How do I plan my trip in Kathmandu?

Posted by anamika
Posted on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 at 11:57 am

Tags: durbar squares, kathmandu, mountain biking, mountain flight, plan trip, temples, travel to kathmandu

How to travel to Kathmandu?

First travel to Kathmandu which is the government and business and touristic hub as well. It is the launching place for the Mountain and regular flights to the Everest region including Lukla.

Ideal for:

Sightseeing the cultural and religious heritages and witnessing festivals
Short hikes around the valley
Moutain biking around Kathmandu valley

Best time to visit:

October to December; and from mid February to May (torrential rainfall during July to September -which some of you may enjoy a lot).

Attractions:

Temples like Pashupatinath, Budhanilkantha, Changu Narayan, Dakshinkali (half a day trip to each temple)
Stupas and monasteries like Swayambhunath, Bodhnath, Kapan (half a day trip to each spot)
Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares (half a day trip to each spot)
Hiking around Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun, Sundarijal, Nagarkot (one day trip and can be extended)
Mountain Biking around Kathmandu valley – especially around the hills (around a day)
Sunrise, sunset, and panoramic views of the mountains from Nagarkot – an hour’s drive from Kathmandu city. Recommended for overnight stay.
Paragliding in the southern part of Kathmandu, over the Godvari Botanical Garden.
Festivals like Seto Machhendranath in Kathmandu, Rato Machhendranath in Patan during April; Dashain, Tihar, Chhath in October to November all around Kathmandu valley; Bisket Jatra in Bhaktapur in mid April; Shivaratri in Pashupatinath Temple in February March, Gai Jatra in Kathmandu during August or September (Visit ExoticBuddha Calendar for exact date of the events).
Recreational visits to discos, bars, and casinos (during the night)
Enjoying a variety of meals (lunch, dinner) in restaurants in tourist hubs like Thamel, Durbar Marg, Patan, Bhaktapur.