Our second day in Kathmandu began peacefully with breakfast at The Spice Room inside Hotel Yak & Yeti. The calm garden atmosphere, fresh morning air, and delicious food made it the perfect start for a day of exploration with my wife and family.

After breakfast, we stepped out for a gentle walk along Durbar Marg, enjoying the city slowly waking up. From there, we headed toward some of the places that have always lived in my memories.

Our first stops were Bishal Bazar and Indra Chowk. I wanted to visit these areas after such a long time to see how they have changed and how they still hold the same energy. Indra Chowk, as always, was alive with narrow pathways crowded with pedestrians, small shops lining every corner, and the constant movement of people going about their day. It remains one of Kathmandu’s timeless spaces, where the old city spirit still breathes strongly.

From there, we made our way to Budhanilkantha Temple, one of Nepal’s most sacred and fascinating Hindu landmarks. The massive stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on the cosmic serpent Sheshnag, carved from a single block of black basalt stone, floats peacefully in a large pond. Believed to be over 1,400 years old, it is the largest stone carving in Nepal. The serene setting at the foothills of Shivapuri Hill made the experience even more calming and spiritual.

Standing there with my wife today reminded me of the peaceful moments we shared yesterday evening at Boudhanath Stupa. Watching devotees walk around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and offering prayers, felt deeply grounding. Moving from the Buddhist spiritual calm of Boudha to the sacred Hindu atmosphere of Budhanilkantha within just two days beautifully reflected Kathmandu’s unique harmony of cultures and beliefs.

It also made me appreciate how rich the Kathmandu Valley is with world heritage sites. From Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and many more historical temples and monuments, the valley holds centuries of art, architecture, and spiritual traditions. Two days are simply not enough to explore them all, but this short stay reminded me how much more there is to discover. I look forward to visiting many of these heritage sites again while returning.

One of the places I truly wanted to visit was Budhanilkantha Ganesh’s Hemp Factory. My purpose was not just shopping but to support Nepal’s cottage industries and sustainable initiatives. This venture focuses on eco-friendly hemp clothing and products made by local artisans. Hemp is a strong, natural, and environmentally friendly material that requires less water and no harmful chemicals to grow. By promoting hemp-based products, the factory supports local employment, traditional craftsmanship, and sustainable living.

We bought a few clothes from there, not just because they looked great, but because it felt good to support something meaningful. It’s inspiring to see such initiatives growing in Nepal, blending tradition with modern sustainability.

Next, we visited Park Village Resort, part of the renowned KGH Group of Hotels and Resorts. This visit felt special because of the remarkable legacy behind the group.

Established in 1968, the KGH Group is Nepal’s leading homegrown hospitality chain, founded by Karna Sakya, often known as the father of tourism in Nepal. He played a major role in transforming Thamel into a global tourism hub when Nepal was just beginning to open its doors to international travelers.

The group now operates many iconic and eco-friendly properties across Nepal, including:

• Kathmandu Guest House in Thamel, their flagship heritage hotel built around a Rana-era mansion with beautiful gardens
• Park Village Resort in Budhanilkantha, a peaceful forest retreat on Kathmandu’s outskirts
• Himalayan Front Hotel in Sarangkot, Pokhara, with stunning Annapurna views
• Waterfront Resort in Lakeside Pokhara by Phewa Lake
• Maya Manor Boutique Hotel in Naxal, focused on heritage luxury
• KGH Patan, near Patan Durbar Square
• Maruni Sanctuary Lodge near Chitwan National Park

What truly impressed me is how the KGH Group blends hospitality with culture and responsibility. Within Kathmandu Guest House itself is the Museum of Nepali Art (MoNA), one of the few world-class private museums inside a hotel, showcasing traditional and contemporary Nepali art.

Through the KGH Foundation, the group also works on social causes like mountain cleanup campaigns and food distribution programs. Sustainability is a major focus too, moving toward plastic-free operations and recycled materials.

Today, the group is continuing to expand the brand while preserving its cultural and environmental values.

Walking around Park Village Resort with my wife felt refreshing, surrounded by greenery, peaceful surroundings, and a strong sense of heritage hospitality that Nepal is known for.

After returning from Budhanilkantha, we came back to Hotel Yak & Yeti to take some rest and freshen up.

Later in the afternoon, we made a quick visit to the Thamel area to pick up a few beautiful local artworks. Thamel always carries its colorful charm with handcrafted items, paintings, and souvenirs that reflect Nepal’s culture and creativity. It felt good to support local artists and bring home small pieces of Kathmandu.

From there, we headed toward Kamal Pokhari for a must-have Kathmandu experience. We chose one of the most popular and authentic places in the city to enjoy different flavors of momos. For me, a visit to Kathmandu feels incomplete without trying momos in all their varieties.

There were six of us, so we ordered different tastes, flavors, and proteins and shared everything together. From classic steamed momos to spicy, fried, and sauced versions, each plate offered something unique. This is what makes momos a must-try in Kathmandu. They are not just food, but a shared cultural experience that brings people together and reflects the richness of local flavors.

After our momo feast, we returned back to Hotel Yak & Yeti and spent some quiet time relaxing in the sauna, letting the warmth melt away the tiredness from walking and travel.

As night settled in, we reflected on how meaningful these two days had already been, filled with nostalgia, spirituality, culture, sustainability, and simple family joy.

Tomorrow, we prepare to venture toward my hometown, where deeper memories and heartfelt moments await.

Kathmandu continues to welcome us with warmth, history, and soul, and this journey has only just begun.