An assault of sounds, smells, and sights, stepping off the airplane right here may be almost instantly each intoxicating and exhausting. But look past the traffic-packed streets and alleyways and also you’ll discover a city rich with historic temples and timeless tradition.

What to see

The best location to begin exploring is Kathmandu Durbar square, the traditional epicenter of the historic city. The city’s kings once have been crowned and dominated from here and while a lot of its lovely architecture and temples have been reduced to rubble in the course of the earthquakes of 1934 and 2015 a number of its traditional buildings, especially dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is enduring and the place has reopened to the general public. To the north of Kathmandu Durbar square, you’ll discover the bustling backpacker district of Thamel and, to the south, the Bagmati River and tranquil Patan district.

Probably Kathmandu’s most famous sight to go to is Bodhnath Stupa. A critical location of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and nearby Nepalis, it was constructed sometime after ad 600, while the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, converted to Buddhism. A lovely spot during the day, its whitewashed domes and the gilded tower are even lovelier at night time, while it’s lit by hundreds of butter lamps.

A trip up to the Buddhist temple and Unesco world heritage site of Swayambhunath is likewise a must. Referred to as the Monkey Temple for the masses of holy monkeys that stay in elements of the building, it soars above the city and gives 360-degree perspectives throughout the city and the mountains beyond.

Flights from Australia to Kathmandu

Air Tickets offer great flight packages to Kathmandu, with several different operators and with a variety of interesting stopovers.