Photogenic Places of Kathmandu
Photogenic Places of Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the old city with rich culture and amazing architecture. Some of the best photogenic places of Kathmandu are:
Kathmandu Durbar Square (Listed in UNESCO – 1979)
Kathmandu Durbar Square is the old palace residing at heart of Kathmandu. This old palace was home to ancient kings. This old king’s palace is the home to the only living goddesses in the world i.e. Kumari. Durbar Square has been the admirable part of architectural legacy and the cultural beauty of Kathmandu. If you are in search of something old and magnificent , then Kathmandu Durbar Square is the place to go.
Delight yourself and your camera with the glimpse of living goddesses Kumari. Hold your camera steadily for the great shots of modern day lifestyle of the locals in the old city. Wait for the best cloud background for capturing the architectural masterpieces of historical era. And do not miss the remains of hippie era and the old freak street.
Swayambhunath(4th Century)
You may know or have visited this site lying in the outskirt of Kathmandu valley. The journey to this shrine will take you the spiritual ride. You will smell the incense stick aroma when roaming in and around the site. The site has all the history and the cultural values that you may find fascinating.
But there is much more to the place. The adorable monkeys that you will encounter can be the feast for your camera. The fine blending of both Hinduism and Buddhism awards you the opportunity to capture religious beauty in the same location. The main focal point of Swayambhunth, it is of course the almighty white stupa with the painting of watchful eyes. The place can be best canvased in morning because weather becomes favorable at morning.
Boudhanath
We can say it is the largest photography place in Kathmandu because it is huge. It is largest dome shaped stupa in Asia. The journey of this place offers you the soothing experience. For satisfying your soul, ear and eye, look no further than Boudhanath. The flickering prayer flags , monks in maroon attire and invincible stupa itself is quite a delight for your lens.
The camera cannot miss the social gathering of different Tibetan and Nepalese monks. The last thing that you should shoot is the Thankas, paintings, incense stick that is displayed beautifully around the stupa.
Pashupatinath
Pashupathinath is the biggest Hindu shrine of Nepal. The temple lies at the bank of holy river Bagmati. If you are thriving to capture colorful activities of the people, then how can you miss this Holy Grail?
Pashupati offers so much to the camera. You want to capture the Sadhus in their unique yet powerful attire, or you want to capture the Hindu cremation procedures done at the bank of river, either may be the choice, both are the pleasure for the camera. This holy shrine is accompanied by hundreds of small temples and the Shiva Lingams. If you want to capture joyous pictures, then plan your visit for the festivals of Teej(August) and Mahashivaratri(March).
Patan and Khokana
Another photogenic place to visit is Patan Durbar Square lying in Laltipur. This place is feast for your eyes as well to your camera. The site is full of architectural masterpiece, meaningful cultural history, and of course the colorful bazaars. Square was the palace from where Malla kings ruled the valley, now converted into museum. You can capture architectural excellence, smiling face or the unique yet dazzling cultural glimpse
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The place is full of surprises, as this place is home to the best work of engineering and art, the Krishna temple built in 1637, now that’s really old but still standing strong. The wonderland offers plethora of opportunities to capture some of the best human works in the woods and the stones in the form of carving. You can stroll with your camera to the places like Tusha Hiti, Bhimsen Temple, Taleju Bhavani Temple, Mul Chowk and of course the Patan Durbar Square to satisfy your needs of capturing the best.
Khokana is another equally appealing Newar village lying at southern side of Kathmandu valley. The most satisfying view not to miss is the bright yellowish mustard field. The site is also equally eminent as it is the home to Rudrayani temple, a three storey temple of goddess Rudrayani. The temple is astonishing with the perfect architectural work in the second storey. The main focal point of the spot is the pond positioned just opposite the temple where the unique yet bizarre goat killing festival takes place every year. The scene is not to be found elsewhere so make sure that you have enough power and storage in the camera. The place is full of cultural attractions as it offers religious, cultural and architectural beauty at its best.
Bhaktapur
One of the old cities waiting to be framed is the Bhaktapur situated in the east corner of Kathmandu valley. The city was once the capital of Mallla Kings when they ruled the city until the second half of 15th century. Bhaktapur is one of the unique and alluring combinations of architectural perfection, traditional art and culture. Bhaktapur is the home to the Newari people known for their architectural masterpieces and the initiators and preservers of captivating culture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the pleasure to capture as the site will smile for your lens with its admirable art legacy, astonishing ponds, rich local customs, festivals and musical mystic.
The 55 windows palace with the state of art carved windows and doors, the magnificent shiny Golden Gate, The Yaksheswor temple, The Nyatapola temple, Dattatreya Square, Narayan temple, National Art Gallery, Bhairavnath temple, and Siddha Pokhari are not the places to be missed by the camera. The place still remains untouched with the modernization and is well preserved. Bhaktapur will not disappoint as the site is home to Kathmandu rich history, architectural beauty and culture and traditions.
Kirtipur
By now, you knew that Kathmandu is full of architectural brilliance and the Kirtipur is on exception. This mini city lies in the southwest direction of Kathmandu. Kirtipur has got it all, rich architects, culture and religious history, whatever may lure you, these all offerings are worth capturing. The area is home to one of the oldest shrine the Bhag Bhairav temple. You will find this pagoda styled shrine astonishing as the carvings in the woods and stones are picture perfect. Chilancho Stupa is the medium sized stupa lying on the southern tip of the hill surrounded by four smaller stupas.
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Another architectural perfection no to miss is the Uma Maheshwar temple, this tall temple is satisfying. Moreover, the temple front is guarded by stone carved elephant wearing saddles made of metal spikes. The temple was built in 1663 and was damaged in the 1934 earthquake and was renovated. The next site is the silent and equally beautiful Dev Pukku which is one of the alluring royal ponds in Kathmandu. The well preserved old Royal Palace lies at the left side of this pond
Whatever it may be that lures you and your camera the most, Kathmandu will serve you. The Kathmandu Photography Tour is the offering of Duke Nepal Treks and Expedition all those who wish to make most out of their lens partner, may it be normal mobile phone, or the professional cameras. Lastly, Duke Nepal Treks is the best DMC in Nepal.