmandu, and out of them, a few are also declared world heritage sites. All the monuments carry history behind it. Hindus have great religious beliefs in the temple of Kathmandu.
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