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Hi guys, in this post, I wanted to share with you the most Instagrammable places in Kathmandu Valley including the best photo spots in Kathmandu.
Nepal is one of the most unique places I ever visited and it exceeded all my expectations. Well, to be honest, I didn’t have many expectations as I’ve heard many mixed reviews about Kathmandu, but it ended up being one of my favourite cities in South Asia. I will also definitely come back to Nepal to trek the mountains and maybe even visit the Everest Base Camp. Nepal welcomed us with friendly people, great food and stunning architecture – what more can you ask for? Moreover, it was very affordable. The downside of Kathmandu is probably its crazy traffic and air pollution – something Nepalese government will solve (hopefully, at some point in the future).
Kathmandu Valley isn’t short of beautiful photo locations and instagrammable places – there are so many of them!
Beautiful hotels in Kathmandu:
If you’re looking for a very Instagrammable hotel in Kathmandu, Baber Mahal Villas or Yak & Yeti look amazing.
Cool tours to take in Kathmandu (with photo opportunities)
If you’re interested in taking a tour in Kathmandu, I can recommend taking a 1-hour panoramic flight to Everest.
Another beautiful photo-oriented tour would be Nagarkot sunrise tour.
You can also take a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp.
Without further ado, let’s start with the best photography spots in Kathmandu!
Most Instagrammable places in Kathmandu, Nepal:
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
My absolute favourite photo location in Kathmandu Valley is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. We stayed overnight in Bhaktapur at the Inn Sangrahalaya and experienced a magical sunrise at the Durbar Square. Our hotel was just steps away from Bhaktapur Durbar Square and because of the jetlag, we woke up very early. We were at the square already at 7:15 am and it was magical. It wasn’t empty – people in Nepal wake up very early, but it was stunning nonetheless.
Rooftop bars of Bhaktapur
Another Instagrammable location in Kathmandu Valley is a variety of rooftop bars in Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur has plenty of rooftop bars, cafes and restaurants all around the Durbar square. Many hotels also have rooftop terraces, from where you can see the entire city. These terraces are a great photo spot for portrait photography and the views of the city.
Patan Durbar Square
Another photogenic location in Kathmandu Valley is Patan or Lalitpur – the third city of Kathmandu Valley. Patan Durbar square is a bit more crowded than the one in Bhaktapur, however, it’s also stayed more intact in the earthquake of 2015 and looks a bit more impressive. Patan Durbar Square is also full of pigeons and street vendors selling snacks for feeding them, so you can take some impressive shots with the pigeons flying around as well!
The Museum of Patan
Another Instagrammable place in Kathmandu valley is also located at the Patan Durbar square, but it’s a separate location. The Museum of Patan doesn’t require a separate ticket and it’s definitely worth taking a look. It’s like a green oasis in the middle of a busy city.
Boudha Stupa
Probably my favourite temple in the entire Kathmandu is Boudha Stupa. Like many stupas in Nepal, it has these eyes that look at you regardless of where you stand. However, the best part about this stupa is that it’s located on a stunning square, surrounded by stunning buildings that look like movie decorations. You can find coffee places and souvenir shops in most of these buildings.
Swayambhutath temple
Another Buddhist temple to visit in Kathmandu Valley that is a perfect place for photos and stunning views of the city is Swayambhunath Stupa. To get there, you need to climb over 300 steps, but you won’t get bored ascending as this temple is full of monkeys. Once you get to the top, the views of the city are absolutely spectacular. However, the stupa is also very impressive and beautiful. If you feel like you want to learn a bit more about this stupa and the way locals pray, you can hire a local guide – there are plenty of them on the top of the temple.
Pashupatinath temple
Another unique and Instagrammable place in Kathmandu is Prashupatinakh temple – a big Hindu temple close to the airport. This temple was the most unusual and unique place I’ve seen in Nepal and it is said to be similar to the Varanasi temple in India. There are designated spots where locals burn the bodies of their deceased family members and throw the ashes to the holy river later. If you find it disturbing, you probably shouldn’t visit the temple. However, we hired a local guide and learned so many about the culture and religion in Nepal, so I recommend hiring a guide if you decide to visit Prashupayinakh temple. You can also see stunning views from the temple and some buildings are very unique and photogenic.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Finally, the last of the best photo locations in Kathmandu is the main square of Kathmandu – Durbar Square. As a foreigner, you need to pay to enter the square, however, it’s worth it as there are so many stunning buildings located all around the Durbar Square. Head there during the sunset, when the light is the softest and the greatest!
I hope you liked this list of the most Instagrammable places and the best photo locations in Kathmandu! Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!
Maybe you will like some of my other blog posts:
4 days in Kathmandu Valley