Kathmandu, the temple city and capital of the lovely country Nepal is a vibrant melting pot of colors, noises, voices, scents, and turbulence. But Kathmandu has more to offer. The city is undoubtedly home to a large number of temples, but it also contains a number of World Heritage attractions, gorgeous natural regions, wonderful restaurants, a thriving nightlife, and important architectural and historical attractions. Similarly, if you visit Kathmandu’s surroundings, you will see magnificent scenery and cool temperatures. This blog will teach you about the Best places to hang out in Kathmandu based on your preferences.
Moreover, Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, is surrounded by a plethora of contemporary trends. Similarly, the valley’s traditional ethnic communities have managed to preserve their cultural heritage. Tall structures and antique monuments can be seen in Kathmandu at the same time.
Best places to Hang out in Kathmandu
There are various places to hang out in Kathmandu for any purpose, such as going on a short or long climb, spending the evening with friends, or simply exploring and taking in some of the city’s gorgeous architecture.
We’ve selected 20 different places to hang out below based on your mood and interests. Let’s have a look at those top choices down below.
Thamel
Thamel is one of Kathmandu’s most well-known districts, attracting a large number of travelers and backpackers from Nepal and throughout the world. You will fall in love with Thamel’s bright and bustling vibe as you meander through the small alleys dotted with restaurants and craft shops.
Thamel is also known for its bustling nightlife. Pubs and restaurants are typically full of tourists and locals alike who remain up late to buy midnight munchies from the numerous street vendors.
Narayanhiti
Narayanhiti, Nepal’s old royal palace, is now a public museum. In 2008, following the 2006 revolution that followed the 2001 Royal Massacre, the palace was converted into a museum. By visiting Narayanhiti, you can have a complete insight into the lives of the departed Nepalese royals.
The interior design and architecture of the museum are reminiscent of the 1970s. The bullets used in the Royal massacre can still be seen on the walls of Narayanhiti.
Bouddha Stupa
The Boudha Stupa in Kathmandu, one of the world’s largest stupas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an important Buddhist and architectural site.
Similarly, the Stupa is revered for containing Kassapa Buddha’s mortal remains and is unquestionably one of the best sites to come in Kathmandu for kora, casual sightseeing, and wonderful Tibetan Nepali food.
Garden of Dreams
The Garden of Dreams, also known as Swapna Bagaicha in Nepalese, was built in the 1920s and is also known as the Garden of Six Seasons. With its stunning amphitheater, urns, gorgeous pavilions, paved surrounding paths, pergolas, and ponds, the park attracts both locals and tourists.
The Austrian government has lovingly repaired this location and reintroduced it to the public for casual hangouts.
Kumari Bahal
Kumari Bahal is a three-story traditional building made of wood and red bricks that houses Nepal’s living goddess. It contains ornately carved windows, doorways, and balconies, as well as a large chariot that transports Kumari around the city during the annual Indra Jatra event. Jaya Prakash Malla built this structure in the mid-eighteenth century.
Moreover, the tremendous earthquake that rocked Nepal in 2015 caused only minor damage to the Bahal while devastating the surrounding countryside. This is apparently some type of sign that the locals attribute to the Kumari’s strength.
Kathmandu Durbar Squares
Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of Nepal’s three Durbar squares, is located in Basantapur. Moreover, Kathmandu Durbar Square also depicts the front facade of the previous Kathmandu Kingdom’s old royal palace.
As a result, UNESCO has designated Durbar Square as a World Heritage Site. On April 25, 2015, a large earthquake rocked Nepal, destroying several historical structures in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The main edifice, a tall structure, preserves the country’s history and architecture.
Namo Buddha
The Buddhist monastery Namobuddha represents an ancient narrative of a Prince named “Mahasatta” who fed himself to a tigress and her offspring. Furthermore, the stupa in Namobuddha exudes peace at its best.
It’s also a route that winds through the forest, making the trip to Namo Buddha very peaceful. Taxis, bicycles, and even walking are all feasible forms of mobility.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath, the holiest site for Hindus worldwide, is recognized as one of the grandest temples ever built and one of Kathmandu’s most famous tourist destinations.
The complex has long been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The huge Hindu temple complex houses a plethora of Shiva-related monuments, inscriptions, ashrams, and temples.
Swayambhu
The Monkey Temple, one of Kathmandu’s most spectacular stupas, is located above the city. Swayambhunath is a spectacular historical site that offers some of Kathmandu’s best accessible vistas—basically 360-degree views—and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best time to visit Swayambhunath is early in the morning, about 730am when the sky is clear and there are fewer people.
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is located in the mid-hills on the northern fringes of the Kathmandu Valley at a height of 2,732 m (8,963 ft). It encompasses an area of 159 km2 (61 sq mi) and borders 23 Village Development Committees in the districts of Kathmandu, Nuwakot, and Sindhupalchowk.
The protected area extends westward to the Dhading District and is one of the most picturesque hiking and camping destinations in the area.
Best Foods to try in Kathmandu
Food has become an identity of a given site over the years, serving as a bridge to link guests with the local culture, historical background, and availability of natural ingredients.
The taste of street meals, unmatched by an expertly prepared restaurant dinner, permeates no matter where you go in the world. However, there are situations when you order a dish without understanding the names or components and later regret it.
Thakali Khana Set
Dal Bhat Power 24 hours, as they say in Nepal, is the primary cuisine that Nepalese eat twice a day. In addition to the traditional Nepali Dal Bhat, the Thakali Khana from Mustang comprises rice, lentils, and vegetables with meat (chicken or mutton) for non-vegetarians, as well as spicy fried potatoes, spinach, and Timur and hot chili pepper as condiments.
The Thakali Khana set, popular for its rich flavors, uses local resources such as ghee, garlic, Jimbu, Timur, and dried red chile to improve the taste and color of the usual meal.
The aroma of the creamy lentil soup fragranced with wild Himalayan herbs, served with freshly cooked tomato pickle, and accompanied by long-grain Basmati rice is said to make you hungry.
- Price: NRS 600
- Eat in one of the best places to hang out in Kathmandu, the Lazimpat Area.
MO:MO
The Nepalese enthusiasm for MOMO has no bounds, and as a result, signs proclaiming “MOMO is available here” can be found on every corner of the street. MOMO is a steam bun filled with minced veggies and meat fillings that are also known as dumplings and dim sum in various regions. A single plate of MOMO, usually accompanied by tomato chutney, is never enough for MOMO lovers.
Over the course of the year, Nepal has served a wide range of MOMO, including Chocolate Momo, Sadheko Momo, Kothey Momo, Open Momo, Tandoori Momo, and Chilly Momo, as well as the juicy Steam Momo.
When the enticing MOMO pieces are dipped into the surprisingly rich taste of the chutney, the combination goes beyond yum, making you fall in love with the meal until your stomach exclaims, “I am full,” joking aside. Leaving Kathmandu without trying MOMO will undoubtedly make your trip incomplete. So, on your next visit, try these flavor combinations.
- Price: NRS. 300-400
- Eat in one of the best places to Hang out in Kathmandu, Basantapur Area
Sel Roti
The Nepali doughnut, Sel roti, is made from sweetened rice flour and deep-fried until reddish brown. The crispy ring-shaped sweet bread is consumed as a morning or afternoon snack in many households. To make it crunchy and crispy, the soaked rice is ground into a thick batter and then combined with sugar and ghee before being deep-fried in hot oil.
The crunchy taste of the Roti makes this a delectable snack, which is available at Kathmandu’s sweet stores. Hindus also cook Sel Roti as a Prasad for the Gods and Goddesses at big events such as weddings and festivals such as Dashain and Tihar.
- Price: NRS. 60 preserving
- Eat in one of the best places to Hang out in Kathmandu, New Road area
Lassi
No Nepali will pass past Indra Chowk without trying the famed Indrachowk ko Lassi, even if it is raining or a frigid winter day. Although there are several businesses in the valley that sell Lassi, no one beats the flavor of the Lassi available in Indrachowk.
The sweet lassi at the Indra Chowk is thick and creamy, with the ideal sweetness enhanced by the added toppings of raisins, pistachios, and cashew nuts. Lassi is served chilled and is made by combining thick curd with water and sugar. However, because this is street cuisine, you will have to wait in line before enjoying its great taste by standing alongside the locals.
- Price: NRS 60 Small Glass/ 150 Big Glass
- Eat in one of the best places to Hang out in Kathmandu, New Road area
Conclusion
Kathmandu is well-known for its holy monuments. The city’s terrain is dotted with temples, monasteries, and stupas, particularly the Pashupatinath Temple and the Changu Narayan, both of which are known for their gorgeous, detailed religious artworks. And, in Kathmandu, there are many places to Hang out in Kathmandu and eat food.
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