Top 7 Things to Do in Kathmandu
Here is a list of the top 7 things to do in Kathmandu selected by our Asia Specialists and Nepal Trip Leaders.
Lovers of historical architecture, bustling bazaars, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites will find no shortage of things to do in Kathmandu. Over 2,000 years old, the Nepalese capital in the Himalayan foothills is a hub for adventure travelers and the city’s population of over a million people. Skip staying here for a few days and you’ll miss Kathmandu’s top attractions like ancient temples and palaces, vibrant markets, Indian street food, strong Hindu and Buddhist traditions, and lush gardens, all in the shadow of Mount Everest.
Make the most of your time in Kathmandu with these can’t-miss experiences. And after your Nepal stay, book one of our guided hiking trips in the Annapurnas, through Upper Mustang, or to Everest Base Camp.
1. See the Boudhanath Stupa
One of the largest and most visited Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath Stupa was first built in the 7th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a stop on all of our Nepal trips, with striking, symbolic architecture that features a whitewashed dome, a gilded tower, and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. We recommend visiting in the morning or evening when the Tibetan pilgrims complete their circumambulations.
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2. Eat & drink at Le Sherpa restaurant or farmers’ market
At Le Sherpa, you’ll find more than just meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Every Saturday morning, they host a farmers’ market with dozens of Nepalese food producers. You’ll find goods like fresh produce, homemade chutneys, and locally produced cheeses along with live music and handicraft vendors. And throughout the morning, Le Sherpa serves a special brunch menu with happy hour deals on beer and wine.
3. Visit Durbar Square in the Thamel neighborhood
Kathmandu’s buzzy commercial neighborhood, Thamel, has remained the city’s tourism hub since the 1970s, with charming alleys, street vendors, and lively bars throughout. Durbar Square is the heart of the neighborhood, home to historic edifices like Kathmandu’s royal palace, or the Hanuman Dhoka. Adjacent to the square is the centuries-old Indra Chowk marketplace. And you can escape the bustle at the Garden of Dreams.
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4. Stop by the Pashupatinath Temple
The oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, Pashupatinath Temple is also a stop on all of our Nepal trips. Worth a visit whether or not you practice Hinduism, the site comprises 500 temple shrines surrounding a towering gilt-roofed pagoda dedicated to the god Shiva. Some pilgrims come for the last weeks of their lives to be cremated and purified by the sacred waters of the Bagmati River.
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5. Take a day trip to Bhaktapur
Located less than 10 miles from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a vibrant, densely populated city full of well-preserved medieval temples — making for a can’t-miss day trip. Head to the city’s Durbar Square, full of art and architecture that give it the feel of an open-air museum, before winding down alleys towards Pottery Square, where artisans create, dry, and fire rows and rows of pottery. The city’s Newa culture influences its strong presence of traditional dance and cultural foods like juju dhau, a rich buffalo milk yogurt.
6. Take a scenic Everest flight
Experience the panoramic vistas of a lifetime with a one-hour morning flight through the towering Himalayas. You’ll soar over frosty mountaintops as day breaks, snagging fantastic views of Everest’s pyramid-shaped peak, along with summits like Kanchenjunga in the east and Annapurna I in the west, all aboard an 18- to 20-passenger plane — so there’s not a bad seat in the house. We recommend booking this excursion on your second full morning in Kathmandu.
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7. Visit Patan, a.k.a. Lalitpur
A day trip to Patan completes the three-city circuit of UNESCO-designated Kathmandu Valley cities that also includes Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Meaning “City of Beauty,” Lalitpur exudes a serenity characteristic of Nepal’s Buddhist enclaves — and is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River. Visit the Patan Museum, housed in a section of the Royal Palace, for a deeper dive into the region’s repoussé artwork. And don’t miss the city’s gilded Buddhist monasteries or the Jawalakhel Handicraft Center where you’ll find artisans selling handwoven woolen carpets and handicrafts.
Frequently Asked Questions
WT veteran Trip Leader since 1987 and longtime Kathmandu resident Devendra Basnet shares a few of his top tips regarding places to visit in Kathmandu. “Kathmandu is a great city to live in with lots of life,” says Basnet. “There is something going on at all times—never a dull moment, as they say.”
One of the most poignant sights in Kathmandu is the cremation ghats on the banks of the Bhagmati river at Pashupatinath Temple. Most Westerners are spellbound when they see the Hindu cremation process and all the rituals associated with it.
Momos are one of Kathmandu’s most famous foods. These are meat- or vegetable-filled dumplings adapted from the Tibetan dish of the same name. Momos are normally steamed but can also be fried, and they come with a variety of fillings.
Perhaps one of the best buys in Kathmandu is the Thanka (Buddhist religious scroll painting). Excellent Thanka shops, galleries, and painting schools abound, but one of my favorites is the Lumbini Buddhist Art Gallery. It’s located in Basantapur Durbar Square (Old Palace Square), not far from the Temple of the Living Goddess. There are many neighborhoods (Thamel for instance) where one can shop for trinkets as well as good quality arts and crafts.
One of my favorite relaxing things to do in Kathmandu is visit the Garden of Dreams, located in the heart of the city in a refurbished garden that is attached to an old Rana Palace (Keser Mahal). It is a calm and secluded oasis away from the vibrant hustle and bustle of Kathmandu’s streets. Have a bite to eat at the cafe here and then head out again to find your own adventure.
Before or after your stay in Kathmandu, further explore the mountainous region by discovering ancient Tibetan heritage in Upper Mustang, trekking through the varied landscapes of the Annapurnas, or hiking to Mt. Everest’s base camp.
