The place where I grew up!

Kathesimbhu stupa situated in the Naghal Tole a few minutes walk from Thamel is a Sigha Baha also known as Kathe Swoyambhu. The Kathesimbhu stupa is a 17th century copy of the famous Swayambhunath monkey temple. Indeed Kathesimbhu means "Kathmandu Swayambhunath." Moreover it's believed that Kathesimbhu was built from the materials left over from Swayambhunath. 

  

                                      People say that it was build for the old and infants who cannot make the journey to Swayambhunath. But there's a legend that gives a different story on the construction of the Kathesimbhu stupa. It says that a stupa was built in the Indian city of Benares. To consecrate it the revered Vakvajara from Nepal was sent for. Vakvajara consecrated the stupa with some drops from the Benares river. However the people of Benares were not satisfied with such a simple ceremony who thereafter had little fate in the stupa. Vakvajra tried to move the stupa but this failed. Vakvajra then performed a mantra and the stupa moved by itself all the way back to Nepal where it became known as what is today - the Kathesimbhu stupa.

The Kathesimbhu stupa stands within a closed off courtyard surrounded by smaller stupas (chaityas), inscriptions and statutes. Including one of Avalokiteshvara statue which puts the stupa back much further than the 17th century. Similarly the dome of the stupa rests on white-washed pedestal. Above the dome or Garbha is a four sided harmika with all-seeing eyes similar to those at Swayambhu. In the courtyard around the main stupa are a number of votive Chaityas. shrines including mother Harati and deities from Mahayan Pantheon. Offer important feature is a stone standing Padampani assigned to the ninth century A.D.

                                                           Not just that but this place is also considered as a hang out spot for many teenagers as there are several stalls nearby and the vendors who will often try to encourage you to visit there stores. There is currently no entrance fee for the Kathesimbhu stupa .At present we can visit it for free. However that could change shortly. Another aspect that adds up to its beauty are all the beautiful pigeons that are there all the time. Kathesimbhu stupa is a very peaceful and relaxing place to be. 

Travelling is life

1. Traveling is easier than you think.

We believe that traveling around the world shouldn’t be hard: it’s actually something everyone should be able to do at least once in their lives. Whether you choose to spend a few years or just a couple months traveling this beautiful planet, it’s important to see what’s out there. It’s up to you to make the dream come true and take the first step. Launch TripPlanner to piece together and price your ideal route. Not sure where to start?  You can always call one of our travel consultants and get some complimentary advice!

2. Travel opens your eyes.

If you’re open and willing, travel will make you an incredibly more well-rounded human being. And that’s really the goal, isn’t it? If you don’t know where to start, check out our Around the World planning guide.

3. Traveling helps you learn who you are.

All the challenges and opportunities travel lays at your feet help you discover who you are in a way that’s only possible on the road.

4. Travel creates meaningful relationships

People you meet while on the road become some of the most valued names on your contact list. They become places on the map to visit later on. These folks give you a glimpse outside your hometown circle of friends, and force you to take in new and refreshing perspectives, and ultimately realize that everyone is the same.

5. Traveling develops skills you didn’t know you had

Sometimes it’s only far from home that you realize you you’ve got skills you’ve never used. It’s travel that brings them to the surface and makes you smile, satisfied to have reached the mountain top, or  crossed a gorge  or helped a villager clean up after a storm, or even to have successfully ordered a meal at a rural Chinese restaurant.

6. Travel helps you learn new languages

There’s something satisfying about being able to throw around a few words of Greek, knowing how to say thanks in Thai, pulling out that long dormant Spanish to book a room in Santiago, or simply hearing a language you didn’t know existed just a few weeks before.

7. Travel means adventure

Zip-lining over the jungle canopy in Peru, successfully navigating the maze-like streets of Venice, bartering for the best price in the traditional markets of Marrakech, taking a speedboat ride in New Zealand, or hopping in a Land Rover and heading out to watch animals grazing  in Tanzania: these are adventures worth having. People are hardwired for the excitement of adventure and travel may just be the best way to tap into it.

8. Traveling gives you perspective

Meeting people from other cultures will teach you that the way you’ve been looking at the world isn’t the way everybody else does. In fact, your point-of-view might have some major blind spots. Seeing the world for yourself will improve your vision and your grip on reality.

9. Travel helps you move forward

If you’re between jobs, schools, kids, or relationships, around the world travel can be a perfect way to move from one of these life stages into your next great adventure. A big trip won’t just ease your transition into the next stage of your life, it’ll give you a chance to reflect on where you’ve been, where you’re going, and where you want to end up.

10. Travel is education

Seeing the world provides an education that’s absolutely impossible get in school. Travel teaches you economy, politics, history, geography, and sociology in an intense, hands-on way no class will.  Fortunately, the school of travel is always taking applications, no entrance exam required.

11. Travel challenges you

Getting your daily latte at the same place and staring at your screen at your nine-to-five every day not nearly interesting enough? Even if you choose to work on the road (and keep staring at the screen), you’ll have to find a new place to drink your latte, and depending on your destination, finding coffee, and foamy milk or a good place to sip them could prove to be a sizeable challenge. Travel is full of moments of joy and challenges. Overcoming the challenges gives you some of the greatest joys of all.

12. Travel shakes things up

It sucks to be stuck in a rut. Everyone knows what that’s like. A big trip can be your perfect solution. Fly around the world, stopping over in all of the places you’ve always wanted to visit. Go ahead and plan your ideal route around the world (it’s easier than you think!)

13. Traveling proves that dreams do come true

You imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what? It can be done. Around the world travel is possible, you just have to decide you’re willing to take the first step and start planning your itinerary.  What are you waiting for? We’ve put together some specials to inspire you to live your dream.

14. Travel gives you cool stories

Let’s face it. Even for folks who can’t tell a story, just the words “last year in Mongolia” get you instant party points.  Even when events seem trivial, nostalgia and distance create an irresistible spin that makes mundane things like getting your laundry done in Zanzibar, entertaining. Just don’t be that person and overdo it!

15. Travel is literally food for thought.

You’ll be constantly surprised at the flavors the world has to offer.  The way people in other cultures and countries prepare food, and break bread together (not that all cultures even eat bread) will astound you.

16. Travel gives you a sense of accomplishment

If you’re the kind of perso

n that dreams big, you’re probably one to reach for new challenges. Finishing a trip gives you the satisfaction that you were able make a goal to travel and  accomplish what you set out to do–see the world.

17. Traveling for the hell of it

Why travel? Because you can. Because you want to. Because it beats the alternative (staying home). Why not pick up your tickets and get the ball rolling!