Located in the heart of Nepal is the fascinating, bustling city of Kathmandu, a top travel destination for globetrotters around the world.
From the moment you arrive in Nepal’s capital city, you will be mesmerized by its charming brick-paved alleyways, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals, all set against the towering Himalayan mountain range.
While Nepal’s capital is undoubtedly an enchanting place, it can be chaotic and overwhelming at times. That’s why we have put together a list of the best things to do in Kathmandu with travel tips so that your experience in Nepal is extraordinary.
Top Attractions in Kathmandu
Views from Swayambhunath Stupa, the “Monkey Temple”
You will get your steps in when visiting the Swayambhu complex, which features a gorgeous domed stupa, ornately decorated temples, and many different shrines. It’s absolutely one of the best things to do in Kathmandu.
This ancient, sacred Nepali Buddhist site is believed to date back to the 5th century AD. And about those steps: there are 365 steep steps to the top. However, the stunning panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley are well worth the hike up.
During your visit, you will come across hundreds of monkeys; after all, Swayambhu’s nickname, if you will, is the “Monkey Temple.”
The legend behind the monkeys is quite fascinating: the bodhisattva of wisdom, Manjushree, raised the temple hill when the lice in hair transformed into the monkeys. These monkeys are considered holy to Tibetan Hindus and Buddhists. The name Swayambhunath means self-rising and comes from this legend.
Visitors get a unique glimpse into Buddhists and Hindus’ rituals, both of which visit the site daily.
Learn all about the stupa and surrounding shrines and temples’ history. It’s rich in mythology and other fascinating details, as the religious site is over 2,000 years old.
We’d say it’s been a reasonably productive travel day when you can get in your workout, make a few furry friends, and feel spiritually renewed.
Explore the Boudhanath Stupa
The Boudhanath Stupa is one of Nepal’s largest stupas, an iconic part of the Kathmandu skyline, with its golden spire gleaming from its dominant hilltop location.
Colorful flags flap in the wind as you take in the unique shrines, monasteries, and statues.
Boudhanath Stupa’s magnificent, symbolic-filled design reflects Buddha’s path to spiritual enlightenment.
Exploring this magnificent stupa is one of the top things to do in Kathmandu.
Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 40 minutes outside of Kathmandu, but so worth the visit.
With its old-town feel, this ancient Newari city, complete with beautiful, welcoming, imperfectly perfect brick roads, is like stepping back in time as it is one of the most ancient intact towns in Nepal.
Places you just have to see when visiting the city of Bhaktapur:
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Home to the 55 Window Palace, Golden Gate, Vatsala Temple, Pashupatinath temple/Pagoda, Siddhi Lakshi temple, the Royal bath, and Chyasalin Mandip, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a fascinating experience.
- Dattatreya Square: On the east end of Bhaktapur, you will find the less-touristy Dattatreya Square, which features traditional Newari structures and the Dattatreya temple.
- Nyatapola temple: At five stories tall, the Nyatopola temple is Nepal’s tallest pagoda and is around the five basic elements.
Visit the Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, situated along the Bagmati River’s banks in Kathmandu, should be at the top of your list of places to visit in Nepal.
This sacred Hindu complex, dating back to the 1600s, features over 500 magnificent temples, monuments, shrines, and parades. The architecture is unforgettable, with many intricate, detailed carvings and inscriptions.
Pashupatinath Temple draws millions of visitors during Maha Shivaratri each year.
The Magnificent Taleju Temple
Located in Durbar Square’s northern section is a most sacred Hindu site, the three-story Taleju Temple. Built-in 1564 by Mahendra Malla, Taleju Temple honors the royal goddess Taleju Bhawani.
While the public is not allowed to enter, it’s worth the 30 minutes to meander along the outside of the temple. However, if you are in Kathmandu for the Dashain Festival, you can enter the magnificent temple on one day during the festival. Speaking of the Dashain Festival, if you want to celebrate justice winning over evil or just love the experience of a local festival, plan your trip sometime in September or October. The festival takes place over 15 days, commemorating Durgar, a goddess, defeating the demon Mahshasura.
The Garden of Dreams
Established in 1920, the Garden of Dreams is indeed a magical, serene place tucked away on the grounds of a palace in the Thamel area.
Escape Thamel’s chaotic streets and spend a moment surrounded by peace and tranquility. It won’t be hard to do as the garden boasts an amphitheater, a pond, three pavilions, pergolas, and urns.
Oh, and while you are in Thamel, which is a tourist hotspot, be sure to check out the following:
- Did you know that Thamel is a pre-base camp for mountaineers? That means there are plenty of shops with the ultimate hiking and climbing gear. If you love the outdoors, you might just find yourself in heaven.
- Thamel is well known for its narrow alleys, lined with shops and street vendors. Go on a shopping spree or just window shop for fun.
- There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. You will never go hungry or thirsty in Thamel.
- If a night out in an exciting city is your idea of fun, you are in luck. Thamel is known for its bars and clubs.
Thamel has something for everything, but since it’s a tourist destination, it’s definitely a bit pricier than other areas. You certainly will never wonder what to do in Kathmandu when you are in Thamel, however!
Hike Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Is the ultimate escape from the chaotic (but superb) city of Kathmandu with its fresh air, tranquil atmosphere, and lush green hills. A day hike in the glorious outdoors is good for the soul and will help you reset so you can continue your adventure through the busy, chaos-filled streets of Kathmandu.
If you like the idea of an incredible day hike that is all planned out for you, that’s cool because there’s an option for that too. Choose the Shivapuri National Park Day Hike, and you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotel. You will stop at the Budhanilkantha Temple on the way to an incredible hike up to Shivapuri’s peak, which has an elevation of 8,963 feet and spectacular views of the Langtang Mountain Range.
Lunch is provided, and you will devour it after that hike up the mountain. Your local guide will explain local flora and fauna, the history of the temple, the views from the mountain, and more.
Bargain your Way Through Mangal Bazaar
Love to shop and want to put your negotiation skills to work? Or maybe you are up for learning on the spot. Head to one of Patan’s oldest markets, Mangal Bazaar, to perfect your negotiation skills, taste some epic street food, and pick up some unique gifts for your loved ones at home.
Mangal Bazaar, Patan’s cultural center, is located close to Kathmandu, just across the Bagmati River.
Experience Mt. Everest From the Air
Hiking Mt. Everest, or even seeing it in person, is at the top of many bucket lists. Luckily for you, the highest mountain in the world is easily accessed from Kathmandu. Fly on a clear day, and you’ll be able to take in the magnificent Mt. Everest from the air, rather than on the mountain’s treacherous environment. Charter planes are available for relatively low rates, so seeing one of the world’s most stunning is actually doable since you are already in Nepal!
And if you are feeling adventurous, take an aerial excursion via helicopter to Mt. Everest’s Base Camp. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and take in Nepal’s glorious Himalayan mountain range from a helicopter.
Devour a Nepalese Fave: MOMOS
Originally from Tibet but made popular by the Newari community, MOMO is a favorite of the Napolis. It’s a steamed dumpling filled to the brim with meat or vegetables – and it is to die for.
If you’d like to try real Newa or Tibetan MOMO from some of the best local restaurants, consider a MOMO tour. A guide will pick you up at your Airbnb or hotel and take you on an unforgettable food experience.
Eating local cuisine is definitely one of the best things to do in Kathmandu!
Kathmandu Travel Tips
First time making the trek to Nepal? Hopefully, we’ve helped your figure out what to do in Kathmandu. Here are a couple of tips:
- Kathmandu is notorious for its traffic. Plan accordingly, and you won’t be stuck in traffic for hours on end.
- Pack a face mask as pollution is high and roads are extremely dusty.
- Make sure to keep cash on hand as ATMs can be unreliable. Keep your money secure with a fanny pack or wallet specifically designed for travel.
- There are many tours out there if you are feeling overwhelmed with all of the sightseeing you want to accomplish. See three UNESCO World Heritage Sites during an epic one-day tour. Or take a Kathmandu Guided Walking Tour to experience the city through a local. The options are endless!
Most importantly – get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Enjoy Kathmandu!
