One of the most iconic destinations one must visit during their trip to Nepal has to be Kathmandu Durbar Square. Locally known as Basantapur, the area today is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an amalgam of the history of Kathmandu. Featuring temples, monuments and architecture from the Ancient, Medival and Modern Era of Nepali History. At times, the site seems unreal due to the variety of facades in one place.
The best portrayal of this is at the crossroads of the Kumari house. With the iconic, European Baroque Architecture of Gaadi Baithak on the right and the beautiful Newar architecture of the Kumari house sit side to side.
Visit The Kumari House
Have Tea At Mama’s Tea Shop
A Selfie At Kaal Bhiarav
A Meal at Freak Street
Take Blessings at Jana Bahal
A Brisk Walk
Bypass The Street Hawkers
In this article, we collect the 7 things one must do, while visiting the Durbar Square area. The activities are a collective of activities which encompass, exploring history and activities which is profoundly loved by the people of Nepal.
Visit The Kumari House
The Kumari house which lies opposite to the iconic white palace of Gaddi Baithak has stood tall since the Malla Era of Nepali History. It is home to the Living Goddess of Kathmandu, also known as the Royal Kumari. Apart from housing one of the most important deities of the Newar Pantheon, it also boasts one of the most amazing woodcrafts of the Newar people. The entrance of the Kumari House features a Thorana which features the depiction of Durga and Bhawani. The small narrow entrance opens to a beautiful square which at times feels like a gateway to the past.
If luck is on your side, as you upwards you shall get to witness the Living Goddess herself, looking down at her devotees.
Have Tea At Mama’s Tea Shop
We Nepalese can’t live or breadth without a cup of tea! Amidst all the cafe’s one can enjoy a good cup, the best way to experience the true Tea culture would be to have it at a small tea house, sitting in a stool by the curve, surrounded by the people and their activities. Mama’s Tea Shop is one of the most popular tea shops in Basantapur and it lies near Himalayan Java ( The Irony). One can look it up in Google Maps or ask anyone in the area, they shall greet you with a familiar smile and show you where it is.
One can enjoy a selection of 3 tea’s; Masala Milk, Black and Lemon. It’s a pay first establishment and you shall be seated well, in the Durbar Square itself and the tea shall be brought to you. The best time is during the evening, facing west one can enjoy a magnificent view while sipping a warm cup of tea.
A Selfie At Kaal Bhiarav
One of the most iconic stone carving in the Basantapur Durbar Square premises is of Kaal Bhairav. In short Kaal Bhairav stands for the Bhairav of time, and is revered by both Hindu’s and Buddhists. The exact history of the creation of the iconic stone culture is still debated but all agree that it is one of the most important depictions of Bhairav in the valley. Before you take a great picture, which shall serve as a memento make sure to take blessings.
A Meal at Freak Street
Popularized during the hippie era of the ’60s and ’70s in Nepal, Freak Street was and still is a popular hangout for the youth and eccentric. It is also home to a wide selection of traditional and fusion eateries and cafes. Make sure to enjoy a great meal at Freak Street, which is recommended during the weekend as it shall feature live music.
Take Blessings at Jana Bahal
Jana Bahal which lies in the outskirts of the Durbar Square is home to another important deity in the Newar Pantheon, which is locally known as Seto Macchindranath. The Bahal Square is centred by a two-story pagoda temple, housing the deity and is surrounded by chaitya’s and mandala’s dedicated by various families to the God’s.
A Brisk Walk
Well if you are living in Thamel, then your quite close to the core region of the Durbar Square. Fancy a morning stroll? The Durbar Square region in the mornings is completely different, less crowded, and in the morning golden hour, the temples have this magnificent glow to them. One can get to enjoy the local assortment of breakfast foods, the farmer’s market and beautiful experience.
Bypass The Street Hawkers
The one thing that every traveller in Basantapur has to do is well, bypass the Street Hawkers. The best-recommended way is with a beautiful smile and thanks you. At times it works but some are more persistent, during those times the best recommendation is to keep at your business and they get tired and just move away. It is not recommended to purchase from the street hawkers as the items they sell can be commonly found in the markets of Thamel or Basantapur at a much lower price.
