2,880 Minutes In Kathmandu
With towering peaks, stupas and awe-inspiring shrines, Kathmandu’s your best bet for nirvana
Where you’re at:
The capital of Nepal, fabled land of picturesque mountain ranges, Hindu and Buddhist sites and scenic wildlife. Kathmandu - at once old, modern, poor, rich, colourful and grey - is a traveller’s best introduction to the landlocked country bordered by India and China that’s long been a favourite of pilgrims and thrill seekers.
Good To Know!
September to November - the start of the dry season when the weather turns cool - is the best time for navigating Kathmandu’s dusty roads and more crowded spots. The perfect weather also translates into spectacular clear views if you’re hitting the highlands and countryside.
How to get there?
3 direct SilkAir flights to Kathmandu every week (Tuesdays, Thurdays and Saturdays)
DO
Bouddhanath
Because you’re on a ‘cultural’ trip and in no way here for the highly illegal er, ‘natural produce’, you’ll be happy to know that Kathmandu is home to seven World Heritage sites. If you only have time for one, make it the 36-metre high Buddhist stupa Bouddhanath, one of South Asia’s largest. The sight of scores of pilgrims in kora (a pilgrim’s circuit around the stupa) is pretty awe-inspiring.
Souvenir-shop
Reduce the guilt of leaving your girlfriend at home by picking up some gifts for her. The Thamel district is chockfull of pashmina and textile shops, as well as souvenir stalls hawking everything from Nepalese tea to jewellery and handicrafts. Haggling is par for the course in scoring great buys.
DRINK
Rum Doodle Restaurant & Bar
Walk in the steps of mountaineering greats Sir Edmund Hillary, Ang Rita Sherpa and Rob Hall and knock back a cold one at this joint, which earned a nod as “one of the world’s best bars” from Time magazine, circa 1983. Hey, if their steaks, pasta, pizzas and live music were good enough for the conquerors of Everest, they’re good enough for you.
J Bar
Sport a cool stance and ogle the Himalayan honeys who come to play at this chic bar, a favourite with Nepal’s rich and beautiful set. Drinks here border on pricey, but hey, the view’s free. And you can take comfiort in the fact that you’re at a place where there’s like a zero chance of getting caught fooling around.
CRASH
Dwarika’s Hotel
A cultural centre and lavish abode rolled in one. Its magnificent courtyards, intricately carved windows, ancient doors and pillars and desks fashioned from old paving stones make contemporary chic sound like a yawn. The world agrees too; the hotel has earned countless accolades in international magazines and coffee-table travel tomes. Rooms from S$240. www.dwarikas.com
Hotel Ganesh Himal
If you’re playing it rough and ready ala Indiana Jones, check into this well-run lodge (from S$12). Top draws include its central location and comfy common areas like a garden area and a sunny rooftop - ideal for chatting up those Japanese stewardesses on vacation. www.ganeshhimal.com
EAT
Bhanchha Ghar
Dinner here is a two-part affair. Guests first chill out on handmade carpets and cushions in an upstairs loft, watching traditional dances while digging into finger food and downing some local brew. Then it’s time to head downstairs and tuck into a delectable Nepali set menu.
www.bhanchhaghar.com
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Tags: Bhanchha Ghar, Dwarika, Kathmandu, Kora, Nepal
