Places to Visit in Bagmati

Hinduism is the most widely followed religion in Nepal. The country has embraced this religion and respects it with several sacred places of interest, including Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred place is considered one of the most important temples in the world. The complex is on UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ list for decades. The extensive Hindu temple has a sprawling collection of images, inscriptions, ashrams, temples and images. 



Highlights:There are 12 Jyotirlinga in India and the one in Nepal is the head over this body. The temple has 275 holy abodes of Shiva as well. Temple architecture is quite intriguing as it is built in Nepalese pagoda style of architecture. The wooden rafters are carved to perfection whereas the overall foundation is like cubic constructions. The sacro sanctum here is that of s stone Mukhalinga, or a linga with a face.

Location:Kathmandu.

Timings:Open 24 hours.

Price:USD 4-10.

It’s a brick building located on the Durbar Square in Kathmandu. But the building goes beyond its architecture and has something quite intriguing to offer- that’s the spiritual reincarnation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that the girl housed in here is the living goddess of Kathmandu.

Highlights:Once upon a time, the temple was known for its magnificent carvings and divine inhabitants. Today it is mostly famous for being the house of a living goddess. Here, tourists will find wood-carved relics of gods and the symbols in Nepal and they can discover the place through a courtyard. Photos are strictly prohibited and it is forbidden to photograph the Kumari or the goddess. The living goddess does appear on the first floor windows often. But that happens in the morning or late afternoons. Kumari is a young girl and it is believed that in her expressions, she can answer the queries of devotees.

Location:Durbar Square.

Timings:From mornings to evening.

Price:Entry is free, however you will have to pay handlers to get an actual glimpse.

Swayambhunath stupa is an ancient religious architecture located atop a conical wooden hill in the Kathmandu valley. This golden spire is one of the most ancient and holiest of all shrines in the region. The temple complex is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Stupa located inside the Swayambhunath complex, includes several other shrines and temples. According to the Gopalarajavamsavali, the complex is believed to have been founded by King Vrsadeva, the great-grandfather of King Manadeva in 464-505 CE.



Highlights:Eyes of Buddha are painted on the cubical structure sitting atop the dome. Pentagon Toran are present above each of the four edges and have statues engraved on them. Pilgrims require to climb 365 steps in order to reach the stupa.

Location:Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.

Timings:Everyday 07:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Price:USD 3 per person

Center of Tibetan culture and Buddhist symbolism, Boudhanath Stupa is Asia’s largest stupa and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple, located outside of Tibet. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where thousands of devotees come daily to perform ritual circumnavigation of the dome beneath the observant eyes of Lord Buddha, which is gilded on the central tower.

It is believed that the stupa was founded in between 590-604 CE by the Nepalese Licchavi king ?ivadeva. In addition, several other Nepalese chronicles indicate that it may have been formed in between 464-505 CE during the reign of King M?nadeva.



Highlights:The giant Stupa represents the mythical Mt. Meru, which is considered to be the center of the cosmos. During the Tibetan New Year, the largest celebration in Nepal i.e. the festival of Losar is hosted at Boudhanath.

Location:Kathmandu, Nepal.

Timings:Everyday 24 hours open.

Price:USD 2 per person

Romance in the world of Kathmandu and explore the culture or history of Kathmandu by visiting the Durbar Square. Located in front of the former Kathmandu Palace Kingdom, the Durbar Square is a UENSO World Heritage Site and is originally known for vivid showcases of artists and craftsmen.

The palace here is stunningly decorated and the overall areas reflect the beauty of Nepalese culture. The palaces and the square itself have gone through reconstruction on several occasions.



Highlights: The place includes museum and other parts of the palace here are opened for visitors. The place is home to Kumari Chok as well- it is one of the most curious attractions of Nepal. Here, a gilded cage contains Kumari, a girl who was chosen to be the human reincarnation of Hindu Goddess, Durga.

Location: Durbar Square, Kathmandu.

Timings: From early morning to night.

Witness one of the largest kingdom of the Kathmandu valley and you will be simply mesmerized with its breath-taking looks. It had some of the best preservation of the olden times, however, they were destroyed because of the recent earthquake in 2015. Near the roadside you will find many craftisans weaving cloth and chisel timber.



Highlights: You can examine the beautiful temples which are studded stones and winding streets which makes you bring back memories of the olden times.

Location: It is 1 hour and 35 minutes from flight.

Price: NPR 2000.

Best time to visit: March to April and October to November in late afternoon

Kathmandu’s best bookstore, Pilgrims’ Book House was burned down in 2013, but travelers hope that it rises from the ashes. The place still has a section where most of the saved books are available on display. The place has books on everything, from Buddhism to Hinduism, Yoga and Language books along with books for children.



Highlights:The bookstore is a part of a book publishing company by the same name. This company is actually located in Varanasi. The book house itself has several books on religion and other topics. These saved books are mostly available on discount, with cheaper price options throughout the day. Some of the popular books available here includes Mount Everest, Nepal Himalaya, A message from Arunachala and Sadhus of India.

Location:Kathmandu, Nepal.

Timings:Open from morning till night. Timings change during different seasons.

Price:Entry is free. However, you will be charged for buying books from the store.

It’s time that you explore Kathmandu fair and square. Go for off-beaten tracks and trails and enjoy discovering Taudaha Lake. A small lake that’s located in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Taudaha represents ‘snake’ and ‘lake.’



Highlights:The name actually comes from mythology, where it is believed that a Buddhist mythical character Manjushree had cut the hill to drain the water of this lake, which is why the lake is now smaller than it used to be. However, due to the draining of lake, countless nagas, mythological creatures who were half snakes and half humans were left homeless. And therefore, an underwater lake or Taudaha was built, where serpent king and the subjects lived. That’s why the lake is considered tranquil. This lake is perfect for birdwatchers, as a number of migratory species visit the place.

Location: Kathmandu District, Kirtipur.

If you have a spiritual bent of mind then the best thing would be to visit the famous Pashupatinath Temple. This temple id dedicated to Lord Shiva and has attracted millions of Hindu followers. Most of the people visit this temples when they are living the final days before they meet death. 

The river Bagmati which flows along is considered to be the most sacred river for cremation. It is also believed that people who die here are reborn as humans again irrespective of their conduct on earth.



Highlights: You can also visit Panch Deval which has five temple complex which was a holy shrine but not place for old people to stay.

Location: Pashupatinath road , Kathamandu.

Prices: USD 29.

Best time to visit: You can viit this temple during anytime of the year but avoid visiting it during Mahashivratri and Teej festivals

The beautifully restored Swapna Baigicha, also known as Garden of Dreams offers respite and rejuvenation from the stresses of the world. It is one of the most stunning places in the world. The garden was built in 1920s and has been brought back to life by Austrian financed team. The stunningly restored garden has gorgeous and refined details.



Highlights:Some of the main highlights of this place includes marble inscription from Omar Khayam’s Rubaiyat, beautiful fountains and ponds. The palace is home to a quirky ‘hidden garden’ as well. It also features three pavilions. The place is ideal for going out for a picnic or just to marvel at the human-nature interaction. The place is a must visit for travelers.

Location:Kathmandu.

Timings:Open from 9 am to 10 pm. Last entry is at 9 pm.

Price: USD 2-4 depending on adults or children.