Places to Visit in Kathmandu

There are places to visit in Kathmandu Nepal that will take your breath away. This post tells you about the best places to see during your time in Kathmandu, most are temples or districts of Kathmandu city. We also cover places near Kathmandu to visit. If you only have a day or two in Kathmandu it will be a whirlwind tour because a lot of these places will take you a half-day or full-day to explore. Kathmandu is one of my favourite cities in the world, it’s incredibly old with stunning architecture. If time allows just get lost, exploring the streets, palaces, temples and markets, with help from this guide!

When you step off the plane into the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu you know you’re in no other place.

The smells, sounds, and sights as you negotiate from the airport into Kathmandu city will assault your senses.

Many come to Nepal for the incredible Himalayas and the trekking that they offer, but the chaotic ancient capital has special wonders to discover.

Try to allow as much time as you possibly can to explore Kathmandu, and to shop! Shoppiing for souvenirs and useful items is a must-do.

If you need to see Kathmandu on a budget, you can walk to most of these places, or you can take a cycle rickshaw or taxi. Don’t expect the taxis to be luxury!

Our short video shows you more places of interest and historical, cultural, and beautiful places to see in Kathmandu. When you’re done with the traditional sightseeing, just wander, get lost in this ancient city.

Find the shops, markets, and millions of religious places. You won’t be sorry.

Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu

The following places of interest and historic sites should give you plenty to do in Kathmandu and ideas for day trips from Kathmandu.

Historic Places To Visit in Kathmandu

The 3 Durbar Squares

There are 3 Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

Durbar Square simply means Royal Square and these ancient places have some of Nepal’s most magnificent architecture.

Kathmandu Durbar square with its ancient Palace, temples and sadhus is a sight to behold, from the child goddess Kumari’s palace to the narrow winding streets of shophouses.

Nothing beats wandering the streets and temples till it’s time to stop for a delicious local bite to eat in one of the many restaurants or street stalls. Look out for Jagannath Temple, Taleju Temple and other historic buildings within the Hanuman Dhoka complex.

Make sure you go into the palace where the child goddess lives and wait for her to come to the window. A surreal experience for even the most well-traveled nomad awaits at Kumari Ghar.

The festival of Dashain is when you may get to see the Kumari.

If you’re not content with Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square there are two other nearby Durbar Squares (Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur) in which to soak up the history of this magical city.

The horrendous earthquake did cause much damage and destruction to these ancient structures. Temples destroyed or badly damaged included Trailokya Mohan, Kasthamandap, and Maju Dega.

We visited just after, and 2 years after the earthquake and the rapid repair work in some parts of the city was really quite impressive. Sadly, too many lives were lost and much suffering caused in Kathmandu Nepal.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, for Pinterest

The Pinterest pin that I published with a spelling mistake! (above)  It’s been pinned thousands of times, so it stays.

Pashupatinath

The temple complex of Pashupatinath, on the Bagmati River, with its monkeys, sadhus and regular worshipers is another icon of Kathmandu.

Access to the Hindu temple itself is strictly reserved for Hindus only but the outer Pashupatinath temple complex is open to all visitors for a fee.

Pashupatinath comes alive during Shivaratri where Sadhus from across the subcontinent converge on the holy site and receive their followers.

The burning ghats here are fascinating but confronting, if this is your first experience of death rights on the Indian subcontinent, be prepared for open cremations.

You may also see lepers at Pashupatinath, it’s hard on sensitive people.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath overlooks the sprawling Kathmandu Valley from high on a hill to the west of Kathmandu. The name means sublime trees in Tibetan.

This temple is one of the oldest in Nepal and buildings on the site date back over 1500 years.

The complex features a main Stupa with peaceful Buddha eyes and smaller temples that surround the stupa. There was extensive damage from the earthquake in 2015 but it has been almost repaired some 18 months later.

If you visit our post about Swayambhunath (link above) we include photos of “the monkey temple” today, 20 years ago when we first visited, and the earthquake damage.

Boudhanath

The most important site for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa is located 11km from the centre of Kathmandu in the northeastern corner.

The structure is the largest spherical stupa in Nepal and is indeed one of the largest stupas in the world. The Bouddha Stupa is an imposing stupa in its own right, enhanced by the activity, sounds, and smells of its immediate location.

Around its base, prayer wheels spin, and Tibetans make their kora. You’ll then find some very interesting gift shops around its periphery. This is an interesting place to shop for souvenirs and religious objects in Kathmandu.

Surrounded by more than 50 Tibetan Gompas (monasteries) it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.

The location was picked as it lies on the ancient trade route between Tibet and Patan, thus bypassing Kathmandu city which was a later development.

The Boudhanath dome was severely damaged in the earthquake, when we were there in 2016 it was almost completely restored, in 2018 it was perfect. We watched as locals, mostly women, carried loads on their heads to patch the dome.

This one of the first places in Kathmandu that we saw fully restored.

Allow yourself time to explore the narrow streets and monasteries surrounding the stupa itself, this area is certainly one of the hidden gems of Kathmandu.

Thamel District

With its many trekking agencies, guest houses and shops full of trinkets and trekking equipment, this district has a buzz like no other.

Eager trekkers haggle for the latest knock-off cold weather equipment before heading up into the high reaches of either the Annapurna Circuit or Everest regions.

Just-returned trekkers head into the numerous bars and restaurants to talk about their experiences up in the valleys and on the peaks.

The vast multi-story corner shop that sells everything trekkers may need is constantly busy with people shopping for supplies before heading off. The sheer number of Mars Bars and Snickers sold here is mind-blowing, only matched by the price of one high up in the mountains.

If people-watching is your thing then this is the place to spend an afternoon overlooking the streets. Indulge in Nepali food or international, visit a few famous restaurants for the best momos in town. Stop and watch the world go by in Thamel.

If you’re travelling on to Pokhara Nepal, Chitwan National Park, or Lumbini (the birthplace of Lord Buddha), even organising transport to Lhasa Tibet or Bhutan from Nepal (For geographical reference, check out “Where is Nepal?”) there are plenty of travel agents and agencies in Thamel to help you.

Likewise, you can book your flights to Lukla airport and find a porter or Sherpa guide for your trek. Thamel is the hub for all tourist activity in Kathmandu. Not least for shopping.

The Garden of Dreams is just on the edge of Thamel. This is a secret walled garden with an admission fee. I’ve been for a quick look, but we didn’t feel it was worth paying to enter.

Freak Street

Freak Street is just off the main Kathmandu Durbar Square and it was where the hippie trail ended. It’s interesting to visit and get a feel for Kathmandu as it was in the 60s and 70s.

There is also some incredible street art in this area. We have a full post on Freak St. here. If you’re looking for JuJu Dhao, king curd, or good cakes, you can find both things in the crumbling shops of Freak Street.

Basantapur Tower

Basantapur Tower, Kathmandu, was largely destroyed in the earthquake of 25th April 2015. The last time we visited it was still under repair.

Entrance to Basantapur tower used to be from Hanuman Dhoka. We don’t know if it has reopened yet. Admission was included in the Durbar Square entrance permit.

Basantapur tower is one of the highest in Nepal, but shorter than the Taleju Temple, also in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Taleju temple is open for the festival of dashain.

Reclining Statue of Vishnu at Budhanilkantha

Vishnu, or Narayan, the Hindu creator god, reclines majestically on the outskirts of Kathmandu. The statue is huge at 5m long, and plays an important role in a festival in October/November, Haribondhini Ekadashi Mela. This is the day when Vishnu awakens from his sleep.

Only Hindus can directly enter the sacred enclosure where they leave offerings, we were able to get a good view from outside.

Budhanilkantha temple is at the northeastern edge of the Kathmandu valley and has never been visited by Nepali monarchy. According to prophecy, death would follow if a king visited this temple.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur offers the 3rd Durbar Square of the Kathmandu valley and is well worth the trip. In a taxi the journey should take you around an hour, the public bus will take longer.

The distance is only about 25 Km but bad traffic and roads make the journey longer.

Bhaktapur is famous for craftsmen, pottery, and ju ju dhao, a delicious “king” curd sold in terracotta bowls in small shops and street food stalls.

The ancient buildings of Bhaktapur are absolutely stunning and from here you should have rooftop views of the snows of the Himalayas.

We stayed in a beautiful hotel here, an old building full of character, look here. It was really cheap too! We enjoyed our family room here very much and some of the local restaurants and coffee shops were superb.

Bhaktapur would be a great place for a romantic weekend away.

There is an admission fee for Bhaktapur. We had to show our passports and buy permits to visit before our vehicle was allowed to enter the town.

We have a full post on Bhaktapur here, we spent 4 days there in 2018 and highly recommend staying at least one night to see the town transform after dark, but you can visit Bhaktapur as a day trip.

Kopan Monastery

The Kopan Monastery overlooks the city of Kathmandu. It is just north of the Boudhanath center and is home to hundreds of monks and lamas. In normal times various classes and retreats are held here.

Places To Visit in Kathmandu for Mountain Views

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is famous as a Himalayan view-point and can be reached from Kathmandu in around 2 hours or from Bhaktapur in 1 hour by bus or private-hire jeep.

The road to Nagarkot is long and winding and was under repair when we were last there. It consisted mostly of thick clay mud.

We have a full post on Nagarkot Nepal here. Again, we spent a few nights here.

There’s not a huge amount to see or do in Nagarkot but there are some pleasant day hikes and nature trails in the area.

This could be a good place to start your acclimatisation if you’re heading to Base Camp and have plenty of time.

If you’d like to book a day trip from Kathmandu to Nagarkot, to capture those sunset views, you can, here.

You’re unlikely to be able to see the snows of the Himalayas from Kathmandu itself, we never have. This is largely down to pollution.

However, I’ve heard this situation is greatly improved since the global shutdown. It will be interesting to see! If they’re still invisible, Nagarkot could be your answer.

See Mount Everest From Kathmandu With A Scenic Flight

If you don’t have 2-3 weeks to walk to Everest Base Camp and back, you can still live your dreams of seeing this majestic and sacred mountain.

This is the stuff of dreams, I’ve walked up there, twice. Trust me when I say it’s magical to see the snows of the high Himalayas.

You can book a scenic flight to see this incredible beauty and round off your Kathmandu and global bucket list, right here.

We have used, and still use, the booking company above. We trust them and booking like this makes our life easier and saves time and hassle! Particularly in this region.

Places To Visit in Kathmandu-Nature

The National Botanical Garden of Nepal

There are several Botanical Gardens in Nepal, The Godawari Botanical Garden is in the Kathmandu Valley, at a distance of approximately 18 km southeast of central Kathmandu city. You will pass through or near Lalitpur.

This journey is likely to take you an hour or so by car, depending on the traffic.

These botanic gardens occupy some 82 hectares and have been in existence since 1962. It has a collection of native and ornamental species featuring orchids, rock plants, roses, and more.

Kathmandu Activities To Book

If you’ve seen all of the tourist sights of Kathmandu already, there are plenty of activities you can book in or near Kathmandu. For instance, the following tours, trips and experiences are likely to be available.

Just click through to find out more!

• Spa, massage, and pampering sessions in Kathmandu
• White water rafting day adventure from Kathmandu
• Even book your complete Everest trek!
• Book a 3 day Chitwan safari adventure, home to tigers and Indian rhino
• Book a trip to Tibet from Kathmandu. We have done this and it was the experience of a lifetime. See our Tibet posts. We were able to obtain the necessary permits for Tibet in Kathmandu.

There are so many options for activities and things to do from Kathmandu. Look out too for cooking courses, classes, and food tours.

Cooking classes are usually great things to do with kids. Chef and I took a momo making class as a young couple, highly recommended!

How Much Time Do You Need To See Kathmandu?

We’d suggest you have at least 3 clear days to see Kathmandu before or after your trek because there is so much to see, learn, and enjoy in and near this city.

If you only have one day in Kathmandu, pick your highlights wisely. To see as much as possible in one day, consider this tour, which covers 7 of Kathmandu’s UNESCO heritage sites in one day.

Getting around Kathmandu isn’t easy, the traffic congestion can be bad and the air pollution horrific on your way to outlying sites, a tour like the one above will save you a lot of time and protect your lungs. Check availability here.

One day could also be enough to take a scenic flight to see the mountains, including Everest, from Tribhuvan Airport. Click through to check these flights out, they are spectacular, and affordable particularly for a group.

Kathmandu Further Resources

• Insurance for Trekking
• Gear for Trekking and Nepal

Swayambhunath for pinterest

What are the top must-see places in Kathmandu?

If you need to make a short-list of things to see include Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bouddha Stupa, the 3 Durbar Squares (including the Golden Temple at Patan Durbar Square) and Bhaktapur itself are the best places to visit in Kathmandu. In our opinion.

For trips outside and from Kathmandu, our best trips would be a scenic Everest flight, Chitwan for wildlife, Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Bhutan, and Tibet. (See our related posts at the bottom of the page for more info.)

If time and fitness allow, The Everest Base Camp trek is our favourite of the Nepal treks we’ve taken.

Nepal has much to offer tourists interested in history, culture, and architecture, along with stunning natural scenery, relaxation, wildlife, and adventure activities.

If you’re looking for places to visit in Nepal outside of Kathmandu, or if you’re thinking about trekking in the Himalayas, head back to our main Nepal Travel Blog and guide page for more tips, information, and ideas. Thanks for visiting, we have a passion for Nepal, tell us what your plans are in the comments below.

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