Kathmandu Sights and Landmarks Guide, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal is known as the commercial, cultural and political center of the country and is thus the most visited spot for tourists, as well. While it used to be a kingdom, it now comes with three major cities, including Bhaktapur and Patna. Seven UNESCO cultural heritage sites can be found in the valley of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is filled with numerous palace squares, shrines and temples, but there are also a lot of ancient sculptures and charming bazaars that reside in this valley. Legend has it that Gautama Buddha, Lord Shiva and the Living Goddess Kumari have all walked in this city of old. Explore what it has to offer today.

Kathmandu Sights – Historical Attractions

A lot of history abides in the valley of Kathmandu. Kirtipur is an ancient township in itself. Built in 1099, this place holds a brave and proud history. Kirtipur was the very first place where Prithvi Shah ever made an attack in 1768. The primary sights in Kirtipur are the Bagh Bhairav temple and Chilamchu stupa. Charming streets lie here along with temple squares and creative houses while providing a gorgeous view of the valley. The oldest school, Tribhuvan Universtiy, can also be found at the very bottom of the hill.

For a walk on the unique side, take the Heritage Walk through various historical sites that are hardly visited by tourists. This walk begins at Teku and goes on to Wonder Narayan, a temple from the 17th century. After this, you will make it to Kusah Bahi, which is a 1754 Buddhist courtyard. Then you will be able to visit two temples from 1865 at Narayan Dewal until you reach Tukan Baha, which is a copy of the stupa at Swayambhu. Another very famous Kathmandu sight is the Ram temple at Ramchandra Dewal. Then there is the Shiva temple at Jaisi Dewal built in around 1688. At Kohiti, explore various Hindu and Buddhist sculptures and then visit the Kasthamandap pavilion. The final location is Bhimsen Dewal from 1655, which was built for the primary deity of the local traders.

Kathmandu Sights – Religious Attractions

A lot of Buddhist and Hindu sites can also be found in Kathmandu, like in Varanasi. Swayambhu Stupa, for example, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites that can be found in Nepal and is connected to the overall Kathmandu creation. Swayambhu is also on the World Heritage List as the oldest and most gorgeous Buddhist shrine that can be found in the world; it is believed to be around 2,000 years old and some people call it “the eyes of Buddha”.

The most sacred Hindu shrine in the world can also be found here in Kathmandu, in the form of the Pashupatinath Temple. This pagoda is ornamented with rich decorations of phallic symbols, sacred linga and the Lord Shiva, as well as doors of silver and roofs of gold. This is the holiest of the Shiva shrines overall as it is known to be the actual abode of God Shiva. Religious pilgrimages are often made to this religious Kathmandu sight, especially during February and March.

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