Discover the rich culture, heritage, and adventure in and around Nepal's capital city
Kathmandu offers a unique blend of ancient culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some must-do activities for tourists:
Location: Central Kathmandu
Kathmandu's Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards that showcase Newari architecture. Don't miss the Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess residence) and Kal Bhairav statue.
Recommended Duration: Half day
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Location: West of Kathmandu city center
This ancient religious complex perched on a hill offers panoramic views of Kathmandu. The stupa is adorned with Buddha's eyes and eyebrows, and the site is surrounded by smaller shrines, temples, and yes, many monkeys!
Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for best views
Location: Northeastern Kathmandu
One of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal, Boudhanath is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Circumambulate the stupa with pilgrims, spin prayer wheels, and observe monks chanting in monasteries.
Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when ceremonies occur
Location: This sacred Hindu temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva. While non-Hindus cannot enter the main temple, you can observe rituals and ceremonies from the opposite bank of the river. Evening arati ceremonies are particularly moving.
Recommended Duration: 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or during evening aratir
Location: Central Kathmandu
Kathmandu's tourist hub offers endless shopping opportunities for handicrafts, trekking gear, Tibetan artifacts, and souvenirs. Enjoy international cuisine at various restaurants and experience Kathmandu's nightlife.
Recommended Duration: 2-4 hours
Best Time to Visit: Late morning through evenings
Venture beyond the city to experience more of Nepal's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage:
| Destination | Distance from Kathmandu | Main Attractions | Recommended Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nagarkot | 32 km east | Sunrise/sunset views of Himalayas including Everest, hiking trails | Day trip or overnight |
| Bhaktapur | 13 km east | Medieval city with well-preserved palaces and temples, pottery square | Full day |
| Dhulikhel | 30 km southeast | Panoramic mountain views, ancient temples, Newari culture | Day trip |
| Pokhara | 200 km west | Lakeside city, gateway to Annapurna circuit, paragliding, boating | 2-3 days |
| Chitwan National Park | 150 km southwest | Jungle safari, elephant riding, rhinoceros and tiger spotting | 2-3 days |
For those seeking more active experiences, Kathmandu serves as a gateway to numerous adventures:
| Activity | Location | Difficulty | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trekking in Himalayas | Langtang, Helambu, and other regions | Moderate to challenging | March-May, Sept-Nov |
| Mountain Biking | Kathmandu Valley rim, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park | Moderate | Oct-April |
| White Water Rafting | Trishuli River (3-4 hours from KTM) | Beginner to intermediate | Sept-Dec, Feb-June |
| Paragliding | Pokhara (can be arranged from Kathmandu) | Beginner (with instructor) | Oct-April |
| Bungee Jumping | The Last Resort (4 hours from KTM) | All levels (160m jump) | Oct-April |
Location: Various locations in Kathmandu
Learn to prepare traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat, momo dumplings, and sel roti. Most classes include a visit to local markets to select ingredients.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Location: Kathmandu and surrounding areas
Nepal is a spiritual destination with many centers offering yoga and meditation sessions, from short classes to extended retreats.
Duration: 1 hour to several days
Location: Patan and Bhaktapur particularly
Participate in workshops on thangka painting, pottery, or metal craftsmanship to learn about Nepal's artistic traditions firsthand.
Duration: 2-6 hours