Best Tourist's Destinations Near Kathmandu!!!

Generally thinking about the spending times in Nepal, people think about mountains, hill stations, playing in whitewater and walking through amazing wildlife for adventures activities. But what for the people who don’t want to go so far above the altitudes with not so much energy of adventuring? Here beautiful places near the Kathmandu valley have the solutions, Beside this, there are many interesting things relates to architectures, belonging historical preferences near Kathmandu for exploring. The perfect places for people with less time. There are many royal palaces, temples, museums, statues etc. made by the ancient kings mostly in 15th to 18th century. Here you get to know The Best Tourist's Destinations Near Kathmandu.

The beautiful place near Kathmandu valley:

•  Kathmandu Durbar Square:

One of the royal mansions of ancient Malla and Shah kings Kathmandu Durbar Square, situated in Kathmandu valley is mainly known as the home place of Newar people where you can observe their beautiful craftsmanship over wood products. The palace is also known as Basantapur Durbar Square after the addition of Nine Storied “Basantapur” by King Prithivi Narayan Shah. This square is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square as there is a statue of monkey devotee of Lord Ram, “Hanuman” at the entrance.  Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple, Hanuman Statue, Basantapur Temple, Kal Bhairav at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Ashok Vinayak, Kakeshwor Temple, Indrapur Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Museum and Courtyard of Kumari Bahal are some of the main places and architectures of Kathmandu Durbar Square. This palace is also known for administrative activities in ancient time.

How to get in Basantapur?

Kathmandu Durbar Square is situated in the center of Kathmandu city, you can reach there by bus or by taxi or also by walk. It’s easy to reach there by foot as it takes only 10 minutes by walk.

Things to observe there: explore the beautiful crafts and sculptures made by ancient Newar people. You can get to see those architectures in the museum of Basantapur.

 How much to enter the museum/ palace?

 SAARC nationals have to pay Rs.150 and non-SAARC nationals have to pay Rs.750 for the entrance of Palace. For the entrance to the museum, you have to pay Rs.20 to Rs.30.

The museum opens every day at 10:30 Am to 3 pm except on Tuesday. On Tuesday it remains closed and on Friday the museum opens at 10:30 Am to 2:00 Pm.

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the royal palaces, situating 13 km east to the Kathmandu in town place of Bhaktapur district known as “Bhadgaon”. Declared as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites, it is the main tourist’s destination in Kathmandu.    Throwing to ancient Nepal, we find the main three kingdoms in Kathmandu:  Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur which are very renown in the name of craftsmanship. Thus, it offers you many different ancient temples built in Pagoda, Shikhara and Mandala style, architectures and statues invented by the ancient peoples through their outstanding work on several materials. The museum of Bhaktapur Durbar Square still preserves the historical arts, crafts, statues and images of goddesses. 55 windows, Vatsala temple, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairava Nath Temple, Dattaraya Temple, Dattaraya Square and Golden Gate are some of the main monuments you see in Bhaktapur Durbar. You can get a great chance to observe the unique lifestyle of people living there. Bhaktapur Durbar Square in itself reminiscence the great royal king’s lifestyles.

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How to get in Bhaktapur?

By bus or by taxi: Staying at Thamel, you can get the taxi nearby you and the bus from Ratnapark (walking few minutes of distance from Thamel). Local Bus takes you more in 1 and ½ hour without any traffic jam on the way to reach Bhaktapur.

Things to observe there: Amazing temples, statues, arts, sculptures are the things to observe there. Along with this, you can get a chance to explore the daily living style of local people living near the temples.

How much to get in Bhaktapur palace and the Art Museum?

For foreign people it costs NPR.1500, NPR.500 for SAARC nationals and free for the Nepalese people to enter the palace. After that, you have to pay to the museum entrance fee if you want to explore the art museum too. The entrance fee is NPR.100 for foreign, NPR.50 for SAARC nationals and NPR.20 for Nepalese people.

The museum opens every day except Tuesday. On Tuesday it remains closed. It opens from 10:00 Am to 4:00 pm, but on Friday it is been closed at 3:00 Pm.

Recommended trip for this beautiful historical place Bhaktapur Day sightseeing 

• Patan Durbar Square:

One of the three Durbar Squares and seven UNESCO world heritage sites situated in Kathmandu valley, Patan Durbar Square also offers you the unique Newar arts and architectures. Though the “Malla” Kings of Lalitpur are given the credit of building the Durbar Square, it is not clearly mentioned about the invention of Patan Durbar Square anywhere. Patan is beautiful city generally known as the center of both Buddhism and Hinduism. The city containing the beautiful historical and religious values offers amazing stupas and bahals in every corner of the region. Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple are some of the important structures to observe in Patan Durbar Square. The Durbar Square is unique in its own way. The main courtyards, besides which you can observe the monuments, shrines, and carvings of Newari architecture, are Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk.

How to get in Patan?

By taxi or by bus: You can get the buses or taxis to Patan from Ratnapark, walking a few minutes of distance from Thamel. The distance covers 6 km in 20 minutes.

Things to do there: Patan is very well known for its architectures. The temples and statues reflect Newari arts of ancient Newar people. Patan museum offers different paintings and sculptures. You can observe beautiful temples built in Pagoda style.

How much to get into the Patan Palace and the museum?

Foreign people have to pay NPR.500 and SAARC nationals have to pay NPR.100 whereas it is free for Nepalese people to enter the Durbar Square. For Patan Museum foreigners have to pay NPR.250, NPR.25 for SAARC nationals and NPR.10 for Nepalese. Similarly, for entrance to Patan Golden Temple foreigners have to pay NPR.50 and SAARC nationals NPR.20.

The museums open every day from 10:30 Am to 5:30 Pm. 

Recommended trip for this place Patan day tour/sightseeing 

• Pashupatinath Temple:

Pashupatinath Temple is a very famous and sacred Hindu temple; situated 5km northeast to the Kathmandu valley, at the bank of Bagmati River. The temple is dedicated to Lord “Shiva”, the most protective deity of Hindu religion people. listed under the UNESCO world heritage sites. You can get a great chance to observe the ascetic yogis, living inside the caves under the territory of Pashupatinath. Here the temple offers you all the pagoda style structures. There are many beliefs regarding the origin of temple, legend histories including cow legend, Lichchhavi legend, and Devalaya legend. Different festivals are celebrated every year, but the major festival celebrated inside the temple is Maha Shivaratri all the pilgrimages come from all over the world to celebrate this festival. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple. Whereas, others can observe the architectures and statues around the temple. It is one of the best tourist's destinations near Kathmandu.

How to get in Pashupatinath Temple?

By Taxi or by bus: 20 minutes of distance from Ratnapark without any rush and jams. The distance between Ratnapark and Pashupati is 4 km.  

Things to do there: It’s good to walk from Baudanath Stupa as there is a residential street avoiding the main road and crowd of people. This takes you straight to the entrance of Pashupatinath Temple where you can observe the religious values of Hindu people over the great deity “Shiva”.

You have to pay an entrance fee of NPR.1000 to enter into the temple.

Recommended trip for this place Kathmandu day tour/sightseeing 
 

• Swayambhunath Stupa:           

Swayambhunath Stupa, the holiest site for Tibetan Buddhism on the top hill station in Kathmandu valley is an ancient architecture and one of the UNESCO world heritage sites. You can reach to the main platform through two ways, one a long staircase and another through the road around the hill from south. You can observe the two beautiful eyes and eyebrows of Buddha painted on over the cubical structure of stupa, looking in all four directions to the valley. The artistic style of Shyambhunath Stupa seems to come from “Vajrayana” tradition of “Newari” Buddhism. According to ancient mythology, there is a self-estimated flame over which the Stupa is built. As a result, the name of the Stupa is Swayambhu meaning self-created   In the North West part of the temple; you can see the holy monkeys. Thus, the Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple. Carvings of Pancha Buddha representing wisdom and compassion are much relieving.

How to get in Swayambhunath Stupa?

     By taxi by bus or even by walk: You get a local bus from the nearest junction which takes 15 minutes to cross 4 km of distance.

Things to do in Swayambhunath Stupa: Walking to Monkey temple takes 50 to 60 minutes through the narrow streets and some shops along the way. Walking above the Swayambhu Marga you pass by the Bishnumati River. After reaching at Stupa, you can explore the beautiful view of Kathmandu valley from the hilltop. Saveral paintings, prayer wheels, statues are another highlights. You can observe by the museum of Swayambhunath.

NPR.200 for the foreigners and NPR.50 for the SAARC nationals is the entrance fee of Swayambhunath Stupa.

Recommended trip for this place Kathmandu day tour sightseeing 
 

• Boudhanath Stupa:-

Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world listed under the UNESCO world heritage sites is situated 11 km northeast from Kathmandu. The most visited tourist’s destination near Kathmandu contains more than 50 gompas around Boudha. The Stupa is very effective as resting and meditating place. Walking around the stupa and spinning the prayer wheels in a clockwise direction is considered as the complete visiting to Baudanath Stupa. The five Buddhas over the structures verify themselves as five different elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Boudanath is also called as entomb which means the remains of Kasshapa Buddha. During different Buddhists festive you can closely explore the Buddhism monks in marvelous three levels “Mandala” structure Stupa.

How to get in Boudhanath Stupa?

By Taxi or by bus: you get the taxi nearby you and the bus from “Ratnapark” bus station. It takes about 15 minutes to cross 4 km of distance.

Things to do in Boudanath:  walk through the narrow streets inside the stupa with some markets at the edge. Explore the beautiful sculptures, prayer wheels and statues there.

NPR.250 for foreigners and NPR.150 for SAARC nationals is the entrance fee to Boudanath.   

Recommended trip for this place Kathmandu Day tour sightseeing  

• Changu Narayan Temple:

Changu Narayan Temple is situated in hill top, 6 km north from Bhaktapur offering the spectacular views of Kathmandu valley. The temple between a small village called “Changu” all around surrounded by the “champak” tress makes your moments very precious. This temple is located at an elevation of 1540 m from the sea level, dedicated to Lord “Vishnu” with the belief of reincarnation of lord “Vishnu” as “Narayan”. Here you get a great chance to explore ancient art works of Nepalese people in metal and wood. Changu Narayan is considered as one of the finest and sacred architecture by 3 ^rd century. However, there is not any authentic information about how and when the temple was built, those monuments, statues, and images of the goddess take you back to the time period of Licchavi King “Manadev”. 5 hours hiking from Changu Narayan to Nagarkot is another of the most famous tourists' activities near Kathmandu. Changu Narayan, one of the four main Narayans in Kathmandu valley is worshipped by the people mainly in the months of Baisakh, Asar, Shrawan, Bhadra, Kartik, Poush and Magh during different festivals. It is declared as one of the UNESCO world heritage sites located in Kathmandu.

How to get in Changunarayan Temple?

By Taxi or by taxi: You can get a taxi roaming anywhere around Thamel. 19 km of distance without any traffic jams and rushes will take you there in nearly one hour time. Here, going through the public transports like bus, it's better if you change the bus to Bhaktapur first, explore the beautiful city and then to Changunarayan. You can get the bus from Ratnapark bus stop to Bhaktapur for 15 km and then to Changunarayan you can get the bus from Bhaktapur for 4 km. It will take you there in 16 minutes.

Things to do near Changunarayan: 19 km from thamel is a long and difficult distance to explore the places by walking through such busy roads of Kathmandu. Taking a taxi first and then walking through the “Juakhel” as the routes pass from small villages, offers a chance to explore the Nepalese culture. You can walk around in the small city as well. You can explore the temples, monuments, statues and paintings preserved there.

To explore the temple you have to pay NPR.100 for foreigners and NPR.25 for SAARC nationals.
 

• Nagarkot:

Nagarkot is situated in Bhaktapur district, 32km to the eastern side from Kathmandu at an elevation of 2175 m from the sea level. Trekking to Nagarkot is best for short time people, as they can observe the spectacular scenery of snowcapped mountains with Himalayan floras and faunas in very short time. Along with this, passing through the terraced fields, traditional villages offers a chance to explore the daily living style of local people following different traditions, cultures and norms. It offers the panorama of Mt. Everest (8848m/29029 ft.), Lhotse 8516m/ 27940 ft.), Makalu (8463m/ 27765 ft.), Manaslu (8163m/ 26781 ft.) and many others. The main intention with tourism going there is to observe the marvelous views of sunrise and sunset from the top of the hill.

How to get to Nagarkot?

By taxi or by bus: 27 km of distance from Kathmandu takes you there in just 1 and ½ hour. You can easily get the public local bus in ending and starting points of Nagarkot. Firstly, you have to take a bus of Bhaktapur from the oldest public buspark “Ratnapark”.   

Things to do near Nagarkot: Nagarkot contains many hiking trails with spectacular views of mountains and local cultures. Some hiking trails like Nagarkot to Changunarayan and Nagarkot Dhulikhel offers historical backgrounds of Newari culture. We provide you the whole trip package to Nagarkot Hiking according to your time basis.

Recommend trip for this place Nagarkot Day Hiking Best day hiking near Kathmandu , Surrounding Kathmandu Valley Mountain Biking Tour

• Kakani:

Trek to Kakani from Kathmandu provides you spectacular views with remote lifestyle. Kakani, one of the nearest hill stations from Kathmandu valley lies at an altitude of 1982 m above the sea level to the North West side from Kathmandu. It offers you an excellent range of the stunning Himalayas like Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Annapurna over the terraced fields. Passing through the trail, you can explore the amazing rhododendron flowers inside green forests of pine and oak. You can stay an overnight as there are many resorts and lodges for accommodation or can turn back after the hick.

How to get to Kakani?

By taxi or by bus: You reach there by taxi or by bus in one and half hour.

Things to do near Kakani: Kakani, a beautiful hiking trail offers wonderful moments of life through the scenery and mountain views. After 7 km drive from Kathmandu, we reach at Bicharithok, from where the trekking trail starts for 5 to 6 hours. Then back to Kathmandu.

Recommended trip for this place Surrounding Kathmandu Valley Mountain Biking Tour

8. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park:

First, it was established as the sacred Watershed and Wildlife Reserve in 1976 and later it was declared as Shivapuri National Park in 2002. Shivapuri National Park is located in the northern phrase of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of 2732m (8963 ft.). It’s rich floras and faunas includes many leopards, langur monkey, sloth bear, barking deer, jungle cat, golden jackal, wild boar, chinese pongolian etc. along with beautiful birds orchid & rhododendron and distinct medicinal herbs. Trekking from the foot of Shivapuri Hill, you get a chance to explore amazing Buddhists monasteries and spectacular views of stunning Himalayas.

By Taxi or By Bus: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park holds the distance of 12 km from Kathmandu. You can reach their by taxi or bus in 40 minutes.

Things to do near the National Park: Explore the amazing floras and faunas, monasteries and the panoramic views of Himalayas.
 

1. Narayanhity Palace:

Narayanhiti Palace is one of the beautiful ancient “Durbar” of Nepalese royal monarchy. A building surrounded by the great mystery is, also known for the symbol of fortune and royality. This palace is built by the late king Mahendra in 1963, under the Nepalese architecture style of the architect Benjamin Polk of Callifornia. Here you find the palace divided into 3 wings; guest, state and private wings. Narayanhiti Palace contains 52 rooms, also called as “sadan”. Names of these rooms belong to all the 75 districts of Nepal. The interiors peripheral of this palace takes you back to the ancient Victorian era. Throne room, “Gorkha Baithak”, situated in the center of the palace is used for making the royal declarations and announcements. The military meetings regarding the high official’s proclamation are done in “Dhanusha Baithak”. Narayanhiti Palace offers the huge mystery in itself, the place where the royal massacre took place on 1 June, 2001. After the investigation, Dipendra was founded as murderer of the whole royal family and Gyanendra became the last King of Nepal for 8 years. On 10 June, 2016, Government of Nepal abolished King Gyanendra from the Nepalese reign. Then, in 23 August, 2007 King Gyanendra was forced to leave the palace by the newly elected assembly. Now, Narayanhiti Palace is a complex, announced and a public museum situated next to the Thamel.

How to get there:

Narayanhiti is situated 1 km of distance from Thamel. You can easily reach their by walk in 40 minutes via Lazimpat road or by taxi, it takes only 8 to 15 minutes. By local bus, you can reach their in 20 to 30 rupees.

How much to enter into the palace?

Tickets for Narayanhiti Durbar costs Rupees 500 for foreigners, 250 for SAARC, 100 for Nepalese and 20 for Nepalese students.

Observe the palace and the stuffs used by the royal family of Nepal.

The palace opens from 11 Am to 4 Pm and remains closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.         
 

1. Kaiser Mahal / Garden of Dreams:

Garden of Dreams is a neo-classical garden built by Kaisher Shamsher in 1920. The palace located towards the west of Kathmandu, is designed by Kishor Narsingh. Firstly, the land area of Garden of Dreams located in Keshar Mahal was owned by the palace of Jeet Shamsher JB Rana. And later, he sold the palace to Chandra Shamsher JB Rana, who destroyed the Palace and built the new one in 1895 for his son Kaisher Shamsher JB Rana. The beautifully decorative garden literally reveals the significance of its name as “Garden of Dreams”.  Garden of Dreams covers an area of 6895 sq. meters with enchanting lakes, pergola, ponds and pavilions. Open octagonal dimension of buildings are amazing. After the end of Rana regime in Nepal, Kaisher Shamsher JB Rana sold the Kaisher Mahal to Government of Nepal. Nowadays, the Palace is known for “Kaisher Library” and “Sampati Sudhikaran Aayog”.

How to get to Kaiser Mahal/ Garden of Dreams?

We can easily reach their by foot from Thamel as it takes only 10 minutes via Lekhnath Marg.

Relax with your company for some time; observe the cubic dimensions, green gardens, ponds. Explore one of the best libraries in the country with respect to archeological and historical aspects.  

How much to get in Garden of Dreams?

Tickets to Garden of Dreams costs Rupees 160 for foreigners, 40 for disabled and senior people and 80 for Nepalese.

It opens daily from 9 Am to 10 Pm.

1. National museum / Chhauni Museum:

Chauni Museum is the largest museum in Nepal situated near the world heritage site “Swayambhunath”. One of the most favorable tourist’s destinations in Kathmandu is established in 1928. And   publically opened by the Prime Minister of Nepal Juddha Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana in 1939. The building of the museum was used to be the home palace of Bhimsen Thapa. Chauni Museum is declared as the national museum of Nepal in 1967. Collection of beautiful ancient arts, paintings, sculptures and statues, historical weapons used during 18^th-19^th century are the main attractions of this museum. Museum contains different galleries related to art, coins, weapons, statues and paintings. In different three buildings of Juddha Jyatia Kala Shala, Buddha Art Gallery and Natural Historical Section along with cultural philatelic section, it offers the ancient collection of different species of birds, animals and butterflies. You can observe the “sword” gifted by the King of France, “Napoleon Bonaparte”. In first the museum is only used for displaying the arms and weapons used in ancient wars. Thus, it was known as “Chauni Silkhana”.

How to get there?

Chhauni Museum is only 3 km far from Thamel. It takes 12 minutes time by taxi or bus. You can also easily reach their by walk in 40 minutes.

How much to get in? 

Entrance tickets of Chauni Museum costs rupees 200 for foreigners, 25 for SAARC national and 20 rupees for Nepalese people.

Chauni Museum opens on every day from 10:30 Am to 4:30 Pm except on Monday. On Monday it opens from 10:30 Am to 2:30 Pm. Time differences during winter and summer time. During winters it is 10:30 Am to 3:30 Pm. 

Explore the ancient crafts, statues made by ancient people and the weapons used by the ancient emperor.  

1. Chisapani:

Chisapani situated to the northern side of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of (2140m/7020 ft.) is the most famous hiking destination for spectacular views of snowcapped mountains like: Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar Himal, Langtang and distant view of Mt. Everest along with green terraces. Trekking trail leads you through the beautiful green forests filled with rhododendron flowers. Walk across the Tamang village, offers a chance to explore the local Mongolian culture of people and their unique living style. Shivapuri National Park is another highlight of this trek. Chisapani is best for people, with a short time in Nepal.

How to get to Chisapani?

Taxi is the easiest way to reach Chisapani but is expensive than the local buses. You can get the local buses from Ratnapark to Sundarijal. There is no any local’s transportation going upward to Chisapani hill. It takes 45 minutes to reach Sundarijal. And then hike to Chisapani for 4 to 5 hours.

Things to observe there: Hiking to Chisapani offers you the spectacular views of the stunning Himalayas and local cultural experience during the trek.

1. Daman:

Daman is situated to the 75km southwest of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of 2400m. One of the best tourists destination, Daman is mainly known for the worth views of snowcapped mountains. It is also religious where a temple named “Risheshwor Mahadev” is located. According to the ancient myths, Daman is a place where Lord Shiva rested, being so thirsty that he hit the rock and water came out. You can explore two big rocks between which water is coming out. Nepalese main festivals like “Falgun Purnima” and “Thulo Ekadashi” are celebrated here. Along with spectacular views and local culture, you can observe the biggest and the oldest botanical garden of Nepal filled with different varieties of rhododendron flowers. Daman is also known for a very famous picnic spot near Kathmandu valley. Peaceful environment, enchanting streams and chirping of birds makes you trip to Daman unbelievable.

How to get to Daman?

For getting to Daman you can take a taxi for 2 to 3 hours. Local buses are available at Kalanki in morning.

Explore the lifestyle of people living in mid hilly region with unexpected views of mountains around you. 
 

1. Lakuri Bhanjyang:

Lakuri Bhanjyang is very famous among 1 day hiking situated at the eastern outskirts, 13 km up of Lalitpur district. This region is very famous for its panoramic views of mountains, sunrise and sunset. The top hillstation of Lalitpur district offers the excellent views of famous cities, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur. Crossing the paths with green forests, amazing villages, terraced fields and local warm behavior of people from different ethnic communities makes your trip unforgettable. Lakuri Bhanjyang is best for scenic routes and family picnic spot. As it is not so steep to the uphill’s and has the shortest hiking trail, it is best for people with short time in Nepal. being away from the noises of Kathmandu, enjoying the real boon of nature, Lakuri Bhanjyang provides you unbelievable moments of your life.

How to get to Lakuri Bhanjyang?

You get the bus from Lagankhel. It takes nearly 1 to 2 hours to reach Lamatar. Now from here, your hiking starts for 4 to 5 hours.

The beautiful hill station offers you the amazing views of mountains and valleys down there.
 

1. Dhulikhel:

Dhulikhel is situated in eastern part of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of 1550 m above the sea level in the center of Kabrepalanchowk district. In 1965 the motor road was established in Dhulikhel. After this, the region becomes the main tourist’s destination near Kathmandu. Dulikhel offers you the panoramic views of many stunning mountains like Annapurna (8091m/26545 ft.), Lhotse (8516m/27929 ft.), and Ganesh Himal (7429m/24373 ft.), Langtang (7234m/23733 ft.), Gaurishankar (7134m/23405 ft.) etc., green terraces and amazing local settlements of Newar, Chettri, Brahmin and Tamang. Dhulikhel offers you numerous temples and some Buddhists stupas worshipped by the local people. The old temples express the ancient Newari craftsmanship and unique handworks on metals and woods.

How to get to Dhulikhel?

You can reach their by bus or by taxi. It takes one and a half hour to cover 30 km of distance.

Dhulikhel is very famous for the picnic spot with the stunning mountain views and local culture of people on the way.

Recommended trip for this place Surrounding Kathmandu Valley Mountain Biking Tour