Kathmandu is an exotic destination with a rich history and culture, but underneath all this is a busy Nepalese life. If you want to understand how a local inhabitant lives, we encourage you to take this "Daily Life" self-guided tour of Kathmandu.
1) Kamal Pokhari
Kamal Pokhari is a gorgeous pond situated in the Hattisar district of Kathmandu, Nepal. For a long period of time, the Nepalese authorities didn't attend to this pond and it almost dried out. However, the people of the area and other socially responsible Nepalese restored the pond. Now, the locals enjoy taking long walks along Kamal Pokhari.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Li-Ji
2) Kumari Cinema
Kumari Cinema is situated between Kamal Pokhari and Dilli Bazaar Road. It is not only one of the biggest cinemas in Kathmandu, but also a local favorite. Due to the fact that admission tickets are cheap, any Nepali can afford them. The cinema shows a wide variety of foreign movies, however locals prefer to watch Bollywood-style films.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Stas Kulesh
3) Padma Kanya College
Padma Kanya College has a tremendous importance for the community in Kathmandu. It was the first educational institution in Nepal opened to women. Every day, hundreds of Nepali women, along with men, visit this building to get a profession so that they can become financially independent. This college is famous for having alumni with a high-impact on Nepalese society.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Calista Wang
4) Bag Bazaar Sadak
Bag Bazaar Sadak is one of the most significant roads in Kathmandu valley. It is important for locals, not only because it connects Ratna Park and Putalisadak, but because it has been the heart of political demonstrations for years. The Nepalese have been coming here for the last two decades to express their opinion and change the politics of the city and the country.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and lavenderstreak
5) Ratna Park
Ratna Park is situated in the center of Kathmandu, to the North of Tundikhel and to the South of Rani Pokhari. The park got its name from queen Ratna, the second wife of King Mahendra. It was built for the Nepali children who live in this community. Unfortunately, the growing population and the adjacent street market have had a destructive effect on this park.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and stevehicks
6) Rashtriya Sabha Griha
Rashtriya Sabha Griha means "City Hall" or "National Assembly Hall". When Rashtriya Sabha Griha was founded, it was the first public edifice for indoor functions. Since then, it has hosted numerous speeches, exhibitions, cultural presentations, etc. Rashtriya Sabha Griha was a welcome addition for the locals, as they've long waited for such a venue.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and nerdcoregirl
7) Bhrikuti Mandap Park
Bhrikuti Mandap Park was named in honor of a Nepali princess who married a Tibetan Prince. This beautiful park is situated across the road from Tundikhel and is usually filled with locals. Adjacent to this park is a children's amusement park - a kind of Nepalese mini-Disneyland, which is often visited by Nepali families.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and stevehicks
8) Open Market
Kathmandu is a city where locals prefer to shop in open markets, as it is cheaper. The biggest open market in the city is located in Tundikhel, here Nepalis can buy a large array of goods. Fresh vegetables and fruit are extremely popular, and some merchants also sell traditional Nepalese souvenirs and handicrafts.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and lavenderstreak