Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal used to be the most popular destination in the country for many travelers for many centuries. However, these days the top of Everest Base Camp trek takes the cake for obvious reasons. so Anyway in this article, we are going to focus on the 11 best places for photoshoot in Kathmandu.
Visiting Kathmandu fascinates many people with its mysterious temples of Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, the richness of its UNESCO world heritage site Durbar Square, the smile of the inhabitants of the tangled alleys of the old city, the mystical religious rituals of Pashupatinath, and the cheerful animation of Thamel.
And then the colors! The prayer flags which float, the patterned linens which dry in the secret courtyards, the fabrics of the sellers of Thamel, the tilak (red mark on the forehead) of the Hindus, and the colorful clothes of the Sadhus, the gilding of the roofs of the sacred temples…
The smells! The incense that perfumes religious buildings, the spice of stalls, the scent of rice, and good cuisine. You can visit these instagrammable places in Kathmandu and explore the authentic touch of this city—
Kathmandu resembles almost all other Asian capitals because of its chaotic nature. Buses, rickshaws, vans, and motorcycles struggle to find their space. However, by Asian standards, Kathmandu is not a large city. It has only one and a half million inhabitants, which is not much for a country located between the two largest in the world: China and India
11 nice places to take pictures in Kathmandu
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square is the central square and nerve center of the historic district of Kathmandu. You can enter the square through different streets and in some you may not be allowed to enter. Unfortunately, it was also one of the places that were hardest hit by the 2015 earthquake. The entrance may seem expensive but keep in mind that they are still rehabilitating a large part of the buildings.
It is the most famous, most visited place in Kathmandu. Perfect for photography and FYI Durbar means palace of palaces. This is not only the residence of the kings but also the center of great events and coronations.
One of the things that if you are lucky enough to see in this square is the Kumari – a living goddess. The Kumari is a traditional Nepalese figure, embodied by a girl between the ages of 4 years before her menarche.
2. Freak Street
Two steps from the monumental Durbar Square we find Freak Street: the last remnant of what was once a Kathmandu full of hippies who came to the city called by Asian exoticism and the perspective of legal and cheap cannabis. Freek Street or commonly known as Jochen Tole street became a kind of ghetto for all those travelers who made the so-called “hippie route” through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India until they reached Nepal.
Today there are still some restaurants and hotels, and it is a good option to escape from Thamel.
3. Boudhanath Stupa
It is the largest spherical stupa in Nepal and the holiest site in the country, along with Swayambhu. It is located about 11 km from the Thamel neighborhood and can be reached by taking a scheduled bus from Ratnaparko.
The Boudanath stupa is a magical place, where it is difficult not to get caught up in spirituality. It was destroyed by the earthquake but it is completely restored. Around it, the believers circulate in harmonious pilgrimage and clockwise. It is hypnotic to see them circulate while muttering Buddhist mantras. It is essential to walk around the stupa observing the fervor of the parishioners. Around the square, there are also numerous restaurants with terraces overlooking the stupa.
4. Pashupatinath Temple
It is the largest Hindu temple in Nepal and a place that leaves no one indifferent. And it is there you can see ceremonies as unforgettable as impressive, with cremations of bodies on the banks of the Bagmati River. Following their tradition, Hindus incinerate their loved ones on the ghats, and stairs by the river into which they will later dump the body.
It is a highly spiritual place, where the smell of incense mixes with that of cremations. Some people feel a bit shocked by these rituals, so if you are a little sensitive it is not the best thing to do. Given the intimate moments that occur, it is obvious that you have to maintain your forms at all times. The best time to observe funeral ceremonies is at sunrise or sunset.
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5. Swayambhunath Stupa
Another spot for the best places for photoshoot in Kathmandu is Swayambhunath Stupa. During sunset, it is one of the best times to visit this emblematic temple. One of the most named and famous in the city. It is an ancient religious complex located on top of a hill to the west of the city of Kathmandu. It is the oldest stupa in Kathmandu since it is estimated that in the 5th century, it was an important pilgrimage center. As its name says, there are usually many monkeys, which are considered sacred. This temple occupies a central position in the Tibetan Buddhism. To visit it you will have to climb its 365 steps.
6. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is one of them, located on the country’s mid-hills on the northern fringe. It is a very large national park and covers an area of 159 sq km. Also, this park is one of the main sources of clean water for Kathmandu valley. There are 177 species of birds such as colorful butterflies and threatened species and about 129 species of mushrooms. It is a very popular tourist destination both domestically and internationally because it is easier to reach and you can easily enjoy activities in the jungle.
Rocky peaks, turquoise glacial lakes (in the photo, the Moraine), pretty mountain villages, lots of wildlife, and a multitude of routes and walks to explore so much biodiversity: trekking and the possibility of camping in one of the most impressive mountain landscapes. This Park is the perfect destination for a picnic and trekking as well. So, bring out your camera and click the pictures of lush green scenes, waterfalls, etc.
7. Durbar Marg/King’s way
The Durbar Marg known as King’s Way is a ceremonial spot and ex- king’s residential square in the center of Kathmandu. It is one of the best-known historical landmarks in the city and is famous because of it. This neighborhood is the most touristy in Kathmandu. This is where most travelers stay and where you will find the largest offer in accommodation, restaurants, and shops to buy a little of everything. A must experience the chaos and energy that this city gives off.
8. Gardens of Dream
If we have several days to explore Kathmandu quietly, another of the places that we cannot miss is the Garden of Dreams. It is located in the Thamel neighborhood and is the best place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. A balm for stress, an oasis in the midst of chaos. It is a neoclassical-style park, built in 1920 with several gardens, ponds, and fountains, which make it the best place to relax after having been touring the city. The Garden of Dreams is also a favorite place for many Kathmandu residents, especially children, where they go there to play and relax.
9. Chandragiri Hills
Last but not least, on this list of best places for photoshoots in Kathmandu we can’t miss Chandragiri Hills. It is probably the most beautiful day hike in the Kathmandu valley that takes us to the amazingly beautiful Chandragiri hills. From there you have the most amazing view of the Himalayas. It is also a bird watcher’s and nature lover’s paradise.
The Chandragiri hill is of enormous value to Shravanabelagola. Not only does it accommodate numerous Basadis, but it also offers a panoramic view of Kathmandu as a whole. It has been voted one of the best places to visit around Shravanabelagola because it connects the chapels of Hinduism, Buddhists, and Jainism. It is one of the hills surrounding Shravanabelagola. And it has a well-organized tourist pickup point.
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10. Patan Durbar Square
Patan is considered a city apart from Kathmandu although it is completely attached to it. You can get there by bus or walk for half an hour. It is an area with a rich cultural heritage. This is where you will find Durbar Square which, in my opinion, and that of many other travelers, is perhaps the most beautiful in Nepal. I recommend that you go up to one of the terraces of the many restaurants around it and have a good Lassi (yogurt drink) contemplating the views and the bustle of the square.
Due to the growth of Kathmandu, Patan has been absorbed but still proudly maintains the palaces and temples of the ancient kingdom of Patan. That was the epicenter of the 2015 earthquake, so the damage was devastating. You can still see some buildings propped up but most have thankfully been recovered.
11. Bhaktapur durbar square
Another excursion that we cannot miss in Kathmandu is visiting the city of Bhaktapur. It is, without a doubt, one of the essentials that must be seen in the Kathmandu Valley.
Bhaktapur is the cultural capital of Nepal and even in the past, it was for several centuries the capital of the Kathmandu Valley. The atmosphere that is breathed in its streets is calmer than that of Kathmandu and as in other cities in Nepal, what stands out the most in Bhaktapur is its Durbar Square. However, we recommend wandering around and getting lost in its streets, this is how its essence is most enjoyed and magical temples and palaces are discovered. Also in Bhaktapur, it is easy to find sadhus, Hindu monks who decide to live in austerity and dedicate their lives to penance and meditation to achieve happiness.
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Let me know in the comments:
- which are your favorite best places for photoshoot in kathmandu?
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Kathmandu truly is one of the best places for travelers who love photography. It’s such a beautiful place. I love it there. So does my camera!
Awwh I spent a month in Nepal, and fell in love.. Great article and nostalgic for me.
I haven’t been to Nepal yet. It seems like a great place to visit! Can’t wait to see it.
It looks like there are lots of places to photograph in Nepal’s capital city! I would love to visit here, but my family is a little less adventurous than me.
Wow these places in Kathmandu are so scenic! And you have really wonderful pictures here – great job. This list of photogenic places to shoot in Nepal would be quite helpful for photographers and travellers too 🙂