Life Overseas

The bustling capital of Kathmandu, which lies at the heart of the Himalaya, is both the start and the finish point for many visitors trekking the Annapurna circuit. Once believed to be the inaccessible Shangri-La, the capital is the perfect base from which to start your Annapurna trek.

Many visitors like to spend a few days in the bustling capital of Kathmandu before they attempt their Annapurna treks. The city has many spectacular sights all of which should be explored whilst on your holiday.

The tourist heart of Kathmandu is the Thamel district where you’ll find numerous cafes, bars and restaurants. Here you can enjoy some delicious Nepali cuisine, although it’s probably advisable to wait till you return from your Annapurna trek before too much over-indulgence. Thamel is also a great place to pick up bargain souvenirs and any trekking gear you may need before setting off on your Annapurna trek, though perhaps it’s best to leave the souvenirs till after your trek’s finished as you don’t want your backpack to be too full.

Taking a forty minute walk from Thamel to up to Swayambhunath Temple is a great way to get some practice in before you start your Annapurna circuit trek. However, if you’re looking to relax before beginning your Annapurna trek then you may want to travel by rickshaw to the revered Buddhist Stupa. Swayambhunath is one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the country and is often referred to by visitors as the monkey temple, due to the large number of monkeys that make their home in the grounds.

If you prefer bats to monkeys then you may want to visit the former King’s Palace (now a museum) before beginning your Annapurna trek. Although the palace is typically modern looking, built in the second half of the 19th century, the giant fruit bats which hang from the trees outside never fail to attract foreign visitors. Try to visit the King’s Palace just before sunset when the giant bats flock en masse around the city square.

Freak Street was a popular hippy destination during the 1960′s and 1970′s when overlanding tours were all the rage and Kathmandu was a major stop on the hippy trail. However, shops in this street still claim to sell everything from incense to enlightenment and the spaced out vibe makes it the perfect place to chill out before your Annapurna circuit trek.

Next to Freak Street is Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka, and a World Heritage Site. It is a fascinating complex of ornately carved temples, palaces and monuments including the old Royal Palace, where you may catch a glimpse of the living goddess or Kumari – a young girl chosen as the incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga. Wandering through the beautiful buildings of Durbar Square provides a sense of calm before the excitement of your Annapurna trek.

Pashupatinath is another cultural must-see in Kathmandu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, in his form as the Lord of animals. Whilst only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple premises, non-Hindus can observe the temple from the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple is considered to be Lord Shiva’s most sacred temple and you will observe many cremations taking place alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River, whilst religious Sadhus carry out ceremonies.

One of the most important sites for Tibetan Buddhism is the Boudha Stupa, also known as Bodhnath, and this will be one of the most recognisable cultural sights that you will encounter on your Annapurna circuit trekking holiday. All elements of the complex carry special significance and represent aspects of Buddhist philosophy and belief. Perhaps though the most recognisable symbol is the Buddha’s two eyes which look out from each side of the main tower. Take a closer though and you will also see a third eye in-between them; the symbol of the Buddha’s wisdom.

With so many incredible sights to see in Kathmandu, the destination is the perfect place to both begin and end your Annapurna trek; you’ll certainly need the two trips to the capital in order to see everything you want.