A Detailed Guide to Kathmandu Hangout Places
To find the best place to hangout in Kathmandu you will need to know your choices first. Explore Kathmandu Fair and Square by visiting off-beaten tracks and trails, including the tranquil Taudaha Lake, perfect for birdwatchers. In Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, there are several places to visit from Durbar squares to the hill stations. It also depends on the best time to visit.
This blog will provide you with all the essential details that you need to know before roaming around Kathmandu Valley. There are 13 different places listed below where you can explore some ancient histories and modern trends in KTM Valley. The places are well-known among tourists and locals as one can explore various ancient cultures, traditions, histories, and modern trends as well.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan is famous for the temple completely made of stones; The Krishna Temple. But it doesn’t just stop there. Patan covers one of the most ancient temples, monuments, palaces, and preserved materials. It was badly affected by the 2015 Earthquake. Due to this, renovation activities are still happening in some places. But once you get on the interior of the place, the rich history preserved here will leave you in awe.
While you go inside there are two places to visit while there are some of the ancient collections. One, the Patan Museum, and another is the place itself. Being listed on UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it always remembers the history of Lalitpur’s Monarchs. Additionally, Patan is a short-distance destination from Kathmandu.
Monkey Temple
Also known as Swayambhunath, Monkey Temple is situated at the top of a hill inside the Valley on the west. The Monkey Temple is one of the most visited places in Kathmandu. Additionally, as one of the best places to see the amazing view of the valley that is also at the nearest distance from Kathmandu. It is believed that this was the first place to be seen in Kathmandu when Mahamanjushree was extracting the lake water of the valley.
Being one of the best hill stations inside KTM Valley, Monkey Temple itself carries a large significance as a sacred Buddhist site. More than that, you can get the best glimpse of Kathmandu Valley from the Monkey Temple, too.
Spiritually and religiously, the Monkey Temple has its value in Bajrayan (a religious belief followed mutually by Hinduism and Buddhism). The Tantra Heritage boasts the power of protecting the Valley from evil spirits. It is also believed that just because of Swayambhunath the crime rate of KTM Valley is low and it always guards the city.
Monkey Temple carries a large significance because this is the best hill station inside KTM Valley. More than that, people can get the best glimpse of Kathmandu Valley from the Monkey Temple, too.
Spiritually and religiously, the Monkey Temple has its value in Bajrayan (a religious belief followed mutually by Hinduism and Buddhism). The Tantra Heritage boasts the power of protecting the Valley from evil spirits. It is also believed that just because of Swayambhunath the crime rate of KTM Valley is low and it always guards the city.
Bouddhanath
The Big Dome that you have been seeing in Photos representing Kathmandu is none other than the Bouddhanath. Dedicated to the Buddhist Tantric Goddess, it is a symbol of peace and prosperity. Anyone who visits the dome can find peace and calmness inside them. You can find monks as well as other people meditating and praying together with peace here. While you travel to Bouddhanath, don’t forget to feed the pigeons, as this is believed to have Dharma and Karma inside you.
This vehicle-less zone is of Kathmandu Crowd but you will for sure find peace looking at the two eyes of Buddha.
The best things to do in Bouddha can vary from your choices. Coming under the best places to visit Bouddha offers monasteries, and amazing food stalls, and is a best choice UNESCO World Heritage site to hang out. The capital city in Nepal covers Bouddha as a UNESCO World Heritage site with a lesser entry fee of NPR 200/- per person.
Pashupatinath
The Biggest Hindu Temple in Nepal, Pashupatinath is something that hangout lovers should never miss. This is because this place covers a large area including temples, jungles, and a river. Pashupatinath is also suitable for couple travellers as there are separate dating spots at the hilltops, adding a little bit of hiking experience.
The best time to visit Pashupatinath is a pretty interesting thing to decide. Pashupatinath is a great place for Aarati and worshipping Lord Shiva. This comes under the best places to visit in Kathmandu due to its influence on Hinduism. Thus, the suggestion to get here is in either the morning or the evening.
Similarly, for the Hinduism followers, Pashupatinath itself carries a large value inside. Except for the genetical Hindu followers, no other is allowed to go inside the main temple.
Pashupatinath is a spot of cremation as the dead bodies are cremated here by burning. So, people can expect a lot of things in 281 hectares. Additionally, it is just a mile away from Tribhuvan International Airport.
Book the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour of these four places at just $39.20 per person
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Another famous historical place of the capital is Basantapur or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Nearby, the National Museum of Nepal, also known as Rashtriya Sangrahalaya, offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. From Kal Bhairav and Taleju Bhavani to the famous 9-floored Palace of the Monarchs, this place is always worth visiting. Similar to the Patan Basantapur has quite a large value in making the history of Nepal. Previously, the main administration in Nepal used to be done from the 9-floored Palace. Also, different political massacres like Kot Parva have happened here.
The major value of this area is the Living Goddess Kumari. It is believed that the little child Goddess Kumari whenever gives blessings to the city and the country, makes a prosperous living.
To hang out here, remember you should pay the entrance fee of NPR 1000/- per person. For a short visit and visiting Kumari, the living goddess, and views of the ancient architecture can always be fascinating. Thus, Basantapur is a great place to hang out in Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Ancient Preserved City which is not just temples but a whole community is what travelers should imagine in Bhaktapur. The city of pots, a 5-floored temple, and a 55-windowed museum, Bhaktapur is always a magical place.
The Newar Community people reside inside the area itself. Similarly, the place has roads made of red bricks only. This signifies the strong engineering of ancient times still being followed by the newer generations.
Additionally, learning Pottery making and trying the best curd in Nepal; Ju: Ju Dhau are the best things to do here.
Changunarayan Temple
The 1000-year-old temple of Nepal Changunarayan sits at the northeast of Kathmandu. The value of hanging in Changu is none other than its calm and peaceful surroundings. Preserved for these long years and still being preserved after the Earthquake is what makes Changu a valuable place.
Similarly, it keeps its importance in the hearts of Hinduism followers as Lord Bishnu is worshipped here. You can get to here on a local bus or your private vehicle, too. Many of the travellers hike from Nagarkot to this temple and end their hike, too.
Nagarkot
One of the famous hill stations near Kathmandu to see the mountains from nearby is none other than Nagarkot. One can choose Nagarkot either as a sunrise spot, a dating spot, or just a chill place for travelling. From the south-west, you can enjoy scenic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Families and corporate houses also prefer this chilly place for organizing picnics. There are many luxury hotels as well on this hill if you want to spend a night over there.
Note: if you are planning to spend a night in Nagarkot, you can go for the Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot Hike.
Both sunrise and sunset boast a beautiful value in Nagarkot and marks are one of the best places to visit for any nature lover. Regarding the mountains, you can see a whole range of Langtang, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, and some parts of the Mahalangur range.
Shivapuri National Park
Another spot near Kathmandu beyond the temples, the Shivapuri National Park is quite an amazing lush green forest place to visit for its hiking route. Langtang National Park, known for its trekking trails, lush greenery, and rich biodiversity, is also an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This hiking trail starts from Sundarijal and has several connections.
Not just from Sundarijal, there are multiple entry points as well to the National Park near Kathmandu. They are Jamacho, Budhanilkantha, Tare Bhir, and Tokha. The place is famous for the flora and fauna found here. Additionally, you can also see the Bagdwaar which is the origin of the river Bagmati. The Sundarijal Dam, Mulkharka, and Chisapani are a few more attractions here.
You can start the hike in the morning, get the best views of jungles, and surroundings, and get back. To get to such a lush forest within a short distance from Kathmandu, this national park hike is among the best things to do in Kathmandu.
Note: If you like to hike for a day, you can go for a full-day hike in Kathmandu Valley.
Garden of Dreams
A peaceful surrounding nestled in the middle of the crowd is none other than the Garden of Dreams in Thamel. The peaceful place for reading a book, having a coffee, or bringing your date for serenity is really good at this place.
Open from 9:00 AM this place doesn't close until 6:30 in the evening. You can also immerse in yourself just by having coffee here and forget all your chaos. As the destination is right in the middle of the city, it is also approachable by anyone who seeks a short-distance hangout.
Lord of the Drinks
Ranked #50 in the world’s best clubs, the LoD is the best place for music and drink lovers. Starting from around 10 PM this place is quite good until 5:00 AM. From having drinks from all over the world and the best DJs in the town; Lord of the Drinks has become the best choice for nightlife lovers while in Kathmandu.
For tourists visiting Kathmandu, the ambience of the club is also quite great with bars placed at 3 different places and a big dance floor, you will no doubt enjoy your night over here. As a night owl, LoD is one of the best places to try during the night. Just remember, the best time to visit here is at night in Kathmandu.
Pimbahal Pond, Patan
Pimbahal Pond is an artificial pond built in the 14th century by Lakheys (a type of demon in Newari folklore). The pond was destroyed during the massive earthquakes of 1934 and 2015, however, it was rebuilt after those incidents. The nearby Narayanhiti Palace Museum, a former royal palace now turned into a museum, exhibits old furniture, art pieces, and ornaments of the royal family, adding to the historical significance of the area.
The place is well-known as Pim Bahal Pokhari or Pimbahaa Pukhoo among the people of Kathmandu Valley. The Pimbahal Pond holds an interesting history and there are different legends concerning how the pond was built.
It is located in Lalitpur and is famous for its peaceful environment and food around the pond. There are several dating spots including boating activities in the pond itself. Most people visit the place on weekends with their friends, colleagues, and their loved ones. Pimbahal is one of the best places to visit because of the boating and cracker foods available here.
Conclusion
Whether seeking adventure, tranquillity, or a deep dive into Kathmandu City known for its historical roots, places to hang out in Kathmandu promise unforgettable moments and a deeper connection with the vibrant spirit of Nepal. We suggest you visit the Kathmandu Tourist places along with a guide or other experts with good hospitality and comfort.
