Learning a few Nepali phrases can make your trip much more enjoyable. While many people in tourist areas speak English, locals always appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak their language. Here are 10 simple phrases you’ll actually use during your trip.

1. Namaste

Meaning: Hello / Goodbye

The most common greeting in Nepal. Join your palms together and say “Namaste” with a smile.

2. Dhanyabad

Meaning: Thank you

A simple “Dhanyabad” goes a long way when someone helps you or serves you.

3. Kripaya

Meaning: Please

Use this when asking for something politely.

4. Kati Ho?

Meaning: How much is it?

Very useful while shopping in local markets or buying souvenirs.

5. Malai Yo Chahinchha

Meaning: I want this.
Perfect when ordering food or pointing at something you want to buy.

6. Maile Bujhina

Meaning: I don’t understand.

Helpful when someone speaks too fast or uses unfamiliar words.

7. English Bolnu Hunchha?

Meaning: Do you speak English?

Many people in cities do, but it’s always polite to ask first.

8. Mitho Chha!

Meaning: It’s delicious!

Say this after enjoying momo, dal bhat, or any local dish — you’ll probably make the cook smile.

9. Sanchai Chha?

Meaning: How are you?

A friendly way to greet someone after saying “Namaste.”

10. Feri Bhetaula

Meaning: See you again.

A warm way to say goodbye, especially after meeting new friends during your travels.

Bonus Tip

Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation. Nepalese people are generally very welcoming and appreciate any effort to speak Nepali. A smile and a few local words can lead to memorable conversations and make your journey even more special.

Have you used any Nepali phrases before? If not, start with “Namaste”. It’s the easiest way to connect with the warm and friendly people of Nepal.

I'm thinking of taking my pet dog on a hike around Kathmandu and was wondering if anyone has experience doing this. I'm looking for easy, dog-friendly trails where pets are allowed.

Are dogs permitted in places like Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park or other conservation/protected areas, or are there restrictions?

I've seen plenty of dogs on the trails before, but I'm not sure if they're local strays or if visitors are actually allowed to bring their own dogs.

Any recommendations, advice, or experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

On 18th March, 2026, my family and a few people from our neighborhood decided to go on a family hike to Bishnudwar. Five members of my family joined the hike, and in total, there were 21 people in our group.

The group included people of all ages from a 6 year old child to a 72 year old senior making it a truly multi-generational adventure.

It wasn't just a hike; it was a wonderful opportunity for everyone to spend quality time together, enjoy nature, and create unforgettable memories.

To make the hike a little more challenging, we started from Narayanthan Temple instead of the usual trailhead at Dhadha Gaun.

And just so you know, our youngest hiker the 6 year-old walked almost the entire way on his own!

Of course, we stopped a few times for him to rest and carried him over a few steep sections, but he amazed all of us with his energy and determination.

The trail itself was beautiful and refreshing. The cool forest air, the chirping of birds, and the peaceful surroundings made every step enjoyable.

We stopped every now and then to take photos, admire the scenery, and simply enjoy being away from the busy city.

My parents probably saw me more as their personal photographer than their daughter that day.

I spent most of the hike clicking their photos and recording TikToks from every possible angle. At one point, I was honestly more exhausted from getting the "perfect" TikTok than from the actual hiking!

We also wanted the hike to feel like a small dry picnic away from the crowds, so each family prepared one homemade dish to share.

My mom made delicious paneer curry and parathas, while others brought fried rice, snacks, fruits, Coke, homemade pizza, and even all the ingredients for chatpatey.

I mean... can you even call it a Nepali hike if nobody makes chatpatey?

By the time we stopped for lunch, it felt like a feast in the middle of the forest.

After hours of hiking, every bite tasted incredible... which was actually bad news for me because I'd spent the whole morning telling myself I was hiking to lose weight. So much for my calorie deficit.

You think that was the happy ending?

Not even close.

For some reason, drama follows me wherever I go.

After lunch, we cleaned up the area. Well... almost everyone did. I had to pick up a few wrappers that some adults wanted to leave behind because apparently, "someone else will clean it." Must Say Zero Civic Sense!!!

A small message to every hiker: Please be responsible and carry your waste back with you. If you can carry a full bottle or packed lunch uphill, you can definitely carry the empty wrappers back down. **"**Nepal's trails are beautiful because of nature not because of plastic. Let's keep them that way."

After walking downhill for about an hour, we spotted a troop of monkeys on the trail.

Everyone got excited we stopped to watch them, clicked a few photos, and quietly walked past, thinking that would be the end of our wildlife encounter.

Well... it wasn't.

Just when I thought my blood pressure had finally settled... karma clocked in for duty.

One of the uncles in our group, the same one who had insisted littering wasn't a big deal because "there was already trash there" was suddenly surrounded by a troop of monkeys.

At first, everyone laughed as we scattered in different directions. I'll admit... seeing Mr. "Littering Is Fine" panic gave me a tiny bit of satisfaction. But within seconds, the situation turned serious. The monkeys grabbed his bag, climbed onto him, and simply refused to leave him alone.

For the next ten minutes, it was complete chaos. We were trying to chase the monkeys away... while the monkeys were chasing us away.

Thankfully, a group of Army personnel on patrol came to the rescue. They safely drove the monkeys away and explained why the attack had happened.

Apparently, many hikers feed the monkeys along the trail. As a result, the monkeys have started expecting food from every visitor. When they don't get any, they can become aggressive.

I know this might make me sound a little evil, but the look on his face was priceless. I just hope he learned two important lessons that day: don't litter... and don't underestimate monkeys. He threw trash at the forest, and the monkeys nearly returned the favor by turning him into a trash.

So here's another hiking tip: Don't feed wild animals, no matter how cute they look. It might seem harmless, but it changes their natural behavior and puts both wildlife and hikers at risk.

Looking back, our family hike had everything beautiful forest trails, three generations hiking together, delicious homemade food, endless TikTok shoots, a lesson on responsible hiking, and an unexpected monkey attack.

Just another normal day hiking in Nepal.

Planning a trip to Chitwan this July or August? Don’t let the word monsoon scare you. In fact, it’s one of my favorite times to visit.

The forests are lush and green, the air feels fresh after the rain, and there are fewer tourists, which makes the whole experience even more peaceful.

Of course, traveling during the rainy season comes with a few challenges. Having visited Chitwan several times (and working in tourism), here are a few things I think every traveler should know before they go.

1. Leave Early & Check Road Updates

This is my number one tip.

The drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara normally takes about 5–6 hours.
During monsoon? Let’s just say Google Maps becomes optimistic.

Last year, I got stuck because of a landslide. We planned to reach the resort by lunchtime… and arrived after dinner instead (Crazy right!!)

Before leaving, check the weather, road conditions, and road alerts. It’ll save you from wondering why you’ve been looking at the same truck with a slogan (HORN PLEASE) for the last three hours.

Pro tip: Don’t schedule any activities on Day 1. Just get there, relax, and let the vacation begin.

2. Keep Your Itinerary Flexible — Be Friends with Plan B

Monsoon doesn’t care about your itinerary!!

Flights get delayed. Buses run late. Sometimes it rains right before your safari.

Last year, I did a jeep safari in the rain, and honestly? It was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had in Chitwan. The jungle looked greener, the weather was perfect, and splashing through muddy trails made it feel like a real adventure.

Moral of the story? Sometimes Plan B is better than Plan A.

3. The Safari Might Be Different

Here’s something many people don’t know.

During the monsoon, jeep safaris inside the core area of Chitwan National Park are usually closed.

But don’t panic! Buffer Zone Jeep Safaris are still running, and you can still spot rhinos, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, peacocks, and plenty of birds.

Different route. Same jungle experience.

4. Pack for Rain, Not for Fashion (Just Kidding… Fashion Is Important Too!)

TRUST MEE!!… You’ll thank me later.

A light rain jacket, waterproof shoes, a small umbrella, and a waterproof bag for your phone and camera are much more useful than carrying five outfit changes.

But if you’re planning to wear them all anyway… go gurlll. 💅

I’ve actually seen travelers wrapping their phones in plastic shopping bags because they forgot a waterproof cover. Creative? Yes. Reliable? Not really.

Monsoon in Chitwan isn’t perfect… and personally, that’s exactly why I love it.

It’s greener, quieter, and full of little surprises. Sure, you might get wet. Your journey might take longer. Your plans might change.

But those are usually the stories and memories you’ll cherish later.

So pack smart, stay flexible, and enjoy the adventure.

One Last Thing… (I Almost Forgot the Most Important Part!)

Click as many photos and videos as you can.

Not just the rhinos or the sunset — capture the random moments too. The muddy roads, your safari ride, the rain, the monkeys stealing the spotlight, your friends laughing… everything.

Because once the trip is over, those photos and videos become your little time machine. Months later, you’ll be scrolling through your gallery, smiling at the memories, and probably thinking…

“We should go back.” ❤️

Trust me, your future self will thank you.

On March 7, 2026, I joined an online hiking group for a hike to Phulchowki Hill. Since I didn't know anyone in the group, I convinced my mom to come along. I thought it would be a fun mother-daughter bonding day.

Little did we know, the adventure would begin long before we reached the trail. Before leaving, I asked in the group chat how to get to Godawari Bus Park. "Just catch a bus from Ratna Park," everyone said.

Easy?

Not even close.

Ratna Park sent us to RNAC. RNAC sent us to Jawalakhel. Jawalakhel finally sent us to Godawari. After changing three buses, walking around asking strangers for directions, and getting hungrier by the minute, we somehow made it to the meeting point.

We quickly grabbed some chana anda, apologized for being late, and joined the group. By then, I was convinced we'd already finished the warm-up hike.

The trail was rated moderate to hard, so naturally everyone was more worried about my mom than the actual hike.

"Will she be okay?"

"Can she manage?"

I just smiled. If they knew my mom, they wouldn't have asked.

It didn't take long for the trail to answer for me.

While some people stopped every few minutes to catch their breath, my mom kept a steady pace. Meanwhile, I was the one gasping for air, questioning every life decision that had brought me to Phulchowki.

She wasn't even sweating. She was admiring the rhododendron forest, chatting with everyone, teasing the group, and even giving hiking tips.

At one point, I realized I was trying to keep up with her, not the other way around.

Since we had to keep waiting for slower hikers, we decided to take our time too. We stopped for photos, enjoyed the scenery, and let everyone catch up.

Soon, our group of 19 had naturally split into three groups, the experienced hikers in front, us somewhere in the middle, and the first-time hikers bringing up the rear.

By the time we reached the summit around 2:45 p.m., the fastest hikers had already finished lunch and started descending.

We waited for a few friends we'd made on the trail, quickly ate the lunch we'd packed from home, and decided to head back immediately. We still had to travel all the way back to Budhanilkantha, so we couldn't afford to be any later.

One of the guys from our group, Labu Dai, joined us because he also wanted to get home early. And that's when the real adventure began.

Since my mom seemed to know the way better than either of us, we happily let her lead.

Big mistake.

After walking for a while, she confidently pointed into a patch of bushes.

"This looks like a shortcut."

Spoiler alert...

It wasn't.

Within minutes we had completely lost the trail.

We could actually see the road below us but there was no way to reach it. We climbed sideways through bushes until we finally found a spot where we could safely jump down. Somehow, all three of us made it without breaking any bones.

I thought we'd learned our lesson.

Apparently not.

A little later my mom spotted another shortcut.

This one was a ridiculously steep slope.

I slipped...

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Meanwhile, my mom casually walked down like she was on a fashion runway.

At that point, I genuinely started wondering if this woman was actually my mother or if she'd secretly transformed into a mountain goat.

By now it was getting dark.

Then darker.

Then completely pitch black.

There wasn't another soul around us. No hikers. No voices. Just insects, trees, and the three of us.

To make things even more exciting, my phone had died, Labu Dai's phone had also died, and my mom can barely see in the dark.

If you think that was the worst part...

It wasn't.

For some reason, we started talking about ghosts.

Then my mom casually mentioned that there had been a leopard attack on this very trail just a few days earlier.

Excuse me...

WHAT?!

"You knew there had been a leopard attack... and you still brought your only daughter here?"

At that point, ghosts suddenly didn't seem so scary anymore.

Labu Dai and I looked at each other and decided wandering blindly through the forest wasn't our best plan. So we stopped and waited for the last hiking group. While waiting, we joked about every terrible thing that could possibly happen to us. Looking back, I think we were laughing simply because the alternative was panicking.

Then we heard voices.

I have never been happier to hear strangers.

Once the last group caught up, we continued down together and finally reached the bottom at around 9:00 p.m.

Adventure over?

Not yet.

There wasn't a single bus or public vehicle waiting. Everyone with private transportation had already left, and the locals simply walked home.

Unfortunately, home for us was Budhanilkantha.

My phone was dead, so Pathao and inDrive weren't an option. My mom's phone didn't even have the apps installed, and we had no internet or balance to download them.

For a few minutes, the three of us just stood there wondering what to do next.

Thankfully, one of the girls in our group booked an inDrive. She kindly offered to drop us halfway to a place where it would be easier to find a taxi. Labu Dai got even luckier—our group leader gave him a ride all the way home.

My mom and I eventually found a taxi and finally made it back to Budhanilkantha, exhausted but safe.

Looking back, the day had everything 3 buses, endless uphill climbs, fake shortcuts, getting lost, dead phones, ghost stories, leopard panic, hiking through complete darkness, and somehow still making it home.

Would I hike Phulchowki again?

Absolutely.

But next time, I'll carry a fully charged power bank, download offline maps... and respectfully decline any shortcuts suggested by my mom.

Because some adventures become the best stories and this is definitely one I'll never forget.

On March 7, 2026, I joined an online hiking group for a hike to Phulchowki Hill. Since I didn't know anyone in the group, I convinced my mom to come along. I thought it would be a fun mother-daughter bonding day.

Little did we know, the adventure would begin long before we reached the trail. Before leaving, I asked in the group chat how to get to Godawari Bus Park. "Just catch a bus from Ratna Park," everyone said.

Easy?

Not even close.

Ratna Park sent us to RNAC. RNAC sent us to Jawalakhel. Jawalakhel finally sent us to Godawari. After changing three buses, walking around asking strangers for directions, and getting hungrier by the minute, we somehow made it to the meeting point.

We quickly grabbed some chana anda, apologized for being late, and joined the group. By then, I was convinced we'd already finished the warm-up hike.

The trail was rated moderate to hard, so naturally everyone was more worried about my mom than the actual hike.

"Will she be okay?"

"Can she manage?"

I just smiled. If they knew my mom, they wouldn't have asked.

It didn't take long for the trail to answer for me.

While some people stopped every few minutes to catch their breath, my mom kept a steady pace. Meanwhile, I was the one gasping for air, questioning every life decision that had brought me to Phulchowki.

She wasn't even sweating. She was admiring the rhododendron forest, chatting with everyone, teasing the group, and even giving hiking tips.

At one point, I realized I was trying to keep up with her, not the other way around.

Since we had to keep waiting for slower hikers, we decided to take our time too. We stopped for photos, enjoyed the scenery, and let everyone catch up.

Soon, our group of 19 had naturally split into three groups, the experienced hikers in front, us somewhere in the middle, and the first-time hikers bringing up the rear.

By the time we reached the summit around 2:45 p.m., the fastest hikers had already finished lunch and started descending.

We waited for a few friends we'd made on the trail, quickly ate the lunch we'd packed from home, and decided to head back immediately. We still had to travel all the way back to Budhanilkantha, so we couldn't afford to be any later.

One of the guys from our group, Labu Dai, joined us because he also wanted to get home early. And that's when the real adventure began.

Since my mom seemed to know the way better than either of us, we happily let her lead.

Big mistake.

After walking for a while, she confidently pointed into a patch of bushes.

"This looks like a shortcut."

Spoiler alert...

It wasn't.

Within minutes we had completely lost the trail.

We could actually see the road below us but there was no way to reach it. We climbed sideways through bushes until we finally found a spot where we could safely jump down. Somehow, all three of us made it without breaking any bones.

I thought we'd learned our lesson.

Apparently not.

A little later my mom spotted another shortcut.

This one was a ridiculously steep slope.

I slipped...

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Meanwhile, my mom casually walked down like she was on a fashion runway.

At that point, I genuinely started wondering if this woman was actually my mother or if she'd secretly transformed into a mountain goat.

By now it was getting dark.

Then darker.

Then completely pitch black.

There wasn't another soul around us. No hikers. No voices. Just insects, trees, and the three of us.

To make things even more exciting, my phone had died, Labu Dai's phone had also died, and my mom can barely see in the dark.

If you think that was the worst part...

It wasn't.

For some reason, we started talking about ghosts.

Then my mom casually mentioned that there had been a leopard attack on this very trail just a few days earlier.

Excuse me...

WHAT?!

"You knew there had been a leopard attack... and you still brought your only daughter here?"

At that point, ghosts suddenly didn't seem so scary anymore.

Labu Dai and I looked at each other and decided wandering blindly through the forest wasn't our best plan. So we stopped and waited for the last hiking group. While waiting, we joked about every terrible thing that could possibly happen to us. Looking back, I think we were laughing simply because the alternative was panicking.

Then we heard voices.

I have never been happier to hear strangers.

Once the last group caught up, we continued down together and finally reached the bottom at around 9:00 p.m.

Adventure over?

Not yet.

There wasn't a single bus or public vehicle waiting. Everyone with private transportation had already left, and the locals simply walked home.

Unfortunately, home for us was Budhanilkantha.

My phone was dead, so Pathao and inDrive weren't an option. My mom's phone didn't even have the apps installed, and we had no internet or balance to download them.

For a few minutes, the three of us just stood there wondering what to do next.

Thankfully, one of the girls in our group booked an inDrive. She kindly offered to drop us halfway to a place where it would be easier to find a taxi. Labu Dai got even luckier—our group leader gave him a ride all the way home.

My mom and I eventually found a taxi and finally made it back to Budhanilkantha, exhausted but safe.

Looking back, the day had everything 3 buses, endless uphill climbs, fake shortcuts, getting lost, dead phones, ghost stories, leopard panic, hiking through complete darkness, and somehow still making it home.

Would I hike Phulchowki again?

Absolutely.

But next time, I'll carry a fully charged power bank, download offline maps... and respectfully decline any shortcuts suggested by my mom.

Because some adventures become the best stories and this is definitely one I'll never forget.

Phulchowki Hill

On March 7, 2026, I joined an online hiking group for a hike to Phulchowki Hill. Since I didn’t know anyone in the group, I convinced my mom to come along. I thought it would be a fun mother-daughter bonding day.

Little did we know, the adventure would begin long before we reached the trail. Before leaving, I asked in the group chat how to get to Godawari Bus Park. “Just catch a bus from Ratna Park,” everyone said.

Easy?

Not even close.

Ratna Park sent us to RNAC. RNAC sent us to Jawalakhel. Jawalakhel finally sent us to Godawari. 

After changing 3 buses, walking around asking strangers for directions, and getting hungrier by the minute, we somehow made it to the meeting point. 

We quickly grabbed some chana anda, apologized for being late, and joined the group. By then, I was convinced we’d already finished the warm up hike.

The trail was rated moderate to hard, so naturally everyone was more worried about my mom than the actual hike.

“Will she be okay?”

“Can she manage?”

I just smiled. If they knew my mom, they wouldn’t have asked.

It didn’t take long for the trail to answer for me.

While some people stopped every few minutes to catch their breath, my mom kept a steady pace. 

Meanwhile, I was the one gasping for air, questioning every life decision that had brought me to Phulchowki.

https://preview.redd.it/uhxrpwpseddh1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23aa0acb067c0e3ffa111d35650d04e4f28fb29f

She wasn’t even sweating. She was admiring the rhododendron forest, chatting with everyone, teasing the group, and even giving hiking tips.

At one point, I realized I was trying to keep up with her, not the other way around.

Since we had to keep waiting for slower hikers, we decided to take our time too. We stopped for photos, enjoyed the scenery, and let everyone catch up. 

Soon, our group of 19 had naturally split into three groups, the experienced hikers in front, us somewhere in the middle, and the first-time hikers bringing up the rear.

By the time we reached the summit around 2:45 p.m., the fastest hikers had already finished lunch and started descending.

We waited for a few friends we’d made on the trail, quickly ate the lunch we’d packed from home, and decided to head back immediately. 

We still had to travel all the way back to Budhanilkantha, so we couldn’t afford to be any later. One of the guys from our group, Labu Dai, joined us because he also wanted to get home early.

And that’s when the real adventure began.

Since my mom seemed to know the way better than either of us, we happily let her lead.

Big mistake.

After walking for a while, she confidently pointed into a patch of bushes.

“This looks like a shortcut.”

Spoiler alert…

It wasn’t.

Within minutes we had completely lost the trail.

We could actually see the road below us — but there was no way to reach it. We climbed sideways through bushes until we finally found a spot where we could safely jump down. Somehow, all three of us made it without breaking any bones.

I thought we’d learned our lesson.

Apparently not.

A little later my mom spotted another shortcut.

This one was a ridiculously steep slope.

I slipped…

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Meanwhile, my mom casually walked down like she was on a fashion runway.

At that point, I genuinely started wondering if this woman was actually my mother or if she’d secretly transformed into a mountain goat.

By now it was getting dark.

Then darker.

Then completely pitch black.

There wasn’t another soul around us. No hikers. No voices. Just insects, trees, and the three of us.

To make things even more exciting, my phone had died, Labu Dai’s phone had also died, and my mom can barely see in the dark.

If you think that was the worst part…

It wasn’t.

For some reason, we started talking about ghosts.

Then my mom casually mentioned that there had been a leopard attack on this very trail just a few days earlier.

Excuse me…

WHAT?!

“You knew there had been a leopard attack… and you still brought your only daughter here?”

At that point, ghosts suddenly didn’t seem so scary anymore.

Labu Dai and I looked at each other and decided wandering blindly through the forest wasn’t our best plan. So we stopped and waited for the last hiking group. 

While waiting, we joked about every terrible thing that could possibly happen to us. Looking back, I think we were laughing simply because the alternative was panicking.

Then we heard voices.

I have never been happier to hear strangers.

Once the last group caught up, we continued down together and finally reached the bottom at around 9:00 p.m.

Adventure over?

Not yet.

There wasn’t a single bus or public vehicle waiting. Everyone with private transportation had already left, and the locals simply walked home.

Unfortunately, home for us was Budhanilkantha.

My phone was dead, so Pathao and inDrive weren’t an option. My mom’s phone didn’t even have the apps installed, and we had no internet or balance to download them.

For a few minutes, the three of us just stood there wondering what to do next.

Thankfully, one of the girls in our group booked an inDrive. She kindly offered to drop us halfway to a place where it would be easier to find a taxi. Labu Dai got even luckier,  our group leader gave him a ride all the way home.

My mom and I eventually found a taxi and finally made it back to Budhanilkantha, exhausted but safe.

Looking back, the day had everything  3 buses, endless uphill climbs, fake shortcuts, getting lost, dead phones, ghost stories, leopard panic, hiking through complete darkness, and somehow still making it home.

https://preview.redd.it/xdv5yp4veddh1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=83e0b0d79111ef1449e7af1bb74771af11e0dd15

Would I hike Phulchowki again?

Absolutely.

But next time, I’ll carry a fully charged power bank, download offline maps… and respectfully decline any shortcuts suggested by my mom.

Because some adventures become the best stories  and this is definitely one I’ll never forget.

Growing up in Nepal, we’ve always heard the names of countless temples. Every town, village, and neighborhood seems to have its own temple, each worshipped by the local community and carrying a unique history, legend, or belief. 

Some are famous pilgrimage sites visited by thousands every year, while others are small hidden gems with stories that have been passed down through generations.

Here are some amazing and fascinating tales about a few of Nepal’s ancient temples that truly amazed me and sparked my interest in the gods, temples, and legends of Nepal.

The blend of history, faith, mystery, and folklore behind these sacred places makes them even more interesting.

If you know any other interesting stories, legends, or beliefs connected to Nepal’s temples and deities, I would love to hear them. Feel free to share and help keep these beautiful stories alive.

1. Budhanilkantha Temple — The Floating Sleeping Vishnu

I was born and raised in Budhanilkantha, so the temple itself has always been very close to my heart. 

Whenever I feel down, sad, anxious, stuck, or even happy, I find myself going there. It’s the place where I quietly share my thoughts, my worries, and my joys. 

Every visit gives me a sense of peace and satisfaction that is hard to put into words. 

The statue is believed to have been carved from a single block of black stone during the Lichchhavi period. 

According to our local old people, a farmer and his wife were ploughing their field when the plough hit something hard underground. As they dug, they uncovered the stone statue of Lord Vishnu. 

It is said that blood flowed from the statue when it was struck, convincing the villagers that it was sacred. The statue was then placed in a pond, where it remains today.

It is also believed that the royal family of Nepal are not supposed to visit the temple as they are cursed. 

A prophecy claimed that if a king saw the deity’s face, he would soon die or face great misfortune. Because of this belief, many monarchs of the former Nepalese royal family avoided visiting the temple.

Even though this belief has been passed down from generation to generation, there is no historical evidence to confirm the prophecy. 

Most historians consider it a traditional legend rather than a documented historical fact.

2. Kala Bhairav - Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur) 

Kala Bhairav is the fierce form of Lord Shiva, revered in Hinduism as the deity of time (kala), justice, protection, and the destruction of evil. The exact origin of the Kala Bhairav idol is uncertain. 

According to local traditions and historical accounts, King Pratap Malla is believed to have installed the idol in Kathmandu Durbar Square, making it a central place of worship and justice.

For centuries, Kala Bhairav was believed to be the ultimate witness to truth. During the Malla and early Shah periods, people involved in legal disputes were brought before the idol to swear their innocence. 

It was widely believed that anyone who lied before Kala Bhairav would suffer divine punishment, such as illness, misfortune, or even death.

Among the many stories connected with Kala Bhairav, one legend explains the unusual smile on his face

The story says that a woman accused of being unfaithful was asked to swear her innocence before the deity, as it was believed that anyone who lied before Kala Bhairav would face divine punishment.

The woman cleverly asked her lover to disguise himself and carry her to the shrine. She then declared, “I have not slept with any man except my husband and the man who carried me here today.” 

Since the man carrying her was actually her disguised lover, her statement was technically true.

Impressed by her clever use of words, Kala Bhairav is said to have smiled instead of punishing her. According to the legend, that smile has remained on the idol ever since.

3. Manakamana Temple — The Goddess Who Grants Wishes

When I was a child, visiting Manakamana Temple was always a special event for my family. 

I still remember my parents waking me up around 3 a.m. and preparing to leave the house by 4 a.m. for the long journey to the temple.

At that age, I always wondered why we had to put in so much effort to visit a temple when there were many temples closer to home. 

For me, the most exciting part was the cable car ride and the beautiful views of the hills, rivers, and valleys. 

I would look outside with excitement, but at the same time, my mind would create scary scenarios like, “What if the cable car gets stuck? What if it becomes overloaded and falls into the river below?” 

It sounds funny now, but even today those thoughts still cross my mind whenever I ride a cable car.

Even though I did not understand the spiritual meaning behind those visits as a child, I always felt a peaceful and soothing energy whenever I reached Manakamana. 

As I grew older, I began to understand why thousands of people make this journey every year. It is not just a temple; it is a place filled with faith, hope, stories, and devotion.

According to a popular legend, Queen Champawati, the wife of King Ram Shah of Gorkha, was an incarnation of Goddess Bhagwati. 

After the king discovered her divine powers, she disappeared but promised to continue protecting her people. 

Soon afterward, her devotee Lakhan Thapa is said to have discovered the goddess’s presence in a sacred stone, marking the beginning of Manakamana worship.

The name Manakamana means “the goddess who fulfills heartfelt wishes.” Devotees believe that sincere prayers made with a pure heart are heard by the goddess. 

Many people visit the temple seeking blessings for health, happiness, success, and family well-being.

Manakamana is also closely connected with the history of the Gorkha kingdom. Many believe that the goddess protected Gorkha rulers and warriors, and people sought her blessings before important decisions and battles.

One tradition that made me question my beliefs was animal sacrifice. During one visit, my family also performed this ritual by offering a goat, believing it would please the goddess and bring blessings. 

However, as I grew older, I found it difficult to believe that sacrificing an innocent life could make any god happy or fulfill a wish. That became the first and last time my family performed such a ritual.

I respect that traditions and beliefs are different for everyone, and many devotees still follow this practice as part of their faith. 

At the same time, many people choose other forms of devotion, such as offering flowers, fruits, or simply their prayers.

What fascinates me most about Manakamana is not only the legend of the goddess but also the emotions of the people who continue to visit her. 

For me, Manakamana is more than a temple, it is a place connected with childhood memories, family traditions, curiosity, and a feeling of peace that has stayed with me over the years.

Kathmandu has always been more than just Nepal's capital to me. Every time I walk through its streets, I discover something new.

So, I decided to start a little series sharing my favorite places around the city. And where better to begin than with some of Kathmandu's most iconic landmarks?

First Stop: Pashupatinath Temple

I started my day early with a visit to Pashupatinath. Even though I've been here several times, the atmosphere never feels the same.

There's something peaceful about the place, especially in the morning when the temple is slowly coming to life.

The sound of temple bells, people offering prayers, the smell of incense, and the holy chants create an experience that's difficult to describe.

Watching devotees from different parts of Nepal and the world reminded me how important this temple is, not only spiritually but also culturally.

I spent some time walking along the Bagmati River. It's a place that makes you reflect on life, and every visit leaves me feeling calmer than when I arrived.

 

Next Stop: Boudhanath Stupa

From Pashupatinath, I headed to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most peaceful places in Kathmandu. I joined the locals for a few rounds of kora (walking clockwise around the stupa).

There's no rush, no pressure, just a calming atmosphere that makes you forget the busy city outside. It also reminded me of my very first visit here.

Back then, I had no idea you were supposed to walk clockwise, so I confidently walked in the opposite direction! A kind local smiled and gently corrected me.

It was a little embarrassing at the time, but now it's one of those funny memories that always makes me laugh whenever I visit.

After my walk, I relaxed at a rooftop café overlooking the stupa. Sitting there with a cup of coffee, watching people complete their kora while prayer flags fluttered in the breeze, was the perfect way to slow down before continuing my Kathmandu adventure.

 

Exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square

My next stop was Kathmandu Durbar Square, where history comes alive. Walking through the ancient courtyards, beautifully carved temples, and old palaces always makes me wonder how many stories these buildings have witnessed.

Even after the 2015 earthquake, it's incredible to see how much has been restored while preserving its original charm. This place is also very personal to me.

Back in high school, Kathmandu Durbar Square was my comfort place. It was one of the most popular hangout spots for college students, couples, and content creators.

Although a lot has changed over the years, it still gives me the same feeling of comfort every time I visit.

I enjoyed watching locals feeding pigeons, tourists exploring, and children playing around the square. And don't even get me started on the street food! Basantapur has always been one of my favorite places to grab local snacks.

No matter how many times I visit, I somehow end up eating something while wandering around.

Ending the Day at Swayambhunath

To finish the day, I made my way to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. The climb up those famous stairs was just as challenging as I remembered, but the view from the top made every step worth it.

Before heading up, I bought some bananas for the monkeys and biscuits for the dogs around the temple. This place is special to me because it's where I got my very first puppy, Kanxi.

Seeing the street dogs still living there made me wonder if some of them were Kanxi's siblings. I'm grateful that Kanxi now has a loving home, but it also made me sad thinking about the many puppies that still have to survive on the streets.

After spending some time with the animals, I sat at the top, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, colorful prayer flags, playful monkeys, and the beautiful view over Kathmandu Valley. It was the perfect way to end my day.

Kathmandu has always been more than just Nepal's capital to me. Every time I walk through its streets, I discover something new.

So, I decided to start a little series sharing my favorite places around the city. And where better to begin than with some of Kathmandu's most iconic landmarks?

First Stop: Pashupatinath Temple

I started my day early with a visit to Pashupatinath. Even though I've been here several times, the atmosphere never feels the same.

There's something peaceful about the place, especially in the morning when the temple is slowly coming to life.

The sound of temple bells, people offering prayers, the smell of incense, and the holy chants create an experience that's difficult to describe.

Watching devotees from different parts of Nepal and the world reminded me how important this temple is, not only spiritually but also culturally.

I spent some time walking along the Bagmati River. It's a place that makes you reflect on life, and every visit leaves me feeling calmer than when I arrived.

 

Next Stop: Boudhanath Stupa

From Pashupatinath, I headed to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the most peaceful places in Kathmandu. I joined the locals for a few rounds of kora (walking clockwise around the stupa).

There's no rush, no pressure, just a calming atmosphere that makes you forget the busy city outside. It also reminded me of my very first visit here.

Back then, I had no idea you were supposed to walk clockwise, so I confidently walked in the opposite direction! A kind local smiled and gently corrected me.

It was a little embarrassing at the time, but now it's one of those funny memories that always makes me laugh whenever I visit.

After my walk, I relaxed at a rooftop café overlooking the stupa. Sitting there with a cup of coffee, watching people complete their kora while prayer flags fluttered in the breeze, was the perfect way to slow down before continuing my Kathmandu adventure.

 

Exploring Kathmandu Durbar Square

My next stop was Kathmandu Durbar Square, where history comes alive. Walking through the ancient courtyards, beautifully carved temples, and old palaces always makes me wonder how many stories these buildings have witnessed.

Even after the 2015 earthquake, it's incredible to see how much has been restored while preserving its original charm. This place is also very personal to me.

Back in high school, Kathmandu Durbar Square was my comfort place. It was one of the most popular hangout spots for college students, couples, and content creators.

Although a lot has changed over the years, it still gives me the same feeling of comfort every time I visit.

I enjoyed watching locals feeding pigeons, tourists exploring, and children playing around the square. And don't even get me started on the street food! Basantapur has always been one of my favorite places to grab local snacks.

No matter how many times I visit, I somehow end up eating something while wandering around.

Ending the Day at Swayambhunath

To finish the day, I made my way to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. The climb up those famous stairs was just as challenging as I remembered, but the view from the top made every step worth it.

Before heading up, I bought some bananas for the monkeys and biscuits for the dogs around the temple. This place is special to me because it's where I got my very first puppy, Kanxi.

Seeing the street dogs still living there made me wonder if some of them were Kanxi's siblings. I'm grateful that Kanxi now has a loving home, but it also made me sad thinking about the many puppies that still have to survive on the streets.

After spending some time with the animals, I sat at the top, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, colorful prayer flags, playful monkeys, and the beautiful view over Kathmandu Valley. It was the perfect way to end my day.