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Things to do in Kathmandu
Welcome to Kathmandu
Nepal's chaotic and colorful capital is set in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the jagged, snowy peaks of the Himalaya. You'll want to explore Kathmandu's old city center, a crowded warren of small shops and cobblestone alleyways, by foot or rickshaw—the streets are too narrow for most cars. Crumbling buildings open onto courtyards where chilies, rice, and laundry dry in the sun, and around nearly every corner you'll find temples, shrouded in incense smoke and bedecked with marigolds. Learn more about the region's dominant religions by touring Buddhist Bouddhanath Stupa and the impressive Pashupatinath Hindu temple complex (note, however, that only Hindus are allowed inside its gates). A 2015 earthquake devastated some of Kathmandu's historic sites, including UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, a former royal residence that dates to the 16th century, but many others were unharmed. Popular short excursions from Kathmandu include Shivapuri National Park, the medieval village of Bhaktapur, and the former hill station of Nagarkot. And of course, Kathmandu is the main hub for trekking in the Himalaya. Trekking tours can be arranged to suit almost any budget, ability, and available time. Consider a guided trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary or, if you’re short on time, book a helicopter flight to get a glimpse of Everest. Safari tours to Chitwan National Park can also be organized from Kathmandu. The former royal hunting ground is now a protected ecosystem of marshes, jungle, and grasslands, home to more than 400 animal species, including Bengal tigers and rhinos.
Top 15 attractions in Kathmandu
Thamel
Pashupatinath
Boudhanath (Boudha Stupa)
Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur)
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Bhaktapur
Sagarmatha National Park
Namche Bazaar
Nagarkot
Garden of Dreams
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Changu Narayan
Sauraha
Patan (Lalitpur)
Asan Market
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When to visit
Though many associate Nepal’s capital with the bright, snowy climes of the Himalayas, the country’s climate is significantly impacted by its annual monsoon season (June through September). For drier, sunnier days, join trekkers during the April and May shoulder season, or visit in October and November, which is considered Kathmandu's high season.
A local’s pocket guide to Kathmandu
Elen moved to Kathmandu to work in the local media. It was the start of a long love affair that has included many treks, white-water rafting trips, plates of dal bhat—and a Nepali Hindu wedding.
visit Swayambhunath Stupa to get a view of the Kathmandu Valley. Located on a hill within walking distance of Thamel (where many travelers stay), the honeycomb-like stupa is a beautiful introduction to Nepali culture.
Saturday is the only day of rest in Nepal (Sunday is a working day) so this is a great day to walk around the city. There’s less traffic too, so it’s quite comfortable getting among points of interest.
Patan Durbar Square. One of three royal squares in the Kathmandu Valley, it's wonderfully preserved (2015 earthquake damage notwithstanding), and the Patan Museum in the old palace is one of the best museums in Nepal.
stay in a local Newari homestay in Patan or a Tibetan-run guesthouse in Boudha, rather than in tourist hub Thamel.
Swayambhunath Stupa has a great view, but if you have more energy, take a day hike up Mt. Phulchowki, the highest “hill” in the Kathmandu Valley, at 2,782 meters (9,127 feet).
Many people think Kathmandu is a peaceful town nestled at the foot of the Himalaya. It’s a sprawling, congested, polluted megacity of 3 million-plus inhabitants. Accept this reality and you won’t be disappointed, as there’s so much to do here.
People Also Ask
Kathmandu is an ancient city famous for its combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Attractions like Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), and the Durbar Square, as well as the Kumari Living Goddess, are star attractions in Kathmandu. Unfortunately, Kathmandu is also famous for a destructive earthquake that damaged parts of the city in 2015.
...MoreIn one day, pick one neighborhood of the Kathmandu Valley and focus on that, rather than sitting in heavy traffic trying to see too much. Central Kathmandu (the Basantapur Durbar Square area), Patan (also called Lalitpur), Boudhanath and nearby Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur all have plenty of cultural and historic attractions to keep you occupied for a day.
...MoreKathmandu’s tourist attractions are centered on religious and historic sites. The enormous Boudhanath Stupa is the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside Tibet, while the hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa offers sweeping views (and monkey friends). The Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares are the centers of the Kathmandu Valley’s previous separate kingdoms.
...MoreWith three days in Kathmandu you can spend two days in the city and one in the countryside, enjoying mountain views and fresher air. Spend days one and two in central Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, learning about local history and culture. On day three, hire a driver to take you to Namo Buddha or Nagarkot.
...MoreAs well as sightseeing at the Kathmandu Valley’s many cultural highlights, many travelers like to dine out and party in the Thamel district, and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs in Ason or Patan. Thamel is Kathmandu’s nightlife district and although most places shut by around midnight, you can enjoy live music (especially cover bands).
...MoreYes, Kathmandu is generally a safe city. Violent crime is rare, although petty crime is more common. However, the risk from earthquakes in the seismically active country is high, especially due to poorly constructed buildings. Air pollution levels are also high in winter and spring, and often unsafe for those with respiratory problems.
...MoreKathmandu information
Number of Attractions | 28 |
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Number of Tours | 2,925 |
Number of Reviews | 13,791 |
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