So, without further ado, here's a top-ten list for why you should visit Kathmandu:
10. The architecture. What can I say? It made the top 10 because there are some pretty cool buildings. Obviously the more specific ones are listed below (higher on the list!.)
An example of architecture in Kathmandu
9. Thamel. This is the tourist's haven. You really shouldn't come to Kathmandu without spending at least a day in Thamel. There are restaurants, shops, street vendors, rickshaws, and more that will keep your head turning! Tip: Don't buy anything the first time you see it! Look around and you will find something similar. Haggling is the norm here too. Never agree to the first price, even if you think it's really cheap. More than likely, the first price is twice what it's worth!
One of the main streets in Thamel.
8. The nightlife. Believe it or not, there are some pretty hip places to chill after dark! Numerous bars and clubs have live bands, and you can go drink, dance, smoke hookah, etc. Check out some of the ex-pat bars in Thamel (I won't list any here because I can't list them all!)
Kathmandu at night
7. Durbar Square. One of the oldest places in Kathmandu, Durbar Square is still a gathering place where people can meet to sell their wares or have a cup of milk tea at one of the numerous hole-in-the-wall cafes. Their are many Nepali natives who would LOVE to give you a full oral history for a few hundred rupees! Go for it! I did and have to say it was worth the money to hear.
Durbar Square
6. Pashuputinath. Very cool Hindu temple. Foreigners are not allowed inside, but you can take pictures of it and the nearby Bagmati River, where people burn their dead. Holy men are everywhere here, but beware! If you take a picture of them they request money (same if they put a deeksha on you!) There are some neat trails to the east as well, and you might see some monkeys too!
Pashupati Temple
5. Swayambhunath Stupa. Believed to be built over 2500 years ago, this is one of the most sacred places in Kathmandu for both Hindu and Bhuddists. Also called the "Monkey Temple," you can see many monkeys and birds that come feed on the offerings.
Swayambhunath
4. Boudhanath Stupa. This is the largest Stupa built in Nepal, and probably one of the larger ones in Asia. It is located all the way on the eastern side of Kathmandu, but it's well worth a trip! Check out one of the restaurants on the top floors of some of the surrounding buildings to have an incredible view!
Boudhanath Stupa
3. The food. Okay, I had to put this one at number 3 because, quite frankly, I like food :-) Nepali food is traditionally dal bhat (lentils and rice), but in addition to that, there are mo-mo's, curries, sandheko, thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup), roti, samosas, and so much more! Nepal has a wonderful mix of Indian and Chinese food as well (being "sandwiched" between the two countries!) The best of the best, though, is the yak cheese! Try a yak cheese pizza - it's delicious!
Traditional Dal Bhat with mutton, ghee (like liquid butter), aloo (potatoes), pickle, veggies, and sauces!
2. The views. No matter where you go, in Kathmandu or outside the city, there will be amazing, breathtaking sights! Just a short hike to the NW will take you to rural areas where chicken farms and other types of agriculture are still run the old fashioned way. The different shades of green are astounding in the grassy hills. On a clear day, you can see the purple mountains in the distance far beyond the valley. And every day there is an exquisite sunset:
Sunset seen from Kathmandu
(That is Swayambhunath in the foreground.)
(That is Swayambhunath in the foreground.)
1. The people. Yes, the best I saved for last. Nowhere else on earth will you find people quite like the Nepali. Hundreds of years of Buddhism and thousands of years of Hinduism have created a culture of peace, hospitality, love, kindess, etc. The list could go on, but you get the point. Depsite being one of the poorest countries in the world (economically speaking), it is one of the richest in humanity and happiness. Nepli people will consistently invite you into their home and give you what you need, despite not having much themselves. It is the people that truly make this country my favorite in the world (in case you're wondering, I happen to be an American living in Nepal who works for First Environmental Trekking.)
The people are what make Nepal really special
So this wraps up my first "Top 10." I will be doing this occasionally, as I have close to 200 more travel itineraries to post for First Environmental Trekking and this is a nice change of pace, both for me and for you! Please feel free to leave comments/questions, or contact us at any of the methods listed below for more information!
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
+ 977-1- 4424346
Mobile: +977-9851038817
+977-9851022303
Fax : + 977-1-4423855
E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
http://www.go2trek.com
http://www.firstetrek.com
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