The old city’s historic core features temples, courtyards and palaces built by previous generations. Once the ruling seat of Nepal, both locals and visitors gather here to see the many exquisite wood carvings, as well as the home of the living goddess, Kumari. Take time to enjoy the square’s vibrant atmosphere when people visit to pray during the evening or during festival celebrations when the square is filled with music and lights.
A site of major importance to Tibetan Buddhists, Boudhanath stupa is one of the largest in the world and attracts thousands of monks and pilgrims to its majestic structure. You can walk around the stupa while spinning prayer wheels or sit at one of the rooftop cafés and take in all that is happening below you. Surrounding the stupa are several other monasteries as well as shops selling various items from Tibet, which help to enhance your experience and add to your sense of peace or cultural immersion.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this sacred Hindu site on the banks of the Bagmati River welcomes devotees and observers alike. Watch traditional rituals, including evening aarti, amid sadhus and ancient shrines. The open-air cremation ghats offer a profound glimpse into life cycles. Respectful visitors find it deeply moving, though photography rules apply in certain areas.
This colossal, ancient Buddhist temple is located on top of a hill and provides breathtaking views out over the entire valley below. Atop the massive stupa are paintings of Buddha’s eyes (one facing each direction), which seem to watch over the city regularly, while monkeys constantly wander around the grounds among the prayer flags and other sculptures. If you want to see the best panoramic view of the Himalayas, you should climb the many stairs and, ideally, on a clear day, when you can see the mountain range peeking through the clouds as you climb.
Patan, located just a short drive from Kathmandu, presents some of Nepal's most exceptional Newari architecture and craftsmanship. Temples, palaces, and museums within Patan highlight artistic excellence and the thoughtful reconstruction of many of the buildings after having been damaged by past earthquakes. As you stroll through the square to admire the intricate carvings, you can also observe local artisans creating products in front of their shops. Additionally, walking down some of the backstreets surrounding the square provides a glimpse into the daily life of the people who live there.
This well-preserved medieval city feels like stepping back in time, with brick-paved squares, pagoda-style temples, and traditional pottery workshops. Known for its pottery and woodwork, Bhaktapur offers a slower pace than Kathmandu proper. Visit the royal palace complex and enjoy local yogurt or handmade crafts, many travelers call it the most atmospheric of the valley’s Durbar squares.