What's So Special About Kathmandu? ❓❗

As Nepal's capital ✨, Kathmandu is often described as: "As many houses as temples, as many people as gods." In Sanskrit, its name means "Temple of the Wood" 👁️—so where should you actually go? First, "visiting Kathmandu" usually means exploring the Kathmandu Valley, which includes three historic cities: Kathmandu Patan Bhaktapur Here’s your ultimate guide to the must-see spots: 🐒 Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple) 📍 2.9km from Thamel (~200-300 NPR by taxi) Swarming with holy monkeys 🐵 and offering panoramic city views 🌇. Climb the 365 steps (watch your snacks—monkeys steal!). 🏛️ Kathmandu Durbar Square 📍 10-15 min walk from Thamel The city’s bustling heart, home to the Kumari (Living Goddess) 🗽 (best chance to see her: 4-5 PM). Ticket: 1000 NPR. 🎨 Patan Durbar Square (Patan City) 📍 6.4km from Thamel (~400-500 NPR taxi) The most artistic of the three squares—don’t miss the Patan Museum (hire a guide for stories!). Ticket: 1000 NPR. 🏰 Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Bhaktapur City) 📍 16km from Thamel (~1000 NPR taxi) A medieval masterpiece 🏰, once the mightiest of the Malla kingdoms. Sip legendary Bhaktapur yogurt 🍶—stay overnight if you can! Ticket: 500 NPR for Chinese passports (others: 1500 NPR). ☸️ Boudhanath Stupa 📍 6km from Thamel (~400-500 NPR taxi) The world’s largest spherical stupa—spin prayer wheels and make a wish ✨. 🔥 Pashupatinath Temple 📍 4.2km from Thamel (~300-400 NPR taxi) Witness Hindu cremation rituals along the Bagmati River (no photos of pyres!). Evening Aarti ceremony (6:30-7:30 PM) is hauntingly beautiful 🏙️. 🛍️ Thamel Street 📍 Central Kathmandu Eat, shop, exchange money—this backpacker hub has it all (haggle hard for souvenirs!). ⛩️ Changu Narayan Temple 📍 15-20 min from Bhaktapur A UNESCO-listed Hindu temple with 1,500-year-old carvings. Pro Tips: Taxis: Use inDrive (cheaper than haggling). Tickets: Keep cash (cards rarely accepted). Dress: Shoulders/knees covered at temples. #NepalTravel #Kathmandu #HiddenGems #TravelDiaries #WorldHeritage 🌏