In 1975, a young songwriter named Bob Seger wrote and sang a satirical song by the name of “Kathmandu.” In this song, Seger joked about ‘going to Kathmandu’ to escape the politics and complications of being a singer-songwriter and dealing with record companies. In the 1970s, Kathmandu symbolized a “different world” as it had been a popular place for so-called “hippies” to get away from the modern world. Today, Kathmandu is quite different from what it was in the 1970s, but it still maintains its uniqueness and mystique.
As the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is also the largest city. Kathmandu bustles with activity as street vendors fill the streets in the city’s tourist areas. Tourists can stroll through the streets of the city and find local arts and crafts, workshops and food vendors alongside more modern ones.
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Getting to Kathmandu is quite simple via Tribhuvan International Airport. Once you’ve arrived, walking, taxis and cycle rickshaws will get you from point A to point B efficiently and cheaply. Regardless of the type of transportation you choose, please understand that prices are all negotiable and must be agreed before services are provided. For trips out of town, consider taking reputable bus lines or flights, depending on the distances you want to travel.
Things to do in Kathmandu
It’s easy to get stuck in the touristy areas of the city with so much culture literally pouring out onto the streets. However, be careful when spending your entire stay alone in the city. Consider some other sites when visiting Kathmandu:
- Swayambhu – Located just a few kilometers from Kathmandu. Swayambhu is a large stupa (or mound-like burial structure) located on a hill overlooking parts of the city. This stupa is considered one of the holiest in all of Nepal. Religious ceremonies are still held here today.
- Trekking – Located in the heart of the Himalayas, trekking has long been the main purpose of travel for many visitors to this region. The vast natural beauty of this area offers fantastic views and lasting memories for those brave enough to venture into the wild.
- School – From yoga and massage to meditation and Buddhism, Nepal offers opportunities to study a wide range of Eastern philosophies and skills practiced in the East. Studying an oriental practice is a great way to immerse yourself in and learn of a culture very different from your own.
While Kathmandu may not be the same place it was in the 1970s when Bob Seger sang about it, it’s still a world apart from what most visitors know and expect. With a thirst for adventure and a few dollars in the wallet, Kathmandu is a great travel experience that leaves many changed for the rest of their lives.