Kathmandu Photo Gallery

Kathmandu Valley, the Photographic Nirvana.

Kathmandu the Mountains’ Queen, the Spiritual, the Hippy… A paradise and purpose for alpinists and hikers, adventurous travellers, spiritual seekers or seventies freaks. So many have fallen for her and many more continue to do so!

You do understand why as soon as you first step foot in the maze of its teeming and intriguing narrow old streets. When you discover the multitude of its stunning and sophisticated temples or look up for the scenic views on the surrounding Himalayan mountain range. When you first witness the strength of the People’s religious and spiritual Devotion. Or when you just wander around to immerse yourself into the daily Life or when you first sit down at some popular local tea shop or restaurant to have a taste of the real Kathmandu. The fascination of Kathmandu comes not only from the city in itself but more widely from the cultural, historical and panoramic jewels of the whole Valley of Kathmandu, an area within a radius of 1.5 hour from the city.

KATHMANDU, PATAN & BHAKTAPUR, THE QUEENS OF THE VALLEY

Over all, three main cities : Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, three cities once culturally and artistically rivals under the active Malla Kings. In each of them, you discover treasures of the Newar architecture with magnificent temples built on several storeys and made of red bricks, carved wood and draped red fabric. And what is very singular there is that the temples are totally part of the daily life. Indeed, the endless morning processions of devotees are then followed by small markets or tea stalls settled right on its stairs. Stairs that can be otherwise, simply used for a daily nap, people watching or chatting time. The historical and cultural heritage truly belongs to the People, across the ages.

PASHUPATINATH, BOUDHANATH & SWAYAMBUNATH, THE ICONIC TEMPLES

The Valley hosts several widely-known iconic temples such as the vast Hindu temple complex of Pashupatinath, the impressive emblematic Boudhanath stupa in the tibetan district and the most panoramic Buddhist pagoda of Swayambunath. These are perfect places for the lovers of Architecture Photography as well as for the Street Photographers, for they are very lively frequented and full of authentic moments for the local people.
Pashupatinath is undoubtedly the most emotional one, being the place for the cremation of the dead.
Boudhanath is really a place to stay in for a few days, immersing yourself in the peaceful, compassionate Buddha eyes of the majestic white rounded stupa, merged within the Tibetan culture.
And Swayambunath, for itself, is the most scenic one. Located on top of a hill dominating the whole city of Kathmandu and a big part of the valley, it is an unmissable spot for the traveller. Landscape, architecture, culture, spiritual devotion and people : it is also, obviously, a highlight for the travel photographer.

NAGARKOT, THE PANORAMIC

At about an hour east from Kathmandu, lies the small village of Nagarkot where you get the most beautiful and scenic views on the Himalayan range and the whole valley. On top of that you also get a feeling of a still traditional village. A total must for Landscape Photography, especially if you only have a short time in the country.

THE PEOPLE, THE JEWEL OF THE VALLEY

Friendly, genuine and open, the people are for us another real jewel of the place!
Every time we go back there, we feel the same : we feel at home. We feel warmly welcomed, without judgement and feel a great connection with the locals, sharing mutual stories very simply and easily. Sharing our commun points and understanding our differences with genuine curiosity and respect. We exchange, we laugh, we got moved, we love, we got helped, we help, we grow…
Once more, frequent the popular local tea shops and restaurants and you will get filled with infos on the best spots to discover as well as filled with beautiful stories, portraits and new friends.

Honestly, Kathmandu Valley is a top world class destination for Travel Photography!!
To go, go back and go back again… And the best periods to come, in order to get the most clear views on the mountains and do a bit of hiking without freezing are from mid-October to end of December (then it starts to get pretty cold) and March to May, while Nature is blossoming.

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[  Photos by Lorenz Berna, Text by Florence Lepavec  ]

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