Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a city of wonder. As the valley is moving towards globalization and infrastructural development, the city still has it’s authenticity preserved. Food, ancient monuments, museums, old streets, panoramic views of mountains, colorful dresses, and streets make it worthwhile to come now and keep coming back to Nepal.
A week or so can be easily spent in Kathmandu discovering modern globalization to ancient culture and lifestyle. Here are a few things to do in Kathmandu that will show all different parts of valley and lifestyle here and history;
World Heritage Sites:
Kathmandu valley is the center of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Offered by Five14 as “Temple Tours”, there are 7 different Heritage Sites within the valley:
Swyambhu Stupa
Boudha Stupa
Pashupatinath
Changu Narayan Temple
Patan Durbar Square
Hanuman Dhoka or Kathmandu Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
These include both Hindu and Buddhist religious sites with monuments, temples, and royal palaces. At least 2 days are needed to visit ALL of these locations.
Hiking / biking around Kathmandu Valley:
There is a trail that circles around Kathmandu Valley like Champadevi, Fhulchoki, Shivapuri, and Sundarijal. The whole hike around the KTM valley can be done within a week. If you are traveling with a time limit then you can hike one or two days.
There are also beautiful biking trails through terraced fields and villages. Ask about our half or full day mountain biking tours.
Walking through the old city and backstreets:
Kathmandu may have changed and look modern but the back streets of Valley are still full of authentic Newari culture in everything from housing to cuisine, dress and customs. Colorful and crowded streets with lattice carved windows and doors make it seem as if you have traveled back in time. Patan Durbar at dusk is particularly beautiful for a walking or bike tour. You’ll see village artisans blowing glass, tapping pots, spinning ceramic wheels, and painting traditional Tibetan thangkas paintings.
If you have some time to spend in Kathmandu, ask our guides to give you the rundown of amazing, hidden places just a stone’s throw away from Five14 BnB!