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Tour

Organized Tours

Trekking is the most popular tour in Nepal, if that is what you’re after then check with your travel agent about reputable companies. In terms of sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley the company Wayfarers (Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, +9771 4266010) is a reliable operator. Their tours range from 4 day to 6 days in length. They involve tours of old Kathmandu, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan with afternoon excursions of Bhaktapur and a drive to Nagarkot. However for something different try a guided mountain bike trip. Depending on the company, high quality bicycles, local and Western guides, helmets and other equipment are provided. Popular routes on offer are: Budhanilkantha – Chisopani – Nagarkot and back; Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park via Daman and Hetauda and even a four day tour of the Tibetan border.

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Organized Tours

Trekking is the most popular tour in Nepal, if that is what you’re after then check with your travel agent about reputable companies. In terms of sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley the company Wayfarers (Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, +9771 4266010) is a reliable operator. Their tours range from 4 day to 6 days in length. They involve tours of old Kathmandu, Swayambhunath stupa and Patan with afternoon excursions of Bhaktapur and a drive to Nagarkot. However for something different try a guided mountain bike trip. Depending on the company, high quality bicycles, local and Western guides, helmets and other equipment are provided. Popular routes on offer are: Budhanilkantha – Chisopani – Nagarkot and back; Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park via Daman and Hetauda and even a four day tour of the Tibetan border.

The bike companies listed here are recommended:

Bike Nepal Location: Thamel Tel: +01-4240633

Nepal Mountain Bike Tours Location:Thamel Tel: +01-4701701

Path Finder Cycling Location: Located across from La Dolce Vita restaurant Tel: +01-4700468

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What to do with kids in tow?

Activity

Very few people travel with their children in Nepal as it has very limited activities for them to take part in, not to mention the high risk of disease. Nepalese cuisine might also be trying for children that are not used to spicy food and highchairs are almost nonexistent in the rural areas. Like most capital cities, Kathmandu has a zoo (Central Zoo, Jawalahel, Patan, 5528023, adult/child Rs 150/100) which lots of exotic animals. The best thing about it is that it’s one of the most reputable places that will let you ride an elephant (for only $1.50), you can even hire one for the hour at $15.15. Some hotels also have swimming pools that can be used for a small price; alternatively check out the public pools in Balaju and the National Stadium. There are also hot air balloon flights that are priced at US$250. If your child wants something more simple, head to Pilgrims Book House (Thamel, Kathmandu, 977-1-4700942, 8am to 10pm daily) which stocks kids books.

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Kasthamandap (Pavilion of the Wood)

Temple

A three-roof building that according to local lore was constructed in the 12th century from the wood of a single sal tree. It was first used as a community centre for the congregation of the people before major events. It was later converted into a temple dedicated to Gorakhnath a 13th century abstinent who was linked to the royal family. Currently the building houses an image of a god which is interesting as Gorakhnath is represented by only his footprints. The four corners of the building have images of Ganesh.

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Hanuman Dhoka

road

A small area within Dunbar Square, this place serves as the inner palace complex that was originally founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD). The structure that stands today was constructed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. There are now ten chowks (courtyards) to explore here; cameras are allowed here but not within the buildings of the complex. The Hanuman Statue marks the entrance to Hanuman Dhoka and dates to 1672.

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Rani Pokhari

Sight

A fence enclosed tank, just off Kantipath is said to have been built by King Pratap Malla for his grief-stricken wife after the accidental death of their son in 1667. The pokhari (pool) was used during the Malla era for trials by ordeal and later became a suicide spot; because of this, the tank is opened only one day a year, the fifth day of the Tihar festival.

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Garden of Dreams

Garden

Tel: +9771 442 5340 Price: Adult/child: Rs 160/40 Opening Time: 9am-10pm

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Three Goddesses Temples

Temple

Found next to the Snachaya Kosh Bhawan Shopping Centre in Thamel, these temples are often ignored. Symbolically located on the Trivdevi Marg (‘tri’ means three and ‘devi’ means goddesses), these temples pay tribute to Dakshinkali, Manakamana and Jawalamai.

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Asan Tole

road

The busiest square in the city, from dawn to dusk it is crammed with vendors selling spices and vegetables from all over the country. It is fitting then that Annapurna Temple is dedicated to the goddess of abundance, represented by a purana bowl of grain. On Sundays and other days of the week, you’ll see locals walk around the shrine, touch a coin to their heads, throw it into the temple then ring the little bell above their heads. Nearby is the two-storey Ganesh shrine and on the western side of the shrine are spice shops.

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Jaisi Deval Temple

Temple

Tall and triple roofed, this temple sits at what once was the site of the ancient city during the Licchavi period (during the 4th and 8th centuries). This temple is a Shiva one as specified by the bull on the steps and the mildly erotic carvings on the temple struts. To the west of the temple you’ll find the Ram Chandra Temple, named after Ram – an incarnation of Vishnu and the hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

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Swayambhunath

Temple

Located outside the ring road surrounding Kathmandu, this Buddhist temple is considered to be one of the definitive experiences of the city. Nicknames the ‘Monkey Temple’ given the mass of monkeys you’ll find, the compound is centred around a white stupa, topped by a spire with the painted eyes of Buddha. It is a great place to see the sun set over Kathmandu and the mystical atmosphere of ancient carvings and prayer wheels everywhere is heightened by all the morning and evening pilgrims who come here to make a ritual circumnavigation of the stupa.

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Niralla – Kathmandukathmandu

Niralla – Kathmandu

Address: Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal Located near the Hotel de l’Annapurna, this restaurant serves fast food from a full menu of halal food, including lamb, chicken and vegetarian fast food. Alcoholic drinks are not served at the restaurant.

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Chez Caroline

Address: Babar Mahal Revisited, Maitighar, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4263070

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Chimney

Address: Dunbar Marg, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4248999 Located within the Yak and Yeti Hotel, this restaurant is one of the most famous in Kathmandu. It’s named after the open fireplace and serves mostly continental dishes like chicken a la Kiev.

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Ghar-e-Kebab

Location: Dunbar Marg, Kathmandu Found inside the Hotel de l’Annapurna, this restaurant serves north Indian cuisine with tandoori dishes and pistachio sherbet for dessert. In the evening, the Indian atmosphere is heightened by the classical music played and traditional love songs which are sung by artists.

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1905

Location: Kantipath, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4225272

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Bhanchha Ghar

Location: Kamaladi, east of Durbar Marg, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4225172

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La Dolce Vita

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4700612

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Kilroy’s

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4250441

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Dechenling

Location: Thamel, Kathmandu Tel: +9771 4412158 You’ll find a mix of Indian and Tibetan food here with interesting Bhutanese dishes such as kewa dhatsi (potatoes and cheese curry) and thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup). The place has a nice garden set-up.

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Hotel Shangri-La

There’s a lot to enjoy at this hotel which has a new casino, a fitness centre, bar, Indian restaurant and a business centre. However the main draw card of this hotel is the huge garden with its own cafe and kid’s play area.

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Radisson Hotel

Address: PO Box 2269, Lazimpat Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977 1 441 1818

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Yak and Yeti Hotel

Address: GPO Box 1016, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-1-4248999/4240520

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Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

Luxury Hotels

The top end in luxury hotels, this 280 room establishment has Malla-style architecture and the stupas in the foyer (a lamp-lighting ceremony held at dusk). All rooms have high-speed Internet access, mini-bar and in-room safes; the hotel itself possess an outdoor swimming pool, three tennis courts and fitness centre and can organise trekking activities. After a hard day sightseeing the spa offers a shirodhara (oil pouring) Ayurvedic treatment. One of the best things about this hotel is its proximity to the Bodhnath stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple.

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Dwarika Hotel

Address: P.O.Box-459, Battisputali, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: (977-1) 4479488/4470770

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Hotel Garuda

Address: GPO Box 1771, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-1 4700766

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International Guest House

Address: PO Box 7060, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +9771 4252299 There is much to like here at this hotel which has century-old carved terracotta architecture, a spacious garden and one of the best roof-top views of the city from its location in Kaldhara, North Thamel. There is a multi-cuisine restaurant, they provide free internet use and luggage storage. Room wise, there is a range of choices between the deluxe suites and standard rooms – all are tastefully furnished.

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Annapurna Lodge

Address: Freak St area, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +9771 4247684

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Hotel Tibet

Address: PO Box 7956, Lazimpath, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal Tel: +9771 4429085

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Astoria Hotel

Address: Jyatha, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: +977-1-4250131