subject: Flights To Kathmandu [print this page] Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and often called "The Gateway to Nepal" and "Gateway of Mount Everest". When anybody who has come to Nepal thinks of Kathmandu, the first impression he carries on his mind is the temples of Kathmandu and its rich culture. Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath temple (often called Monkey temple), Changunarayan are the world heritage sites of Kathmandu that are in the memories of thousands of tourist who have visited Nepal. Kathmandu is the melting point of Buddhism and Hinduism. The greatest Hindu shrine, Pashupatinath, situated in the eastern part of Kathmandu attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is a perfect tourist destination so whenever you plan for holidays in Kathmandu just book your cheap Kathmandu flights in advance.
The old town of Kathmandu is a masterpiece of urban planning created by the Newar people. Most traditional buildings are built of red brick and dark wood. Courtyards and plazas abound on all sides, so that even though the streets are narrow and the population many, there is a feeling of space and harmony. The windows and doors of traditional houses are decorated with lavish carvings of varied designs.
Kathmandu's royal palace is a massive structure with thick mud walls, shady porticoes and 55 courtyards. It is decorated with huge quantities of gilded copper. The temples of Kathmandu are everywhere. Small shrines are found in courtyards (chowks), squares and back lanes, and are part of the everyday life. Kathmandus heritage is much more than its architecture. The visitor will enjoy the festivals, the handicrafts and treks to the nearby Himalayan foothills. Kathmandu will richly reward the visitor who is willing to stay for more than a day or two, and who tries to explore the city and the culture a little more and to meet and mix with the local people. With the massive changes brought to Kathmandu with the arrival of mass tourism, democracy, globalization, and new technologies, much traditional life and many customs are disappearing in Kathmandu, especially among the younger generation.
Modern Kathmandu does have its share of problems, including poverty and pollution. But for the visitor who wants to see and experience a city and a culture that is quite different from the typical city in their home country, Kathmandu is still is a remarkable and unforgettable place in the heart of the Himalayas.
