Intoxicating Kathmandu!
The very mention of Kathmandu conjures up a delightful image of Tibetan monks draped in maroon robes, courtyards filled with spices, rickshaws trundling down the quaint streets and gardens overflowing with marigolds! It is the quirky, old-world charm of Kathmandu that draws a staggering number of people to this intoxicating capital of Nepal every year!
The vivacious capital greets its visitors with an exhilarating surprise as they step off the airplane. It is a feast for all the bodily senses to be in Kathmandu which is very aptly tagged as a tourists' Mecca. The city offers so many engaging pursuits that you may spend a fortnight in Kathmandu and yet not explore it inside out. From the Royal Palace to Durbar Square, Hanuman Statue to Baudha Stupa, Thamel Chowk to Freak Street, Garden of Dreams to Nasal Chowk - every bit of Kathmandu is worth exploring! So, pack your bags for a fun-filled adventure trip to the sorceress called Kathmandu!
So far as the nightlife of this fabled capital is concerned, it's pretty hip and happening. There are a good number of pubs and clubs concentrated around Pulchowk (Patan), Freak Street and Thamel. It is although illegitimate to play loud music in the city post 10 pm but there still quite a lot of clubs and pubs which stay open much late than this! The two most swanky clubs of Kathmandu are Tamas Spa Lounge and Tom and Jerry's Bar. Besides these two upscale stations, Kathmandu has many other rocking destinations for those who to peep into the nightlife of Kathmandu. The popular ones include Celtic Menang, Tongue and Tales, Galaxy Discotheque and Underground Bar. Besides this, Kathmandu is also a spanking place for all those who have a thing for live music. Live concerts may be enjoyed at G's Terrace, New Orleans Cafe and Reggae Bar.
Kathmandu has also got a lot to offer to those who are on a religious/ spiritual voyage to the city. It houses the magnificent Pashupatinath Temple (a pious Hindu shrine), Changu Narayan Temple (dedicated to Lord Vishnu), Baudhanath Stupa (largest in the entire Kathmandu valley), Swayambhunath Stupa (Golden spire) and Bhaktapur (tagged as the 'City of Devotees). Not to forget the 'Durbar Square' that is being protected and maintained as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Primarily, this social and religious centre is a complex of statues, shrines, courtyards, temples and palaces that were constructed by the ancient Nepalese kings around the time period between 12th to 18th centuries. A visit to Nepal, or Kathmandu, more precisely, is incomplete without a visit to 'Durbar Square'.
If you want to catch the city's verve at its crispiest best, you must plan a visit anywhere between March and May or October and December. Kathmandu suffuses with unbridled dynamism during these months.
Kathmandu is world famed for its beautiful handicrafts, wooden items, carpets, copper/ bronze statues, shawls and kaftans. It is a great idea to pick up some of these regional souvenirs on one's way back home!
