As the aircraft lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the Himalayas’ royal scene welcomes passengers with snow -covered peaks in the afternoon sunlight. Visitors are welcomed with a warm smile when landing at Gulzar Airport with a mixture of trackers, tourists and locals.
The temperature out is 15 ° C, and the fresh incense sticks come in the fresh air. A small drive amidst the vibrant roads of Kathmandu leads to the cool hug of Kathmandu Marriott Hotel, an oligos in the midst of the capital’s stirring energy.
Cluster General Manager Vishal Mehra welcomed me by establishing a tone of welcome with a warm smile. After seeing a glimpse of the city view from a fresh drink and wide windows of the room, now is the time to detect Kathmandu’s heart – a city that artisticly balances the sacred rhythm with modern beats. But today’s chapter will take us a few kilometers south, Patan city, which is also called Lalitpur or the city of beauty.
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel Room, Kathmandu, Nepal’s wide windows scene of Kathmandu. , Photo courtesy: Smriti S.
For deep understanding, I went to Patan, about seven kilometers from Kathmandu. Patan is one of the oldest cities in Nepal and is believed to have been established during the Kirat dynasty. The ancient city is a living museum of Nepali art and design, with its newari -style buildings and ornate carvings. Patan has been the center of artisans, craftsmen and scholars.
The UNESCO world heritage site, step into the Patan Durbar Square, feels like going back in time with the 17th -century royal palaces, centuries old temples and courtyards. My guides, Yadav Khatiwada, share stories of Malla kings, who ruled the dynasty of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal from 1201 to 1779. “Each wall, building, or temple tells a story,” Yadav says, pointing to the Krishna temple, which stands in the middle of the Chowk.
Nearby, the Royal Palace complex invites explorations, offering its best examples of its courtyard newari craftsmanship. Mool Chowk, the oldest and central courtyard is the house of the holy Talaju Bhavani Temple, while Sundari Chowk is a tank immersed in Sundari Chowk, known as Tusha Hiti or Royal Bath, which was used by Malla Shahi family in Nepal . The royal bath, an extraordinary visual rest, surprised me and other tourists. I look at the complex -decorated wall that contains idols of Ashta Matrika, eight Bhairavas and Nagas, while the gold copper spoon displays Vishnu and Lakshmi sitting on Garuda.
A view of the submerged tank of Sundari Chowk, the royal bathroom, was once used by the Malla Shahi family of Nepal. , Photo courtesy: Smriti S.
For art lovers, the Patan Museum must go. The museum is home to one of the finest collections of Nepali art. The museum features excellent paintings, sculptures and artifacts of Hindu and Buddhism. While walking in the museum galleries, the person is filled with cultural and artistic insight. All exhibitions have captions with backgrounds.
Renewal dishes
Beyond its architecture, Patan provides the taste of the vibrant culture of Nepal through its cuisine. With its distinctive mixture of spices and tastes, the newari food provides a rich cuisine experience as the city. In a small restaurant near the intersection, I taste the delicious plate Potato Tam (Bamboo copies and potatoes in sour curry), Buff bara, Buff choila (Spicy grilled buffalo meat), and Chiura Paired Chhang (A traditional alcoholic beverage).
A variety of newari dishes were served at a restaurant near Patan Darbar Square. , Photo courtesy: Smriti S.
However, the history of Patan is full of some stains. Pointing to some broken wooden pieces, Yadav says, “It was damaged during the 2015 earthquake. Many of these structures were affected, but the restoration work continues, “the sounds of construction in the background were echoing. The remains of the intensity of the earthquake still exist, but the flexibility of the Patan shines as the city gradually restores its rich architectural heritage.
While Patan is a quiet gem, no journey to Kathmandu will be completed without the discovery of its treasures and lively markets.
Places of Nepal Treasury
I visit Swayambhunath, which is the prestigious monkey temple situated at an altitude of 77 meters above the ground. At a distance of a few steps from the entrance, visitors find out the ritual of bouncing the coin made to test their luck. Holding a coin, Yadav says, “Focus and bounce it. If it lands at the right place, you will be blessed with good fortune. ”Light naps of metal echoed on the stone, after which there is a close lapse.
The climb of the stupa begins with 90 stairs on the hill. Although it is considered the easiest path, each stage tests my stamina in the cold air of Friday evening. At the top, the golden stupa with 14 stairs is a symbol of gradual progress towards intelligence and shines in front of the horizon. Monkeys fly between ancient stone structures, while pilgrims and tourists revolve around the stupa by rotating the prayer cycle and chanting the mantras.
The holy Pashupatinath temple is spread on the banks of the Bagmati river, not far away from Swayambhunath. Nepal follows Bikram related to Chakra Chakra. This means that the work will last from Sunday to Friday, in which Saturday is the only holiday. Therefore, on Saturday, roads are busy shopping for local people, visiting temples and spending time with family and friends.
A glimpse of the prestigious Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal. , Photo courtesy: Smriti S.
Since it is Saturday morning, there is more crowd than normal in the temple, there are hundreds of devotees here. While the priests of Southern India pray inside the temple, their voices resonate with its holy hall, Rudraksha Mala and the crowded red commentary on the forehead participate in a rush ritual. Meanwhile, the banks of the river, the offerings of flowers and incense were scattered, as well as the severe glow of the cremation pyre burning quietly.
Nearby, about 5 kilometers away, Buddhath Stupa reflects the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture of the city. Tourists can spend hours in a peaceful environment walking around the huge stupa. Nearby shops, from prayer garlands to different types of Buddha, sell everything, providing a window in Tibetan life. The famous roadhouse, a famous Cafe series of Nepal, introducing a mixture of local and global flavors, offers an enjoyable mixture of authentic newari recipes and pizza.
A scene of Buddhist Nath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Kathmandu is also known for its stirring markets and shopping centers – Thamel and posture. Whether the souvenirs or local products are looking for, these roads offer an endless range of options. Thomel, a market known for its vibrant shops and roadside cafes, is a paradise for tourists. From handmade crafts and jewelery to traditional Nepali clothes and expensive and best Pashmina Shawl. Nearby, asana – one of the oldest and busiest markets in the city provides a sensitive overload of scenes, sounds and smells. The narrow streets are filled with sellers selling everything from fresh produce to spices and clothes. I am also with meFatima, a Nepali friend. Stopping to buy birds’ fodder from a seller, she says, “This is the place where the local people get everything they need.”
A stirring thick market in Kathmandu, Nepal. , Photo courtesy: Smriti S.
Kathmandu Marriott
The Kathmandu Marriott Hotel offers a spontaneous mix of luxury and cultural immersion, providing a calm relaxation among the lively energy of the city. Enjoy diverse food options including Thomel Kitchen, Tahina Terrace and Adame, known for modern Asian fusion. Stress free with fresh pastries of Raxi Music Bar or Kathmandu Baking Company. Relax in the roof -made pool and spa or be active in the gym. The hotel also provides a versatile location for programs and meetings.
(The author was in Nepal at the invitation of Kathmandu Marriott Hotel)
Published – January 24, 2025 03:25 PM IST
