Packed with history, palaces, and temples, Kathmandu is the most vibrant and noisy city in Nepal. That must be something you would read about this capital city on the internet, but the truth is, there is no adequate way to describe this beautiful place. Kathmandu is Kathmandu, totally unique and different from places you must have been to before. There was a time when it was called Kantipur and used as the main trading route between Tibet and India but gradually, it became the metropolis we know today. With a population of around 2.5 million, the city can frustrate you at times but once you push through the hustle-bustle of city life, you’ll realize how welcoming and achingly beautiful this city is.
A lot has been said about the fascinating essence of top attractions like Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Royal Palace, and many more, that captivate the attention of myriad tourists from all corners of the world. But only a little was known about the off-beaten opportunities that this eclectic capital of Nepal veils in its cauldron.
Here are some unusual yet cool things that you would love to do if you are a curious traveler and prefer traveling like a local.
Momo Mania
Not long it will take for you to realize what a momo is to the locals and how important it is for their daily survival. Once you are on Kathmandu tour, every corner, lane, and even the street is going to smell delicious and enticing. Even when you aren’t hungry, you’ll find yourself craving for this delicacy. Momos are Nepal’s dumplings that are filled with cheese, chicken, and veggies. Besides being a staple of travelers, it’s something worth betting on. Yes, several venders feature unlimited momos, a momo eating competition with free drinks, live music, and more. Tell me, aren’t you drooling already?
Living Goddess
Selected from a priestly family residing in Newari village outside of Kathmandu, the living goddess is no one but a small girl as young as three. She is believed to be holding the spirits of goddess Taleju. Every year, a plethora of people come by Durbar Square where she lives to get a glimpse of the living divine. Although Kumari Devi (the living goddess) is kept under supreme care and safety throughout the year, she only makes a public appearance during festive seasons, like Indra Jatra.
Dog Celebration
Absurd it might read but equally true it is. Dogs are celebrated in Kathmandu and given religious importance by the locals. While on the tour, if you come across a dog, adorned with marigold garlands and red forehead tikkas, know that it’s their day. During the Tihar festival, the second day is called Kukur Tihar, when dogs’ companionship and connection with humans are celebrated.
Asan Market
Along with a street food freak, if you are a spendthrift shopper, do visit the Asan market. Dwelling between Thamel and Durbar Square, this place showcases how people shop and live in Kathmandu. If you are also a photographer, morning is the best time to visit this place with your camera. People love taking exceptional pictures of the local market and narrow lanes for an aesthetic collection.
Old Freak Street
Once an epicenter of the hippies who found final enlightenment on this street back in the ’60s and ’70s, a lot of things have changed since the deportation of hippies in the early ’70s. Although some people mythically visit this street to find government run-hashish shops, they only find the remnants of the trade in the form of cheap guest houses, shopping centers, souvenir shops, and restaurants, after the ban of cannabis.
From blessing a dog to visiting the shredded charm of Old Freak Street, there are so many off-beat things to try in Kathmandu. Once you break into the place, the locals themselves will begin to unravel mysteries of the city to you.