Kathmandu Travel Guide
Travel guide to Kathmandu, Nepal with comprehensive information about events, shopping, and major Kathmandu sporting events to help you enjoy your visit more.
Kathmandu Overview
Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal, said to have originated around the 8th century. The city and surrounding area is home to some 3.2 million people, which makes it the most populated city in the country too.
The valley in which the city is located makes for a dramatic backdrop, with the nearby hillsides a lush green, contrasting with the snow covered mountain peaks that stand over the area. Of course the most famous mountain of them all, Everest, is nearby.
Kathmandu, and the whole of the Himalayas generally, has long been associated with the spiritual aspects of life, and this is still true today. Visitors will often come here to try and find some of that inner peace for themselves, which makes the city a wonderful melting pot of different cultures since there are always some people who prefer to stay here rather than move on. The local markets are a great example of this, with the different styles mingling together - the older hippy styles sit next to ancient religious gowns, while the modern club styles can be found next to hand made tailoring.
The whole area is fascinating, tapping in to the soul as it does. This makes it so different to anywhere else in the world and as such is a place that everyone should see at least once.
Top Kathmandu Attractions
The whole area has a deeply religious and spiritual feel to it, so temples and shrines adorn the area. The Shiva Parvati Temple, for example, housing statues of the gods looking down on the square through an ornately designed window. One not to miss is the Kasthamandap, believed to be one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world and the origin of the city's name as it was originally just a place to rest on the road.
Shopping in Kathmandu
The city's shopping is done mostly via the market style gatherings, where a real mixture of styles can be found. From the hippy and dance culture styles that are popular with travellers to the more ornate traditional items it is all here. There is also a big trade in tailor made clothing, with beautiful materials quickly turned into whatever the customer specifies.
Kathmandu Sporting Events
Hiking and climbing are the main sports here, which comes as little surprise. The locals will often volunteer to be guides for those wanting a little local knowledge. Maintaining the culture of the area, yoga is the other main activity here, with some dedicated centres to stay and practice the art.