Namaste - It is a greeting known to all but it originated in Nepal. It means ‘The light within me bows to the light within you,’ a sentiment that favours your tour to Kathmandu.
Kathmandu tourism is an opportunity to explore the capital city of Nepal, also known as the Abode of Gods, and one of the top destinations for Kathmandu travel packages. It is the pinnacle of spirituality for Buddhism and Hinduism alike on your Kathmandu holiday packages. It is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha who initiated the peaceful religion of Buddhism, which inspires many Kathmandu tour packages. It is also said in Kathmandu tourism is the resting place of Lord Shiva, who is known among Shivaites as the primal creator and destroyer of worlds and galaxies, thus inviting those pilgrimages with Kathmandu travel packages.
The capital city tour to Kathmandu is steeped in spiritual beliefs, and every year, people from around the world plan pilgrimages and Kathmandu holiday packages to experience Kathmandu tourism first-hand. It is home to the iconic Pashupatinath temple which is a key aspect of the Kathmandu tour packages and attracts Shivaites from around the globe on a tour to Kathmandu. Kathmandu Tourism also houses the Boudhanath Stupa, which is of great spiritual significance for Buddhist practices and is among the top Kathmandu places to visit.
Considering the deep-seated history and significance of several spots on your tour to Kathmandu, they are protected by UNESCO and favoured on Kathmandu tour packages. From pilgrimages to trekking through the Himalayan mountain range, your Kathmandu tour and Kathmandu travel packages can be a very enlightening experience.
A Brief History of Kathmandu
There is 2000 years worth of history to explore on your tour to Kathmandu. According to Kathmandu tourism, ancient settlers developed the concept of civilisation and laid the groundwork for incredible Kathmandu tour packages. Over the years, Kathmandu has evolved into a bustling metropolis while still retaining its spiritual value and sporting top Kathmandu places to visit.
Back in the 12th to 18th century, Kathmandu was ruled by the Malla Kingdom. You can learn about the rulers on your Kathmandu tour packages and how they brought prosperity to the region. Your Kathmandu travel packages will also enlighten you on how they contributed to the spiritual practices known today on your tour to Kathmandu. They built several temples and structures to encourage religious practices without bias, which became the best places in Kathmandu. The Malla rulers inspired major changes that helped evolve Kathmandu tour packages and spiritual tour packages.
Kathmandu Tourism also talks about how the country adopted the practices of spirituality from India and Tibet. Indulge in the history and culture of Kathmandu with our Kathmandu tour packages.
According to Kathmandu Tourism, in the late 18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal under his rule. Kathmandu Travels remained the nation’s capital and became the focus of governance and encouraged Kathmandu tour packages. As per Kathmandu tourism, it soon evolved to also accommodate commercialisation and became the bustling hub of Nepal known for Kathmandu travel and the best places in Kathmandu.
According to Kathmandu Tourism, there are many local legends surrounding the city of Kathmandu. Let’s explore a few significant stories for your Kathmandu travels that have been passed down through generations.
- The origin story of Kathmandu Valley in your Kathmandu travel packages - It is said that the valley was once a great lake where a powerful deity named Manjushri drained to facilitate civilization. It is a top place to visit on Kathmandu tour packages. The ancient settlers inspired the changes to make it among the top places on your Kathmandu tour packages. It was a sacred place and the civilisation grew outward from there to welcome more people and invite more Kathmandu trip packages.
- The legend of the Monkey Temple for your tour to Kathmandu- The Swayambhunath Temple is one of the most popular among Kathmandu city tours. It is said the Stupa emerged from lotus petals, in the valley on your tour to Kathmandu where Buddha was said to have manifested. The region evolved but the stupa on your Kathmandu holiday packages, now situated on the hill, was converted to a temple that attracts monkeys. It is a strong belief among the locals and for those on Kathmandu tour packages that the monkeys are the protectors of the Stupa, therefore, the famous Swayambhunath temple came to be nicknamed the Monkey Temple among believers.
- The legend of the Pashupatinath temple for your Kathmandu trip packages - Once upon a time, a demon named Andhaka was raising havoc on your Kathmandu travel packages destination. According to Kathmandu travel legends, when the gods failed to subdue the demon they asked Lord Shiva for help. The celebrated Hindu god of the cosmos manifested himself in the form of a powerful lingam that you can check out on your Kathmandu trip packages. He was able to subdue the demon and return to Kailash, but the region where he manifested became a sacred spot for the people of Nepal and a popular destination on Kathmandu city tours and Kathmandu travel packages. Thus, they built the holiest Hindu temple, the Pashupatinath temple, to commemorate the heroic deed of Lord Shiva.
There are many other historical stories to explore on your Kathmandu tour. You can visit the temples and stupas steeped in history and you can learn interesting stories about the region when travelling with Kathmandu tour packages.
Key places to visit in Kathmandu
Kathmandu tourism has a lot to offer in the form of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. Whether you book your Kathmandu trip packages for pilgrimage, adventure, or a simple vacation to enjoy Kathmandu foods and Kathmandu sightseeing, you are bound to have an amazing experience. Here are some places to visit in Kathmandu for a wholesome trip with interesting things to do in Kathmandu:
1. The Pashupatinath Temple -
The famous Shiva temple houses the lingam that conquered the demon Andhaka. It is among the must-visit Kathmandu tourist places. The spiritual significance of the kKathmandufamous temple trip is rooted in strong beliefs. You can attain liberation from worldly woes by visiting the Pashupatinath temples in Kathmandu with an open mind and a welcoming heart.
2. Swayambhunath Temple -
Another spot for the temples in Kathmandu to visit on your Kathmandu holiday packages is the place where Buddha is said to have manifested. This famous temple on your tour to Kathmandu houses the stupa that was found in a blooming lotus. The region on your Kathmandu travel packages is teaming with monkeys, who are believed to be protecting the holiness of the temple.
3. Boudhanath Stupa -
It is one of the most famous Buddhist stupas on your Kathmandu holiday packages to explore on a tour to Kathmandu. While the spiritual significance of this Kathmandu sightseeing destination attracts many pilgrimages, it is also an architectural legacy from the 5th century. The Kathmandu holiday packages have a holistic feel at this Stupa with prayer wheels and flags celebrating the peacefulness of Buddhism in Kathmandu tourism. The dome on top of the stupa to visit on your Kathmandu holiday packages is particularly enchanting, making it one of the top Kathmandu tourist attractions.
4. Gosaikunda Temple -
One of the major Hindu pilgrimage sites on Kathmandu tourism is also one of the top places to see in Kathmandu. It is yet another religious institution dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Located 4380 metres above ground, these temples in Kathmandu house a sacred lake where pilgrims come on Kathmandu trip packages to wash away their sins on a tour to Kathmandu. It is situated in the Langtang National Park, which also makes it one of the top places to see in Kathmandu for nature enthusiasts on hiking and trekking trips on Kathmandu trip packages.
5. Durbar Square -
Kathmandu was once ruled for centuries by the Malla dynasty, and the rulers built the Durbar Square in the heart of the city for your tour to Kathmandu on your Kathmandu holiday packages. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing many temples, courtyards, and palaces within the grounds to explore on Kathmandu travel packages. It is one of the most coveted places to visit in Kathmandu for tourists. Even locals love to explore the serenity of these Kathmandu tourist places.
6. Garden of Dreams -
In a quiet corner away from the city lights and bustling traffic on your Kathmandu trip packages lies the Garden of Dreams. You must add this serene location to your Kathmandu itinerary on your Kathmandu city tour. Built in the 20th century, it may not be historically significant but the beauty of these Kathmandu tourist attractions will take your breath away. The Garden of Dreams features synchronicity between traditional Nepali culture and European styles of architecture, enjoy it with Kathmandu tour packages with a knowledgeable guide.
If you are on a spiritual journey, you cannot miss the temples in Kathmandu. They may even remind you of the famous temples in Rameswaram. These are among the best places to visit in Kathmandu that you must add to your Kathmandu travel packages.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
Kathmandu holiday packages are desirable around the year due to the unerring beauty and iconic Kathmandu tourist places. While a spiritual Kathmandu trip is available year-round, if you wish to partake in outdoor activities, then you must plan your Kathmandu travel packages based on seasonal changes.
Situated on a hilly enigma, Kathmandu experiences frequent low temperatures, especially during monsoon and winter seasons. December to February can be very chilly for a tour to Kathmandu but it provides the perfect backdrop for Kathmandu tours.
Summer hails high temperatures from March to May when the snow melts on Kathmandu trips. It is a good time to plan your Kathmandu tour packages with trekking. You can also explore the local markets with Kathmandu trip packages. It is followed by lush greenery brought forth by the monsoon season from June to August on your Kathmandu trip packages. The sceneries are not only breathtaking but also revive your spiritual curiosity, thus enlivening your Kathmandu holiday packages.
Autumn in Kathmandu tourism is an ideal time to visit if you want to celebrate the local festivals. The streets are enlivened with spirited lights, dance, and music on your tour to Kathmandu. It is also a good time to trek across the mountain ranges and indulge in outdoor activities on your Kathmandu holiday packages. It is undoubtedly the best time to visit Kathmandu.
Local culture and Kathmandu Foods to try
Kathmandu travels is a beautiful blend of Buddhism, Hinduism, and traditional Nepali practices. The locals of Kathmandu are often referred to as Newars and are very hospitable on your Kathmandu holiday packages. With a few polite greetings during your Kathmandu trip packages, you can make friends with the locals and learn about their cultures at all the Kathmandu tourist attractions.
The Newars celebrate culture, religion, and tradition, which you can enjoy on your Kathmandu tour packages. You can plan your Kathmandu holiday packages during the biggest Hindu festival of Dusshera, or Vijaya Dashami, which is grandly celebrated in Kathmandu as Dashain. You can also plan your Kathmandu trip packages during the festival of Tihar when they honour the Hindu god of death, Yama. You can enjoy the Kathmandu travel packages during the festival which is very similar to Diwali. On your Kathmandu holiday packages, you can celebrate the dawn of light over darkness. You can plan your Kathmandu travel packages to partake in these festivals with the locals.
Newars are also known for their art and culture to explore on your Kathmandu trip packages. You can acquire a traditional Buddhist painting known as Thangka to commemorate the spirituality of your Kathmandu tour packages. You can also practice traditional dances and the streets are vibrant with music during festival seasons.
A major part of Kathmandu's travels is Kathmandu famous foods. Here are some delicacies to explore on your Kathmandu travel packages:
1. Momos - Hearty dumplings filled with meats, eggs, or vegetables. It is among a famous food in Kathmandu.
2. Dal Bhat - A traditional Nepali combination of rice and lentils, which is also the most famous food in Kathmandu.
3. Chatamari - On your Kathmandu holiday packages, enjoy this Nepali pizza made of dough topped with meats or vegetables and local spices.
4. Thukpa - A traditional form of Tibetan noodles to try on your Kathmandu trip packages that come with soup and a side of vegetables or meat.
5. Sel Roti - A thinly-shaped fried doughnut made of rice flour and millet. It is a famous food in Kathmandu for snacking.
Helpful tips to keep in mind on your Kathmandu trip
Kathmandu tour packages are filled with interesting activities in which you can partake. However, the trekking and travelling can be quite hectic, so here are a few tips for your Kathmandu tour:
1. Stay hydrated during your Kathmandu travels. The higher altitudes in places can drain your hydration levels, so carry a bottle of water when exploring hills, temples, and stupas on your Kathmandu itinerary.
2. Eat Kathmandu foods with caution if you are not used to the spices. Also, if you are eating fresh fruits from local stands on your Kathmandu tour packages, make sure they are thoroughly washed before consumption.
3. Be polite and considerate while bargaining with the locals on your Kathmandu tour packages.
4. Always be respectful of local customs on your Kathmandu trip. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places on your Kathmandu travels. Avoid pointing your feet or toes towards the famous temples in Kathmandu as it is considered sacrilegious on Kathmandu tourism.
5. The traffic on your Kathmandu city tours can be brutal, especially during seasonal times. The old city centres are backed up due to narrow lanes and power issues. You can walk around on your tour to Kathmandu or hire a guide for your Kathmandu travels to navigate the traffic with ease.
Conclusion
Kathmandu travel packages with SOTC are an incredible way to escape the daily rat race and immerse yourself in the diving beauty of nature in Kathmandu tourism. The stupas and temples in Kathmandu provide incredible options for pilgrimages for followers of Hinduism and Buddhism alike on Kathmandu trip packages. Kathmandu tourism also sports serenity avenues.
If you are on your Kathmandu trip packages take some time to try Kathmandu famous foods and explore the outdoor activities. There is no end to the things to do in Kathmandu, including sitting in the Garden of Dreams shopping in the local markets, or taking a Kathmandu city tour. Kathmandu tour packages can be a truly enriching experience.
