Peace Gallery
This powerful photo exhibition is well worth tracking down for its insights into Nepals decade-long civil war. The images include portraits of schoolchildren giving the Maoist red salute, of siblings who faced each other on either side of the front line and a teacher who continued
Sundari Chowk
Pride of place in this intimate black and white courtyard is the ritual bathing pool with its Lichhavi-era carving of Krishna subduing the coils of the Kaliya serpent, hewn from a single block of stone in the sixth century. The Malla kings would ritually bathe each morning at the g
Asan Tole
From dawn until dusk the junction of Asan Tole is jammed with vegetable and spice vendors selling everything from yak tails to coconuts. It’s the busiest square in the city and a fascinating place to linger, if you can stand the crowds. Cat Stevens wrote his hippie-era song Kathman
Krishna Mandir
Continuing into the square, you can’t miss the splendid Krishna Mandir built by King Siddhinarsingh Malla in 1637. Constructed from carved stone – in place of the usual brick and timber – this fabulous architectural confection shows the clear influence of Indian temple design and i
Janaki Mandir
At the heart of Janakpur lies the marble Janaki Mandir, one of the finest pieces of architecture in Nepal. Built in extravagant baroque Mughal style that leaves it looking like a palace made of sweets, the Janaki Mandir is Janakpur’s most important temple and is dedicated to Sita,
Mul Chowk
South of the Patan Museum, a gateway opens onto the stately Mul Chowk, the largest and oldest of the palace’s three main chowk (squares). The original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1662 but rebuilt just three years later by Srinivasa Malla. The temples in the courtyard were r
Indra Chowk
The busy street of Makhan Tole spills into Indra Chowk, the courtyard named after the ancient Vedic deity, Indra. Locals crowd around the square’s newspaper sellers, scanning the day’s news. Indra Chowk is traditionally a centre for the sale of blankets and cloth, and merchants cov
Patan Museum
Formerly the residence of the Malla kings, the section of the palace surrounding Keshav Narayan Chowk now houses one of the finest collections of religious art in Asia. The museum is a national treasure and an invaluable introduction to the art, symbolism and architecture of the va
Garden of Dreams
Despite some damage from the 2015 earthquake, the beautifully restored Swapna Bagaicha, or Garden of Dreams remains one of the most serene and beautiful enclaves in Kathmandu. Its two minutes walk and one million miles from central Thamel. Field marshal Kaiser Shamser (1892–1964),
Nyatapola Temple
You will be able to see the sky-high rooftop of the Nyatapola Temple long before you reach the square. With five storeys towering 30m above Taumadhi Tole, this is the tallest temple in all of Nepal and one of the tallest buildings in the Kathmandu Valley. This perfectly proportione
Itum Bahal
The long, rectangular courtyard of the Itum Bahal is the largest bahal (Buddhist monastery courtyard) in the old town and remains a haven of tranquillity in the chaotic surroundings. On the western side of the courtyard is the Kichandra Bahal , one of the oldest bahals in the city,
Bodhnath Stupa
The first stupa at Bodhnath was built sometime after AD 600, when the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, converted to Buddhism. In terms of grace and purity of line, no other stupa in Nepal comes close to Bodhnath. From its whitewashed dome to its gilded tower painted with the all-seein
Seto Machhendranath Temple (Jan Bahal)
Southwest of Asan Tole at the junction known as Kel Tole, this temple attracts both Buddhists and Hindus – Buddhists consider Seto (White) Machhendranath to be a form of Avalokiteshvara, while to Hindus he is a rain-bringing incarnation of Shiva. The temples white-faced god is take
Golden Gate
The magnificent Golden Gate is a visual highlight of Durbar Sq. Set into a bright red gatehouse surrounded by white palace walls, the fabulous golden portal boasts some of Nepals finest repoussé metalwork. The gilded torana features a fabulous Garuda wrestling with a number of supe
Golden Temple (Kwa Bahal)
Untouched by the earthquake, this unique Buddhist monastery is just north of Durbar Sq. It was allegedly founded in the 12th century, and it has existed in its current form since 1409. The temple gets its name from the gilded metal plates that cover most of its frontage and it is o
Hanuman Dhoka
Kathmandus royal palace, known as the Hanuman Dhoka, was originally founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD) but the compound was expanded considerably by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. Sadly, the sprawling palace was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake and
Doing business & staying in touch while in Nepal
Nepal: Doing business & staying in touch
Nepal Weather, Climate and Geography
Nepal Weather, climate and geography
Nepal History, Language and Culture
Nepal History, Language and Culture
Nepal Travel Guide and Travel Information
Nepal Travel Guide
