Location: Kathmandu
Top Things to do in Kathmandu
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Things to do in Kathmandu, Central Region: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
Nepal’s capital is surrounded by a valley full of historic sites, ancient temples, shrines, and fascinating villages. Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments, or join mountain trekkers in the bustling Thamel District. Explore shops for exquisite work by local artisans—carpets and paper prints are specialties.
Restaurants in Kathmandu
1. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By BarbGolda - Ringoes, United States
I have been wanting to get to Christmas Mass here for three years and finally made it there tonight. It is difficult to find and to find a mass schedule. With the help of Phuri from Himalayan Friends Trekking, we got there for the whole mass and some wonderful carols before time. It was amazing! We are blessed. I attended with my husband, son and his fiance.
2. Akash Bhairav Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
The statues in this sacred temple tell the colorful legend of beheaded King Yalambar.
Reviewed By ajaykhadka - Kathmandu, Nepal
Akash Bhairav The Aakash Bhairav temple at Indrachowk in Kathmandu is the residence of King Yalamber who is supposed to have achieved the power through tantric and is believed to be appearance of Lord Shiva, but like Banasura, he may possibly have been a disciple of lord Shiva. The Aakash Bhairav temple at Indrachowk in Kathmandu is the residence of King Yalamber who is supposed to have achieved the power through tantric and is believed to be appearance of Lord Shiva, but like Banasura, he may possibly have been a disciple of lord Shiva. Many such other add-ons are found in Nepali tradition of the story where Aakash Bhairav was involved in the Kurukshetra war. Akash Bhairav is a Hindu deity, regarded as the “god of the sky”, several large temples in Kathmandu are dedicated to him and also consider as a progenitor of the Maharjan caste, especially the peasant groups. Aakash Bhairav's head has an image that the Buddhists recognize as Buddha and the Hindus identify as Brahma, thus making the idol of Yalamber/Barbarika/Aakash Bhairav worship by everyone. The head of the Aakash Bhairav was excavated many hundred years ago in Kathmandu. The head now exists in a Hindu temple in Kathmandu which isn’t far-off from Durbar Square. It is taken out of the temple once in every year and is blessed by the Kumari- the living goddess lives nearby Kumari Chowk. Worshipping of the Bhairav is generally a symbol of protection and power. For eight continuous days during the celebrations in Indrajatra festival, the temple contains of decorated temple and the deity. This is follow by the Tantrik Puja, the Sagun Puja and the Kal Puja. The worshipper and the deity are held together in an exceptionally 'reciprocal' energetic. Akash Bhairav symbolizes protection and goodwill for the nation and its people as per the belief by the Nepalese people. #storytelling #historyofkathmandu #indrachoknewroad #kathmandu #nepal #nepaldiaries
3. Kopan Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 787 reviews
Hundreds of monks and nuns live at this monastery, which offers meditation courses year round.
Reviewed By 403jennar - Winnipeg, Canada
We went to the monastery for when it first opened at 9:30 and stayed until around 11, and had a very memorable time circling the stupas and observing life at the monastery. Great view of Kathmandu from the cafe where you can sit outside and watch the monks go about their rituals and daily life. We took a taxi to get there and he waited until we were done at no extra charge, which is recommended as there were not taxis there waiting to pick people up.
4. Nagi Gompa
5. Pashupatinath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,935 reviews
Reviewed By SFO_Drew - San Francisco, United States
This UN World Heritage site is literally a must-see for many Hindus, in order to gain spiritual fulfillment (along with Varanasi). If you cross the bridge behind the temple and climb the stairs, you will find a respectful viewing area to watch cremation ceremonies of the high-ranking deceased (there are other slabs further up the river for the common folks). But if you continue up the stairs, you will find rows of stupas that are quite pretty (you'll also frequently find sadhus here who will pose for pictures for money), and then a monkey road that leads down to a back gate exit. The grounds are quite large so you may wish to get a guide (such as Pink Mountain) before going there.
6. Pullahari Monastery
7. Seto Machindranath Temple
8. Dakshinkali Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
This temple is dedicated to the ferocious goddess Kali, to whom animals are sacrificed twice a week.
Reviewed By RahulG2323 - Jodhpur, India
amazing temple. brings peace and a kind of vibration once you enter the premises. great art and architecture. blissful and serene place for blessings of the ma kali. . even in the times of covid, it is open for blessing seekers.
9. Boudhanath Stupa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,896 reviews
Bouddhanath stupa is the most liked sightseeing place in Kathmandu. Visitors are required to pay NRs. 250(Foreign Nationals) NRs. 50 (SAARC Nationals) NRs. 250 (Chinese) per person (Below 10 years free) as entrance fees to the Bouddhanath. A lot of Tibetan people reside around the Stupa. And it is very famous and holy place specially of Buddhists People. It is one of the most popular world heritage site of Nepal. Breakfree Adventures offer Bouddhanath Private Sightseeing Day Tours.
Reviewed By 702sallyl - Richmond, United Kingdom
This is the 'iconic' symbol of Kathmandu and a most wonderful Stupa surrounded by a beautiful paved circle of old houses/shops. One new addition is Cafe Caravan which is on the first floor about ⅓ of the way around the circle if you walk clockwise from the main entrance ... great decor, super art (from a Dolpo artist) and very good coffee, snacks and other drinks with a view straight onto the Stupa. Wifi too!!
10. Swayambhunath Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,201 reviews
Swayambhunath is a glorious ancient religious architecture, located in the middle of Kathmandu city. It is center of faith of both Buddhist and Hindus.
Reviewed By CaliGuy01 - San Francisco, United States
Very nice temple with many layers up high on the mountain. This temple has many monuments besides the main stupa that are really nice along with shops and a place where paintings are available that are reasonable and local.
