Guide to Kathmandu [Spring/Summer 2024]
Kathmandu, Nepal [May 9th, 2024]- Honey, let me spill the tea about the first time "Kathmandu" might've popped on your radar, and I'm talkin' 'bout none other than Cat Stevens twirlin' out tunes in his album "Mona Bone Jakon.” Back in 1970, darling, that track wasn't just a bop—it was a whole call to the wild! Stevens was crooning about ditching the manic pixie dream girl antics of the West for something a tad more zen, a little getaway to the mystical Kathmandu.
As years sashayed by, that song probably painted all kinds of lush, spiritual retreat fantasies in your head, a fabulous sanctuary where you could snap up some peace and get your chakras in check. And, honey, maybe that fierce longing got you packing, jet-setting to see if Kathmandu was serving the paradise realness Stevens was hinting at.
Well, after you strutted down those streets, you found out Kathmandu was serving more than just looks—it was the full fantasy! The city was buzzing, the Himalayas were giving face, and honey, the daily spiritual kiki was blending into this gorgeous cultural extravaganza. Kathmandu wasn't just a city; she was a living, breathing legend where every nook was whispering herstory and every face was a fierce runway of tradition and transformation. You didn’t just snag some simple peace; you found a soul sister in this ancient, yet forever young, queen of cities. Turns out, Kathmandu wasn’t just a stop on the tour—it was the VIP backstage pass to the next chapter of your life’s extravaganza!
Welcome to Kathmandu!
Our Ultimate Kathmandu Travel Guide
Honey, this guide is your ultimate gag! If you’ve only got a minute to see the sights, we’re serving you the must-visit spots with a side of fierce local LGBTQ+ owned and friendly joints, because, darling, it’s all about lifting up our queer family! Now, this guide is fab for the independent slayer, but trust and believe, it would be nothing but 10s, 10s, 10s across the board if you let one of our fabulous gay guides take the reins and show you the way. Get into it, babe!
About Us!
Honey, let me spill the tea about Queermandu.io, the fab queer local travel platform that blasted off in 2022! One that just recently had a glow-up. Here at Queermandu, we don’t just do tours, darling—we roll out the rainbow carpet and welcome you to our queer family. You’re about to dive deep into our vibrant world, where Nepal embraces every shade of the spectrum. We’re all about mixin’ that rich, local queer culture with your fabulous flair, creating a dazzling blend that boosts your experience and spices up our community.
In Nepal, honey, spirituality and tradition aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the real deal, and guess what? They love us queers just the way we are, celebrating everyone based on what they bring to the table, not who they love. That’s the heart of how we operate at Queermandu, ensuring every adventure with us is a journey of self-discovery and a total celebration of your fierce self.
And let’s get one thing straight—or should I say, not so straight—at Queermandu, you’re not just a visitor; you’re part of the fam. We welcome everyone with open arms, and yes, that includes our straight allies, because let’s face it, nobody does it better than us gays!
Thamel
Hey, hey, hey, darlings! Now, let me spill the real tea—Thamel is giving us that raw, unfiltered South Asia early 2000s realness! It’s still got all that old-school charm, a touch gritty and a tad ghetto fabulous, and we are living for it. It’s like stepping back in time but with all the spice of today. Welcome to the fabulous Thamel, the beating heart of Kathmandu where it's all happening! This place is pulsing with life, honey—energy, culture, and more charisma than a drag queen's closet! You've got your cozy little hotels, those cute cafés to spill the tea, and restaurants serving up everything fierce and tasty. And let’s talk shopping, honey—quirky shops are everywhere, with their gorgeously carved handicrafts and textiles so bright you need shades!
As you strut through these bustling streets, weaving through taxis, rickshaws, and even the occasional fabulous canine, it’s like a high heel through a runway—somehow, amidst all that buzz, I’m living my best life, feeling all zen and fabulous!
But hold on to your wigs, because when the sun dips and the moon does its glow-up, Thamel flips the script and turns into party central! We're talking live music popping out of every bar and club, making this place the ultimate spot for all you night owls and party queens.
About that booze, darling—it might not be the top shelf fantasy we dream about, but it gets the job done. Sure, we wish the prices were as low as our expectations for the local brew, but hey, we make do with the slightly questionable cocktails because that’s how we roll in this part of town.
Whether you're here to soak up some ancient spiritual vibes at a temple, snag some fierce souvenirs, or just bask in the chaotic charm of it all, Thamel is a whole mood! It's an adventure that's got me losing myself in its delicious mix of the old-school glam and that new-school swag. And the locals? Babes, they're the real MVPs, always ready with a story that’ll touch your heart and jazz up your journey through Kathmandu. So, come on in, the adventure is just beginning! Let's make it a walk to remember!
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Honey, right on the glamorous heels of Thamel lies the fabulous Narayanhiti Palace Museum, where the tea is as rich as its history! This palace was once the fierce playground and official crib of Nepal's royal family. Trust, it’s giving you all the royal realness and opulence you could ask for!
You absolutely cannot skip this gem in your Kathmandu kiki—it’s a must! Inside, you’ll live your best royal fantasy touring those lavish rooms, spilling over with posh artifacts and jaw-dropping tales. And gurl, it even serves the drama of the tragic 2011 massacre—bullet holes and all to prove it!
But hold up, queens: it’ll cost you 1,000 rupees to strut through, and leave those cameras at home because it’s eyes-only, darling! They keep the doors open to serve looks from 10:30 to 15:30 daily, except Wednesdays, and on Tuesdays, they close early at 13:30. Get that royal tour!
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu and sits right on the fierce Bagmati River, darling. It's a temple where the architecture will gag you with its beauty! You might catch the locals doing their spiritual thang, saying bye, Felicia to their loved ones. They do cremations right there on the river’s ghats, every single day. Trust and believe, it’s a place you’ll wanna take your sweet time to soak in all that divine energy.
Now, listen up! If you’re a fabulous foreigner visiting, they’ll be asking for 1,000 rupees to let you into their fabulousness. And yes, queen, Pashupatinath is serving spiritual realness every single day. So, strut on down and live your best life experiencing all that magic!
“According to the legend, Lord Krishna, the avatar of Vishnu, once visited the Kathmandu Valley. During his visit, he engaged in playful and amorous activities with local women known as ‘gopinis.’ During these interactions, Lord Krishna was caught in a compromising position by the husband of a gopini. In a hurry, Krishna transformed into a Shiva phallus (a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva) to avoid being recognized.
The husband, however, was not fooled. He understood the deception and, in his anger, cursed the phallus, causing it to break into pieces. This broken phallus is said to have transformed into the four-faced (Chaturmukha) phallus now worshiped at the Pashupatinath Temple.”
This story is serving us a fierce cocktail of Hindu divinity realness! It’s all about the kiki between the fabulous Hindu deities, with a heavy pour of divine play—yes, leela, darling! We’re talking transformations and sacred spaces that are absolutely to die for. And get this, the tea is piping hot with Vishnu and Shiva, two of Hinduism’s headliners, showing us they’re not just two separate icons, but they’re giving us unity, versatility, and a whole lot of overlap in their gigs and worship. It's like they're telling us, "Why be one when you can be both?" This is a cosmic drag show where roles are fluid and everyone’s invited!
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa, or as the locals call it, Boudha! This spot isn’t just big, it’s one of the largest stupas on the planet, darling! It's the place to be for the fierce Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhist babes in Kathmandu. You better believe it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site—she’s that important!
Now, before you get all caught up in the fab shops and cute cafes, you need to strut around that stupa not once, not twice, but three times clockwise! Trust me, it’s like a spiritual runway walk. Even with the crowd, it’s pure zen, sweetie. You’ll be living for the local worship vibes and those gorgeously vibrant prayer flags giving us life in the wind!
And when it's munch time? There are more options than colors in a pride flag! But honey, make sure you snag a spot with rooftop seating. On a good day, you’ll gag over the stunning view of those snow-kissed Himalayan divas in the distance.
Oh, and let’s talk coin: entry for international queens is just 400 rupees. She’s open every day, so you can serve and get served any time you drop by, okurrr?
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath, also known as the fabulous Monkey Temple! This stunning spot is serving you a whole spiritual platter with its gorgeous stupa and a mix of shrines and temples, all perched like a queen on a hilltop just a stone's throw from Kathmandu. She offers panoramic views for days and a vibe so serene, you’ll swear it’s Zen o’clock!
Now, let’s talk entrances, darling. You wanna make a grand entrance? Strut up those 365 steps, each flanked by prayer flags and those cheeky little monkeys—giving us all the drama. But if you’re feeling a touch more demure, sashay in through the back where three stunning golden Buddhas will greet you, and honey, it’s fewer stairs so your heels will thank you.
Clock the tea—entry for you international divas is just 200 rupees, and she’s open every day. So, whether you’re Buddhist, Hindu, or just divinely non-specific, Swayambhunath is the place to be seen and feel fabulous!
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Get ready to sashay your way into the fabulous heart of Kathmandu Durbar Square! This place is like the runway of ancient glamor, where every palace, temple, and courtyard turns up the volume on that opulent, historical extravaganza.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is giving us a full-on throwback moment, dishing out all the royal tea from Nepal’s past. But the gag is, it’s not just about old-world charm, darling! The square is buzzing with life, reflecting all the fierce energy of today’s Kathmandu.
Now, let’s spill some tea, babe—the 2015 earthquake did a number on our queen, but she’s still standing tall, showing off those restoration efforts that have tried to snatch her back to her former glory. It’s a bit of a ‘fixer-upper’ moment, but it’s all about resilience and keeping the heritage alive and popping!
And get this, the cover charge for international divas like you is 1,000 rupees, but you can werk that ticket multiple times. So, strut in whenever you want, because this show is open daily. Go ahead, strut your stuff through Durbar Square and let history meet fabulosity!
Patan Durbar Square
Honey, let me spill the tea about Patan, the fabulous sister city just a catwalk strut across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu. She's serving you a fierce mix of history, art, and culture, all wrapped up in her own regal Durbar Square—and yes, darling, she's a certified UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less! Imagine twirling through her narrow alleyways, each lined with artisan workshops where local divas craft their magic.
Now, don't even get me started on the Patan Museum, darling. It’s a treasure chest of cultural gems, giving you life with artifacts that have been turning looks for centuries, helping you get into the gig of Nepal’s artistic heritage. And the Golden Temple? Oh, she’s old school glamour, dating back to 1409, and she doubles as a Newari Buddhist Monastery.
So whether you’re gagging to see that sickening blend of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, want to kiki with the locals at the market, or just live your best life soaking in the vibes, Patan is your go-to gal while you're kiki-ing it in Kathmandu. Trust, she’s a moment!
Everest Mountain Flight
If you're gagging for a glimpse of the gorgeous Himalayas, you simply must give this Everest Mountain Flight a whirl! Picture this: soaring through the skies above Kathmandu, sipping your champagne, while Mother Nature serves you the full fantasy with her stunning Himalayan extravaganza. Trust and believe, darling, this is the moment your Instagram has been waiting for! Ok, no champagne, but they give you these nice little candies and all you can eat of them.
Strap yourself in for a high-flying adventure where you can kiki from the comfort of your window seat, or sashay up to the flight deck for an even gag-worthy view of the one and only, the legendary, Mount Everest. Yes, queen!
These fab flights take off from Kathmandu Airport and last about an hour. But a little tea: they're notorious for being as unpredictable as a drag queen’s wig in a windstorm—often delayed or canceled due to weather. So, book early during your Kathmandu kiki, so if your flight gets the chop, you can snap back and rebook for another gag-worthy day. Werk that itinerary, and let’s get sickening with those sky-high views!
Where to stay!
She’s not just any hotel, she’s an award-winning luxury diva nestled right in the heart of Kathmandu, just a stone's throw away from that regal Narayanhiti Palace Museum, where the old royals used to play. Now, if you’re gagging for that old-world glamor, Maya Manor is your queen. She’s known far and wide as one of the crème de la crème luxury stays in Kathmandu city center, serving you breathtaking views of the cityscape that’ll have you living, darling!
This fabulous hotspot isn’t just about the views, though. With 50 elegantly decked out rooms, she provides that intimate and welcoming vibe where indulgence and relaxation are the main gig. And get this, sis—she’s got a pride flag waving proudly out front! Yes, gawd! She’s the only hotel in Kathmandu that’s flaunting those rainbow colors for us, making it crystal clear she’s queer-friendly. So if you’re looking for a place to let your hair down and be your fabulous self, Maya Manor is where it’s at. Trust and believe, it’s the place to be!
Where to eat?
First off book a cooking class with us at Queermandu and make Homo Momos, our pride flag inspired momo’s. It’s a fabulous twist on the traditional momo-making workshop in Kathmandu, where we celebrate both cuisine and queer culture. In this vibrant session, sweeties, we're crafting momos in the bright hues of the pride flag using natural ingredients like beetroot, spinach, carrot, and butterfly pea. As we fold these colorful delights, we’ll gab about LGBTQ+ life in Nepal and spill the tea on the latest queer news. With a playful nudge, our mantra, "You put the Botox in the face, then you pinch, pinch, pinch," humorously guides the meticulous momo-shaping process.
“Discreet” Foodie Extravaganza
Foodie queens, get ready to scout out Nepal’s hidden culinary treasures, tucked away in the buzzing alleys of Asan, on our Kathmandu secret food tour in the old-school hood. Each adventure serves a rainbow of flavors, but you’ll likely gag on the deliciousness of Bara, these savory lentil pancakes, and get your life with the sweet complexity of Yomari, a fig-shaped treat made of rice flour stuffed with molasses and sesame seeds. Don’t sleep on the Tibetan Laphing, honey, a zesty and spicy cold noodle moment that screams exotic. But it ain’t just about stuffing your face, babe. You’re gonna live for the artistic opulence, serving temple realness between snack breaks at these lively food booths, filling you up with not just tasty grub but a feast of cultural fabulosity.
Nightlife
Start your journey with the Glitz to Grit Tour, babes, where we kick off in Kathmandu's swankiest spots, sipping on exquisite cocktails in the lap of luxury (Nepali style, of course). Then, we vogue our way down to the vibrant, beating heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at Pink Tiffany’s. Transition from the plush and intimate to the electric atmosphere of inclusivity and diversity, where every queen and king gets to shine. This Kathmandu gay tour is all about celebrating the lush contrast of Kathmandu’s nightlife, offering an unforgettable exploration of both refined elegance and the spirited, bold community. Join us, fabulous ones, for a night out where we traverse the city’s eclectic bar scene, turning every moment into a celebration of diversity and flair.
Sashay Away
We'd absolutely live to take you from point A to point fabulous, serving you a fierce day tour of Kathmandu where we spill the tea on all the main hotspots. You want a custom moment? You got it! But, darling, strutting your stuff solo in this city? Totally doable. However, if you hit a snag, slide into our DMs on Instagram @queermandu_np, and let’s kiki. And yes, we welcome our straight sisters and brothers too—as long as you’re serving ally realness!
