Places to visit in Kathmandu

• Kasthamandap: Named after Kasthamandap (literally ‘wooden shelter’) that once stood in the historic Durbar Square, collapsed during the 2015 earthquake. Originally built as a rest house for travellers, the Kasthamandap stood at the intersection of two ancient trade routes linking India and Tibet at Maru Square. As per legend, all the timber for the two-storey structure was from a single tree, and no iron nails were used. Presently the reconstruction work of the ruined structure has been started and expected to get completed in 2019.
• The Durbar Square complex: It has nearly 50 temples with the Kumari Ghar (where the virginal living goddess is enshrined) and Shiva Parvati Temple in the outer quadrangle. The inner courtyard has the Hanuman Dhoka with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels with the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. Don’t miss the larger than life stone image of Kala Bhairava found at the Durbar Square itself.
• Seven Monument Zones: The Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Bhaktapur and Patan, along with the massive Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and the ancient Hindu temples of Pashupatinath and Changunarayan, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and constitute the Seven Monument Zones. Kopan Monastery is also one of the famous Buddhist monasteries where you can take up meditation courses.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of the city, the 5th century Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Tourists flock to the temple of Lord Shiva, worshipped as the Lord of Animals, to witness Hindu rituals of life and death.
• Budhanilkantha: Also worth a look is Budhanilkantha, a giant statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes, the largest stone carving in Nepal. As per legend, the entire Kathmandu Valley was once a vast lake with a ‘self-manifest’ lotus in the middle. Manjusri, the Boddhisattva cut a gorge with his heavenly sword and drained the lake to create the present Kathmandu Valley, making it fit for human habitation. The lotus got transformed into a hill, and the flower became the Swayambhu stupa. The painted eyes of Lord Buddha on the dome looking in all four directions has now become an iconic symbol of Nepal.

Nightlife in Kathmandu

Kathmandu has a buzzing nightlife and Thamel, with its bars, restaurants, karaoke joints and live music venues, is party central. Jatra Café and Bar, The Rum Doodle Bar and Restaurant and Tom & Jerry Pub are the picks of the backpacker bars in Thamel. There are plenty of cover bands floating around town but for good live music, catch quality Nepali rock, reggae and R&B at House of Music on Amrit Marg. The swish JBar on Tridevi Marg is more Downtown Manhattan than Thamel and plays chill-out music paired with its extensive cocktail menu. If you are the Buddha Bar sorts, then you’ll love the cool ambient vibe of Tamas Spa Lounge, with drapes, candles and Buddha statues for the vibe. Beyond Thamel, New Orleans Cafe is a Kathmandu institution where every evening local bands play rock and blues in the courtyard dominated with pub tables. Rox Bar at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu has good live jazz and attracts a posh crowd. Upstairs Jazz is another excellent jazz venue with the valley’s best talent on show on Wednesday and Saturday.