Boudhanath Stupa

Kathmandu

Kathmandu – Places of Interest

1. Boudhanath Stupa: The largest stupa or Buddhist place of worship in Nepal and an important pilgrimage point for Tibetans, the Boudhanath Stupa is a major religious and tourist attraction in Katmandu. In fact, this stupa is a major part of Kathmandu’s skyline and one of the largest in the world. The stupa is located on a route which many Tibetan refugees took while fleeing Tibet into Nepal. It is believed that back then, many of the refugees lived around the stupa. The Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of the year 1979. The stupa houses the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

2. Swayambhunath Temple: Located on top of a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, the Swayambhunath Temple is yet another

Thamel: Thamel is one of the most buzzing, busy areas in Kathmandu, especially with tourists. Full of shops, local markets, restaurants, hotels and and utilitarian services for tourists, Thamel has been a popular destination for visitors for many decades. With the range of services available here, the area caters to travelers of varying budgets. There is no better place in Kathmandu to shop for local wares, clothes and souvenirs from family and friends back home than Thamel. The area is well known for its narrow lanes, overcrowded with vendors and tourists, and Nepal’s vibrant cultural ethos. Thamel must be added to your

Dakshinkali Temple: Another important Hindu shrine in Kathmandu, the Dakshinkali Temple is located at about 20km from the city center. Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple sees many visitors during the Nepali festival of Dashain. Dakshinkali translates to ‘south Kali’, which refers to the temple’s location near the gorge. Legend has it that the temple was built when Goddess Kali visited King Malla in his dream in the 14th century, commanding him to create it. The trip up to the temple itself is a beautiful journey, and thus it is visited by many non-religious tourists as well, those looking for a trek or hike.

8. Kopan Monastery: Situated near Boudhanath, the Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that is a major tourist attraction in the city. Built in the late 1960s and named after the hill it is located on, the Kopan Monastery is not only an important Buddhist shrine but also a center for teaching and preaching of the religion and way of life. Meditation and educational courses are regularly held here, and are attended by devotees from all over the world. The monastery also has a garden that attracts many people on the weekends, which is when it is open to the