Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and has many places to explore. The historic centre of Kathmandu is at Durbar Square where the city’s kings were once crowned. Today it is the traditional heart of Kathmandu and linked to small temples, and historic palaces, and made up of three linked squares. The Kasthamandap or three storey wood building gave Kathmandu its name and is the centrepiece. Nearby the Kumari Devi or Temple of the Living Goddess is worth a visit to see the young girl thought to be a deity.
Take time to walk around the neighbouring streets where fruit and vegetable sellers, butchers, roadside dentists and cobblers work. There are lots of shops and restaurants in Thamel which is the hotel district and a great place to buy souvenirs.
Kathmandu has three main temples at Pashtupatinath, Bodhnath, and Swayambhunath which are popular with visitors. For some tranquillity visit the Garden of Dreams which is a world away from the noise and car horns of the city centre. Kathmandu is the starting point for many holidays to Nepal and is a fascinating and endearing place to explore.
The Hanuman Dhoka Durbar: the old Royal Palace complex comprises of a series of 14 courtyards one of which the Nasal Chowk is still used for Royal ceremonies including coronations. The temples, shrines and different sections of the palace are contributions of various dynasties over centuies and epitomise the religious and cultural life of the people. All around the plendour of historical monuments is the hustle and bustle of the market place.
Vegetable vendors, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souver hawkers, street shops selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corer the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.
