The Magical Beauty Of Kathmandu | Story

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Nepal is such an enchanting country, that you won’t believe your eyes.

Just think of Kathmandu, the capital.

Its name sounds like a spell, a magical formula.

Kathmandu is a moltitudine of colors, voices and noises, aromas, dust, chaos. It’s a mystic place of millenary traditions, vibrant energy and very lovely people.

Nepali woman on the street

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Nepal has so much to offer, especially in terms of nature. It is enough to say that some of the highest mountains in the world are right there, the world-famous Annapurna and, of course, the Everest. So if you are looking for breathtaking landscapes and hardcore trekking, you are certainly in the right place.

Temples and stupas

After you are done with the trekking, it is time to plunge into the primitive and chaotic beauty of Kathmandu.

The first impression might be a little shocking: traffic is pretty intense and noisy. Cars, bicycles, bus, motorbikes, rikshaws and sometimes animals, happen to populate the roads at the same time, so be careful!

White Stupa

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The city offers a variety of temples that are worth to visit: the huge Monkey Temple, built on a hill and inhabited by hundreds of monkey (watch out! Don’t bring any food with you, because they will steal it from your bag); the Indi temple of Pashupatinath, where you can watch some interesting (maybe a bit creepy) cremation ceremonies and religious rituals.

Monkey Temple

Temples in Kathmandu are very important social and religious hubs in the city, where people gather together and share the most profound experiences, like funerals.

The main attraction of the city is Durbar Square, famous for its spectacular architecture and market, is also part of Unesco heritage.

Another marvelous Unesco Heritage site is the Buddhist white stupa, called Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world; it is also surrounded by lots of local shops and restaurants.

Durbar Square

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Thamel

One of the most popular neighborhood in Kathmandu, where you can find the most of the tourists and backpackers, is Thamel.

Thamel

You will fall in love with its vibrant and lively atmosphere, when walking through the narrow streets full of craft shops and restaurants. Shopping is something to take seriously in Kathmandu, especially when it comes to handicraft products such as jewelry, clothing and accessories. You can’t leave without buying at least a necklace or a pair of colorful pants!

Souvenirs

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Thamel is also known for its vivacious nightlife: pubs and restaurants get filled with loads of travelers and locals too, who stay up until late at night to buy their midnight snacks off the several street food vendors.

Pubs that you might want to check out, recommended by locals: Shisha bar, Tom and Jerry’s, Grasshopper cafe and bar.

Shop in Thamel

What is a MOMO?

If you like Indian Food but your spiciness tolerance is pretty low, then you will love Nepali food.

Dal Bhat is probably the most traditional dish: it consists of a delicious curry lentil soup (Dal), rice on a side and some vegetables. Most of Nepali people eat Dal Bhat everyday and more than once a day; they say “Dal Bhat Power, 24 Hour”, because of its high nutritional value.

Momos. Picture from https://www.innaturale.com/

Momo is another popular and mouthwatering dish in Nepal: it’s a type of dumpling filled with different stuffing, such as vegetables, chicken or even buffalo meat. They can be steamed or fried and can be generally eaten with red sauce or soup.

Dal Bhat. Picture from https://www.whats4eats.com/

If you are having a Nepali meal you will probably be drinking a Masala Tea, with milk and spices, or Banana Lassi, a traditional sweet milkshake made with yogurt. Simply yummy!

What else to say? Kathmandu will put a spell on you with its temples, food and traditions!

HAVE A LOOK AT THE PHOTOGALLERY GALLERY BELOW!

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