The National capital of Nepal, the city of Kathmandu is a living museum preserving the fine architecture of both: the local community of Newari people and Buddhism. I have visited the Kathmandu city of Nepal several times and seriously I have seen it growing on every visit of mine. Here is an ultimate travel guide and recommendations to explore Kathmandu city in 72 Hours

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Start your day one from the UNESCO World Heritage site of Swayambhunath temple which is one of the ancient religious sites within the Kathmandu City of Nepal. Located atop a hill, the complex of Swayambhunath temple consists of a giant stupa with eyes believed to be of Buddhist deity Manjushree. The temple complex also consists of shrines and temples, which is lavishly decorated with gold. Swayambhunath temple is also famous as the monkey temple in Kathmandu city and you are going to definitely spot a bunch of them, roaming in leisure inside the complex itself. Just be a little cautious. Though they don’t do anything.

Pro Tip: Take an early morning walk and catch the beautiful sunrise over the Kathmandu city

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Spend around two hours here. From Swayambhunath temple, you can proceed towards Patan Durbar Square, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and witness its old royal palace and a host of artistically designed temples.

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I am telling you that one glimpse of Patan Durbar Square complex will leave you mesmerised enough though this ancient site got massively destroyed during the Gorkha earthquake of 2015. But, what a recovery as the complex has fully revived. Grab your lunch in one of the cafes at Patan Durbar Square, amidst its historical beauty

Spend your evening in leisure either in your hotel or in some cool cafes of Thamel Market which is a shopping mecca of Kathmandu city of Nepal quite famous for its cool stuff. It is also a good place to shop for all the trekking gears, so much that you would find majority of trekkers picking up stuff from here

On Day two, a thirty minutes’ drive from Kathmandu city of Nepal will take you to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage site of Bhaktapur Durbar Square which is known for its brilliant architectural work. I was personally mesmerised adorning the statues and sculptures that I saw here and believe me, you will not want to leave this place.

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Don’t miss out on the massive fifty five window palace and the most instagrammable location of Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Nyatapola temple.

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square received damages too during the earthquake of 2015 and honestly I did notice a change in the feel of this place now but nevertheless Kathmandu City travel is incomplete without a visit to the world famous Bhaktapur. And yes, keep at least half a day for Bhaktapur. It’s a huge complex

Post lunch, drive to Boudhanath stupa which is famous for its giant mandala, said to be one of the largest in Asia. Build around the 14 century, the huge meditative monument is said to be created just after the passing of Buddha.

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But it is also said that Boudha stupa was once an important trade route for buddhist people and they would stop here. That’s when the idea of making Boudha stupa came. Spend the evening with a visit to Asia’s largest temple of Lord Shiva, The Pashupatinath temple.

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Sadly, the photography is not allowed inside the complex of this Shiv temple of Kathmandu but again, remember to attend the evening aarti at the ghats of this UNESCO world heritage site. It’s melodious and transported me to the Ganga Aarti of Assi Ghat in Varanasi.

Day three, take a morning walk towards the Basantapur Durbar Square which correctly depicts the work of Newar artisans from centuries ago through its mansion and palaces.

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Don’t miss a chance to seek the blessings of the Kumari Goddess of Nepal, who is generally available to meet after eleven. Grab your lunch and take a thirty minutes’ drive from Kathmandu city of Nepal towards the Druk Mountain to visit the Amitabha nunnery which isn’t popular on the tourists map. Amitabha nunnery is entirely run by the nuns of Drukpa Buddhist lineage and they are world famously known as the KUNG FU NUNS. Yes, they are trained in Kung Fu and don’t try to mess with them. I’ve spent around 3 days here in a Retreat and it’s truly an experience of its kind. You must visit the nunnery for its enchanting location but seek appointment. You just can’t enter like that

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Spend the remaining day exploring Thamel which isn’t only the shopping mecca of the Kathmandu city but also preserves its cultural heritage through old temples and ruined buildings

Honestly, the heritage brilliance of Kathmandu city is just not for one visit only. It has got much more to its kitty and you would need to come back to see it yourself. But, nevertheless the 72 Hours are enough to give a touch of Kathmandu city of Nepal

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