Kathmandu Tourist Attractions

Kathmandu has got some of the most beautiful monuments and attractions in the entire south Asia. It will take more than a day to completely appreciate these beauties. And that does not include the ones in Bhaktapur and Patan. Following is the list of some of the most visited monuments in Kathmandu: -

Bouddhnath
The Stupa of Bouddhnath lays 8-kms east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of the biggest in the world.

Guhyeshwari Temple
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple dedicated to Goddess Guhyeshwari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Machhendranath Temple
The temple of Sweta Machhendra Bahal situated between India Chowk and Asan. It is a Pagoda of considerable artistic beauty is also called as "Janmadyo" or "Machhendra" deity.

Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5-kms east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.

Swayambhunath
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000-years-old. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3-kms west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77meters above the Kathmandu valley.

Akash Bhairav Temple
A three story temple in the main market avenue, called Indira Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indira Jatra, the festival of Indira - the God of Rain.

Chabahil
Charumati, the daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, has built the lovely Stupa of Chabahil in the 3rd century B.C. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.

Dakshinkali
The temple of Dashinkali is situated about 2-kms south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu Goddesses pilgrims visits this temple to offer prayer and animal sacrifices to the Goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.

Gokarna
This lovely Toyal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10-kms northeast of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as Spotted Deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an Elephant back. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a Pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized.

Kasthamandap
Located near the Temple of Kumari, it has been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the 16th century. It is constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Temple Of Kumari (Kumar Ghar)
The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, "Kumari", is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari - the Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited here.

Tundikhel
A huge green field flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhel. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the southwestern end of Tundihkel is a 59.29m tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. Sundhara - fountains with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.