The Best of Kathmandu in 2 Days

Kushal Jhunjhunwala (@KushalJ2w)

Traveler | Photographer | Co-founder of myroamingspirit.me

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and lies about 1400 metres above sea level. This Himalayan city has so much to offer its guests that you need atleast 3-4 days to see & feel it in the truest sense. But in this fast paced life, time is what most people don’t have. So if you have only 2 days to spare in Kathmandu, don’t be disappointed. I have done all the homework for you and have listed down a complete plan for these 2 days so that you don’t miss out anything.

These are the best places to visit or experience most of it can be covered in 2 days:

1. Chandragiri hill – It’s a 30-45 mins drive from the city depending on where you are put up. Leave soon after you check in. Once you reach the foot station, you can buy tickets for the massive 2.5 kms rope way that takes you right up on the Chandragiri hill. The rope way itself is an exhilarating experience that you will remember for a long time. Once you reach the top, you can pray at the Bhaleswor Mahadev temple, stroll in the kids parks or pay a nominal fee to witness the majestic Everest range from an observatory.            

           Entry fee - USD 10 to 25 (depending on your nationality)
           Total Time Required - 3 to 4 hours

​2. Shopping at Durbar Square – On your return from Chandragiri, head straight to the shopping centre of the Kathmandu, the Durbar square (Durbar means palace). This is not only a great shopping destination for artefacts and local crafts, but also the traditional centre of the old town. 
Time Required – 2 hours

​3. Thamel Street – Though you can visit this place any time of the day, it gets vibrant and lively only in the evenings. Thamel hosts several pubs, bars and eating joints; you can see a diverse set of people from different walks of life here. Mountaineers often meet their buddies here before setting off on their expeditions.  Keep all valuables and passport safely with you as some thefts are often reported. Time Required - 2 to 3 hours

4. Food at Bhojan Griha – If you are more interested to see the cultural aspects of the city, head straight for dinner to the Bhojan Griha. Its an authentic Nepali restaurant set up in a 150 year old heritage building. Enjoy the Newari folk dances and music while you sip on the local alcohol and munch on the delectable Newari dishes.
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5. Nagarkot Sunsrise : Next day, you have two early morning options. This is the first one. Nagarkot village is located about 30 kms from the city centre and lies at an elevation of 6800 feet above sea level. This is a guided tour  (though can also be done on your own but its not recommended) which starts at 4:30 am with pickup from the hotel and an hour’s drive. Once you reach, there is a small trail where you must walk before you can witness the beautiful view of the Himalayan sunrise from an observatory. Feel the happiness when you see the snow capped Himalayan mountains turn golden and then a little brown, as the sun rays reflects of the top. Return to hotel by 8:30 am.

6. The Mountain flight – If you have the energy and drive, you can actually do both the Nagarkot sunrise and the morning flight to the Everest, though we leave that up to you (and there's a high chance that you miss the flight). The Mountain flight is a one of its kind experience that provides panoramic views of the Himalayan range from the comfortable seats inside a plane. A window seat is guaranteed and you can book through either Yeti Airlines or Buddha Air. Flights depart from the Domestic Terminal and there are multiple flights between 6 am to 10 am. Costs around INR 7500 per person. Total Duration – Upto 2 hours (flight time of 50 minutes)

7. Temples at Kathmandu – Once you are back from the mountain flight, you can relax at the hotel and the head on a spiritual tour of Kathmandu.

• Swayambhunath temple - Start with Swayambhunath temple as it is one on the opposite direction. Take adequate rest before starting this part of the tour as you have a climb some 365 steep steps only (not recommended for senior citizens). Those who can’t take the stairs can access the car route from behind.  The temple, constructed in around 500 CE, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can find the main Stupa, smaller shrines and temples once you reach the top, Entry fee is applicable for foreign nationals. The temple also offers some magnificent views of the city that you won't be able to see from any other point.
• Boudhanath Stupa:  Also referred to as the Eyes of Nepal, it is one of the largest Buddhist Stupas in South Asia. The Stupa rises to a height of 36 metres and you can feel the spiritual vibes with the buzzing energy of the people circling the stupa. There is a set of Buddha eyes on each side of the Stupa resembling awareness.
• Pashupatinath temple: This holy hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 5th Century. One of the most sacred temples for Hindus, the Pashupatinath is located on the banks of Bagmati River and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the largest temple complex in Nepal and it’s a must visit for all. The temple does not allow visitors to click pictures and it is recommended that you respect the rules. Enjoy the calmness inside and give your senses some spiritual break. 

8. Food at Dwarika's: After attaining some enlightenment and feeding the soul, its time to feed the stomach; and what better place than the Dwarika’s (it’s walking distance from the Pashupatinath temple) The hotel was registered in 1977 and the architecture is a tribute to the Nepal’s diverse cultural heritage. The hotel boasts of one of the largest woodwork collection in the world. The hotel has multiple restaurants each offering a different experience. Krishnarpan, the Nepali specialty restaurant, is a slow dining experience with up to 22 course meal options; Mako’s is a Japanese restaurant; Toran offers all day casual dining while Fusion bar is best for Friday evenings. 

Good Food is always a great way to end any tour. This wraps up the 2 day plan for Kathmandu. I hope this was helpful for you. Leave us your feedback in the comments box below or write to us at [email protected]

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