“Heaven is myth, but Nepal is real”

1 Pashupatinath Temple

Hinduism is the most widely followed religion in Nepal. The country has embraced this religion and respects it with several sacred places of interest, including Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred place is considered one of the most important temples in the world and one of the most visited tourist places in Kathmandu. The complex is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ list for decades. The extensive Hindu temple has a sprawling collection of images, inscriptions, ashrams, temples and images. 

2 Boudhanath stupa

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest stupas in the world, the Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu is a significant place in Buddhism and architecture, both. Located on an ancient trade route that entered Kathmandu from Tibet. The place has seen many traders and travelers offering prayers to their lord here, as the Stupa is considered to be the tomb of the remains of Kassapa Buddha. 

3 Swoyambhunath Stupa

Situated on top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, this tourist place in Kathmandu is an ancient architectural marvel is one of the best attractions of the city. The entire complex is surrounded by a wide variety of trees. It comprises of the main stupa, many shrines, temples, monastery, museum and a well-stocked library. The temples are painted with the eyes and eyebrows of the Buddha with the number 1 in local script painted as the nose of the lord, which is a sight to behold in itself.

4 Thamel

A heaven for tourists visiting Kathmandu, Thamel is a popular destination. The place has several hotels, shops and restaurants that are particularly designed to cater to a discerning range of customers. The commercial location is an easy walk from central Kathmandu and there are a number of activities that you can enjoy at this place. All its attractions makes it a place to visit in Kathmandu you cannot miss during your trip.

5 Garden of dreams

The beautifully restored Swapna Baigicha, also known as Garden of Dreams is a popular tourist place in Kathmandu to visit offers respite and rejuvenation from the stresses of the world. It is one of the most stunning places in the world. The garden was built in the 1920s and has been brought back to life by the Austrian financed team. The stunningly restored garden has gorgeous and refined details.

6 Durbar Square Kathmandu

Explore the culture or history of Kathmandu by visiting the Durbar Square. Located in front of the former Kathmandu Palace Kingdom, the Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is originally known for vivid showcases of artists and craftsmen. The palace here is stunningly decorated and the overall areas reflect the beauty of Nepalese culture.

7 Buddha Nilkanth

Budhanilkantha Temple is a Hindu open air place of worship that is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located below the Shivapuri Hill at the northern end of Kathmandu Valley, this place is very much popular for its large reclining statue of Lord Vishnu. it attracts millions of visitors and devotees especially in large numbers during the occasion of Haribodhini Ekadashi Mela which is organized every single year on the 11th day of Kartik Month of the Hindu Calendar.

8 Narayanhiti Palace

Want to know how the politics have transformed Nepal? Well, things will get a lot clearer when you visit the Narayanhiti Palace and Museum. Full of meeting rooms and 1970s glamour, the palace has opulent interiors. The place is well known for its museum beauty. This palace is also the place where Prince Dipendra massacred his family in 2001. The place is morbidly market and the bullet holes are still visible on some of the walls. But nevertheless, this place offers a peek into the regal lifestyle of the royals, the one that people only dream about.

9 Dakshinkail Temple

Dakshinkali Temple is one of the major Hindu Shrines in the city of Kathmandu which is dedicated to Goddesses Kali. The name and fame of one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu is due to the rituals and traditions followed. There are animal sacrifices in every fortnight. The place of worship was constructed by Rani Rashmoni who was a great devotee of the fierce and feared Goddesses Kali. You can find the idol of the temple standing on top of a corpse portraying the victory of good over evil.

10 Royal Botanical Garden

Kathmandu can get quite crowded during the holidays. But if you want someplace peaceful and quiet, then there’s a perfect spot for you. It is the Royal Botanical Gardens. The place is quaint and great for walking and picnic. However, you might want to avoid it on Fridays and Saturdays, as school kids often visit the place then. While the place was slightly damaged during the earthquake, repairs are going on and the place will be back to its glory.

11 Nagarkot

A Top spot in tourist places in Kathmandu, travellers can enjoy Himalayan views and the panorama here. Nagarkot is well known for its stunning natural beauty and a number of hotels. The village is stacked up with hotels and accommodations, allowing you to view nature straight from the balcony. The views itself are breathtaking and it can get quite cold in here!

12 Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park

Sprawling forests of Shivapuri National Park are exciting, enthralling and extremely inviting. The ninth National Park in the country is known for being a birdwatcher’s paradise place boasts of over 300 species of birds and several rare orchids. The forest comes alive with a diverse range of flora and fauna.

13 Phulchoki

A prominent mountain peak in Nepal, Phulchowki surrounds the valley of Kathmandu. The mountain is called ‘Phul,’ to reflect flowers, the literal meaning. This place is a natural garden of flowers and everything bright-beautiful. The Mountain is a bed of wild roses, along with iris, yellow jasmine and several native flowers. Exploring it is fun and enchanting because of the grove of rhododendrons in various hues.

14 White Monastery

Nepal holds a prominent place in Buddhist culture. The country has a number of monasteries, including Seto Gumba or the White Monastery. This is a natural beauty with the relevant religious importance. The white monastery is surrounded by lush green valley and vivid terrain which makes it such a delight to watch and a must place you cannot miss to visit in Kathmandu.

15 Babar Mahal

Babar Mahal happens to be a Rana Palace in the city and one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu which is located to the north of Bagmati River. The Mahal was constructed with an impressive architectural design with a number of courtyards, buildings, and gardens. The palace was initially under Jung Bahadur Rana, Thapathali Durbar but later it was separated, demolished and reconstructed by Chandra Shumsher, Jung Bahadur Rana during his reign as prime minister and executive leader of Nepal.

There are so many more placeslike  inside and outside the Kathmandu valley, where foreigners as well as common Nepalese would love to go and visit as well as study or explore the place. Among them  the above mention places are the top 15 places where I suggest or recommend to visit not only one time but many time while you plan to travel Nepal.

          “Naturally Nepal - Once is not enough”