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Prabal Gurung Takes You Inside His Hometown of Kathmandu

The longtime sustainable-fashion advocate goes back to where it all started.

By the editors

Jul 31, 2017

People, Public space, Temple, Street, Bazaar, Event, Tradition, Tourism, Sari, Pedestrian,

Courtesy Prabal Gurung

In honor of our first-ever sustainability issue, designer Prabal Gurung—who sustainably produces part of his collections in his homeland of Nepal—shows you his favorite spots to eat, shop, and play in capital city Kathmandu.

Vegetation, Mountainous landforms, Mountain range, Mountain, Hill station, Hill, Summit, Slope, Arête, Ridge,

The view from Nagarkot

VINCENT BOISVERT/MOMENT OPEN/GETTY IMAGES

High Drama

"Kathmandu city has a big trekking culture (you can see the breathtaking Himalayas from almost anywhere), but most people get around on safa tempos—three-wheeled vehicles. My favorite hike is Lakuri Bhanjyang, but the best view of Kathmandu is from Swayambhu or Nagarkot if you're lucky enough to have an unfoggy day.

Dish, Food, Cuisine, Ingredient, Dumpling, Pierogi, Wonton, Recipe, Pelmeni, Produce,

Momo dumplings, a signature Nepalese dish

BEN PIPE PHOTOGRAPHY/GETTY IMAGES

Diwali, the festival of lights, makes October a great time to visit. The people are the best part of the city. Everyone is genuinely interested in you. When I'm back in New York, that's what I miss the most—along with homemade masala tea!"

On the Go

"For breakfast, I love the sunny-side-up eggs and fresh juice at Café Soma Jhamsikhel. Nepal's trademark hospitality can be found at Tukche Thakali Kitchen and Lhakpa's Chulo. Stroll along the streets of Patan for authentic metal and silver souvenirs.

Shop home decor at One Tree Stop at Durbar Marg, the Art Market at the Yellow House, and Mahaguthi. Live music is easy to find in Thamel, a former hippie haven. For drinks, head to Dalai-La, Mezze, Level 3, Attic Bar, or Roadhouse Café, Boudha. I recommend staying at Dwarika's Hotel, the Dalai-La Boutique Hotel in Thamel, or The Inn in Patan Durbar Square."

Home Front

Landmark, Place of worship, Hindu temple, Temple, Historic site, Building, Architecture, Temple, Tourist attraction, Classical architecture,

Patan Durbar Square

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"I go back often to see family and work with my foundation, Shikshya Foundation Nepal, which, over the past six years, has educated more than 300 children. People think of Kathmandu as impoverished, but there is beauty all around. The Buddhist White Monastery in Boudha is where I go to meditate and get aligned. Don't leave without getting an Instagram shot at Boudhanath Stupa, a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine a few miles from the art- lined streets of Jhamsikhel."