Kathmandu Chitwan Tour: Things to Do
Nepal is a multireligious, multilingual, multiethnic, and multicultural country. Here, people of different castes, religions, ethnic groups, and languages live in different parts of the country. They celebrate different festivals in different months yearly and welcome people from other ethnic groups to join them happily. Join us in Kathmandu Chitwan Tour for an unforgetful journey through the culture and lifestyle of Nepal .
Not only this, Nepal is rich in natural resources as well. Nepal is home to six thousand big and small rivers, beautiful blue glaciers and lakes, dense forests, vegetation, flora and fauna, thousands of wildlife, etc. World’s highest mountain peak Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha), also lies in Nepal. Additionally, Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is located in Nepal. Every year thousands of tourists from all over the world book their tickets to visit Nepal and see the natural beauty through their own eyes.
Kathmandu is renowned for its extensive cultural history, sacred sites, and distinctive architecture, which includes ancient temples, palaces, and stupas that represent the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of the city. Each year, a large number of tourists from all over the world come to Kathmandu, which serves as a main hub for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures in Nepal.
Similarly, Chitwan lies in the central-southern part of Nepal. Chitwan is renowned for its natural scenery, especially the Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to various species, including the Bengal tiger and Asian one-horned rhinoceros. The Tharu people are native to the region and have a rich cultural legacy.
There are many places and things to do while you are on Kathmandu Chitwan tour, which are as follows:
Places to Visit in Kathmandu Tour
Boudhanath
The Boudhanath Stupa is the main Buddhist temple and pilgrimage site in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal. The stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the biggest in the world. Since ancient times, the stupa has served as the epicenter of Tibetan culture and tradition and is regarded as a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. It is an extremely popular tourist spot that draws the attention of Buddhists and non-Buddhists who come to observe its stunning architecture, illustrious cultural history, and spiritual significance.
Moreover, the atmosphere around the Boudhanath Stupa is also so calm that many travelers come here to relax. The Buddha mantra played in this area makes our soul spiritually pure. We can see many devotees praying in the morning and evening time. Similarly, there are many small shops around the stupa where travelers can buy small gifts and souvenirs to give to their loved ones in their hometown.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath lies northwest of Kathmandu valley. “Swayambhu” is a Sanskrit word that means “self-existent one.” Hindu temples and goddesses are incorporated into this Buddhist site, making the stupa a symbol of faith and harmony. Due to the large number of monkeys in the area, Swayambhunath is also known as Monkey Temple.
It is believed that Swayambhunath was built around 2000 years ago. A few of the significant sites to see in this region includes the enormous gold-plated Vajra “thunderbolt,” the Buddha statue on the west side of Swayambhu, the statue of the Sleeping Buddha, the Dewa Dharma Monastery, which is renowned for its bronze Buddha icon, and traditional Tibetan paintings are some of the significant landmarks to see in this area. Moreover, one can see the whole view of Kathmandu from the top of the Swayambhunath.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Located in the heart of Kathmandu valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also called Hanuman Dhoka. It is an ancient religious site. It was once the palace of the Nepali royal family and administrators like the Malla and Shah dynasties, who governed the city for centuries until the 19th century. It is also listed as a World Heritage Site.
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is famous for its architecture and many ancient temples, shrines, and courtyards that exhibit Nepal’s rich cultural and historical legacy. The Kumari Temple, where the living goddess Kumari resides, is a major attraction at this durbar square. This temple is regarded as one of Nepal’s holiest places. Both residents and tourists from the area pay tribute to the goddess at the temple.
Similarly, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Temple, Jagannath Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and other well-known buildings can be found at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The square’s tallest building is the Taleju Temple. The square is also bounded by bustling bazaars and street sellers selling local items and food, making it the center of a local market.
Pashupatinath
The Pashupatinath Temple is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site situated on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu. The temple, which is supposed to have been constructed in the fifth century, has undergone numerous restorations and adjustments. It is devoted to Lord Pashupatinath, who is considered Hinduism’s ultimate creator and the supreme lord of all beings. Pashupatinath is regarded as the savior of the universe and the guardian god of the Nepali people in the Hindu religion.
The temple is one of Hinduism’s holiest places and one of the four main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Many Hindu pilgrims travel to Nepal to visit the temple. While international visitors are drawn to the miniature temples, statues of numerous gods and goddesses inside the shrine, and the unique rituals and ceremonies held there, Nepali and Hindu devotees are drawn to the temple for religious reasons. One of the things that you shouldn’t miss while you visit Kathmandu is seeing Sandhya Arati in Pashupatinath.
Places to Visit in Chitwan Tour
Chitwan National Park
One of the prominent places one shouldn’t miss while in Chitwan is the tour of the Chitwan National Park. Chitwan National Park is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Different species of deer, monkeys, Asian elephants, sloth bears, Bengal tigers, rhinoceroses, and other wildfires are found inside the park. The lush tropical forest that supports a variety of flora, animals, and bird species is one of the attractions of Chitwan National Park.
The activities that visitors shouldn’t miss inside the national park include elephant rides, elephant bathing, bird watching, jeep safaris, and forest walks. Similarly, tourists may get a closer look at the park’s fauna and scenic beauty from the park’s river. The park also offers a special chance to see the Tharu people’s culture and way of life.
Devghat
Devghat, a Hindu pilgrimage site in the Chitwan district of Nepal, is considered one of Nepal’s most sacred places. It is situated at the place where Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers meet. It is covered with hills and forests and is known for its breathtaking beauty.
Several devotees go to Devghat to bathe in the river because they think it will wash their sins away. There are also several Hindu temples nearby that draw tourists. Devghat is a religious center for the Hindu religion and culture in Nepal, and it attracts large numbers of pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.
Things to Do in Kathmandu – Chitwan Tour
Eating local foods
One of the major things visitors shouldn’t miss while they are in Kathmandu and Chitwan is eating local foods. Being an agricultural country, the primary sources of Nepalese foods are fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains like rice, wheat, corn, and lentils.
Visitors must try foods like Ghonghi, Taas, Dhikri with Sidra, Patushni, Newari khaja set, etc., while in Chitwan. Similarly, foods like Thakali khana set, Momo, Newari khaja set, Sekuwa, Aloo chop, etc., are popular in Kathmandu.
Roaming around the Thamel neighborhood
Thamel is a neighborhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, known for its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere. It is a popular tourist destination and is considered the hub of tourism in the city. It is the best place to experience Nepal’s unique culture and beauty. Bars and restaurants in the area also stay open late at night, giving the area a vibrant nightlife.
Thamel is a maze of side streets filled with wonderful stalls selling everything like wooden crafts, musical Instruments, pottery, jewelry, stone carving, paintings, etc. It is better to walk around the Thamel neighborhood during the nighttime.
Hiking
Another rejuvenating activity that one can do in Kathmandu and Chitwan is hiking. Kathmandu is located in Nepal’s hilly region. Hence, there are many hiking trails in Kathmandu that offer splendid views of the city from the top of the hiking trails.
The hiking list in Kathmandu includes Nagarkot hiking, Shivapuri hiking, Kakani hiking, Chandragiri hiking, Chisapani hiking, Namo Buddha hiking, etc. On a clear day, the Chandragiri hike provides a panoramic view of Mount Everest. Likewise, the popular destination to walk around Chitwan is inside the Chitwan National Park.
FAQ on Kathmandu – Chitwan Tour
Q: What are the things we shouldn’t miss on Kathmandu Chitwan tours?
While we are on Kathmandu and Chitwan tours, we shouldn’t miss visiting famous places like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Chitwan National park, and others places. Similarly, we should try local foods, go hiking, and experience local culture.
Q: Is Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu?
Yes, Pashupatinath temple is in Kathmandu.
Q: What are the famous places in Kathmandu?
The famous places in Kathmandu are Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, etc.