Thapathali- The place I call home.

Local tourist in Kathmandu
The Week, My Republica

What is the first that comes to your mind when you think of Thapathali?

The usual traffic snafus amidst people and vehicles always in a hurry: that’s Thapathali, for sure. But this is also the place where I’ve lived all my life, a place I’ve come to associate with home. And I thought, this week I should give you all a glimpse of the place that’s so much more than just chaos. You just have to look beyond the façade. 

Narayan Mandir

Have you noticed the temple opposite KFC on the road that leads you to Tripureshwor? Located in one of the busiest streets of Kathmandu, Narayan Mandir is a perfect place for you to put your feet up and watch as the birds fly in flocks with clear blue sky as the backdrop. The temple’s courtyard was where I learnt the ABCs of playing badminton as a kid with my father as the coach. Today I don’t go there to play but to take in the surroundings. Children who live around the temple gather in the yard in the evenings and play hide-n-seek with their pet dogs scurrying behind them. One activity of theirs never ceases to make me smile – they stand in a queue to slide down the stairs of the temple. Built by Jung Bahadur Rana, the temple still serves as a guthi for the Ranas and has been well preserved till date. Keep an eye out for the omnipresent monkeys that keep a constant vigil on human traffic, especially those who carry snacks.
Bagmati Sweets

Another spot that my father introduced me to, Bagmati Sweets is a must-visit. A small place located behind the Ganesh Temple in Tripureshwor, this eatery can accommodate only 20 people at a time and has swarms of people coming in for piping hot jeri swari, chiya, pakauda, and paneer mo:mo. The paneer mo:mo, which is available only during lunch hours, takes me back to this spot over and over again and it’ll certainly take your taste buds on a pleasant ride.

Thapathali Bridge

The bridge that connects Kathmandu and Patan with the Bagmati flowing underneath isn’t a favourite spot for vehicle drivers waiting on the bridge for the traffic signal to turn green. But if you were not to consider the row of vehicles or the foul smell that permeates the air, this is actually a nice spot to look at Kathmandu Valley. If you walk toward the northern side of Kathmandu via the Thapathali Bridge, the Ganesh Himal Range that you can spot behind the smog is a sight to cherish. Apart from the mountain, my favourite spot to watch the setting sun is the bridge. If you ever get some time, watch the sunset with layers of green hills in the backdrop. The changing colours of the sky reflected on the river, despite its polluted water, is a stunning sight. Nothing is as blissful. I’ll vouch for that.

UN Park

The UN Park that stretches out for 0.66 kilometres is one of the better-maintained green belts in Kathmandu. Despite the at-times heavy traffic and the billowing dust from the street, the park is always quiet and pure, thanks to its varied vegetation. The park invites many fitness enthusiasts at the crack of dawn. The concrete pathway stretching out like a grey ribbon is used for a jog while the open space with soft green grass is crowded with people following the steps of an aerobics teacher who conducts these sessions free of costs. The benches that are painted green to match the foliage are often occupied. There are people who are just lazing around, enjoying conversations with friends or taking in the surroundings. A park like this right in the middle of the city is a wonderful asset. I suggest a run in the park someday – preferably in the morning.

Wind Horse Stable

A small stable that has room for 11 horses is located a little ahead of the Prasuti Griha. The old setting will make you feel as if you’re a part of a classic Western, and the only thing that may be missing is your cowboy attire. On entering, the smell of a barn – the combination of straw, horses, dust, even manure – adds to the ambience. One cannot help but feel excited at the dusty barn with plaid blankets hanging on the wall, the sharp smell of medication used to soothe sore muscles of the animals, the horses snorting, neighing, and kicking their stall doors. The stable is open for riding classes, and once comfortable, one can take a horse for a day’s trip to the outskirts of Kathmandu too!

Thapathali holds amazing spots that are well worth discovering. The ones I’ve mentioned are just a few examples. Venture out and discover other fascinating places for yourself. Believe me, my home area can surprise you at every bend of the road.