Best Month to Visit Kathmandu: A Complete Guide for Indian Travellers

Have you heard about this? The Kathmandu Valley has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a radius of just 15 km, making it one of the places with the most heritage sites in the world. Kathmandu, which is believed to be 2,000 years old, is a city from where you can see Himalayan peaks like Langtang and Ganesh Himal on clear days.

If you are planning to visit this ancient city that celebrates 50 festivals in a year, you will love the way the city has blended two great cultures: Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Before you visit this country, get your travel insurance policy online from Bajaj General Insurance to secure your trip and travel stress-free.

Understanding Kathmandu’s Location and Geography

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is located in central Nepal and is surrounded by four hills: Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri. The city is situated at a higher altitude compared to other parts of Nepal, and hence, it is cooler here than in the lowlands.

Rivers like Bagmati and its various tributaries flow through Kathmandu and are a reason why the land is fertile and green. The area is covered with deciduous trees like oak, elm, beech, and maple.

The city’s landscape is both natural and man-made. There are small villages, historic sites, hills, and the Himalayas situated nearby.

Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

The best time to visit Kathmandu is in the month of October when it is autumn in the city. Let us understand why:

Autumn (September to November)

During this period, the temperature is around 20°C to 27°C during the daytime and around 9°C to 15°C at night. The days are warm and the weather is pleasant. You can watch sunrise views of the Himalayas from places like Nagarkot and Chisapani.

You can also visit the famous places like Swayambhunath Stupa (also called the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.

• Swayambhunath Stupa: It is an ancient and large dome and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known as the monkey temple due to the presence of a large number of resident monkeys. The stupa is topped by a golden cube and it is believed that Lord Buddha’s eyes are watching and looking over the valley.
• Boudhanath Stupa: It is one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. It was built in 600 AD by a Tibetan king using many kilograms of gold.
• Pashupatinath Temple: This temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Kathmandu, where devotees of Lord Shiva gather to offer prayers and seek blessings. The temple’s main doors and roofs are built with precious metals.
• Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is a plaza in front of the old royal palace, and many festivals are celebrated in this area. Therefore, the area is crowded and full of colours.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Kathmandu is very cold in the morning and night, as it is a hilly area. At night, the temperature may fall around 2°C to 8°C while during the daytime it is around 10°C to 20°C.

You can visit Nagarkot, a hill station in Kathmandu and view Mount Everest. The area is surrounded by forests and is a good place to go for hiking and watching sunrise views.

In winter, you can experience Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival, and Losar, the Tibetan New Year. The atmosphere is culturally charged, where thousands of sadhus and devotees fast and chant prayers during Maha Shivaratri. During Losar, people decorate their homes with colourful flags and monks perform ritual dances called "Cham" to drive away evil spirits. Also, families prepare and relish traditional foods like khapse (fried pastries) and guthuk (noodle soups).

Spring (March to May)

During spring, the day temperature (20°C to 30°C) is warm and nights (10°C to 18°C) are mild. The climate is perfect for the blooming of flowers. Everywhere you can see rhododendrons and wildflowers and it makes the hillsides beautiful.

During this time, you can visit Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which is located north of Kathmandu. The Himalayas can be seen from the Shivapuri Peak. You can go hiking and trekking in this area, which is famous for leopards, monkeys, and black bears.

After the tiring trek, in the evenings, you can relax at roadside cafes and try local food.

Monsoon (June to August)

After the end of Spring, enters monsoon season where it rains a lot. The temperature during this time is 18°C to 25°C. The city becomes green but it is not the best time for hiking because hiking trails are muddy and slippery.

However, you can visit indoor places like museums, cafes, temples such as Pashupatinath, and sheltered areas in Patan. In the courtyards, artisans create metal statues and intricate wood carvings; you can observe their skills and craftsmanship. Also, the Patan Museum is great to study about Nepal’s sacred art.

Conclusion

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is nestled in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas. You can visit the city to experience their festivals, traditions, spiritual and historical heritage. But remember, before you start your journey, do not forget to purchase travel insurance from Bajaj General Insurance to cover unexpected events that may knock your way accidentally.

FAQs

1. What is the best month to visit Kathmandu?

October is the best month to visit Kathmandu as the weather is pleasant and clear for sightseeing.

2. What is Kathmandu famous for?

Kathmandu is famous for its temples, UNESCO heritage sites, and Himalayan views.

3. How far is Kathmandu from India?

Kathmandu is about 80 km from the Indian border and can be reached by road or flight easily.

4. What food is popular in Kathmandu?

The popular food of Nepal is momos, thukpa, dal bhat, and Newari dishes.

5. What clothes should I pack for Kathmandu?

Pack light woollens for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-friendly clothes based on the season you visit.

6. Is Kathmandu good for shopping?

Yes, you can go and shop in local markets for handicrafts, pashmina shawls, singing bowls, and traditional jewellery.

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***Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.