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Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, Kathmandu can be a sensory overload for first-time visitors. An overwhelming medley of sights and sounds crashes over you like a breaking wave. This will be your first taste of Kathmandu tourism. The biggest city in Nepal has no shortage of places to visit or things to do.
Whether you’re here to rediscover yourself or simply want to enjoy all the delights that this city has to offer, Kathmandu will not disappoint you. You could spend hours on a trek and still feel refreshed at the end of it. From luxury hotels to backpacker hostels, Kathmandu tourism offers you a plethora of options to craft your holiday to your specifications.
Kathmandu has a perfect blend of cultural abundance and natural beauty. The rich biodiversity is beautifully complemented by a vibrant cultural heritage. This combination makes Kathmandu a photographer’s delight. While Kathmandu tourism has a range of tourist attractions for every taste, it is easy to go off the beaten path and discover some of its hidden delights all by yourself.
Here’s what Kathmandu tourism has in store for you.
Kathmandu sits in the north-western part of the Kathmandu Valley at a height of about 1,400 metres above sea level. The valley itself is tucked amidst four mountain ranges: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. Bagmati is the main river flowing through the city. It holds a great cultural and religious significance for the locals.
Kathmandu enjoys a mild climate through most of the year. The average annual temperatures range between 9 and 23 °C. There are four distinct seasons in Kathmandu: spring, summer, autumn and winter. Though it rains throughout the year, the months between May to September receive the highest amount of rainfall. July is the wettest month with an average of 325 mm of rain.
These are also the hottest months of the year and the combination of heat and humidity keep most tourists away. This is a good time to visit Kathmandu to experience the city without crowds.
As the rains recede, October and November are considered to be the best months to visit Kathmandu. While winter might be too cold for some, it is still a good time to explore the city. January is the coldest month.
Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions practiced in Nepal. The culture in Kathmandu is largely influenced by a combination of these two faiths. Even the festivals celebrated in Kathmandu revolve mostly around religion. With its long history, Kathmandu has a rich artistic heritage that is manifested in the art around its places of worship.
You will also find Kathmandu’s culture in its museums. For those seeking to traverse the culture trail in Kathmandu, the National Museum of Nepal and the Natural History Museum are veritable treasure troves.
Language Spoken
Nepali
Currency used:
Nepalese Rupee
As a tourist destination, Kathmandu has a bagful of tricks to keep even the most intrepid traveller engaged. From invigorating treks to serene excursions, you can have the whole range of experiences. Within the city itself, Durbar Square, Garden of Dreams and Thamel add their distinct flavours to Kathmandu Tourism. While the temples add a spiritual element to your excursions, the casinos keep you firmly rooted with materialistic pursuits.
You can hunt for bargains at the Asan Tole street market or take in all the hustle and bustle of the busy Indra Chowk market. If you’re looking to commune with nature, all you have to do is look up. Surrounded by lofty, snow-covered peaks Kathmandu is blessed with ample natural beauty. The Lantang National Park and Chitwan National Park are rich ecological hotspots that are thriving with an abundance of wildlife.
For a bit of adventure, Kathmandu has white water rafting and kayaking trips that take you through churning rivers amidst some stunning locales. For the ultimate thrilling experience in Kathmandu, you can take the Everest Mountain Flight that will take you around the peak of Mount Everest. Unless you’re a trained mountaineer, this is the closest you will come to the Everest.
For a pure adrenaline rush, a bungee jump will get your juices flowing! If you’re up for taking day trips around Kathmandu, head to Nepal’s first bungee jumping site near the Nepal-Tibet border. The thrill of jumping off a suspension bridge with just an elastic cord tied around your ankles can seldom be matched by anything else.
Get a bird’s eye view of the city from a hot-air balloon. This is one of the most recommended things to do in Kathmandu. If you take a ride early, you can catch a spectacular sunrise. It is a memorable experience for sure. Go paragliding to add a bit of drama to your flying experience.
Back in the city, pay a visit to Freak Street which was the hub of hippie activities in the 60s and 70s. Now that all the action has shifted to Thamel, it is just a shadow of its former glorious self. But it is the surviving remnant of the glorious hippie trail in Kathmandu. Definitely worth a visit!
All these experiences come together seamlessly to give Kathmandu its vibrant cultural identity. No wonder Kathmandu finds itself on most travel lists. As the sun spreads its last light of the day, the snowy peaks are transformed into molten gold as they catch the rays. This sight is just one of many wondrous ones that make Kathmandu a real gem among global tourist destinations.
If you’re looking to spend your next holiday in Kathmandu, all you need is an all-inclusive package from SOTC. Book yours today!
