A Day in Kathmandu
As part of the Everest Base Camp Trek itinerary, we had a spare day in Kathmandu. I did some research before leaving the UK into places I knew I wanted to see before I left and sought advice from Lash from Lashworldtour as she had spent some time in Nepal, so here’s what we did:
BOUDHANATH
Boudhanath is one of many UNESCO sites in Kathmandu and possibly the most popular one to see, when you walk into the square you soon see why…
Boudhanath is also one of the largest Stupa’s in the world and dominates the skyline of Kathmandu. Prayer flags hang from all angles and prayer wheels circle the stupa and you’ll see many Buddhist monks too.
It’s quite a tourist trap in that surrounding the stupa are many gift shops, also, you’re likely to be pestered on the street outside Boudhanath. There is an entrance fee of around 150 rupees.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Pashupatinath Temple is apparently one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world. A trip to this temple is quite a surreal experience as you walk through and almost straight away you’re faced with many cremations on the other side of the river bed, with mourning relatives and you just sit there and watch! Something new to me, having never seen this before.
Drawing yourself away from the cremations and wandering through the temple grounds you will come across many Sadhu’s who are more than happy to have their picture taken, just be warned that they will expect some money in exchange!
There is again an entrance fee to the Pashupatinath Temple and I believe it’s around 1000 rupees.
These two trips were fitted into an afternoon, had we of had time I would have also gone to see Durbar Square too.
I and a friend also took some time to wander around the district where we were staying, we ended up getting completely lost walking around back streets, however it was fun and you get to see things you would miss otherwise.
If the evening we headed into Thamel district for a steak dinner at K-Too Beer & Steakhouse, which was recommended in Lonely Plant guidebook and it was amazing, not sure if this was because we’d had almost 2 weeks of camp food, but everything we ate was delicious and I definitely recommend it!
Have you been to Kathmandu, what sites did you see and would you recommend?
11 Comments
Choclette
I have friends who have travelled a few times to Kathmandu on a teaching mission, but I’ve not seen many pictures of the actual city, so this is really interesting. Sounds like you’re having quite an adventure.
Carly
Thanks Choclette, it’s a great place to visit and I wish we have had more time to explore the city, but maybe next time!
Sisley White
This is a lovely post filled with so many gorgeous photos. I have to admit I don’t know much about Kathmandu but it is gorgeous and will go on my adventure wishlist.
You really are having a big adventure! x
Carly
Thanks Sisley, appreciate the comments 🙂
Emma T
It looks like an amazing place. So different to most places, and also somewhere that’s much less visible compared to other locations. #pocolo
Carly
Hi Emma, thanks for stopping by, Kathmandu is definitely a place to visit, only wished I had more than a day to explore!
Jennifer
You’ve captured some amazing and interesting things… love your photos! #PoCoLo
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk)
Those scuplture and architecture are reason enough to go. Thanks for sharing these photos and reviews. #pocolo
Erica Price
Amazing photos. A place I’d always fancied visiting, but I don’t think I’ve seen pictures of it before.
John Luth
I still couldn’t believe there wasn’t some sort of limitation on photographs at Pashupatinath – felt a little invasive, at least compared to a place like Varanasi. If you make it back, Bhaktapur is another excellent half day sight around Kathmandu.
Carly
Hi John, Thanks for stopping by, thanks for the tip on where else to visit, Bhaktapur looks like a worthwhile trip to add 🙂