There are few people on the face of the earth who aren’t aware of the devastating impact that the Nepal earthquake had on the people of Kathmandu in 2015. This landlocked sovereign state was hugely affected – both culturally, historically and fundamentally – by the damage done from the huge tremors in the middle of last year. Lives were lost and it was a tough time for this tourism-fuelled location as they struggled to rebuild. Now more than ever, the people and industry in Kathmandu needs your support as they work to get back to a place of happiness and health. Travelling with Travezl is a great way to get the most out of a trip to this stunning historical and geological locale while experiencing an intrepid exploration style.
A bit of background
Kathmandu is located in the heart of the Himalayas and is bordered on the north side by the People’s Republic of China and on the south, east and west by the Republic of India. The city of Kathmandu is the capital city of the nation of Nepal, and it is also the largest city in the country. The valley of Kathmandu is located at an altitude of 1,350 metres to be precise – and it covers an area of 564 square kilometres. The city is surrounded by four major peaks named Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri, and the city is easily reached by road or by air.
What to see in Kathmandu
Boudhanath Stupa
This spot is a UNESCO site which makes it well worth a visit! This 36 metre-high stupa is one of the largest in Asia and is the centre of Buddhism in Nepal. This spot was badly damaged by the earthquake and is currently undergoing reconstruction.
Durbar Square
This spot is home to a square where kings were once given their legitimisation and crowning. The word ‘durbar’ means palace, and the square remains the traditional heart of the old town of Kathmandu and an incredible example of traditional architecture. You can spend many a pleasant hour strolling around here and it’s a great way for a traveller to get a solid feel for what the city is like. Most of the square is dated from the 17th and 18th centuries – though some of the original buildings are much, much older – and some rebuilding did happen here after the great earthquake of 1934. This site was given UNESCO listing in 1979 and remains a huge drawcard for tourists looking to get a great experience of Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath Temple
You cannot visit Kathmandu and not go to the site of Swayambhunath – yet another stunning UNESCO site in the area. This temple is literally mobbed by monkeys and is a great spot from which to watch the sunset over the city. Take a trip up here and experience the sight of this majestic spot slowly changing from sunlit to dusk as the sun dips below the incredible mountain ranges.
Garden of Dreams
Take a walk around the stunning gardens of Swapna Bagaicha, or Garden of Dreams. Despite the fact that this spot was somewhat damaged by the 2015 earthquake, this spot still has its rightful title as one of the most peaceful and serene gardens in Kathmandu. The gardens were built in the 1920s after field marshal Kaiser Shumsher took a visit to several Edwardian estates in England and decided to use funds won from his father in a hugely profitable game of cowrie shells! The gardens have suffered from neglect in their past but were since lovingly brought back to their current state of care by the same team responsible for the Patan Museum.
Enjoy a trip to Kathmandu and discover this stunning spot for yourself on your next trip.