suggestions for weekend trip to Kathmandu?
 

Hi,

i'll be spending the weekend in KTM to escape to warm days of Delhi. Do you guys have suggestions for what to do and where to stay when i'm only there for 2 days?

Thanks all for your input!

I'm guessing that you haven't been to Kathmandu previously. Are you aware of the bandh there? There is one right now, I understand.

There is so much to see and do. Have you read my trip report?
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...mandu-2008.cfm

You may want to browse photos to see what appeal to you most
www.marlandc.com/Nepal

Boudnath is wonderful either early in the morning or in the early evening (mostly locals and monks at these times). Pasupatinath is also well worth a visit. If you go to Boudnath early, you can walk to Pasupatinath.

Durbar square in Kathmandu is a must-visit.

You might also consider a visit to one of the other cities, either Patan (which has a lovely museum "best on the subcontinent" according to some) or Bakatapur.

the hyatt is a favorite of fodorites

Thanks Kathie (and rhkkmk),

Your trip report was very helpful, thank you for linking that for me!

I have been to KTM previously, but almost two decades ago (a couple of years before your last visit) and I'm looking forward to going back.

Last time I staid in town, but I have picked up on all the praise for the Hyatt, and am currently considering that. Does anyone know how quick a trip it is in to town (and how much a taxi fare is)?

I'm a little wary of being "stuck" at the Hyatt paying Manhattan prices for something that is much cheaper and easier available downtown. (Food, drinks.) I have had this hostage situation happen to me at resorts before, and was wondering if anyone felkt that way at the H?

The other hotel I am considering is the more boutiquey Ambassador Garden Hotel downtown. Could anyone compare and contrast?

Make that Ambassador Garden home (not "Ambassador Garden Hotel")

http://aghhotel.com/2/The-Hotel-History.php

Sorry, I don't know the Ambassador.

I didn't feel hostage at the Hyatt, taxis were cheap. We stayed in the Regency Club, which meant we didn't venture out for dinner as the drinks and canapes were plenty. And since breakfast is part of the Regency Club package, I didn't pay any "Manhattan prices" (except for the room, I guess). We were out and about every day and had lunch wherever we spent the day.

For a weekend trip, being out at the Hyatt would be very nice, walkable to both Boudnath and Pasupatinath. And it's so quiet... unlike being in the city.

Thanks again Kathie! You may just have convinced me!

How long is the taxi trip from the hotel to the downtown area?

LOL, that depends on the traffic (not just cars, trucks and motorbikes, but people cows and dogs) and the "short cuts" that your taxi takes. In my experience the short cuts always take longer than the regular route. I reasonable guess would be 20 minutes.

Now in place in Delhi and looking forward to my trip. Does anybody have good restaurant recommendations?

Kathmandu is not gourmet central, but there are lots of places with good local food.

My favorite place from years ago is Ghar-E-Kebeb, on the Durbar Marg, now inside the Everest Hotel. They used to say it had the best Indian food outside of Delhi.

The Museum at the Durbar Square in Patan has a lovely courtyard cafe that had good food.

Next trip, I'd like to have lunch in the Garden of Dreams, located on the edge of Thamel.

I understand the Chimney Room at the Yak and Yeti is still the place to have Russian food.

We stayed at the Hyatt a few yearsa ago . The Italian restaurant was pricey IMO, but very good. There were less expensive restaurants within a 15 minute walk, but we were too tired at the end of the day to venture out.

Thanks again!