Summary
Looking for the best places to visit in Kathmandu? Most people use Kathmandu as a quick jumping-off point for a trek to the Himalayas, but it’s worth spending a few days exploring this Nepalese city before or after your trip.
We spent several days before and after our Everest Base Camp Trek in Kathmandu exploring the sites. Between our experience and fellow travel writer Parnashree Devi of My Travel Diary, we have rounded up the very things to do in Kathmandu that you cannot miss.
Places to Visit in Kathmandu
A paradise for mountain trekkers, Nepal has a plethora of things to offer to tourists as well. People often overlook Kathmandu as a chaotic polluted city that they only use for shopping for gear and planning treks; however, Kathmandu will surprise and delight. Nepal houses a whopping 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of which are in or near Kathmandu.
The cultural center and capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu may be a little rough around the edges, but when you dig deeper, it will surprise and delight. It is also a surprising foodie destination.
The tagline for Nepal Tourism is “Once is not enough. I agree wholeheartedly, as you cannot absorb everything on your first visit. You need to come back to Nepal again and again. With each visit to Kathmandu, you’ll discover something hidden within its chaotic streets.
Things to Do in Kathmandu Nepal
Kathmandu is crowded and chaotic, yet charming. The confusing narrow lanes of Thamel, rickshaws making their way through the streets, and the strong smell of street food can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, the cultural magnitude of Nepal is a celebration of the age-old cultures and rich traditions. This country is one of the most fascinating places I have ever traveled to.
1. Thamel Neighborhood
Thamel is the oldest part of the capital city, also known as Tabitha Bahal. This is most likely the first place you’ll visit in Kathmandu, and it is a good place to start by taking a walk through the neighborhood. This haphazard commercial hub is a must-visit.
You’ll find everything from mountain gear to prepare for your trek at bargain prices. There are antique shops, bookstores, and clothing stores. Thamel also offers a variety of restaurants and cafés, along with a mix of different hotels and hostels. Don’t miss sampling the delicious street food.
2. Boudhanath Stupa
One of the top places to visit in Kathmandu is the famous Boudhanath Stupa. Built in the 14th century, it is the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and is considered one of the most sacred places for Buddhists.
- Cost for entry to Boudhanath Stupa: 400 NPR (3.50 USD)
- Location: Boudhanath Stupa is 5.9 km from Thamel.
3. Swayambhunath Temple – Monkey Temple
Commonly known as the monkey temple, Swayambhunath is a major landmark of Kathmandu city and one of the best things to do in town. Located on a hilltop, 3km west of Kathmandu, this holy shrine flaunts an imposing white stupa with fascinating Buddha eyes and a shimmering golden spire.
- Entrance Fee to Monkey Temple – 200 rupees
- Monkey Temple is 8.5 km from Thamel
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is a prominent landmark and one of the top tourist places in Kathmandu. It was once the place where the King was crowned.
Things to See in Durbar Square
- Kala Bairav
- Jagganath Temple
- Taleju Temple
- Mahendreshwar Temple
5. Hanuman Dhoka
Located in Durbar Square, the Hanuman Gate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a palace complex of pagoda-styled temples, dating back to the 15th to 18th Century. Keep an eye out for the statue of Hanuman the Monkey God.
6. Kumari Bahal
One of the best experiences in Kathmandu is seeing its living Goddess. Kumari Bahal is home to the Kumara, Kathmandu’s living symbol of female spirituality. You can glimpse the living Goddess daily between 9:00 and 11:00 am (no photographs are allowed of her face).
7. Pashupatinath Temple
Another one of the top places to visit in Kathmandu is Pashupati temple, one of the most sacred places for Hindu devotees in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple complex, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, is the largest in Nepal.
8. Garden of Dreams
The Garden of Dreams, also known as Swapna Bagaicha, is a quiet retreat just minutes from the chaotic streets of Kathmandu. After decades of neglect, it has been restored to its natural beauty.
9. Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Museum-goers will enjoy a visit to Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the former royal palace to King Gyanendra, transformed to the People’s museum after he was evicted in 2008. You can tour the 52 rooms of the palace, getting a glimpse of how Nepal’s royalty lived.
10. Asan Tole
Make sure to visit the busiest square in Kathmandu. Asan Tole is filled with vendors selling vegetables, spices, and other foods. It’s a fantastic place for people watching and for getting into the vibe of life in Kathmandu.
11. Patan
If there is any place that swept me off my feet in Kathmandu, it has to be Patan. Located 5 km south in the outskirts of Kathmandu, Patan is traditionally known as Lalitpur (City of Beauty), famed for its temples, palaces, and monuments.
National Parks from Kathmandu Nepal
Langtang National Park
The closest national park to Kathmandu is Langtang National Park, established as Nepal’s fourth national park. It houses the high summit of Langtang Lirung at 7,245 m (23,770 ft) and borders Tibet.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is one of the best places to visit to see rhinos outside of Africa, being the first national park established in Nepal back in 1973.
When to Visit Kathmandu
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the trekking season in Nepal, which runs from March to May and September to November.
If you find yourself in Nepal, be sure to give the city more than just a couple of days to enjoy its culture, local people, and beautiful scenery.
Have you been to Kathmandu? What must-see places do you suggest for travelers visiting Nepal?
