Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a bustling, colourful and fascinating city with a rich history dating back over 2,000 years. A melting pot of ethnic Hindu and Buddhist religious groups, this historic city was once a strategic hub along the trade route between Tibet and India. Kathmandu is also a mecca for elite climbers from around the world who congregate here before attempting some of the world’s highest peaks.

For most travellers, their Nepal tour begins with a visit to Kathmandu, which offers a superb introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the region as well as the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside on foot and take in the spectacular views of the Himalaya. An introduction to Kathmandu usually begins with a guided walk through the teeming streets to the World Heritage-listed Kathmandu Durbar Square, which showcases spectacular centuries-old Newari-style architecture. Soak up the atmosphere, visit old royal palaces that have been turned into museums, and stroll around this historic square studded with shrines and temples dating back to the 3rd century. Highlights include the magnificent Taleju Temple and the three-storied Kumari Bahal, which possibly has one of the finest wooden balconies in all of Nepal and is home to Kumari Devi (a young girl who is chosen through a time-honoured tradition to be a living deity and is regarded as the embodiment of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga).

To the east of the Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple complex lies along the Bagmati River and is regarded as Varanasi of Nepal for the mystic atmosphere that pervades along the ghats. The impressive Boudhnath Stupa is another of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalaya. Another important site is the sacred Swayambhunath shrine, perched on a hillock and one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the valley. For an immersive Kathmandu tour, explore the backstreets around Durbar Square and experience the colourful street life.