One of the world's most exotic destinations, Kathmandu is steeped in history and culture. Temple bells and chants greet the visitor to the capital of this Hindu Kingdom in the Himalayas. Its premier tourist attraction is the Durbar Square with over 50 monuments the oldest going back to the 12th century and most of the others going back 3 to 4 centuries to the time of the Malla Kings.
The carvings done by Newari artists are avidly photographed by visitors who are fascinated by their intricasy. A bustling bazaar with souvenir vendors adds to the colour and charm of the area. To the west of the square and in the outer courtyard lies Kumari Ghar which is the home of the young girl chosen as the living goddess or Kumari. Visitors can catch a glimpse of her as she makes an appearance in the window of her home, all dressed in a red saree and decked in her jewelry. Hanuman Dhoka is in the inner courtyard. The coronation ceremony of the Nepalese king is still held in Durbar Square. The old trade route to Tibet once ran through Durbar Square and through the heart of the city's crowded bazaar.
Two kilometers west of the city across the Vishnumati River lies the golden Swayambhunath (self-Existent one) stupa. Historical records speak of its existence since the 5th century but it may be older still. An inscription dated 460 AD stands testimony its age. This Buddhist stupa is quite a landmark of Kathmandu as it towers over a hillock overlooking the valley with the watchful eyes of Buddha looking on benignly. Hordes of monkeys have given it its colloquial name of Monkey Temple. The largest image of Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. The whole complex is dotted with Buddhist shrines. At the base are numerous prayer wheels, which visitors spin, as they walk along. Seven kilometers east of Kathmandu, the Boudhnath Stupa is considered to be one of the largest in South East Asia (35 meters) The stupa lies in the area of the ancient trade route to Tibet. In those days Tibetan merchants rested, here and offered prayers. Gompas, souvenir shops and restaurants make this a mini Tibetan enclave.
On the banks of the Baghmati River lies Pashupatinath, the holiest of the Hindu Temples in Nepal. Dedicated to Lord Shiva it is a very large temple complex. The Temple was built in the 5th Century on an ancient site and has been renovated from time to time.
Apart from Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage, the bustling bazaars draw the visitor to shop or just walk around. Kathmandu has its own unique charm and draws tourists from far and near. It is a take off point for Tibet as well.
Nepal attracts a variety of tourists. Some come for its mystique some for adventure, some for its mountains (it has eight out of the ten tallestmountains of the world), many for its temples and monuments but most spend a few days in Kathmandu. Many tourists to the Indian subcontinent do not feel their visit is complete without a trip to Kathmandu. It is conveniently linked to many cities by air.