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Orientation and arrival
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Despite chaotic first appearances, Kathmandu is surprisingly easy to get to grips with; the touts, like everything else, become much more manageable once you've dumped your bags. The following should help with
orientation
.
Tradition has it that old Kathmandu (1290m) was laid out in the shape of a khukuri knife. Positioned at what would be the hilt of the knife is Durbar Square - a non-stop carnival set amidst temples, monuments and the former royal palace - while the city's oldest neighbourhoods stretch northeast and (to a lesser extent) southwest. New Road , the city's best-known shopping street, runs east from the square. The minaret-like Bhimsen Tower provides a useful landmark south of New Road. Kathmandu's budget hotels are concentrated in two areas: Thamel , north of Durbar Square in a newer part of town, and Jhochhen, better known as Freak Street , immediately south of the square.
Suburban Kathmandu sprawls mainly east of
Kantipath
, the main north-south thoroughfare, and is dominated by two landmarks, the
Royal Palace
and the
Tudikhel
(parade ground). Many of Kathmandu's expensive hotels, restaurants, boutiques and airline offices are located along
Durbar Marg
, the broad boulevard running south from the palace gate. West of the Bishnumati River is not, strictly speaking, part of Kathmandu, but the hilltop temple of
Swayambhu
is close enough to be reached easily on foot. The city is encircled by a none-too-scenic
Ring Road
. Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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Nepal,
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