Tourist Attractions in Kathmandu, Nepal
Hanuman Dhoka
The Old Royal Palace in Kathmandu, also known as the Hanuman Dhoka, was formerly the official palace of Nepal’s kings. It was constructed centuries ago. During the 16th century, construction began on the wing of the palace that is located to the east. The Hanuman Gate, located on the eastern side, serves as the primary entrance. At this location, you will see a statue of Hanuman, the God of the Monkeys. The Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir, the Tribhuvan Museum, the Basantpur Tower, and the King Mahendra Memorial Museum are the principal structures that are included inside the palace.
Kumari Chowk
The marketplace known as Kumari Chowk may be found to the south of Durbar Square. The temple is dedicated to Raj Kumari, who is known as “the living goddess” of the city. After being chosen from among hundreds of young women belonging to the Buddhist Shakya clan of goldsmiths, the Raj Kumari is revered and honoured in the same manner as the live embodiment of Durga, one of the most important deities in Hinduism. The Malla monarch Jaya Prakash established the temple in 1757, and its history can be traced back to that year. Every year, with much zeal and festivity, this location celebrates the Indra Jaatra Festival. During the celebration, the Raj Kumari emerges from her temple to bestow her blessings on the crowds of people who have gathered at the location in such great numbers in order to get a glimpse of her.
Kasthamandap
The area known as Kasthamandap may be found in the far southwestern corner of Durbar Square. There are claims that it is the oldest wooden structure in all of Kathmandu and that it dates back to the 12th century. This whole structure was crafted out of the wood from a single tree. This edifice, which was situated at the beginning of the ancient trade route to Tibet, operated as a rest stop for the merchants who travelled along that route in the past. At the moment, this structure is used as a temple, and inside you will find statues of both Guru Gorakhnath and Lord Ganesha.
Jagannath Temple
The construction of the Jagannath Temple began in the 16th century. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is located to the east of the column that was built by Pratap Malla. Erotic engravings may be seen here on the columns that hold up the lower roof of the building. Some academics are of the opinion that these figures represent the tantric path to enlightenment. On the top section are representations of a plethora of gods and goddesses. An intriguing stone inscription may be found in the vicinity of the temple. This inscription, which was written around the middle of the 17th century in 15 different languages, is essentially a poetry that is dedicated to the goddess Kali.
Mahabuddha
This location may be found to the south of Asan. A large statue of Buddha as well as a white stupa may be seen at this location. The stupa was originally constructed in the sixth century. It is widely believed that King Basantdeva was the architect behind this stupa.
Tripureshwar Sundari Temple
The Tripureshwar Sundari Temple may be found in the central plaza of the Tripureshwar Marg neighbourhood. The origins of the temple may be traced back to the nineteenth century. Queen Lalit Tripura Sundari was the one who commissioned its construction. It is a sizable temple that is devoted to the god Shiva. The structure of the temple is designed to resemble a pagoda with three levels. In honour of Rana Bahudur Shah, who was the spouse of Queen Tripura Sundari, this structure was erected. During the Mahashivaratri festival, which is held to commemorate Lord Mahadev’s birthday, a significant number of devotees go to this magnificent temple to pay their respects. The Shivalingam at the temple receives offerings of milk and fruit from devout individuals on this special occasion.
Kalamochan Temple
Kalamochan Temple goes back to 1852. Southeast of the Tripureshwar Road is where you’ll find the temple. Jung Bahadur, the first Rana Prime Minister of Nepal, was responsible for its construction. It is reported that the ruthless Rana hid the bones of individuals who were murdered during the Kot massacre in the ruins of this temple, which is located at the foot of the mountain.
Swayambhunath
About two kilometres to the west of Thamel is where you’ll find this temple. From this vantage point, you will get some of the most breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa that may be seen here is significant in Buddhist cosmology. The womb or the process of creating the universe and all in it is symbolised by the dome that tops the stupa. People make their desire for union with the highest power as they stroll around the dome. At each cardinal point and each subcardinal point, there is a statue of a meditating Buddha, and at each subcardinal point, there is a statue of a female counterpart. A number of minor shrines may be seen in the area around the stupa.
National Museum
About a half mile to the south of Swayambhunath Temple is where you’ll find the National Museum. The Art Building, which houses the majority of the museum’s stone sculptures, is considered to be its most important portion. This area has a significant number of sculptures depicting various deities, including gods and goddesses. There is evidence that King Jaya Varma was depicted in stone as early as the 2nd century. Metalwork, woodwork, and paubha scroll paintings are some of the other types of exhibits seen in this area. The History Building and the Buddhist Art Gallery are two other areas that may be found inside the museum.
Singha Durbar
The neighbourhood of Singha Durbar can be found in the southeast of Kathmandu. It is often regarded as the most impressive building that the Rana dynasty ever produced. This Prime Minister residence was constructed by Chandra Shamsher Rana in 1901. It dates back to that year. In addition to the approximately four hundred rooms that make up the palace, there is also a lavish garden that is located next to the main entrance.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is the holiest and most significant pilgrimage place for Hindus in Nepal, and it is situated approximately four kilometres to the east of the capital city of Kathmandu. The holy bathing takes place in the nearby Bhagmati River, which is located adjacent to the temple complex. People have the belief that if they pass away on this sacred area, they would be freed from the endless cycle of birth and death. Lord Shiva is honoured in the temple that bears his name. The shivalinga located at this location has four different sculpted faces of Lord Shiva. The golden pagoda that may be seen here dates back to the 17th century. In close proximity to the main temple are a number of smaller shrines and temples.
Goraknath Temple
The Gorakhnath Temple may be found in the neighbourhood of the Mrigasthali Forest. The Guru Gorakhnath shrine is located inside of the temple. The primary patron god of the Shah Dynasty was known as Guru Gorakhnath. The temple is a building of moderate size and, in general, serves as a tranquil setting. You will be able to get breathtaking views of the vibrant Shiva temples that are situated in the surrounding forest from the temple.
Great Stupa at Boudha
The Great Stupa at Boudha, also known as Boudhanath, can be found around 5 kilometres to the northeast of Kathmandu. This significant Tibetan Buddhist monument is one of the stupas that has the title of being the biggest in the world. The early morning or late evening hours are ideal for a visit to this location. You may see pilgrims doing the kora rite, which consists of pacing around the dome, and you can also hear monks reciting holy mantra at this time. The Losar Festival is held in this area with a great deal of zeal throughout the months of February and March.
Sankhu Bajra Jogini
About two kilometres up a hill from the main village of Sankhu is where you’ll find the Sankhu Bajra Jogini Temple. The revered tantric goddess Bajra Jogini, who is most often honoured in the valley area, is the focus of devotion at this temple. The current building of the temple was constructed some time in the 17th century. There is speculation that a shrine once stood at this location a thousand years ago. Some additional, lesser shrines may be seen in the vicinity of the main temple. These include a copy of the Swayambhu Stupa, a shrine to a snake, and the Dharma-Pap Gufa (virtue-vice cave).
The Sleeping Vishnu
The Jalasayana Narayan Site, also known as the Sleeping Vishnu Site, is located near Budhanilkantha, which is roughly 8 kilometres north of Kathmandu. One may locate a monolithic statue of Vishnu sleeping here; it is considered to be the most important stone figure in the Kathmandu Valley. The basalt figure has a length of around 16 feet. The figure was carved somewhere in the 7th century. This sculpture is connected to a great deal of fascinating history, which may be found in the surrounding area. Within the sanctuary section of the temple, only Hindus are permitted to go in order to do their puja to the Lord. It’s interesting to note that Nepal’s monarchs never came to visit this location after the 17th century.
