Kathmandu
Save34 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 2 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, ringed by monasteries
3 tips
- Walk clockwise around the stupa
- Visit at dusk when butter lamps are lit
- Small entrance fee for foreigners
📷 Photos
- 2
Hilltop stupa with all-seeing eyes and panoramic views
3 tips
- Climb the 365 steps or take the back road
- Guard food and sunglasses from monkeys
- Sunrise is quietest
📷 Photos
- 3
Sacred Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River
3 tips
- Main temple closed to non-Hindus
- Cremations take place on the ghats
- Be respectful with photos
📷 Photos
- 4
Historic royal square of palaces and temples
3 tips
- Foreigner ticket required
- Hire a licensed guide for context
- Damage from the 2015 quake is still being repaired
📷 Photos
- 5
Newar-style royal square with brick temples and carved windows
3 tips
- Combine with the Patan Museum
- Foreigner ticket applies
- Cafes with square views
📷 Photos
- 6
Medieval royal square in a well-preserved ancient city
3 tips
- Entry ticket for foreigners
- Quieter than Kathmandu
- Try juju dhau (king curd)
📷 Photos
- 7
Restored neoclassical garden, a peaceful oasis near Thamel
3 tips
- Small entrance fee
- Cafe on site
- Good escape from the noise
📷 Photos
- 8
Tourist hub of shops, cafes, trekking outfitters and nightlife
3 tips
- Bargain in shops
- Watch traffic in narrow lanes
- Good for trek gear
📷 Photos
- 9
Giant reclining Vishnu statue in a large sacred pool
3 tips
- Only Hindus may enter the sanctuary
- Bus or taxi from town
- Busiest on Ekadashi
📷 Photos
- 10
Nepal's oldest Hindu temple on a hilltop near Bhaktapur
3 tips
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Combine with Bhaktapur
- Entry fee for foreigners
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Kathmandu tips
Transportation
- Use ride-hailing apps: apps like Pathao and inDrive give set fares and avoid haggling with taxis.
- Walk Thamel and the old city: central Kathmandu's lanes are best explored on foot, though traffic and dust can be intense.
- Agree taxi fares first: taxis rarely use meters, so agree the price before you get in.
Security
- Beware of trekking scams: book treks through licensed agencies and check guide credentials and reviews.
- Wear a mask for dust: air pollution and dust can be heavy, so a mask helps on busy roads.
- Drink safe water: avoid tap water; use filtered or bottled water and refill stations to cut plastic.
Saving
- Eat dal bhat: the Nepali staple of lentils, rice and curry is cheap and refills are often free.
- Bargain in markets: haggling is expected in Thamel shops for souvenirs and trekking gear.
- Buy trekking gear locally: Thamel has many shops selling and renting gear, often cheaper than at home.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan around the monsoon: June to September brings heavy rain; autumn and spring are the best seasons.
- Pack layers for winter: winter days are mild but mornings and nights are cold, so bring a warm jacket.
- Dress modestly: covering shoulders and knees is respectful, especially at temples.
Cultural
- Walk clockwise around stupas: at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, walk clockwise and spin prayer wheels to the right.
- Remove shoes at temples: take shoes off before entering temples and homes, and ask before photographing rituals.
- Use the namaste greeting: press palms together and say namaste; it is a respectful greeting for everyone.
Local Hacks
- Visit squares early: Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are calmer and cooler early in the morning.
- Expect power cuts: carry a power bank and headlamp in case of outages.
- Get a local SIM: SIM cards from Ncell or Nepal Telecom are easy to buy and handy for apps and maps.
1-day itineraries in Kathmandu
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 2
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and around
🕘 9:30–17:30📍 5 stops
- 1Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- 2Kathmandu Durbar Square
- 3Thamel
- 4Garden of Dreams
- 5Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Day 2 of 2
Pashupatinath Temple and around
🕘 9:30–16:00📍 4 stops
- 1Pashupatinath Temple
- 2Taragaon Museum
- 3Boudhanath Stupa
- 4Kopan Monastery