A Detailed Guide to Kathmandu Hangout Places
This blog will provide you with all the essential details that you need to know before roaming around Kathmandu Valley. There are 13 different places listed below where you can explore some ancient histories and modern trends in KTM Valley. The places are well-known among tourists and locals as one can explore various ancient cultures, traditions, histories, and modern trends as well.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan is famous for the temple completely made of stones; The Krishna Temple. But it doesn’t just stop there. This place covers one of the most ancient temples, monuments, palaces, and preserved materials. Patan Durbar Square was badly affected by the 2015 Earthquake. Due to this, renovation activities are still happening in some places. But once you get inside the place, the histories preserved in this place will leave you in awe.
While you go inside there are two places you can visit. One is the Patan Museum and another is the Durbar Square itself. Being listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this place always remembers the history of Lalitpur’s Monarchs.
Monkey Temple
Also known as Swayambhunath, Monkey Temple is situated at the top of a hill inside the Valley on the west. It is believed that this was the first place to be seen in Kathmandu when the lake water of the valley was being extracted by Mahamanjushree.
Being one of the best hill stations inside KTM Valley, Monkey Temple itself carries a large significance. More than that, you can get the best glimpse of Kathmandu Valley from the Monkey Temple, too.
Spiritually and religiously, the Monkey Temple has its value in Bajrayan (a religious belief followed mutually by Hinduism and Buddhism). The Tantra Heritage boasts the power of protecting the Valley from evil spirits. It is also believed that just because of Swayambhunath the crime rate of KTM Valley is low and it always guards the city.
Bouddhanath
The Big Dome that you have been seeing in Photos representing Kathmandu is none other than the Bouddhanath. Bouddhanath is a symbol of peace and prosperity. Anyone who visits this place can find the peace and calmness inside them. You can find monks as well as other people meditating and praying together with peace here. While you travel to Bouddhanath, don’t forget to feed the pigeons, as it is believed to have Dharma and Karma inside you.
This vehicle-less zone is in the middle of the Kathmandu Crowd but you will for sure find peace looking at the two eyes of Buddha.
Pashupatinath
The Biggest Hindu Temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath is something that hangout lovers should never miss. This is because this place covers a large area including temples, jungles, and a river. This place is also suitable for couple travelers as there are separate dating spots at the hilltops, adding a little bit of hiking experience.
Similarly, for the Hinduism followers, Pashupatinath itself carries a large value inside. Except for the genetical Hindu followers, no other is allowed to go inside the main temple. However, don’t feel sad as you can travel around to see many more beautiful things.
Pashupatinath is also the spot of cremation as the dead bodies are cremated here by burning. So, you can expect a lot of things in the area of 281 hectares.
Book the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour of these four places at just $39.20 per person.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Another famous historical place in the heart of the capital is the Basantapur or Kathmandu Durbar Square. From Kal Bhairav and Taleju Bhavani to the famous 9-floored Palace of the Monarchs, this place is always worth visiting. Similar to the Patan Durbar Square this place has quite a large value in making the history of Nepal. Previously, the main administration of Nepal used to be done from the 9-floored Palace. Also, different political massacres like Kot Parva have happened here.
The major value of this area is the Living Goddess Kumari. It is believed that the little child Goddess Kumari whenever gives blessings to the city and the country, makes a prosperous living.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Ancient Preserved City which is not just temples but a whole community is what you can imagine in Bhaktapur. The city of pots, a 5-floored temple, and a 55-windowed museum, Bhaktapur is always a magical place.
You can find the Newar Community people residing inside the area itself. Similarly, the place has roads made of red bricks only. This signifies the strong engineering of ancient times still being followed by the newer generations.
Additionally, you can learn Pottery making and try the best curd of Nepal; Ju:Ju Dhau here.
Changunarayan Temple
The 1000-year-old temple of Nepal Changunarayan sits at the northeast of Kathmandu. The value of hanging in Changu is none other than its calm and peaceful surroundings. Preserved for these long years and still being preserved after the Earthquake is what makes Changu a valuable place.
Similarly, it keeps its importance in the hearts of Hinduism followers as Lord Bishnu is worshipped here. You can get to this place on a local bus or your private vehicle, too. Many of the travelers hike from Nagarkot to this temple and end their hike, too.
Nagarkot
One of the famous hill stations of Kathmandu to see the mountains from nearby is none other than Nagarkot. One can choose this place either as a sunrise spot, a dating spot, or just a chill place to travel.
Families and corporate houses also prefer this chilly place for organizing picnics. There are many luxury hotels as well on this hill if you want to spend a night over there.
Note: if you are planning to spend a night in Nagarkot, you can go for the Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Hike.
Both sunrise and sunset boast a beautiful value in Nagarkot. Regarding the mountains, you can see a whole range of Langtang, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, and some parts of the Mahalangur range.
Shivapuri National Park
Beyond the temples, the Shivapuri National Park is quite famous for its hiking route. This hiking trail starts from Sundarijal and has several connections.
Not just from Sundarijal, there are multiple entry points as well to the National Park. They are Jamacho, Budhanilkantha, Tare Bhir, and Tokha. The place is famous for the flora and fauna found here. Additionally, you can also see the Bagdwaar which is the origin of the river Bagmati. The Sundarijal Dam, Mulkharka, and Chisapani are a few more attractions of Shivapuri National Park.
Note: If you like to hike for a day, you can go for a full-day hike in Kathmandu Valley.
Garden of Dreams
A peaceful surrounding nestled in the middle of the crowd is none other than the Garden of Dreams in Thamel. The peaceful place to read a book, have a coffee, or bring your date for serenity is really good at this place.
Open from 9:00 AM this place doesn’t close until 6:30 in the evening. You can also immerse in yourself just by having coffee in Garden of Dreams Cafe and forget all your chaos. As Garden of Dreams is right in the middle of the city, it is also approachable by anyone who seeks a short-distance hangout.
Lord of the Drinks
Ranked #49 in the world’s best clubs, the LoD is the best place for music and drink lovers. Starting from around 10 PM in the evening this place is quite good until 5:00 AM in the morning. From having drinks from all over the world and the best DJs in the town; Lord of the Drinks is the best choice for nightlife lovers while in Kathmandu.
The ambiance of the club is also quite great with bars placed at 3 different places and a big dance floor, you will no doubt enjoy your night over here as a night owl.
Pimbahal Pond, Patan
Pimbahal Pond is an artificial pond built in the 14th century by Lakheys ( a type of demon in Newari folklore). The pond was destroyed during the massive earthquakes of 1934 and 2015, however, it was rebuilt after those incidents.
The place is well-known as Pim Bahal Pokhari or Pimbahaa Pukhoo among the people of Kathmandu Valley. The Pimbahal Pond holds an interesting history and there are different legends concerning how the pond was built.
It is located in Lalitpur and is famous for its peaceful environment and food around the pond. There are several dating spots including boating activities in the pond itself. Most people visit the place on weekends with their friends, colleagues, and their loved ones.
Conclusion
Whether seeking adventure, tranquility, or a deep dive into the city's historical roots, places to hangout in Kathmandu promises unforgettable moments and a deeper connection with the vibrant spirit of Nepal. We suggest you visit places around KTM Valley along with a guide or other experts with good hospitality and comfort.
