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Explore the Capital City of Kathmandu

Explore the Capital City of Kathmandu

As the capital city, Kathmandu is the heartbeat of the country’s activity and the undisputed gateway to tourism in Nepal.  It has the most advanced infrastructure and economy of any urban city in the country and boasts a colourful history dating back more than 2000 years.
 
Kathmandu is the perfect destination to stave off the effects of jet lag and also acclimatising to the literally breath-taking elevation, before moving onto the Himalayas or the challenges that lie ahead at Mount Everest.  Having said that, it is a bustling city, full of interesting sights, ornate buildings, friendly locals and delicious food – an excellent deluge of attractions which will be sure to keep you coming back for more.
 
Rich in wildlife and overflowing with history; there is no better place to begin your journey than a trip to Swayambhunath.  Built in the beginning of the fifth century, Swayambhunath is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal.  Also known as Monkey Temple, this Buddhist temple on top of a hill is home to hundreds of the sacred creatures.  The temple itself contains lots of different shrines within its domed architecture and it is well worth a visit, however a certain level of physical conditioning is required as there are 365 steps to climb before you can reach the destination and unfortunately there are no elevators.
 
Something a little more accessible but equally impressive is the Narayanhiti Palace Museum.  Throughout the ages this contemporary pagoda served as a primary residence for the country’s monarchs before the revolution of 2006 ousted the King.  The royal palace was turned into a public museum immediately after the country was declared a republic and as such the glory of the crown jewels are there for all to see. 
 
Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage site is inscribed as Seven UNESCO Monument Zones for its religious ensembles and monumental urban centres.  At the heart of the Valley lies the Durbar Square, which hosts many of Nepal’s festivals, such as the Hindu Deepawali Festival of Light in October or the Indra Jatra Harvest Festival in September where the Goddess Kumari is pride of place in her chariot forming part of the parade. 
 
There’s a lot of food on offer in Kathmandu but a local speciality is Momo, a dumpling whose recipe came from the Tibetan mountains and is hugely popular in the city.  These tasty treats are usually made of chicken and are fried or steamed and served with vegetables.  There’s also a great selection of both Nepalese and international restaurants to choose from for a luxury three-course meal.  After the food, the best hotels can be found in the areas around the Narayanhiti Palace Museum or Durbar Square.  Try the Yak and Yeti, a converted palace and a landmark in its own right, for the true royal treatment during your stay in Nepal. 

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