Things to do in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is beautiful. Tourists are fascinated by the myriad things you can do here, from cultural walks and temple visits to one-day hikes and hilly getaways. But for those of us living here, things can become a bit mundane, especially if you don’t have a full day to indulge in activities. This week, we bring to you four things you can do when you are bored and need a little something to cheer you up but only have a few hours at your disposal

Attend the evening aarati at Pashupatinath

The Pashupatinath temple is a really nice place to go to when you want to spend some time by yourself or immerse yourself in some spiritual or religious activities. There’s a lot of space and a lot of things to do in the area. The evening aarati in Pashupatinath riverbanks which in winter takes place from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm every day is something everybody must witness. It’s a special puja that priests do to worship Lord Shiva and the entire environment comes alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of prayer and worship. Those who have seen it confess to wanting to attend it whenever they can. It’s a sight that slowly calms you down and fills you with a sense of peace. Make sure you go a little before time so that you get a nice place to sit as it can get a bit crowded.

Evening stroll at Patan Durbar Square

A mini vacation is just what we need after a hectic work week. It’s a great way to relax and recharge for another busy week. But a weekend getaway isn’t always possible or practical. This is when a visit to any one of the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley comes in handy. It’s like a mini getaway. There is so much to do and see at the Durbar Squares. Patan Durbar Square is one of our favorites. From quaint little eateries and tea shops to various kiosks selling all sorts of knickknacks, a stroll at Patan Durbar Square makes you feel like a tourist in your hometown. You can just sit on one of the benches at the center of the square and take in the surroundings. It’s especially beautiful at night when all the lights come on. Be sure to bargain if you decide to do some shopping as the vendors tend to hike the prices at random.

Enjoy some delicacies at the farmer’s market at Le Sherpa Restaurant

There are many farmer’s markets in Kathmandu these days. Some happen during the weekdays while others are up and running on the weekends. Our favorite is the one at Le Sherpa that takes place every Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. People can be seen just basking in the sun, indulging in some hot tea or coffee or some cold beer too. There are all sorts of stalls with various kinds of food available here to suit your taste. From Biryani and Pad Thai to cakes and cheeses, you can take your pick depending on what you are in the mood for. You can also shop for jewelry, perfumes, handicrafts, home decor, etc. Gather your friends and family and spend a lovely Saturday morning catching up with them at the market while you buy your week’s worth of groceries. You will also be supporting local businesses so it’s a win-win situation.

Spend a few hours at a bookstore

There was a time when Kathmandu didn’t have good bookstores. Now, the book industry is trying to change that. There are many new bookstores coming up and even the ones that have been in business for years have revamped their spaces and services to make shopping for books a fun affair. Ekta books at Thapathali, Kathmandu, spread across three expansive floors, is a nice place to hunt for your next read. They have recently opened a cafe too so you can even have a drink and grab a bite to eat while you read a few pages. Books Mandala in Baluwatar, Kathmandu, is another great place to visit. Here, you are very likely to find the book you have been searching for as they stock all sorts of titles, from popular authors to lesser known writers. Wisdom Books and Aroma Center in Bhanimandal, Lalitpur, can be your go-to place to browse through books, buy some cool notebooks, incense, candles, stationery items, and handicrafts. They have recently opened a small cafe of sorts where you can get some tea, coffee, and homemade food.