Nepal Diaries 2019 - 1st Edition - Travel to Kathmandu

Travelling to Kathmandu was a great idea I thought of later in 2018 when deciding where to go.

It was an ideal chance to witness a destination like something I had never seen before and was certainly different from what I am used to when travelling to other parts of the world.

At the end of my Kathmandu trip, I have no regrets because I always have little sadness in terms of travel, and it certainly was an eye-opening experience to visit Kathmandu, one of the most exciting travel destinations I have ever been to.

I felt it topped Ho Chi Minh City in terms of chaos, or maybe I had lost the plot and simply forgotten how crazy Saigon had been.

Yet, the Kathmandu trip opened my eyes to a whole new kind of craziness in terms of traffic on the roads, the narrow laneways, horrible road conditions and the pesky locals asking me if I wanted to go trekking in Nepal, view astonishing Kathmandu attractions or check out their local Mandala paint store.

My Kathmandu travel experience was not a long journey but a solo adventure this time.

This Nepal adventure was about spending some time in the city, going on a short trek into Chisapani and Nagarkot and finishing up in Kathmandu one more time before flying back home to Australia. Unfortunately, on this occasion, I missed out on a Pokhara trip.

By the end of the trip, the Nepal travel experience was certainly an exciting adventure. However, It was still a fantastic trip, with moments of wanting to fly home to my family and other moments where I was continually eager to explore the tourist places in Kathmandu.

The temples were impressive, the atmosphere electric, even if a little in your face, and most locals were wonderful people. Nepal is a safe country to visit; it indeed is.

Let’s enter the travel diaries and the first Edition of Nepal Diaries for 2019 – Travel to Kathmandu.

Travel to Kathmandu and witness culture at its very finest.

Nepal Diaries 2019 – 1^st Edition – Travel to Kathmandu Gets Started

Get ready to embark on a journey through the vibrant streets of Kathmandu! The Nepal Diaries 2019 – 1st Edition brings you the latest news in this incredible city. Kathmandu is a feast for the senses, from its bustling markets to stunning temples. Trek through winding alleys, admire intricate carvings, and feast on delicious food while discovering Nepal’s rich culture and traditions.

Whether it’s your first time or a seasoned traveller, this guide promises to be an invaluable resource for navigating this exotic destination. So pack your bags, put on your walking shoes, and prepare for an adventure. The Nepal Diaries 2019 – 1st Edition is your ultimate travel companion for a trip you’ll never forget!

Taking Singapore – Silk Airlines to Fly to Kathmandu

I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to fly with Singapore Airlines for the third time in a row. Although I was slightly disappointed that Silk Airways operated the Singapore to Kathmandu leg of my journey, I was still content with their service despite lacking a TV screen. The absence of in-flight entertainment allowed me to catch up on some much-needed typing, and Silk Airways still provided me with a delicious meal.

The flight to Kathmandu was a pleasant experience, with the airlines providing excellent service throughout the journey. The cabin was primarily comfortable, although it was a bit too warm. Both flights departed on time, which was a relief, and we arrived at our destination safely, which is naturally the most important thing.

Upon arrival in Nepal, it was time to explore the different attractions Kathmandu offers. I was filled with excitement and anticipation as I embarked on my adventure, eager to discover this beautiful country’s rich culture and fascinating history.

Going Silk Airlines from Singapore to Kathmandu.

Staying at the budget Hotel Horizon Kathmandu

Are you looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Kathmandu, Nepal? Look no further than Hotel Horizon Kathmandu! I stumbled upon this hidden gem during my recent visit and was pleasantly surprised by what it offered.

While the hotel may not be the most luxurious place in town, it offers unbeatable value for money. For only AUD$12 per night, you can enjoy a cozy single room with a warm shower and a delicious breakfast to start your day.

The hotel is a perfect fit for budget-conscious travellers who value privacy and are willing to compromise on room quality. Although it’s a no-frills establishment, you’ll find everything you need to make your stay comfortable and pleasant. And with affordable coffee in Kathmandu, you won’t miss having in-room tea or coffee facilities.

Remember that Hotel Horizon does not offer daily housekeeping, a television, or air conditioning/heating. However, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy your stay in Kathmandu without breaking the bank. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone seeking an affordable and comfortable stay in Kathmandu.

You can find your rates at Hotel Horizon Kathmandu with Booking.com!

Not one of the worst hotels in Kathmandu, Nepal – The Hotel Horizon Kathmandu.

Discover the breathtaking views at Helena’s Restaurant and Rooftop Bar.

As I wandered through Thamel’s vibrant and lively streets, I chanced upon a hidden treasure – Helena’s Restaurant. Perched atop a rooftop, it was an oasis of calm in the bustling city. The moment I entered, I was struck by the enchanting atmosphere of the place.

A sign at the entrance proudly announced that Helena’s was the ultimate destination for watching the breathtaking beauty of a Kathmandu sunset. Intrigued, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure.

On my first night, I craved an authentic taste of Nepal, so I ordered the Buffalo Momos – delicious dumplings that exceeded all expectations. Paired perfectly with a bottle of local Everest Beer, this combination truly delighted my taste buds.

As I savoured my meal, the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley and the iconic Monkey Temple took my breath away. The beauty of the city’s skyline was simply sensational.

Helena’s Restaurant was a magical place where every detail, from the food to the views, had been carefully crafted to create an unforgettable experience. I couldn’t wait to return and indulge in more delectable flavours while enjoying the incredible scenery.

Helena’s rooftop restaurant is one of the best Kathmandu sightseeing places to drink local beer.

A Thamel City Walk

What can I say about Thamel? It’s where all the tourists go when in Kathmandu and is the home to most boutique hotels/hostels in Kathmandu. In saying that, it meant it’s where many locals go to make a buck.

You can’t walk 10-metres in Thamel without being stopped in your tracks by a local offering a trekking trip, a taxi ride, a rickshaw ride, drugs, local souvenirs items, and check out the Mandala paintings in the hope you’ll spend $500 big ones. It gets annoying, and you get more attention as a solo traveller.

However, Thamel is the place to be, and you won’t be able to help yourself explore the unique township with narrow laneways. Inside Thamel, you’ll find retail outlets that sell local merchandise such as cashmere, singing bowls, Nepalese puppets and local souvenirs you may be tempted to buy.

Massage parlours, cafés with WIFI, restaurants, Kathmandu travel guide outlets, and much more are also in the busy city complex.

Once you get used to the approaches from locals, the area is not too bad, and you’ll even make a few friends in your short stay in Kathmandu City.

Find the cheapest hotels in Thamel with Booking.com!

Looking over Thamel with the mountains in the background.

A Walk-through of Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

To begin with, I started walking through the central part of Kathmandu city and venturing south until I reached Durbar Square. It was the first morning of my Nepal trip, and the eye-opening experience began during a walk to my first lot of Kathmandu attractions.

It seemed the city was one big marketplace as I wandered through the crowded, narrow laneways, with many locals keen to purchase fresh produce or a range of local merchandise for sale throughout the streets. It stayed that way until I reached my first sightseeing in Kathmandu City – Durbar Square.

There are quite a few Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, such as the famous locations of Patan and Bhaktapur, which I visit down the track.

For now, it’s about the Kathmandu version.

The Hanuman-Dhoka Durbar Square (Kathmandu) has an abundance of temples and shrines throughout the grounds that represent the two main religions of Nepal, Hindu and Buddhist. Until the 20th Century, it was the home to the King of Nepal, albeit there is no longer a royal family in Nepal.

Like many areas within the Valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square was affected by the horrific 2015 earthquake that tragically killed 9000 people. During my visit, a few structures were still being rebuilt, with construction taking its time.

Of course, it is still worth the visit. For most tourists, the entrance fee is 1000 rupees to wander around and capture the culture of Kathmandu, visit impressive temples, be flocked by a thousand pigeons and enjoy a coffee in a nearby café that overlooks the Durbar Square.

Find a fantastic and affordable Kathmandu sightseeing tour with Klook!

The crowds flock to Kathmandu Durbar Square.

An Evening Secret Food Tour

When I embarked on my journey to Nepal, I was keen to indulge in the local cuisine. I wanted to experience the flavours and aromas of the local foods not often found in tourist areas. That’s why I booked a brief two-hour food tour to explore the local food scene and learn more about the local culture.

During the tour, I was accompanied by a knowledgeable guide happy to answer all my questions about Kathmandu and the food we were trying. It was a private tour, so it was easy to communicate with the guide, and I could ask as many questions as I wanted.

The food tour was an eye-opener as I got to taste some of the most unusual and unique dishes that were unlike anything I had tasted. The Nepalese favourites we tried included The Momos, Samosas, Veg Chatamari, and a special hot lemon drink perfect for the chilly weather. These dishes were delicious and a reflection of the Nepalese culture and way of life.

Despite some dishes being unusual for my taste buds, I enjoyed the experience. The food tour allowed me to explore the authentic food scene of Kathmandu and taste the local cuisine like a true Nepalese. If you’re ever in Kathmandu, I highly recommend taking a food tour to discover the local delicacies and learn more about the Nepalese culture. It’s an affordable and fun way to explore the city and its culinary delights.

Trying local foods with a fantastic food tour.

A wander through Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Patan is around 4 km from central Kathmandu City, and it takes approximately 35-40 minutes to get there by taxi on a good day. That lets you know how chaotic the city streets are with cars, buses and bikes going in all directions.

Patan, located in Lalitpur, was more affected by the earthquakes, meaning their Durbar Square was also going through a construction phase. Again, this Durbar Square has many temples and shrines on the main grounds, representing both Hinduism and Buddhism.

The main tourist attractions within Patan Durbar Square are the Ancient Royal Place (museum), the Krishna Temple and the Mul Chok courtyard, amongst many other gorgeous structures, temples and religious artefacts located in the area.

From a personal point of view, the Patan Durbar Square, while quite impressive, didn’t reach the same heights as its neighbour in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. However, that may be only my opinion, and they vary from individual viewpoints.

I admit once reconstruction is complete, my tune may change, and in years to come, upon a return trip to Kathmandu, I am sure it will look better than ever.

Find an excellent and affordable Kathmandu sightseeing tour with Klook!

Patan Durbar Square.

The Peace in the Garden of Dreams

This is my favourite Kathmandu place, one of the Garden of Dreams.

Not that it was the most spectacular gardens I had ever seen, far from it, but in a city like Kathmandu where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the gardens were a perfect setting to chill in nature with no one bothering you.

Surrounded by a giant concrete fence representing a heavily protected Royal Palace, the entrance fee to the Gardens of Dreams is 200 rupees, only a couple of dollars and worth the admission fare.

Many people visit to relax, read a book, enjoy a little more expensive coffee or meal in lush surroundings, and stroll in the pleasant garden scenery.

Put the Garden of Dreams high on your Wish list of tourist places in Kathmandu when you’ve had enough of the noise in the city; it promises to be perfect.

The breathtaking Garden of Dreams.

Going to Great Heights at Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple

When it comes to places to visit in Kathmandu, the Swayambhunath Stupa is compulsory for all tourists in the city.

Once you ascend the 365 steps (apparently to Illuminati) to the hugely popular Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, you are hit with the incredible views that overlook the spread-out city below and out towards the surrounding mountains seen in the distance.

It certainly makes for great Kathmandu valley sightseeing; if you arrive at sunrise or sunset, those Kathmandu Nepal views only improve.

The name of Swayambhunath Stupa is Tibetian and means “sublime trees” for all the different varieties of trees on the hill of the Stupa. Once at the top, many people get their cameras out for the fantastic views and capture a giant glimpse of the Stupa, which stands high above.

At this Nepal tourist place, you can also wander further around the area and see other religious architecture, such as the Statue of Peace and the Maha Manjushree Sarashwati Temple, where the large crowds often disperse and are not such an issue. Still, if you return to the main Stupa, there will be more steps to navigate.

Returning is not compulsory, however, as things to see in Kathmandu include the Amideva Buddha Park near the Stupa and the home to the three Buddha statues that sit side by side.

However, on my visit, only one Buddha was fully recognisable as the others were undergoing maintenance work. Such is life when you travel in Kathmandu, Nepal.

That concludes a busy few days during the first edition of Nepal diaries of my time in Kathmandu; I can tell you now it’s the next stage of this Nepal travel adventure. Things get even more spectacular with a short trek that includes stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains.