Overlook the dust and traffic, and you’ll see why Kathmandu is one of the world’s most enchanting capitals. A testament to the city’s Newar heritage and Hindu and Buddhist traditions, Durbar Square has more than 50 centuries-old temples, including 16th-century Taleju and Kumari Temple, home of Nepal’s Living Goddess. There’s also hilltop Swoyambhu, nicknamed the Monkey Temple (you’ll discover why), and the backpacker enclave of Thamel. If you run out of things to do in Kathmandu and Patan, head over to Boudhanath—one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world.
Spring and fall are best for visiting Kathmandu as it's when the weather is best and it’s when holidays happen, so there’s excitement in the air. Nepali New Year is in spring, a vibrant time to visit the city, and fall has Dashain and Tihar—Nepal's two most celebrated holidays. Summer is hot and exceedingly wet with monsoon, and winter is a bit too chilly in Kathmandu, with limited heat indoors. Stick to visits in spring and fall.
Taxis are cheap and easy to hail, but you might consider hiring a driver if you’re taking frequent trips. Public buses are a good value, but they can take time due to traffic and road work. You can rent mopeds in Kathmandu, but to stay safe, you'll need to keep your wits about you. If you’re extremely brave, hop on a bicycle, but be sure to wear a mask to counteract air pollution.
Nepali traditional dal bhat is a meal of rice and lentils that locals eat twice a day. When you’ve had your fill, check out some of the innovative ways people are using local Nepali ingredients. Try Raithaane Restaurant in Patan to try a range of dishes from around the country. Also stop by Himalayan French Cheese to sample cheese that uses Nepali yak and cow milk to produce some superb styles of cheese, like yak cheddar.
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Elen moved to Kathmandu to work in the local media. It was the start of a long love affair that has included many treks, white-water rafting trips, plates of dal bhat—and a Nepali Hindu wedding.
visit Swayambhunath Stupa to get a view of the Kathmandu Valley. Located on a hill within walking distance of Thamel (where many travelers stay), the honeycomb-like stupa is a beautiful introduction to Nepali culture.
Saturday is the only day of rest in Nepal (Sunday is a working day) so this is a great day to walk around the city. There’s less traffic too, so it’s quite comfortable getting among points of interest.
Patan Durbar Square. One of three royal squares in the Kathmandu Valley, it's wonderfully preserved (2015 earthquake damage notwithstanding), and the Patan Museum in the old palace is one of the best museums in Nepal.
stay in a local Newari homestay in Patan or a Tibetan-run guesthouse in Boudha, rather than in tourist hub Thamel.
Swayambhunath Stupa has a great view, but if you have more energy, take a day hike up Mt. Phulchowki, the highest “hill” in the Kathmandu Valley, at 2,782 meters (9,127 feet).
Many people think Kathmandu is a peaceful town nestled at the foot of the Himalaya. It’s a sprawling, congested, polluted megacity of 3 million-plus inhabitants. Accept this reality and you won’t be disappointed, as there’s so much to do here.
Kathmandu is an ancient city famous for its combination of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Attractions like Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), and the Durbar Square, as well as the Kumari Living Goddess, are star attractions in Kathmandu. Unfortunately, Kathmandu is also famous for a destructive earthquake that damaged parts of the city in 2015.
...MoreIn one day, pick one neighborhood of the Kathmandu Valley and focus on that, rather than sitting in heavy traffic trying to see too much. Central Kathmandu (the Basantapur Durbar Square area), Patan (also called Lalitpur), Boudhanath and nearby Pashupatinath, and Bhaktapur all have plenty of cultural and historic attractions to keep you occupied for a day.
...MoreKathmandu’s tourist attractions are centered on religious and historic sites. The enormous Boudhanath Stupa is the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside Tibet, while the hilltop Swayambhunath Stupa offers sweeping views (and monkey friends). The Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares are the centers of the Kathmandu Valley’s previous separate kingdoms.
...MoreWith three days in Kathmandu you can spend two days in the city and one in the countryside, enjoying mountain views and fresher air. Spend days one and two in central Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, learning about local history and culture. On day three, hire a driver to take you to Namo Buddha or Nagarkot.
...MoreAs well as sightseeing at the Kathmandu Valley’s many cultural highlights, many travelers like to dine out and party in the Thamel district, and shop for handicrafts and souvenirs in Ason or Patan. Thamel is Kathmandu’s nightlife district and although most places shut by around midnight, you can enjoy live music (especially cover bands).
...MoreYes, Kathmandu is generally a safe city. Violent crime is rare, although petty crime is more common. However, the risk from earthquakes in the seismically active country is high, especially due to poorly constructed buildings. Air pollution levels are also high in winter and spring, and often unsafe for those with respiratory problems.
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