La capitale chaotique et colorée du Népal est située dans la vallée de Kathmandu en forme de bol, entourée par les sommets déchiquetés et enneigés de l'Himalaya. Vous aurez envie d'explorer la vieille ville de Katmandou, un dédale bondé de petites boutiques et de ruelles pavées, à pied ou en pousse-pousse - les rues sont trop étroites pour la plupart des voitures. Les bâtiments en ruine s'ouvrent sur des cours où les piments, le riz et le linge sèchent au soleil, et à presque tous les coins, vous trouverez des temples, enveloppés de fumée d'encens et ornés de soucis. Apprenez-en plus sur les religions dominantes de la région en visitant le bouddhiste Bouddhanath Stupa et l'impressionnant complexe de temples hindous de Pashupatinath (notez cependant que seuls les hindous sont autorisés à entrer dans ses portes). Un tremblement de terre de 2015 a dévasté certains des sites historiques de Katmandou, notamment la place Durbar, classée au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, une ancienne résidence royale datant du XVIe siècle, mais de nombreux autres n'ont pas été blessés. Les courtes excursions populaires au départ de Katmandou incluent le parc national de Shivapuri, le village médiéval de Bhaktapur et l'ancienne station de montagne de Nagarkot. Et bien sûr, Katmandou est la principale plaque tournante du trekking dans l'Himalaya. Des randonnées peuvent être organisées en fonction de presque tous les budgets, capacités et temps disponibles. Envisagez une randonnée guidée dans le sanctuaire de l'Annapurna ou, si vous manquez de temps, réservez un vol en hélicoptère pour avoir un aperçu de l'Everest. Des safaris au parc national de Chitwan peuvent également être organisés depuis Katmandou. L'ancien terrain de chasse royal est maintenant un écosystème protégé de marais, de jungle et de prairies, abritant plus de 400 espèces animales, dont des tigres du Bengale et des rhinocéros.
Though many associate Nepal’s capital with the bright, snowy climes of the Himalayas, the country’s climate is significantly impacted by its annual monsoon season (June through September). For drier, sunnier days, join trekkers during the April and May shoulder season, or visit in October and November, which is considered Kathmandu's high season.
Elen moved to Kathmandu to work in the local media. It was the start of a long love affair that has included many treks, white-water rafting trips, plates of dal bhat—and a Nepali Hindu wedding.
visit Swayambhunath Stupa to get a view of the Kathmandu Valley. Located on a hill within walking distance of Thamel (where many travelers stay), the honeycomb-like stupa is a beautiful introduction to Nepali culture.
Saturday is the only day of rest in Nepal (Sunday is a working day) so this is a great day to walk around the city. There’s less traffic too, so it’s quite comfortable getting among points of interest.
Patan Durbar Square. One of three royal squares in the Kathmandu Valley, it's wonderfully preserved (2015 earthquake damage notwithstanding), and the Patan Museum in the old palace is one of the best museums in Nepal.
stay in a local Newari homestay in Patan or a Tibetan-run guesthouse in Boudha, rather than in tourist hub Thamel.
Swayambhunath Stupa has a great view, but if you have more energy, take a day hike up Mt. Phulchowki, the highest “hill” in the Kathmandu Valley, at 2,782 meters (9,127 feet).
Many people think Kathmandu is a peaceful town nestled at the foot of the Himalaya. It’s a sprawling, congested, polluted megacity of 3 million-plus inhabitants. Accept this reality and you won’t be disappointed, as there’s so much to do here.
Kathmandu is an ancient city famous for its combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Attractions like Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), and the Durbar Square, as well as the Kumari Living Goddess, are star attractions in Kathmandu. Unfortunately, Kathmandu is also famous for a destructive earthquake that damaged parts of the city in 2015.
...PlusIn one day, pick one neighborhood of the Kathmandu Valley and focus on that, rather than sitting in heavy traffic trying to see too much. Central Kathmandu (the Basantapur Durbar Square area), Patan (also called Lalitpur), Boudhanath and nearby Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur all have plenty of cultural and historic attractions to keep you occupied for a day.
...PlusKathmandu’s tourist attractions are centered on religious and historic sites. The enormous Boudhanath Stupa is the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside Tibet, while the hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa offers sweeping views (and monkey friends). The Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares are the centers of the Kathmandu Valley’s previous separate kingdoms.
...PlusWith three days in Kathmandu you can spend two days in the city and one in the countryside, enjoying mountain views and fresher air. Spend days one and two in central Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, learning about local history and culture. On day three, hire a driver to take you to Namo Buddha or Nagarkot.
...PlusAs well as sightseeing at the Kathmandu Valley’s many cultural highlights, many travelers like to dine out and party in the Thamel district, and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs in Ason or Patan. Thamel is Kathmandu’s nightlife district and although most places shut by around midnight, you can enjoy live music (especially cover bands).
...PlusYes, Kathmandu is generally a safe city. Violent crime is rare, although petty crime is more common. However, the risk from earthquakes in the seismically active country is high, especially due to poorly constructed buildings. Air pollution levels are also high in winter and spring, and often unsafe for those with respiratory problems.
...PlusNombre d'attractions | 28 |
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Nombre de visites | 2 830 |
Nombre d'avis | 11 865 |
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