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9 Places to Visit in Kathmandu For A Weekend

Kathmandu is a city that is known for its diverse culture, stunning natural sights, and traditional markets. It is located in the central part of Nepal, in the Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is also the gateway to Nepal's mountaineering and trekking routes.

The history of Kathmandu dates back more than 2,000 years. It is a popular tourist destination due to its unique architecture, natural beauty and cultural heritage. The city has a population of about 1 million people.


The city is rich in culture and history. The best way to experience this city is to go on a tour of some of the most interesting places in Kathmandu. With so many attractions, it is difficult to pick which ones you might want to visit during your weekend in the Nepalese capital.

Here are nine places that are worth checking out!


1. Durbar Square 


2. Swayambhunath Temple 


3. Boudhanath Stupa 


4. Pashupatinath Temple 


5. Patan Durbar Square 


6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 


7. Changunarayan Temple 


8. Kopan Monastery 


9. Nagarkot

1. Durbar Square 

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Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kathmandu. It is located in the heart of the city and it used to be the royal palace complex of the old Kingdom of Nepal and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The square is surrounded by temples and palaces that date back hundreds of years. This square is home to many important historical sites, including the royal palace and the Parliament building.


Durbar Square is also a great place to enjoy some delicious food and drinks. There are many restaurants and cafes located in this area, making it a great spot to spend a weekend afternoon.

2. Swayambhunath Temple

Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kathmandu. The temple is located on a hill west of the city and it offers panoramic views of the city. The temple is also home to a large number of monkeys.


The temple is located in the center of Kathmandu and it is easy to find. The temple complex is huge and there are lots of interesting features to see. You can walk around the temple complex or take a tour. You can also hire a guide to show you around the temple.

3. Boudhanath Stupa

Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kathmandu. The stupa is a famous Buddhist monument located in Boudhanath district. The stupa was built in the 5th century and is a popular destination for tourists who want to visit Nepal's ancient temples.


Boudhanath Stupa is located just outside of the city center and can be reached by bus or bike. The stupa is open from dawn to dusk, and visitors can pay to enter the monument or climb up the stairs for a better view. The stupa is surrounded by Tibetan monasteries and shops selling Tibetan goods.

4. Pashupatinath Temple

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Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The temple is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The temple is located in the heart of Kathmandu and can be accessed by foot, bicycle, or car. There are many different ways to experience the temple, so choose what works best for you.


You can visit the temple during the day or at night. During the day, you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the gardens while listening to peace prayers being recited. At night, you can take in all of the lights and sounds of the temple while worshipping Shiva.

5. Patan Durbar Square 

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Patan Durbar Square is another popular tourist destination in Kathmandu. It is located in the city of Patan, which is about 10 kilometers south of Kathmandu. The square is surrounded by temples and palaces that date back hundreds of years. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Some of the most popular attractions at Patan Durbar Square include the Temple of Swayambhu, the Royal Palace, and the Terai Gate.

6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a must-see destination for visitors to Kathmandu. This square is home to the Royal Palace and the Durbar Square Museum.


The Royal Palace is a beautiful place to visit and features many interesting details. The Durbar Square Museum contains a large collection of historical artifacts.


Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also a great place to walk around and see the many different shops and restaurants that are located in the area. If you have time, be sure to also visit the famous Monkey Temple and the Pashupatinath Temple.

7. Changunarayan Temple 

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Changunarayan Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. It is located about 20 kilometers east of Kathmandu, in the village of Changunarayan. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.


Changunarayan Temple is located in the Old City of Kathmandu, and it is easy to get to from any part of the city. The temple is open from 8am to 5pm, and it is free to visit.


There are many different things to see and do at Changunarayan Temple. You can visit the temple grounds, the main shrine, or the museum.

There are also many shops and restaurants located in and around the temple complex, so you can spend a weekend planning your trip and exploring all of the attractions!

8. Kopan Monastery 

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Kopan Monastery is a beautiful place to visit if you are looking for a relaxing weekend in Kathmandu. The monastery is located near Kopan hill, which offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills.


The monastery is also home to a number of interesting temples, including the Phungnaghar Temple, the Buddha’s birthplace temple. Kopan Monastery is a great place to spend a weekend if you want to explore Kathmandu and its surroundings.

9. Nagarkot

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Nagarkot is a beautiful hill station located in the Kathmandu Valley. The views from the peak are simply stunning, and it is a great place to spend a weekend if you want to get away from the city hustle and bustle.


There are many different things to do in Nagarkot, including hiking, biking, and climbing. You can also take part in traditional Nepali activities like yoga and meditation.

Top Things to do in Kathmandu

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Kathmandu is a city of many attractions, and there are plenty of things to do if you are looking for a weekend getaway. Here are a few of the top things to do in Kathmandu:


1. Trek to Everest Base Camp. This is one of the most popular things to do in Kathmandu, and for good reason. The trip to Everest Base Camp is an incredible experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. You will be able to see some of the world’s most dramatic scenery as you make your way up the mountains.


2. Visit Thamel, Kathmandu’s famous shopping district. This area is packed with souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. There is something for everyone here, so you can find whatever you need or want.


3. Take a hike in the Himalayan Mountains. Kathmandu is home to some of the world’s highest peaks, and there are numerous hiking trails available for visitors to explore. If you are prepared for a bit of an adventure, hiking in the Himalayas is definitely an option worth considering. 


4. Go for a walk in the city of Kathmandu. The streets here are lined with historical buildings, and you can easily spend hours walking around this bustling metropolis.


5. See an elephant park. There are numerous Elephant Parks in Kathmandu to visit, so this is a great way to see Nepal’s big and small animals up close!


6. Explore the local craft market. There are many different crafts available here, including beautiful carpets and jewelry. You will also be able to see local craftsmen at work, creating all manner of items including wood carvings, pottery art and much more!


7. Visit Old Kathmandu. Being the oldest part of town, Old Kathmandu is filled with a mixture of local culture, old architecture and a host of interesting sites. It is already becoming one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal with visitors from around the world!8. Tour Kathmandu Tea Factory – Here you will be able to learn about Nepalese tea production and see how this ancient practice still benefits the local community.


9. Visit Stupa gardens. There are many different types of Buddhist stupas around town, but some have been converted into lovely garden spaces for tourists to explore.


10. See fabled Monkey Temple. Located in an area where monkeys live among humans, this temple is popular with both locals and tourists alike!


11. Explore a Hindu temple. Just like their Buddhist counterparts, there are numerous Hindu temples in Kathmandu to explore.


12. Taste Nepalese food. You can't come to Nepal without tasting some delicious local dishes such as momos, dal baht, thukpa, chow-chow and chapatis!

10 Offbeat places to visit near Kathmandu

Looking for something different to do on your next vacation? If you're sick of the usual tourist traps, why not try one of these offbeat places near Kathmandu? From exploring ancient temples to hiking through pristine forests, there's plenty to keep you occupied.

  1. Gorkha
  2. Bandipur
  3. Chandannath
  4. Besisahar
  5. Namche Bazar
  6. Janakpur
  7. Pokhara
  8. Tansen
  9. Lumbini
  10. Dhulikhel

Gorkha

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If you're looking for an offbeat place to visit near Kathmandu, Gorkha is definitely worth a visit. This small town is located about two hours away from Kathmandu and is home to the Gorkha Durbar, a historic palace that was once the seat of the Nepalese monarchy.


Gorkha is also home to the Gurkhas, a group of tough and fearless soldiers who have served in the British army for centuries. Visitors to Gorkha can learn about the Gurkhas' history and see some of their traditional weapons on display at the Gurkha Museum.

Bandipur

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If you're looking for an offbeat place to visit near Kathmandu,Bandipur is definitely worth a visit. This charming hill town is located about 175 kilometers from Kathmandu and can be reached by bus or private car.


Bandipur is well-known for its traditional Newari architecture and stunning views of the Himalayas. The town has a number of temples and shrines that are worth exploring. You can also enjoy hiking and birdwatching in the nearby forests.

Chandannath

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Chandannath is an offbeat place to visit near Kathmandu. It is located in the Jumla district of Nepal and is home to a Hindu temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Chandannath, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is surrounded by a lake, which is said to have healing properties.

Visitors can take a dip in the lake or receive blessings from the temple priest. Chandannath is a peaceful and beautiful place to visit and is a great option for those looking for an offbeat destination near Kathmandu.

Besisahar

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Besisahar is a small town located in the Lamjung district of Nepal. It is situated at an altitude of 827 metres (2,713 feet) above sea level.


Besisahar is best known for its beautiful natural scenery. The town is surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers. There are several hiking trails in the area, and the views from the top of the mountains are stunning. Besisahar is also home to a number of temples and monasteries, which are worth exploring.


Despite its small size, Besisahar is a popular tourist destination. It is relatively easy to reach, as it is located just off the main highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Namche Bazaar

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Namche Bazaar is a small village located in the mountains of Nepal. It is the starting point for many trekkers who come to Nepal to hike in the Himalayas. Namche Bazaar is also home to the world’s highest ATM, which is located at the Himalayan Bank.


There are many beautiful places to see in and around Namche Bazaar. The village itself is located in a stunning valley with mountains all around. There are also several Buddhist monasteries located nearby, as well as Everest Base Camp, which is just a short hike away.

Janakpur

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Janakpur is a city in Nepal that is known for its religious and historical significance. The city is the site of the Janaki Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. Janakpur is also the birthplace of the Hindu god Rama. Every year, thousands of pilgrims come to Janakpur to worship at the temple and pay homage to Rama.


Despite its small size, Janakpur has a lot to offer visitors. In addition to the Janaki Temple, there are several other temples and shrines in the city. Janakpur is also home to a number of museums, including the Nepali Sanskriti Kendra Museum and the Ramayana Museum. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of traditional foods in Janakpur.

Pokhara

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Pokhara is a beautiful city located about 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Pokhara is surrounded by mountains, and there are several lakes in the city, including Phewa Lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities in Pokhara. There are also several Buddhist temples and stupas to explore.

Tansen

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One of the best offbeat places to visit in Nepal is Tansen. This picturesque town is located in the western part of the country, near the border with India. Tansen is known for its incredible views of the Himalayas, as well as its rich cultural heritage.


There are plenty of things to do in Tansen, from exploring the town's many temples and shrines to hiking in the nearby mountains. You can also enjoy some of the best Nepalese cuisine in Tansen, as well as shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.

Lumbini

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Lumbini is a beautiful and serene place located in Nepal. It is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a place of great religious significance. Lumbini is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


There are many things to see and do in Lumbini. You can visit the Sacred Garden, which is the main attraction of the site. The garden contains the sacred pond, where Buddha was said to have been born. You can also visit the Maya Devi Temple, which is dedicated to the birth mother of Buddha.


Lumbini is a place of great peace and tranquility. It is an ideal place to meditate and reflect on the teachings of Buddha. There are also many Tibetan monasteries and stupas located in Lumbini, which are worth visiting.

Dhulikhel

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If you're looking for a breathtaking view of the Himalayas, Dhulikhel is the perfect place to visit in Nepal. This small town is located about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be easily reached by bus or private car. Once you arrive in Dhulikhel, you'll be greeted by towering mountains, terraced rice fields, and traditional Nepali villages.

You can spend a few days exploring all that Dhulikhel has to offer, including hiking to nearby viewpoints, visiting ancient temples and stupas, or simply relaxing in one of the many cafes or tea shops. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Dhulikhel is sure to offer something for everyone.

So that's the Best Places To Visit In Kathmandu

If you're looking for a weekend away from it all, consider exploring Kathmandu. With its beautiful architecture, deep culture and stunning natural scenery, Kathmandu is a destination not to be missed. Whether you spend your time hiking in the surrounding mountains or taking in some of the city's famous sites, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Kathmandu.

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