What to See and Do in Kathmandu

If you’re wondering what to see and do in Kathmandu, then look no further. In this article we’ll look at the Samyak festival, the Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath. These are just a few of the highlights of our visit to this fascinating city. But there are so many more things you must see! If you’re visiting Nepal for the first time, make sure to include one or more of these in your itinerary!

Samyak festival

The Samyak festival in Kathmandu is one of Nepal’s most important religious celebrations. It commemorates the birth of the Buddha in a previous life, and is celebrated with great pomp and ceremony. The Samyak Guthis, or religious leaders, are responsible for the festival’s organization and management. This year, the festival will celebrate its 472nd anniversary. This festival attracts millions of people each year, and its importance continues to increase as the population grows.

Durbar Square

The temples within the Durbar Square in Kathmandu are protected as national heritage sites. The palace has been turned into a museum, though only a small portion of it is open to visitors. Located on the southern edge of the square is the Kumari Bahal temple, which houses the temple of the goddess Kumari. The temple is dedicated to the young girl, who is believed to be the living embodiment of the Hindu mother goddess. During festivals, the girl is paraded around the square on a gilded chariot. People pay homage to the goddess to make sure their prayers are answered, as they believe that her presence will protect them.

Boudhanath Stupa

The history of the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal is complex and confusing. This renowned Hindu temple was destroyed in the 15th century but its legends continue to live on. One legend has it that the son of a king released a flying hen and it landed where the stupa now stands. Several centuries later, the area was devastated by drought and locals would collect dew to worship at the stupa. In the Newar language, the words for dew and droplets are khsu and ti, and when they are combined, they produce the name Khasti. The early name of Boudhanath comes from the Newar Chronicles.

Pashupatinath

One of the most popular Hindu temples in the world, Pashupatinath in Nepal is a sacred site for Hindus. It is located on the right bank of the Bagmati river and features cremation chambers known as Arya Ghats. These are chambers used by higher castes while those from the lower castes use cheaper tree varieties. The Pashupatinath temple is a popular cremation site, with thousands of people attending its annual festivals.

Dal Bhat

When visiting Nepal, don’t skip the traditional dish Dal Bhat, which is a lentil curry. This dish is considered to be a very healthy and cheap meal. Trekkers often eat Dal Bhat as a quick meal during their trek to Mount Everest. It is also vegan and vegetarian friendly, depending on the type of fat used to prepare the dish. Dal Bhat is traditionally made with red lentils, but other types of lentils may also be used, as well as spices like turmeric, garam masala, and fennel.

Momo

When you visit Kathmandu, don’t miss Momo! This local delicacy is a favorite among both tourists and residents alike. While some momo restaurants serve only meaty varieties, others serve both veg and chicken options. While a platter of momo may be a bit pricey, you can usually count on a satisfying taste and great service. Here are some of the best places to get a momo platter in Kathmandu!