Kirtipur Old Town - Goddess Idana Mata - the famous Shakti Peetha of the Mother Goddess in the village Bambora, situated amidst the hills of Aravalli on the Kurabad-Bambora route, 60 km from Udaipur district headquarters.
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Kirtipur Old Town

4.6
·491k reviews·Kirtipur, Nepal

Step back in time in Kirtipur, a living Newari heritage city offering ancient temples, stunning valley views, and a peaceful escape from Kathmandu's b...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Kirtipur Old Town - Goddess Idana Mata - the famous Shakti Peetha of the Mother Goddess in the village Bambora, situated amidst the hills of Aravalli on the Kurabad-Bambora route, 60 km from Udaipur district headquarters.

Kirtipur Old Town

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time in Kirtipur, a living Newari heritage city offering ancient temples, stunning valley views, and a peaceful escape from Kathmandu's bustle.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Kirtipur is a hidden gem, offering a truly authentic Newari experience with breathtaking views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring Kirtipur's ancient alleys. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bagh Bhairab Temple

Bagh Bhairab Temple

Main square

A sacred Newari temple dedicated to the tiger god, known for its intricate wood carvings and spiritual ambiance.

Uma Maheshwor Temple

Uma Maheshwor Temple

Hilltop

Offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding mountains, a perfect spot for sunset.

Kirti Bihar Monastery

Kirti Bihar Monastery

Near Bagh Bhairab

A serene Buddhist monastery showcasing traditional Newari architecture and peaceful courtyards.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating Kirtipur's Charm

Kirtipur, a Newari heritage city, offers a glimpse into Nepal's rich past. Plan your visit to avoid midday heat and crowds, especially during festival seasons. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring its ancient alleys and temples.

Getting to Kirtipur

Reaching Kirtipur from other parts of Kathmandu requires a bit of planning. While direct routes from some areas like Koteshwor are limited, local buses and tempos are readily available, often with a change at central hubs like Ratna Park. Embrace the local transport experience!

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
During festivals
Why
Vibrant cultural experience
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍋5 things to do in Menton, South of France: (save for later!!) 🏘️ Old town 🌅 St Michel church and view from its square 🥞 Galettes bretonnes ⛱️ Sablettes beach and the skyline 🍯 The town center boutiques and Confirures Herbin #menton #southoffrance #frenchriviera #thingstodoinmenton
@sagelining
30.3K likes • 763K views

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring Kirtipur's ancient alleys. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:

reddit.com

How to get to Kirtipur from Koteshwor?

reddit.com

Old Newar settlements inside Kathmandu Valley

📸 Capture the views

The hilltop temples offer stunning panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. :camerawithflash:

🚌 Local transport savvy

Be prepared to change buses at hubs like Ratna Park for routes to Kirtipur. :bus:

reddit.com

Opinion: Kirtipur ma date jaane thau?

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

Cobblestone streets and inclines require good footwear for exploring Kirtipur's ancient alleys. :athletic_shoe:

💧 Stay hydrated

Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :droplet:

📸 Capture the views

The hilltop temples offer stunning panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. :camerawithflash:

🚌 Local transport savvy

Be prepared to change buses at hubs like Ratna Park for routes to Kirtipur. :bus:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Kirtipur for its authentic Newari heritage, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning valley views. The well-preserved architecture and cultural richness offer a genuine glimpse into Nepal's past. Some find the public transport a bit challenging, and accessibility can be an issue due to the hilly terrain and ancient pathways.

What People Like

Authentic Newari culture
Panoramic valley views
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Challenging terrain
Limited accessibility

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

There isn't a direct route from Koteshwor to Kirtipur. Your best option is to take a bus or tempo from Koteshwor to Ratna Park, and then catch another local bus or tempo heading towards Kirtipur from there. Reddit

Local buses and tempos are the primary public transport options. They are frequent and affordable, connecting Kirtipur to various parts of Kathmandu. Reddit

Taxis are available throughout Kathmandu. You can hire one directly to Kirtipur, which will be more convenient but also more expensive than public transport. :taxi:

Yes, scooter rentals are available in Kathmandu. This offers flexibility for exploring Kirtipur and its surroundings at your own pace. :motorcycle:

The travel time can vary depending on traffic, but typically it takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours from central Kathmandu, including any transfers. :stopwatch:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Kirtipur Old Town itself is generally free. However, some specific temples or monuments within the town might have small entrance fees or donation boxes. :ticket:

Most temples are open from early morning until sunset. It's advisable to check specific timings for major temples like Bagh Bhairab and Uma Maheshwor if you plan to visit early or late. :clock1:

While not as common as in major tourist hubs, you can often find local guides in Kirtipur, especially near the main squares. Negotiate prices beforehand. :guide_dog:

Due to its ancient architecture and hilly terrain, Kirtipur can be challenging for those with mobility issues. Many areas have uneven paths and stairs. :wheelchair:

Photography is usually permitted in the temple courtyards, but it's respectful to avoid taking pictures of devotees during prayer or inside inner sanctums where it might be prohibited. Always look for signage. :camerawithflash:

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the Bagh Bhairab Temple, Uma Maheshwor Temple for its views, and the Kirti Bihar Monastery. Wandering through the ancient Newari alleys is an experience in itself. :star2:

Exploring Kirtipur on foot is the best way to soak in its atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some uphill walks. :walking:

Absolutely! The Uma Maheshwor Temple, located on a hilltop, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, especially at sunrise and sunset. :mountain_snow:

Kirtipur is a living museum of Newari culture. You'll witness traditional architecture, local crafts, religious ceremonies, and a slower pace of life. :performing_arts:

Kirtipur is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any travel, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. :shield:

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Look for local eateries and restaurants in the main squares. Try specialties like Samay Baji, Bara, and Yomari if available. :foodie:

Yes, most Newari dishes have vegetarian components, and many restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests. Lentil soup (Dal) and rice are staples. :leafy_green:

Keep an eye out for local sweets and savory snacks sold by street vendors. Yomari, a steamed rice dumpling, is a popular Newari delicacy. :cookie:

While traditional eateries are more common, you might find a few small cafes offering tea, coffee, and light snacks, especially near tourist spots. :coffee:

Eating at local eateries is very affordable. Tourist-oriented restaurants might be slightly more expensive, but generally, Kirtipur offers budget-friendly dining options. :moneybag:

📸 📸 Photography

The Uma Maheshwor Temple offers stunning panoramic views. The intricate wood carvings on temples and traditional Newari houses are also great subjects. :camerawithflash:

Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warm glow. Golden hour around sunset is particularly magical. :sunriseovermountains:

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas and temple courtyards. However, always be respectful and avoid photographing people without their permission or inside restricted areas. :noentrysign:

A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive valley views, and a prime lens is good for low-light temple interiors. :dslr:

Drone usage is often restricted in and around heritage sites and residential areas in Nepal. It's best to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone. :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kirtipur offers a unique cultural immersion for families. While the ancient streets can be uneven, the open spaces around temples like Bagh Bhairab provide room for children to explore. The Uma Maheshwor Temple offers a rewarding climb with a fantastic view, which can be an exciting adventure for older kids. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as dining options might be limited to local eateries. Consider a shorter visit focusing on the main temples to avoid overtiring little ones. Reddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

Kirtipur is an excellent destination for budget travelers. Public buses and tempos are incredibly affordable ways to reach the town from Kathmandu. Once there, exploring the old town and its temples is largely free. For meals, opt for local eateries serving traditional Newari dishes, which are both delicious and inexpensive. Accommodation options in Kirtipur itself are limited, so most budget travelers stay in Kathmandu and take a day trip. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Kirtipur is a treasure trove of traditional Newari architecture, vibrant cultural scenes, and stunning landscapes. The Uma Maheshwor Temple provides unparalleled panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley, especially magical during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. Capture the intricate wood carvings on temples and houses, the daily life unfolding in the ancient alleys, and the spiritual ambiance of the numerous shrines. Remember to be respectful when photographing locals. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Kirtipur's Heritage Architecture

Kirtipur is renowned for its well-preserved Newari architecture, a testament to the craftsmanship of its historical inhabitants. The town is dotted with numerous pagoda-style temples, intricately carved wooden windows, and traditional multi-story houses with tiled roofs. Key structures like the Bagh Bhairab Temple and the Uma Maheshwor Temple showcase the distinctive Newari style, characterized by its pagoda roofs, ornate struts, and detailed friezes.

Walking through the narrow, winding alleys of Kirtipur feels like stepping back in time. You'll encounter dhunge dhara (stone spouts) that once served as primary water sources and bahals (courtyard monasteries) that were centers of Buddhist life. The Kirti Bihar Monastery is a prime example, offering a serene space to admire the architectural details and understand the spiritual significance of these buildings. The preservation efforts in Kirtipur allow visitors to appreciate the continuity of Newari cultural heritage.

Many of the buildings are constructed using traditional materials like brick and wood, with a focus on aesthetic beauty and functional design. The wood carvings found on temple eaves, doorways, and windows are particularly noteworthy, often depicting deities, mythical creatures, and scenes from daily life. These architectural elements not only add to the visual appeal but also tell stories of the town's rich history and religious traditions. TikTok

The Spiritual Heart of Kirtipur

Kirtipur is a significant religious center, boasting a blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The Bagh Bhairab Temple, dedicated to a fierce manifestation of Shiva as a tiger god, is one of the most revered sites. It's a place where locals come to offer prayers and seek blessings, and its spiritual energy is palpable. The temple's architecture, typical of Newari design, features a multi-tiered roof and intricate carvings.

Perched atop a hill, the Uma Maheshwor Temple (also known as Vatsala Devi Temple) offers not only spiritual solace but also breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. This vantage point makes it a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists, especially during sunrise and sunset. The temple complex itself is a beautiful example of pagoda architecture, with a distinctive bell that is often rung by visitors. Instagram

Beyond these prominent sites, Kirtipur is home to numerous smaller stupas, chaityas, and monasteries, reflecting its deep-rooted spiritual heritage. The Kirti Bihar Monastery stands as a peaceful Buddhist enclave, inviting contemplation and appreciation of its serene environment and traditional art. The coexistence of Hindu and Buddhist practices in Kirtipur highlights the syncretic nature of Nepalese culture.

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