Kathmandu Things to Do: Kathmandu Temples
Kathmandu is one of the world's most famous religious centers. Travelers from around the globe make pilgrimages to the Nepalese city for one spiritual reason or another. It's no wonder that spiritual quests and personal transformations are sought here where religious shrines fill the city at every turn. For a taste of true unique Nepalese culture, be sure to spend a day, or two, exploring the history of Hindu and Buddhist culture.
There are a number of Kathmandu hotels within driving or walking distance of Kathmandu's most famous spiritual attractions. Tuks-Tuks, small hybrid motorcycle wagons, are available at every turn. If dust and heat are a concern, your hotel reception desk may be able to arrange a cooler and more comfortable western-style taxi.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the Nepalese capital. It is dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu god of great significance to this mysterious Eastern religion. It is said to have been built sometime between the 5th and 13th centuries and is located 15 km from the city centre. The view from the pagoda is stunning as is the pagoda itself. Not to be missed, this location is on the list of World Heritage Sites and boasts a unique collection of carvings in stone, wood and metal that fill visitors with an awe-inspiring glimpse of ancient history that remains part of the Nepalese soul today.
Pashupatinath Temple
Only 5 km from the center of Kathmandu lays one of the world's most sacred Hindu temples. This shrine to the Hindu god Shiva is a remarkable landmark that offers rectitude along the bank of the Bagmati River. Many funerals and cremations are performed in or near this location, making Bagmati River and the temple more than just a beautiful monument. It is the home to many loved souls from years gone by and as such, can be quite busy during holidays. Be sure to ask your hotel reception when the best time to visit is as well as what is considered appropriate temple attire.
Durbar Square
Open daily from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening, Durbar Square is he home to a number of Hindu sacraments. On such place within Durbar's walls is Kasthamandap Temple located in an open area, recognizable by the triangular tower resting on it's top. The story that has been passed down through the ages at the entire temple was made of one tree alone. Both impressive and beautiful, this is a beautiful place to rest with loved ones and grab onto a variety of photo opportunities.
Durbar Square is easy to get to, as it is located in the center of Kathmandu's ancient city. Though history has not documented exact dates, it is believed to have been built sometime between the 12th and 18th centuries making it one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Despite the location's history and magnificence, it is not the most peaceful location to go for a visit. The walls inside of Durbar Square are often filed with bustling crowds of tourists, beggars, eager locals looking to practice their English skills as will as look for an opportunity to run a scam or to. If meeting locals is a holiday goal, best to do so in a quieter location less frequented by average tourists. Also, please be mindful of your bags and pockets as you may find yourself in a tourist nightmare should your credit cards or passports magically disappear. Police in charge of busy tourist locations may not be of much help.
There are a number of Kathmandu hotels within driving or walking distance of Kathmandu's most famous spiritual attractions. Tuks-Tuks, small hybrid motorcycle wagons, are available at every turn. If dust and heat are a concern, your hotel reception desk may be able to arrange a cooler and more comfortable western-style taxi.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples in the Nepalese capital. It is dedicated to Vishnu, a Hindu god of great significance to this mysterious Eastern religion. It is said to have been built sometime between the 5th and 13th centuries and is located 15 km from the city centre. The view from the pagoda is stunning as is the pagoda itself. Not to be missed, this location is on the list of World Heritage Sites and boasts a unique collection of carvings in stone, wood and metal that fill visitors with an awe-inspiring glimpse of ancient history that remains part of the Nepalese soul today.
Pashupatinath Temple
Only 5 km from the center of Kathmandu lays one of the world's most sacred Hindu temples. This shrine to the Hindu god Shiva is a remarkable landmark that offers rectitude along the bank of the Bagmati River. Many funerals and cremations are performed in or near this location, making Bagmati River and the temple more than just a beautiful monument. It is the home to many loved souls from years gone by and as such, can be quite busy during holidays. Be sure to ask your hotel reception when the best time to visit is as well as what is considered appropriate temple attire.
Durbar Square
Open daily from 8 in the morning to 5 in the evening, Durbar Square is he home to a number of Hindu sacraments. On such place within Durbar's walls is Kasthamandap Temple located in an open area, recognizable by the triangular tower resting on it's top. The story that has been passed down through the ages at the entire temple was made of one tree alone. Both impressive and beautiful, this is a beautiful place to rest with loved ones and grab onto a variety of photo opportunities.
Durbar Square is easy to get to, as it is located in the center of Kathmandu's ancient city. Though history has not documented exact dates, it is believed to have been built sometime between the 12th and 18th centuries making it one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Despite the location's history and magnificence, it is not the most peaceful location to go for a visit. The walls inside of Durbar Square are often filed with bustling crowds of tourists, beggars, eager locals looking to practice their English skills as will as look for an opportunity to run a scam or to. If meeting locals is a holiday goal, best to do so in a quieter location less frequented by average tourists. Also, please be mindful of your bags and pockets as you may find yourself in a tourist nightmare should your credit cards or passports magically disappear. Police in charge of busy tourist locations may not be of much help.
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