Nepal Tourism » Kathmandu Travel

WHERE TO STAY :

THE HYATT REGENCY
With peace prevailing in Nepal, tourists are flocking back to its capital. The city has much to offer, with plenty of dining, shopping and gambling options.

KATHMANDU has a great location and an uninterrupted view of the Boudhnath Stupa. The 290-room hotel is a blend of traditional Newari architecture and modern amenities. The peaceful lobby area has nine living chaityas that are replicas of 11th to 18th century shrines don’t be surprised if you come across people meditating here. The spacious rooms are tastefully decorated and American photographer Thomas Kelly’s works adorn the walls.

An international style breakfast French raisin toast, pancakes, waffles and eggs is served in the cheerful cafe. Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Le Meridiem Kathmandu Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa is perfect if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The guest rooms are spread out over the main wing, the Rana’s Lodge and the Hunter’s Lodge which is a great hit with the expatriate community. The hotel has recently started a Spirit of Golf workshop based on the lines of the Art of Living to help players improve their game. When you’re done with your golf game, head to the Club house and let chef Roong rustle up an authentic Thai meal for you. The tranquil property is also a haven for avid bird watchers.

WHERE TO SHOP
If you’re heading to Kathmandu for the weekend and want to include some shopping as part of your trip, keep in mind that the markets remain closed on Saturdays. Nepali handmade paper is famous and the products available at Paper Moon (Baber Mahal are great as souvenirs. Pick from light fixtures in the shapes of clouds and flowers, playing cards, albums, and more. Zaren Cashmere & Silk (Baber Mahal is the place to visit if you’re looking to splurge on world-class cashmere. Zaren is the baby of Rajni Malla who produces garments for various international labels and also designs collections for her showrooms in Paris and Milan. The gorgeous shawls and stoles on display are all hand-woven, dyed and embroidered.

The store also sells a chic line of resort wear. For pretty coral and turquoise jewellery in both traditional and modern settings, step into Aditya Gems Jewellery (Baber Mahal Stop by Siddhartha Art Gallery (Baber Mahal and check out the latest trends in contemporary Nepalese art. For some local flavour head to the Pothe Market located just off Indira Chowk. The narrow lanes tae lined with tiny stores that sell beads in err imaginable colour.

Traditionally these beads are worn by local women as a symbol of matrimony. You cannot leave Kathmandu without visiting Thamel. Teeming with bars and restaurants, the market is the haunt of backpackers and a macro for street shopping. Shoes, woollen iced products, traditional masks, DVD’s of the latest blockbusters, rare CD’s you’ll find it all here. Looking for handicraft like terracotta lamps and vases? Do visit Mahaguthi, Craft with a Conscience

TO EAT
Rox restaurant and bar Regency; over three levels and is open only in the evenings. Chef Dawa operates an open-style kitchen at this multi-cuisine restaurant. Guests can sit across the counter and watch as their meals are prepared. Do try the Rox Specialty Etagere, an appetiser that includes smoked salmon, chicken liver terrine, Carpaccio, prawn, and Parma ham. For a taste of authentic Nepali cuisine, reserve a table at Krishnarpan (Dwarikas Hotel; Battisputali; Their set menus range from six to 22 courses.

Baithak (Baber Mahal serves Rana cuisine a blend of Nepali and Mughlai food in a regal setting. The menu includes delicacies like khasi ko bhutuwa (cubes of mutton cooked in spices) and aloo tare ko (spicy fried potatoes). Satiate your Francophile food cravings by heading to Chez Caroline (Baber Mahal. This tiny al fresco restaurant has a relaxed air. Try the tandem du poissons fumes (smoked trout and salmon) and manguier (a mango dessert).

NIGHTLIFE
The Rum Doodle (Thamel; is a bar and restaurant that is actually inspired by a book Me Ascent of Rum Doodle by W. E. Bowman, a copy of which is available at the bar. The decor is dominated by footprints (large white cut-outs) with names, love songs and the occasional swear words left by travellers. The bar is always bustling with energy and is the place to hang out. The casinos in Kathmandu are open 24-7 and offer a range of games from blackjack to baccarat. Casino Tara (Hyatt Regency) offers a great gaming experience and delicious vegetarian food. The 5,000 square foot Casino Shangri La (Shangri La Hotel, Lazimpat opened last year and is a great hit with the predominantly Indian clientele for its Vegas-like atmosphere.

WHAT TO DO
Patan Museum (Keshav Narayan Chowk, Patan Durbar displays traditional, sacred art in an illustrious architectural setting. The museum was reopened in 1997, and its exhibits include cast bronzes and gilt copper repousse work. Each item is accompanied by a written commentary by Mary Slusser. If you have some time, visit Bhaktapur "the city of devotees." This ancient town is a reflection of the Malla rulers cultural and artistic achievements. Durbar Square boasts of some of the most intricate carvings, while the National Galley contains ancient and medieval paintings.

Destination : Kathmandu: Nepal

Getting There : lndian,Jet Airways, Royal Nepal and Air Sahara operate regular flights from Delhi to Kathmandu. Indian passport holders do not require a visa, but it is advisable to carry your passport for verification October to April is the dry season, the weather views of the Himalayan-peaks.

Getting Around: Taxis are easily available, but it is always better to settle the fare in advance with the driver.

Insider Tips : Indian currency in denominations of 100 are acceptable, but 500 and 1,000 rupee notes are considered counterfeit and you will not be able to exchange them even at the airport.