Parks and the outdoors in Kathmandu

Parks and the outdoors in Kathmandu

1. SeeEast

   Boudha Stupa

   Boudha Chorten

   According to legend, Boudhanath Stupa was built in the 5th century AD by an elderly poultry woman who sought land from the king to construct a shrine to the Buddha. The king agreed, offering her as much land as she could cover with the skin of a water buffalo. Cleverly, she cut the hide into thin strips and laid them end to end, creating a vast circumference. Though the king realized he had been outwitted, he honored his promise, and the stupa was built according to these dimensions. It is believed to enshrine various relics, including those of Kashyapa, a Buddha from a previous aeon. Today, Boudhanath Stupa stands as Nepal’s most revered Buddhist site, drawing pilgrims who circumambulate the structure throughout the day, chanting mantras. It is especially spectacular at night when bathed in the glow of warm floodlights. Visitors should remember to walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction and spin the prayer wheels the same way. Information on Buddhism and the points of etiquette at Buddhist sites: Buddhism

   Foreigners pay Rs400, but this can be waived for guests of hotels at the other side of the stupa

2. SeeWest

   Garden of Dreams

   Swapna Bagaicha

   Relax in this beautiful and peaceful walled garden close to Thamel and the former Royal Palace. Beautifully renovated in partnership with the Austrian government. It has two pavilions depicting two of the six annual seasons in the Hindu calendar. There is a mini exhibition showing old photos of this garden. There is a restaurant (Kaiser Cafe) in it. You are not allowed to bring own food into the garden and even if you just want to go to Kaiser Cafe you still need to buy the ticket for the garden. Nice toilets.

   Daily 09:00-21:00·Rs400 for non-Nepalese, Rs150 for Nepalese

3. SeeEast

   Pashupatinath Temple

   This important Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva in his form as the Lord of the Beasts. While only Hindus are allowed to enter the inner sanctum, the surrounding temple grounds are open to all visitors. The area features not only historic architecture and rich religious iconography, but also sadhus (holy men), a market for spiritual items, and a revered sacred cave. One of the most fascinating parts of the complex is the cremation ghats along the banks of the Bagmati River. These are best experienced in the early morning or evening, with striking light and moving devotional ceremonies beginning around 7 PM. Buddhist visitors should not miss the nearby caves — just beyond the high-caste cremation area— where the great teacher Tilopa instructed Naropa, who later attained enlightenment there.

4. SeeWest

   Swayambhunath

   स्वय म्भू AKA the Monkey Temple

   Perched on a hill overlooking Kathmandu, Swayambhu is a revered site featuring a grand stupa surrounded by Buddhist and Hindu iconography. According to legend, a former Buddha visited the valley, which was then a vast lake. The Buddha planted a lotus seed in the clear waters that bloomed after 84,000 years, crowned with an eternal flame. Drawn by the flame from Mount Wutai in China, the bodhisattva Manjushri drained the lake by cutting through the valley wall, making the site accessible for pilgrims. The stupa now stands where the lotus once blossomed, making Swayambhu one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist sites. The hilltop can be reached by climbing 350 steps, with a gentler but less scenic back route also available. A 30-minute walk from Thamel leads to the base, though a map is helpful due to several confusing intersections; taxis and bikes are also options. The site teems with monkeys—keep food hidden—and hosts ancient temples, souvenir stalls, cafes, and restaurants offering Nepali and Tibetan cuisine. For those with limited mobility, parking at the rear entrance minimizes the climb. Swayambhu is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley and includes the Swayambhu Buddhist Museum.

   Foreigners: Rs200 for single entry; Rs750 for a multiple entry pass

5. SeeEast Not mapped

   Shechen Monastery

   A very spacious and beautiful temple founded by the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. There is a garden restaurant near the monastery guest house.

6. EatEast Not mapped

   Stupa Dining Restaurant With Garden

   Local restaurant with good, clean, cheap food, and with live music.

7. DrinkEast Not mapped

   Utpala Cafe

   Pure vegan restaurant with ethics. Good coffee. Wide range of tasty Indian and Italian dishes. Healthy juices. Reasonable prices. Only outdoor seating in a beer garden-like setting. Good place to grab a meal, but not to relax and hang out.

   Daily: 7AM-9PM·Cappuccino - Nrs130

8. DoWest

   Baisdhara park

   Balaju

9. DoCentral

   Bhrikuti Mandap Park

   Bhrikutimandi

   Pradarshani Marg

10. DoCentral

    Bhugol Park

    Dharma Path, New Road (Naya Sadak)

11. DoCentral

    Fun Park

    Pradarshani Chakra

12. DoCentral

    Maitighar Mandala Park

13. DoCentral

    Ratna Park

    Kanti Path, Durbar Marg

14. DoCentral

    UN Park

    Shiva Marga

15. DoCentral Not mapped

    Sankha Park

    close to Ring Road

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Kathmandu (CC BY-SA 4.0).