No doubt that Kathmandu has its own importance on the map of world tourism and has been one of favorite destination for tourists for years. Based in the lap of the Himalayas, the national capital city of Nepal has thousands of followers of Hinduism and Buddhism. And hence, there are several temples and Buddha Stupas in Kathmandu. These temples and stupas have been drawing the people of neighbor countries for pilgrimage.
If you are planning to have a religious tour, Kathmandu would be the best option for you. Include temples/stupas in your Kathmandu trip being a follower of Hinduism/Buddhism. Don’t get confused in selection; I have mentioned below some of most famous temples and stupas in this write up for your convenience.
Pashupatinath Temple – Dedicated to the Lord Shiva, the Pashupatinath Temple is the most famous Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Based on the banks of the Bagmati River, it draws thousands of Hindu devotees from every corner of Nepal and India. It is well known for the celebration of Shivaratri. The followers of other religions are prohibited to enter worship premises of this temple. They can walk around the temple in all areas except worship one.
Changu Narayan Temple – Located on the high hilltop, the Changu Narayan Temple is surrounded by forest having champak tree and a very small village, Changu. 8 miles away from the east of Kathmandu, the temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and is the oldest temple in Nepal. It is filled with thousands of Hindu devotees around the year.
Swayambhunath Stupa – Located on the top of the hill in the west of Kathmandu, the Swayambhunath Stupa is the 2nd most visited Buddhist stupa. As a pilgrimage, you have to go up on a long and steep stairway in order to reach on the top of this stupa. Due to the huge colony of moneys living nearby, the stupa is locally famous as the Monkey’s Temple. The Buddhists from Nepal, Tibet and other countries come to worship at this stupa.
Boudhanath Stupa – It is the Buddhist stupa which is included by numerous Buddhists as well as Hindus in Kathmandu tour. The Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest stupas in Asia and well known for the eyes of Buddha which are on the white stupa.
Kopan Monastery – Very close to the Boudhanath Stupa, the Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan monastery and has relation with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition. The monastery is open on only weekend holiday for tourists and lots of persons with their families come on the weekend to worship.
Budhanilkantha Temple – Located in Kathmandu district, the Budhanilkantha Temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu and is based on the Shivapuri Hill which is known for having most beautiful carving stone. The temple has its own importance among the followers of Hinduism. As devotees of the Lord Vishnu, a large number of Hinduism followers include this temple in their trip to Kathmandu in order to make their tour religious.