Are you traveling to Kathmandu? You probably will want to take some spectacular pictures in the Kathmandu Valley. To help you plan your trip, we have compiled a list of the most amazing Instagrammable spots in the Kathmandu Valley.
Patan Durbar Square is our favorite durbar square in Kathmandu Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to start your instagrammable journey through Nepal. This ancient square is crowded with impressive temples that somehow survived the test of time, including the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwanath Temple, and Taleju Bhawani Temple. The buildings are decorated with typical Newari architectural ornaments. They feature many deities as well as animals carved out of different materials. It’s an excellent spot for a mad selfie spree, a closeup of the architecture, and some panoramic views from the rooftops.
You can also have pictures taken at the Patan Museum. This is one of the best museums in Asia. In it, you’ll find bronze statues, religious objects, and a lot of exciting things to make them part of your Instagram feed. At the same time, you learn about the history of the area.
The golden temple is within a 5-minute walk from Patan Durbar Square, so make sure you visit it while you are there. This place will give you great backgrounds for a selfie that will show you as an adventurer.
While you are there, you can drink a coffee at one of the cozy cafes to chill a bit and take the classic coffee picture with the colorful Patan Durbar Square in the background. It will probably be the most awesome coffee picture you’ll ever take.
2. Boudha Stupa
Have you always wanted to visit Tibet? Well, this is not Tibet, but here you will feel like it. This massive Buddhist Stupa is located in Kathmandu, just 20 minutes from the city center. The view from up above, with Kathmandu valley below, is just staggering and will give you a little taste of what it’s like to travel in Tibet without actually going there. This place also features Buddhist murals and sculptures worth stopping for a photo session.
The white color of the Stupa, its symmetry, and the typical Buddhist ornaments covering it really make this into one spectacular Instagrammable spot that will give you back some great memories every time you look at your feed.
Its design has its roots in the Paro Taktsang of Bhutan, and it consists of a large base that encircles the Chorten (The Bowl) just like its counterpart in Tibet. Also, there is a Tibetan monastery close to it where you can learn about Buddhism and enjoy picturesque views of the valley.
The Boudha Stupa is the largest Stupa in Nepal, an important place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. You can walk around the whole Stupa to really capture its beauty or just take photos from above at one of the terraces overlooking it. Pictures of the sunset there are amazing, and they will bring a Zen vibe to your feed. It is also surrounded by many restaurants and attractions. So you can have a relaxed time drinking coffee and exploring the neighborhood.
Once you finish admiring Boudha Stupa from the outside, be sure to visit its Tibetan monastery. You can take pictures inside, of course, but also enjoy those beautiful views from up above as well as those of Kathmandu Valley from the rooftop. There are monks living there, so please dress modestly and ask before taking pictures of local people.
3. Swoyambu Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Looking for something different? Head over to Swoyambu Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple.” It is known as The Monkey Temple because of a legend that says the Buddhist saint Manjushri, who was supposed to cut his hair. Still, he didn’t. he let it grow, and he got head lice because of that. The legend says the lice survived and transformed into monkeys that stayed forever in the north part of the Swoyambu Stupa. Interesting, right? So, in this place, you’ll get to see a lot of sacred monkeys that roam free all over the temple, and if you get closer (but please, not too close), You can take a picture of them to brag about with your friends in your Instagram feed. The Stupa is painted in white but has some other colors on it, giving it a pretty unique look for any picture you want to take. You can sit there for a while or do some long exposures to let the heavy traffic appear in your photos. At the top of the temple, you’ll see the Buddha eyes painted on the wall, which will be an excellent place for a photo.
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The place where the former Royal Palace was located (where important ceremonies took place). The whole square is crowded with temples, pagodas, and other buildings built with wood and stone. You can find some of the most beautiful temples here and other smaller buildings, such as entrance guard buildings decorated with ornate carvings. Unfortunately, some buildings have been destroyed or deteriorated by earthquakes over time. Still, some of them have been restored, and they look fantastic. At this place, you’ll find a wooden house that holds an interesting legend about the Himalayas and the city’s rise. This is a gorgeous spot where you can take beautiful pictures, and there are some other great spots for taking photos.
Near Durbar square, you can visit important museums, restaurants, and spots tourists love to visit for photo shootings. Even on your way, you’ll find some colorful alleys full of shops where you can find handicraft items, eat delicious foods and enjoy Nepali culture. We highly recommend Kathmandu Durbar Square for those who have a big interest in Nepal’s culture and history too. It is a must-see spot for those who want to know more about Nepali traditional architecture and traditions while taking really nice pictures for Instagram.
5. Chilancho (Kirtipur)
If you plan on visiting the historical ancient town of Kirtipur, make sure you stop by Chilancho. It is a monastery built in the 15th century and has a fascinating history linked to an Indian emperor. The architecture of this ancient place is an eclectic mix that blends both Hindu and Buddhist influences. Visitors can find chaityas with sculptures honoring the centuries-ago era while also observing worship at a monastery on top where bells are used by Hindus or prayer wheels for Buddhists who come here to pray. If you walk around the streets near Chilancho, you will come across plenty of temples that look amazing from an angle. Also, some nice cafes and restaurants allow you to take a break from your busy routine and just take pictures of this adventure.
And the rest of Kirtipur is fascinating because if you ever wanted to know what it’s like to live in Nepal, then this is your place. Kirtipur is a small village 6km away from Kathmandu that can be visited in one day. It is an ancient town representing the northern settlement of the Kathmandu Valley. It has become one of the favorite spots for Instagram and photography. There’s no better backdrop than natural beauty surrounding the village with mountains and hills nearby. The village is situated at 975m above sea level, surrounded by lush forests and farmland. Although the village is small in size, it has a unique charm that makes it stand out from your usual tourist spot.
Kirtipur is a quiet place that offers photography lovers beautiful views and unique scenes like stone walls, people doing their daily activities (farmers carrying cane baskets on their heads), the mountains in the background, and old houses. This place is lovely during sunrise or sunset. We think this spot is suitable for those who love natural beauty shots!
6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
If you’re into archaeology and local history, then Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the place for you. It’s a treasure trove of interesting old buildings, including temples and palaces that stand next to each other in an almost confusing manner. The square has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979, so it definitely deserves a spot on this list.
This place brings a vibe of ancient civilization alive for all of us. It is indeed one of the most instagrammable spots in Nepal, so you should definitely visit this place at least once. You can walk around all day admiring the imposing monuments, enjoying local food with an old and warm atmosphere.
Even though it is not as popular as other Durbar squares, Bhaktapur Durbar Square still has a lot to offer for those who are into Nepal’s history. The square also holds many sacred temples that draw a lot of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims to this place. And don’t forget about the atmosphere – a mixture of traditions and modern influences that blend together in a melting pot of culture very well.
7. Changu Narayan
Changu Narayan is a village located near the city of Bhaktapur. The architecture here is simply stunning. It could easily be seen as being from another world because of its serenity. It’s home to a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, called Changu Narayan Temple. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal’s most important temples. It’s located on top of a hill, so you will do some good walking to get there. However, the view from up there is truly magical. It gets even more impressive during sunset or sunrise when you can see the whole valley. Changu Narayan temple looks like something straight out of an old movie. It has been left untouched by the ever-changing world, and still, you can find some monks inside praying. This temple is definitely worth visiting if you want to take some stunning pictures for your Instagram posts.
You will be surrounded by nature and a peaceful and quiet atmosphere as you visit Changu Narayan, making it the perfect place to share through your Instagram pictures.
8. Chandragiri Hill
This hill is a bit of a drive from Kathmandu, but it’s well worth visiting. In fact, driving there yourself is even more fun since you get to take in the beautiful views of Nepal’s diverse landscapes.
There are some nice cafes and restaurants on top of Chandragiri Hill that serve great food and drinks during sunset or sunrise, so it’s worth planning your visit around one of those times. And suppose you’re interested in how the elderly spend their days in Nepal. In that case, this is also a great place to visit because you will find many retired people spending their time up there.
The best time to visit Chandragiri Hills is early morning. It will be very quiet, and you can enjoy the serenity of this place without other tourists ruining your day (or night) with their activity around the hill. The main reason for this is that there are no big hotels or motels nearby. And it has a great view of the sunrise, so you won’t regret waking up early.
9. Jamacho Gumba
Jamacho Gumba is a Buddhist monastery located in Nargajun, Nepal. It is smaller compared to other Buddhist monasteries on the list. Still, the exciting part about this is that you need to do long hiking to get there. It’s located on top of a hill in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, with some nice views of Nepal’s varied landscape. This place is famous precisely for that, for the hike, and you’ll see a lot of tourists doing it because it is totally worth it. The walk to get there is about 3 hours long (depending on your speed) from Phulbari Gate and is super enjoyable. You can even record it if you want, so you can show your friends on Instagram what a badass you are. During your walk, you’ll be surrounded by nothing but lovely hills and forests, so it will surely be a great experience.
When you get to the top, you’ll find the Jamacho Gumba and a fantastic view of Nepal. It’s an excellent place for photos, and If you are into spirituality, this is also something worth looking at.
10. Jamchen Vijaya stupa
This Buddhist Stupa is a beautiful monument built in Budhanilkantha at the top of Budhanilkantha hill, close to Kathmandu, so you don’t have to go too far. It is painted in white with golden details on the outside, and on the inside, you’ll find a Buddha statue with a Kushan Empire-style.
The details of this place are truly remarkable, so you will have plenty of opportunities to take some great pictures for your Instagram feed. The Stupa is surrounded by trees and flowers, so it’s also a perfect spot to visit if you want to enjoy nature to its fullest. You can spend some time there, meditating or just taking in the beautiful scenery.
It has a great surrounding area that will leave you breathless. The best way to enjoy the beauty of this place is during sunrise or sunset because you can see some fantastic views.
If you’re a fan of photography, be sure to take your camera with you because this Buddhist Stupa will give you some memories that can’t be put into words.