While Nepal is a mecca for hikers and nature lovers who want to get up close and personal with the imposing Himalayas, the South Asian country is also a treasure trove of rich history, elaborate religious monuments, and infinite hospitality. For those who are not ready to take up the challenge of high-altitude, long-distance trekking, or only having a short layover in the capital city of Kathmandu, here’s my suggested itinerary that will allow you to immerse yourself in the Nepalese culture and soak up the magnificent view of the city.

Morning

Within a ten-minute walk from our hotel, Boudhanath Stupa is the first destination of our journey. A sacred place for Nepalese & Tibetan Buddhist communities, the stupa is one of the largest of its kind in the country and the world, with a whitewashed dome and a gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Hanging from the tower, flapping in the breeze, are strings of colorful praying flags inscribed with mantras or symbols that promote peace and compassion.

Following what the locals do as a daily ritual, we circled the Stupa three times, slid our hand under the green curtain, and rotated the row of prayer wheels clockwise. It’s said to accumulate wisdom and purify negativities.

Surrounding the stupa are souvenir shops and restaurants that offer a taste of Nepalese cuisine and culture. Pick a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy a knockout view of the stupa and try traditional dishes like daal bhat – rice and a lentil soup often served with vegetable tarkari and pickles – and momo – steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with vegetables or chicken.

Afternoon

After satiating our appetite, we called a taxi to Thamel with the app InDrive. It’s chaotic to find our taxi amid heavy traffic, and we are unable to read the license number that is not written in Arabic numerals.

Comprising a labyrinth of streets and alleys lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, Thamel is a bustling hub for souvenir haggling and food indulgence. We found ourselves some affordable, high-quality cashmere scarves, aromatic incense, Himalayan salt, and tea leaves. Singing bowls and prayer wheels also abound in the area. When I was curiously looking at the bottles of wild honey (though I am not allowed to try), the staff told me it’s stronger than weed.

In time for the sunset, we headed to Swayambhunath, aka the Monkey Temple, located atop a hill in the west of Kathmandu city. To get to the main stupa, we climbed 365 steps, accompanied by a group of monkeys that have settled in the northwest part of the temple for generations. Trudging up the last few steps, our gaze fell upon the giant stupa and colorful prayer flags flying from the golden spire. The Buddhist pilgrimage site also consists of various impressive temples and shrines, but what captivated me the most was the panoramic view of the city illuminated during the golden hour. Not only did the tourists flock to take in the beautiful sunset, the highly social moneys also gathered around to bath in the last ray of the sun.

Evening

To wind down after a day of jam-packed sightseeing, head to Durbar Marg, a broad, long avenue in the heart of the city flanked by restaurants serving global cuisines; lively bars; international brands; luxurious spas; and modern hotels. We took a seat at Alice Restaurant, which not only cooks up local favorites such as Thakali set and momo (we especially like the green momo of which the dough is made with spinach) but also pizzas, pastas, burgers, and Chinese dishes.

Other Attractions

If you have one more day in Kathmandu, you may add the following sites to your itinerary.

Home to several 16th-century temples constructed in the Newar architectural style and palace complexes built during the Malla and Shah periods, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of significant historical and cultural importance. At the southern edge of the square, there’s a young girl, known as Kumari, who is worshipped as an embodiment of the Hindu Goddess, living in a three-story Kumari Chouk. You may have a chance to see her appear in front of the window for a few seconds but no photograph is allowed.

Cremations of Nepalese take place daily near the Bagmati River, and you can witness them at Pashupatinath Temple. This is not for everyone, including myself. From what I heard, you could take a seat right next to the spiritual ritual or on an elevated platform across the water to have a wider view. It’s a sacred cultural experience but a heavy one as well.

For those who want to take a break from the chaos and congestion in Kathmandu city, the Garden of Dream, also known as the Garden of Six Seasons, is a neo-classical garden built in 1920. Akin to a European garden, the 6,895 sqm leisure space features pavilions, ponds, pergolas, and an amphitheater.