The city of Kathmandu, in the words of the city's website, is "an open air museum of famous sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and are inspiring deities..." The city's supply of historic, artistic, and cultural attractions is inexhaustible.
Nepal is among the world's leading nature destinations for hikers and backpackers; so the city of Kathmandu is sometimes overlooked as a destination in its own right. To many, the city is just a transit point for more exotic destinations like Pokhara or Mustang. But there is plenty to do without ever leaving the Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu today is really three cities: Kathmandu proper, Patan (about 2 miles southeast of Kathmandu), and Bhaktapur (about 8 miles south of Kathmandu proper). Several beautiful, fascinating villages and small towns also exist in the valley. And once outside the urban tri-city sprawl, the spell binding view of Himalayan peaks can be seen from a number of locations on the valley's edge.
Kathmandu is best understood through the eyes of history and of religion. A decent history of Nepal is available online. Finding a little background on Nepal's complicated religious situation is a little harder, but here are a few links:
- Hinduism is the leading religion of Nepal. Kathmandu is the seat of power for the world's only remaining Hindu Kingdom, and the King of Nepal is considered locally to be an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu.
- Buddhism has also played an important role in the Kathmandu's past, and Buddha is supposed to have spent time in the city of Patan in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Kathmandu is home to Kumari, the living Hindu goddess.
- Religious festivals shape life in Kathmandu.
As truly exotic destinations go, Kathmandu is a relatively accessible one and not horribly demanding. You can stay in accommodation ranging from luxury hotels to small (and cheap) hostels and guesthouses. The food is good, inexpensive, and varied. And it is difficult to run out of new experiences.