Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, and one of the largest cities in South Asia. It is located in the Central Development Region of Nepal on the crossroads of ancient civilizations of Asia, with its culture and architecture forming the bridge between Indo-Aryan and Tibetan traditions, as well as between different regions within Nepal itself. It lies at an elevation of approximately above sea level in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley of central Nepal.
Kathmandu city
Kathmandu is located in central Nepal, becoming a metropolis of more than 1.5 million people at the last official census of 2011. With a rich cultural heritage and magnificent natural environment, Kathmandu city attracts thousands of tourists every year for its scenic beauty, which lies in its hilly terrains and various religious structures that are scattered across all parts of Kathmandu Valley. Apart from religious structures, tourists often visit these places to experience local cuisines.
Cost of living in Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a very low cost of living, although it is gradually increasing with development. Some goods and services are significantly cheaper than those in more developed countries. For example, staple foods such as rice, dal Bhat ( lentil soup), vegetables, and fruit are often less expensive when compared in western countries. However, Kathmandu can be quite expensive for tourists due to high hotel and restaurant prices; food costs especially rise if you’re looking for imported goods like cheese or meat products.
In Kathmandu city, there are several modes of transport. The main center of the city center is the Rickshaw, which can also be used for short distances to and around the city of Kathmandu. Due to its hilly geography, Nepal's road network is still not developed. There are 1,531 km (948 mi) of paved roads and 1,018 km (636 mi) of unpaved roads in total; most of these are seasonal due to poor maintenance.
Budget hotels in Kathmandu
Nepal is a very beautiful country with so many things to do and see. The various tourist destinations are just amazing, it has all kinds of landscapes from snowy mountains to rain forests, from high altitude to beaches. These are a few budget hotels that you can find in Kathmandu city: Paryatree Regency Hotel, Bright Guest House, Hotel Gorkha Paradise/Hotel Everest Inn, Jyoti hotel, etc.
Thamel is Nepal’s most famous tourist district, offering travelers plenty of amenities and entertainment, with several types of lodgings to choose from. There are also restaurants and other shops that offer souvenirs to remember your trip by. Additionally, all types of tourism can be organized, including sightseeing tours and cultural tours. So as a guide for tourists traveling in Kathmandu city, I have listed some facts about the Kathmandu city tour below. Enjoy!
How to go to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu
To get to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu city, you can take a taxi or you can take a bus. A tuk-tuk is also an option. On top of that, many tour operators are offering a Kathmandu city tour package that includes trips to these other two cities of Nepal as well.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kathmandu and Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath Temple is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists alike. You can explore around Pashupatinath temple by renting a bike from Kathmandu city tour but make sure you follow traffic rules as it's crowded with foreign tourists during weekends.
Famous Hindu temples in Kathmandu
Pashupatinath Temple is probably the most famous temple in Kathmandu and A UNESCO World Heritage Site. The image of Shiva on its inner sanctum is considered to be a swayambhu (self-made). It dates back to over 2000 years and legend states that it was created when lightning struck an ancient sage's staff.
UNESCO world heritage sites near Kathmandu
Kathmandu valley is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Patan. Durbar Square in Kathmandu is a very well-preserved ancient royal palace of Malla kings. Nearby Patan with its renowned temples, including Buddhist stupas and Hindu shrines, has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1979.
