Spiritual Nepal: A Pilgrimage to Kathmandu Valley

Being the largest city in Nepal, Kathmandu is home to around 3 million people and it attracts all kinds of visitors. Many people come here either to study or do business. However, others come to this place to have a spiritual journey, whether they want to find the meaning of life or simply need to put themselves back into equilibrium.

Visiting Kathmandu Valley Tips and Tricks

Nicely situated just below the Great Himalayas, Kathmandu is a city with a long and exciting history. A lot of tourists first come here to visit its mountains. But, once you feel the warm welcome from the people here, this city will make you come back again and again. Of course, there are some things to know to get the most out of your trip.

To start, you must remember that you should never come here during the monsoon, which usually lasts from May to September. There is a huge amount of rainfall here so you might be forced to stay in your hotel room all the time. Outside, the road is flooded because of the poor drainage system, and this will keep you inside even longer.

Also, you should be aware of strikes. They are fairly common and they usually affect markets, schools, and offices. Moreover, you should plan your travel route wisely. This city does not have a reliable mass transportation system. To the uninitiated, it is easy to get overwhelmed by how chaotic the traffic can be. So, to have a trouble-free commute, use the Sajha Yatayat bus.

Don’t the not-so-appealing aspects above discourage you from visiting Kathmandu Valley just yet! Despite all the chaos and disorganization, there still are things that will make you fall in love with the city. You can, for example, capture the scenic view of the Himalayas and the other mountain ranges from the downtown area. 

Another thing you can enjoy in this city is its culinary delight. You should try chwella, which is a mouthwatering dish consisting of spiced meat, mincemeat tartare, lentils, and eggs. Another must-try cuisine is momo. Nepalis believe that this humble and unassuming dish originates from the Chinese region of Xi’an, but it has been modified to suit local liking.

Must Visit Spiritual Places in Kathmandu Valley

Now, are you ready to make Kathmandu Valley your next vacation destination? Yes, the city is not without flaws. Air pollution can give the streets a hazy atmosphere and the clogged traffic can make you go crazy in no time. Interestingly, once you make your way out of the city’s busier parts, you can find many places that can bring a positive vibe to your spiritual side.

Boudhanath Stupa

For Kathmandu residents, as well as Nepalese in general, the Boudhanath Stupa represents a very important symbol of Buddhism. Here, you will see chains of colorful flags that adorn the outer yard and the eyes of Buddha that overlooks the city. You can also explore the nearby hills via the narrow streets that guide you through hundreds of monasteries.

Kopan Monastery

On the northern side of Boudhanath Stupa, there is a monastery that sits on a hilltop. This is the Kopan Monastery, which is one of the largest in the country. This is among the first monasteries that open their doors to Western students, which is why you might come across several curious learners who spend some of their time learning Buddhist values.

Swayambhunath Temple

This site is located not far from the city center and it is often nicknamed the “Monkey Temple” by visitors. However, despite its adjacent location, visitors are required to climb more than 300 steps before they can reach the top and enjoy a scenic view of Kathmandu Valley. The complex itself has influences from Hindu and Buddhist civilizations.

Namo Buddha

You will need a couple of hour drive to reach Namo Buddha. It is located east of Kathmandu and legend says that this is the place where the Buddha sacrificed himself to be eaten by a starving tiger. If you come here on a clear day, you can enjoy the scenic landscape of the Himalayas. The nearby monastery is also worth a visit.

Pashupatinath Temple

Despite the pictures of Buddhist monks that often represent it, Nepal is actually a Hindu country. And, for the Hindus living in the country, the Pashupatinath Temple is a very sacred place. They believe that this is the home of Lord Shiva, which is considered the master of all creatures. In addition, this temple also represents the balance of life and death.

Lumbini Peace Park

This is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist practitioners from all over the world and it is believed that this is the place where the Great Siddhartha Gautama was born. Besides the Buddha’s Birthplace Memorial site, you can also explore the Cultural Center area. This area allows visitors to learn how Buddhist teachings combine theory and practice.

Guheshwori Temple

Located only a few minutes walk from Pashupatinath Temple, lies a temple dedicated to Goddess Sati, who sacrificed herself due to the insults thrown by her family to his husband, Lord Shiva. Devotees usually come here prior to the main Pashupatinath festival. The temple is usually not very busy, and the forest that surrounds it adds more to its tranquility.

Changu Narayan

This is a complex of temples that is located just north of Bhaktapur. The site has a rural feel to it and there are several souvenir shops nearby that rarely get busy. Unfortunately, this place was severely damaged during the 2005 earthquake. Luckily enough, visitors can still explore the surrounding area and witness daily rituals.

The Takeaway

A lot of visitors only see Kathmandu as the gateway to the rest of Nepal. However, before you continue your journey to places like Everest and Annapurna, you should know that this city is actually worth spending your time. Often called the abode of the Gods, the city retains its values for spiritual seekers and other kinds of travelers.