Momos. Maybe I was being culturally obtuse, or simply greedy, when my first thought about Kathmandu led to a mental image of the delectable, steaming dumpling, followed by another of misty mountains, of course. The capital city of Nepal was the first stop on my short tour of the country—and while I'm usually not much of a city-slicker, having spent most of my days in Mumbai, Kathmandu's historical and cultural significance pushed me to give it a chance. Over three days, I explored most of the popular tourist traps, to help you decide if they're worth a visit.
Sample the local cuisine
Much like India, Nepal's cuisine slightly differs based on the region you're in, but dal-bhat-tarkari (lentils, rice, curry) is a staple all over the country; and the best way to enjoy it is by sampling a Nepalese thali—they're available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. I tried mine at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu and it certainly did not disappoint.
And no matter how many momos you've tried in your own city, you have to bite into the local ones made on the streets of Kathmandu, to get a true taste of the hilly country. They're native to Nepal, and it is safe to say that they are everyone's favourite street food here. While I love momos in all forms too, my current favourite is the jhol momo—the dumpling are drenched in a jhol achar (soup) and paired with the super spicy chutney.
Visit Boudhanath
The sign at the international airport in Kathmandu welcomes you to the Land of Buddha—which is quite apt, considering Buddhism is one of the major religions practiced here, along with Hinduism. The skyline is dominated by the landmark stupa of Boudhanath that features a massive mandala, making it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal. Said to contain the remains of Kassapa Buddha, it is one of the country's most revered sites, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a wonderful, peaceful (albeit crowded) place to spend the day, filled with quaint cafes, and shops selling Buddhist memorabilia like meditation bowls and flags.
Get blessed at the Pashupatinath Temple
This sacred Hindu temple is set on the banks of the Bagmati river, and is swarming with devotees. Spread across 246 hectors, the large complex contains temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions that have existed over centuries, and the main temple serves as the seat to Nepal's national deity, Lord Pashupatinath. As you walk around the complex, you're likely to find monks young enough to be in their teens, willing to share legends and stories of the mighty Pashupatinath and other mystical figures. If you ask me, a day here makes for a fascinating sociological study.
Saunter around Durbar Marg Street
Much like the mall roads at Indian hill stations, Durbar Marg street is the pulse of Nepal's capital city. Filled with chain stores, restaurants and bars, it's one of those places that can be skipped, but would give you a better sense of Kathmandu's residents if you choose to saunter through it. At the very least, it may just fulfil an incessant Pizza Hut craving.
Live it up at a casino
Kathmandu is well known for its casinos, and boasts of places that stay open for all 24 hours. Most casinos are located within popular hotels, and while they may not urge you to break into Viva Las Vegas, you can expect courteous dealers and five star treatment. My picks include Casino Shangri-La and Casino Tara at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.
Explore Thamel
Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu for over four decades—right from the days when artists came to Nepal and made the vibrant, almost chaotic, light and flag-strewn streets of Thamel their base. Home to hotels, cafes, and of course, shops, it's where the cool kids are at—the gorgeous Tummo Bistro and New Orleans Café with its strings of Buddhist prayer flags should be on your must-visit list. An evening spent watching the sun set at a rooftop bar here will make you feel like you've gone back in time.
Drive to Nagarkot
The only thing Kathmandu has in common with my hometown of Mumbai is that they're both crowded and chaotic cities. Luckily for Kathmandu, Nargarkot sits at a mere 28km from the international airport, and is great a quick escape from the city. Known for a spectacular sunrise view of the Himalayas, and its panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, it is the perfect spot to sip on some chai while you enjoy the unmissable silence of the mountains.
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