Let’s explore some of the best places you can visit around Hotel Barahi Kathmandu that is within a 5 km radius from the hotel.
Thamel
Anyone who visits Nepal shouldn’t miss visiting Thamel. A blend of culture, history, food, music and the traveler’s spirit, Thamel has everything that a traveler can ask for. That’s why booking a hotel in Thamel has its benefits. Thamel’s Narsingh chowk is where you can start exploring all kinds of souvenirs and handmade items.
From prayer flags to khukris, you can find a piece of Nepal to take home. Thamel is also where you can find international cuisines, experience fine dining or grab a quick bite and a coffee while exploring the city.
Enjoy Kathmandu’s party scene at clubs or with live music in the evening. If you are looking for trekking gears, Thamel has that too! A place where the old meets the new, wander around its narrow alleyways to explore ancient temples that sit alongside modern malls.
Narayanhiti Palace
If you stay at Hotel Barahi Kathmandu, each room offers a sprawling view of the city and right in front of it, you will see Narayanhiti Palace.
Visit the museum to get a closer view of this historical palace. Completed in 1969, this palace was the official residence of Nepal’s royal family until monarchy was abolished in 2008.
Explore how royals used to live as you walk through lavish halls, throne rooms and bedrooms, and also learn about Nepal’s recent history of the tragic Royal Palace Massacre which occurred in 2001. Parts of the palace where the massacre occurred has been preserved and it is open to the public.
Garden of Dreams
If you look west from Hotel Barahi Kathmandu, you will notice a patch of green in the middle of the city. This is the Garden of Dreams, a neoclassical style garden from the time of the Rana regime built in the 1920s.
This peaceful garden spans 6,895 square metres and includes beautiful structures inspired by European-style gardens and Greek architecture. It stayed lost in history until it was restored in 2007 and opened to the public.
An oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle, when you visit this garden, you will forget that it lies in the middle of a chaotic city. Enjoy some quiet time among nature and rejuvenate your senses at Garden of Dreams.
Shreegha
Passing through the streets of Thamel, heading south, you can visit Shree Gha, a hidden stupa in an old settlement of Kathmandu. This stupa is a smaller replica of Swayambhu Stupa, and is also known as Kathe Swayambhu.
This place is surrounded by prayer wheels, smaller stupas, traditional architecture and Buddhist monasteries.
Shree Gha offers a peaceful space for devotees or travelers alike. Walk around the stupa and marvel at the architecture, there are several small tea shops to grab a sip and watch devotees coming to worship as birds fly around the structure, or shop for ritual and spiritual items. Shree Gha is also a great place for photography.
Swayambhu
Swayambhu is a giant Buddhist stupa on top of a hill towards west of Kathmandu. It lies 2 kilometers away from Thamel and can be easily accessed by a vehicle or by a 30-minute walk.
It is one of the most sacred places in Kathmandu and is also listed as one of the 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Nepal. The word ‘Swayambhu’ means self-manifested and it is believed to have been created some 1000 years ago.
Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, from where you can get a panoramic view of Kathmandu valley. It is also known as the monkey temple for its residential monkeys living here. The top of the stupa has a golden pinnacle with Buddha’s all seeing eyes painted on all four sides and prayer flags fluttering.
Travelers who visit here can experience the serene environment and spiritual energy while also appreciating the architectural magnificence of Swayambhu.
Basantapur Durbar Square
Basantapur Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka is one of the three durbar squares in Kathmandu. Built during the 4th to 8th century by the Lichchhavi kings, it was later expanded by the Malla kings in the 17th and 18th centuries.
It is popular for its historical importance and the beautiful pagoda style structures that are scattered throughout.
Basantapur is also home to the Hanuman Dhoka museum and Kumari Ghar, the home of the living Goddess Kumari. Basantapur is accessible on foot with a short 20 minute walk from Thamel through the old alleyways.
Visit Basantapur and marvel at the detailed wood work of the temples, learn about the mythology and enjoy some savory street food.
Asan
On the way to Basantapur from Thamel you come across Asan, the old marketplace of Kathmandu. Asan has existed as a trading spot since the time of the Silk Road which connected Tibet and India.
Here, you can find everything you would need or want. From handicrafts and souvenirs to bridal necessities, this is where Kathmandu comes to shop.
Experience the local way of life as you walk through hundreds of shops, some that even span generations. If you’re lucky, you can also observe festivals like Indra Jatra or Holi commencing during your visit. Asan is where history, culture, commerce, and chaos beautifully collide.
Durbarmarg
When you visit Narayanhiti Palace, don’t forget to stroll around Durbarmarg, located just across the street from the palace, its name literally means “King’s Way”.
Here, you can enjoy a shopping experience for high-end, luxury brands. Along the tree-lined avenue, you can find trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, jewelry shops, boutiques and bakeries. Visit Durbarmarg for a refined urban experience close to Hotel Barahi Kathmandu.
Rani Pokhari
A short walk from Durbarmarg, you can visit Rani Pokhari, or “Queens Pond”. Built in the 17th century, the Rani Pokhari carries an emotional history.
It was built by King Pratap Malla for his grieving wife who had lost her son to illness. The pond is rectangular and has a statue of the King, Queen and their son riding a white elephant.
Although the public isn’t allowed to enter the pond except for a couple of days a year, one can marvel at it through the fence. Especially in the evenings, it reflects the lights off the nearby buildings creating a beautiful sparkling effect on the waters.
Skywalk Tower
Among all the historical sites listed on this list, this one is an exception. The Skywalk Tower is a recent addition to Kathmandu’s skyline which offers an amazing view of Kathmandu valley.
The tower is 256 feet tall and is situated in Kamaladi, about one kilometer from the hotel. Visit the sky tower to get a sprawling view of the city, enjoy a yoga session at the top or dine under the moonlight.
The Skywalk Tower also offers thrilling experiences for adrenaline junkies with their in-city bungee jumping. Visit for a romantic time together or for a family fun time.
