Things to Visit in Kathmandu: Temples, Stupas, and Himalayan Views
See the best of Kathmandu from its ancient temple squares and golden stupas to Himalayan panoramas and vibrant Thamel streets. Covers heritage sites, cultural experiences, food, nature, and trekking preparation.
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UNESCO Heritage Sites
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards was the seat of the old Kathmandu Kingdom. The 2015 earthquake damaged several structures, and ongoing restoration adds to the living history. Entry is 1,000 NPR for foreign visitors with multi-day validation available. Early morning visits avoid crowds and tour groups.
Visit Boudhanath Stupa at sunset
One of the largest spherical stupas in the world, surrounded by a bustling Tibetan neighborhood. The painted eyes of the Buddha gaze from all four sides. Walk clockwise around the stupa with the pilgrims, spinning prayer wheels as you go. The rooftop restaurants around the stupa are perfect for sunset views. Entry is 400 NPR.
See the monkeys at Swayambhunath temple
Known as the Monkey Temple, this hilltop stupa offers panoramic Kathmandu Valley views. Climb the 365 steps from the eastern entrance or drive to the top. The golden spire and the all-seeing eyes of Buddha are iconic. Watch your belongings around the resident monkey population. Entry is 200 NPR.
Witness Hindu rituals at Pashupatinath Temple
Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple sits on the banks of the Bagmati River where open-air cremation ceremonies take place daily. Non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple but can observe from across the river. The sadhu holy men in painted faces welcome photos for a small tip. Entry is 1,000 NPR for foreign visitors.
Wander through Patan Durbar Square
Just across the Bagmati River in Lalitpur, this medieval square has the finest collection of Newari architecture in the valley. The Patan Museum inside the old palace is one of the best museums in South Asia, with beautifully displayed Hindu and Buddhist art. Museum entry is 1,000 NPR.
Neighborhoods and Streets
Shop and eat in Thamel district
Kathmandu's tourist hub is a dense maze of narrow streets packed with trekking gear shops, bookstores, restaurants, and rooftop bars. It is the best place to rent trekking equipment, book tours, and find international food. Prices are negotiable at most shops. The area comes alive after dark.
Explore the backstreets of Bhaktapur old town
This medieval Newari city 13 km from Kathmandu feels like stepping back centuries. The pottery square with artisans working in the open, the Nyatapola five-story pagoda, and the traditional juju dhau king yogurt make it worth a full day. Entry to Bhaktapur is 1,500 NPR for foreign visitors.
Visit the Garden of Dreams in Thamel
This restored neo-classical European garden from 1920 is a peaceful oasis hidden just off the chaotic Thamel streets. Fountains, pergolas, and manicured lawns provide a welcome escape from the noise. Entry is 200 NPR. The onsite cafe serves decent coffee and snacks.
Himalayan Views and Nature
Take a mountain flight over Everest
One-hour flights from Kathmandu airport fly along the Himalayan range with every passenger getting a window seat and a turn in the cockpit for Everest photos. Flights cost $200-250 per person and depart early morning when visibility is best. They operate from September through May on clear days only.
Watch sunrise at Nagarkot viewpoint
This hilltop village 32 km east of Kathmandu offers views of the Himalayan range including Everest on clear days. Stay overnight to catch sunrise, as the mountains are most visible in early morning before clouds build. Budget guesthouses cost 1,000-2,000 NPR per night. October through March offers the clearest views.
Hike the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
This forested park on Kathmandu's northern rim offers day hikes through oak and rhododendron forests with valley views. The Shivapuri Peak trail takes 4-5 hours round trip and reaches 2,732 meters. Park entry is 600 NPR for foreign visitors. Start early and bring water.
Cycle around the Kathmandu Valley rim
A full-day cycling route circles the valley floor passing through villages, terraced fields, and ancient towns. Rental bikes cost 500-1,000 NPR per day from Thamel shops. Guided cycling tours cost $30-50 per person with lunch included. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle hills.
Food and Culture
Eat momos at a local dumpling shop
Nepali steamed or fried dumplings filled with buffalo meat, chicken, or vegetables are the national snack. A plate of 10 steamed momos costs 150-250 NPR at local shops. The jhol momo version served in a spicy broth is worth seeking out. Thamel and Patan have excellent momo shops.
Try a full dal bhat tarkari meal
The national meal of Nepal consists of steamed rice, lentil soup, curried vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat. It is served on a steel thali plate and refills are unlimited at most restaurants. A dal bhat lunch costs 300-500 NPR. The saying goes: dal bhat power, 24 hour.
Drink masala tea from a street stall
Sweet, spiced milk tea is served in small glasses at street stalls and tea shops throughout the city. A glass costs 20-40 NPR. The Newari tea shops in Patan and Bhaktapur serve it with traditional snacks like sel roti rice donuts.
Attend a Newari feast dinner
Traditional Newari cuisine includes unique dishes not found elsewhere in Nepal, such as choila spiced grilled meat, yomari steamed rice dumplings, and bara lentil patties. Several restaurants in Patan and Bhaktapur offer multi-course Newari feast experiences for 800-1,500 NPR per person.
Trekking Preparation
Get trekking permits at the Nepal Tourism Board
Most trekking areas require a TIMS card and/or national park permit. The Tourist Service Centre in Kathmandu processes permits same-day. Bring your passport and 2 photos. Permit costs vary by region: 2,000-3,000 NPR for TIMS plus 1,000-5,000 NPR for park entry depending on the area.
Rent trekking gear in Thamel
Thamel has dozens of shops renting sleeping bags, down jackets, trekking poles, and boots at a fraction of buying prices. Rental rates are 100-300 NPR per item per day. Inspect gear carefully for damage and test zippers. Negotiate multi-day package deals for better rates.
Book a trekking guide or porter
Licensed guides cost $25-35 per day and porters $15-20 per day. Hiring through a registered agency provides insurance coverage and accountability. Solo trekking is allowed on major routes like Annapurna and Everest Base Camp but a guide adds safety, cultural insight, and route knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
Three to five days covers the heritage sites, neighborhoods, food experiences, and a mountain excursion. Spend one day on Durbar Square and Thamel, one day visiting Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, one day in Patan or Bhaktapur, and extra days for Nagarkot sunrise or Shivapuri hiking. Many visitors use Kathmandu as a base before and after trekking.
What is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
October and November offer the clearest skies, best mountain views, and comfortable temperatures around 15-25 degrees Celsius. This is peak trekking season. March through May is warm with rhododendrons blooming in the hills. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and poor visibility. December through February is dry but cold, with temperatures dropping to 2-10 degrees Celsius.
Is Kathmandu safe for tourists?
Kathmandu is generally safe for tourists. The main concerns are traffic safety when walking or cycling, occasional power outages, and petty scams targeting tourists in Thamel. Air quality can be poor in the dry season due to vehicle emissions and construction dust. Wearing a mask while walking busy streets is common.
How do you get around Kathmandu?
Walking is the best way to explore the core heritage areas. Local buses are extremely cheap at 15-30 NPR but crowded and confusing for visitors. Taxis are widely available with most trips within the city costing 300-600 NPR. Ride-hailing apps work in Kathmandu. For Bhaktapur and Nagarkot, local buses or hired cars are the main options.