Kathmandu Sights

  1. Gaddhi Baithak

    The eastern side of Durbar Sq is closed off by this white neoclassical building. The Gaddhi Baithak, with its imported European style, was built as part of the palace in 1908 during the Rana period and it makes a strange contrast to the traditional Nepali architecture that dominates the square. It is said to have been modelled on London's National Gallery.

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  2. Kathesimbhu Stupa

    The most popular Tibetan pilgrimage site in the old town is this lovely stupa, a small copy dating from around 1650 of the great Swayambhunath complex. Just as at Swayambhunath, there is a two-storey pagoda to Harti, the goddess of smallpox, right behind the main stupa. The entrance is flanked by metal lions atop red ochre concrete pillars, just a couple of minutes' walk south of Thamel.

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