Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Kathmandu
Nepal's chaotic, captivating capital — ancient temple squares, the traveller hub of Thamel, and a thriving cafe and coworking scene in the Himalayan foothills.
Kathmandu is the gateway to Nepal and a destination in its own right. The Kathmandu Valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a short drive of each other, from the Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath to the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath (the "Monkey Temple") and the sacred Hindu complex of Pashupatinath.
The city is at its best in autumn, when post-monsoon skies clear over the valley rim and the festival season sweeps through the old town — September's Indra Jatra fills Kathmandu Durbar Square with chariots and masked dancers, with Dashain and Tihar close behind.
Most travellers base themselves in Thamel, the buzzing tourist quarter packed with hotels, restaurants, bookshops and trekking outfitters. Below you'll find our hand-picked stays, the best coworking spaces for remote work, and practical guides to help you settle in fast.
Where to stay in Kathmandu
Work & stay in Kathmandu
Where to eat in Kathmandu
The Best Momo in Kathmandu
The Best Restaurants in Kathmandu
Bhojan Griha
Fire and Ice Pizzeria
OR2K Restaurant
Street Food in Kathmandu
Thamel House
Vegetarian & Vegan Food in Kathmandu
Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
Cafes & coffee in Kathmandu
Adventure in Kathmandu
Astrek Climbing Wall
The Best Rock Climbing in Kathmandu
Chandragiri Mountain Biking
Hattiban Rock Climbing
Kakani to Tokha Bike Descent
Kathmandu Valley Trail Running Routes
Mountain Biking & Trail Running Around Kathmandu
Mountain Biking in the Kathmandu Valley
Nagarjun Forest Bouldering
Nagarkot Downhill Mountain Biking
Shivapuri Mountain Biking
Kathmandu Valley Rim Bikepacking
Trekking & treks in Kathmandu
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Autumn Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley
Bagdwar Hike (Source of the Bagmati)
Balthali Village Trek
The Best Time to Hike the Kathmandu Valley
Bhardeu to Lakuri Bhanjyang Hike
Bishankhu Narayan Hike
Bishnudwar Hike
Budhanilkantha to Nagi Gompa Hike
Budhanilkantha to Shivapuri Walk
Challenging Day Hikes Near Kathmandu
Champadevi Hike
Chandragiri to Bhaleshwor Hike
Chandragiri to Chitlang Hike
Changunarayan to Sankhu Hike
Chisapani to Nagarkot Cultural Trek
Dakshinkali to Pharping Walk
Day Hikes Near Kathmandu, by Difficulty
Dhulikhel to Namobuddha to Panauti Trek
Dhulikhel to Namobuddha Hike
Dollu to Champadevi Hike
Eastern Kathmandu Valley Rim Hikes
Easy Day Hikes Near Kathmandu
The Everest Base Camp Trek
Family-Friendly Hikes Near Kathmandu
Forest & Nature Walks Around Kathmandu
Godavari Forest & Gardens Walk
Gokarna Forest Hike
Gokarna Riverside Walk
Gokarna to Nagi Gompa Walk
Halchowk Hill Hike
Half-Day Hikes Near Kathmandu
Hattiban to Bhasmasur Hike
Hattiban to Champadevi Ridge Hike
Ichangu Narayan Hike
Jamacho Gompa Hike (Nagarjun)
Jhule and Okhreni Ridge Hike
Kakani to Shivapuri Ridge Hike
Kapan to Gokarna Walk
Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek
Kathmandu Valley Rim Treks
Best Viewpoint Hikes in the Kathmandu Valley
Kirtipur to Chandragiri Hike
Kopan Hill Walk
Lakuri Bhanjyang Hike
The Langtang Valley Trek
Macchegaun to Chandragiri Hike
Manichud Danda Hike
Moderate Day Hikes Near Kathmandu
Monsoon Hikes Near Kathmandu
Mulkharka to Chisapani Hike
Nagarjun Forest Hike
Nagarjun Short Loop Hike
Nagarkot to Sankhu to Boudha Trek
Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike
Nagarkot to Chisapani Hike
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Trek
Nagi Gompa Hike
Nala to Bhagwati Hike
Nala to Nagarkot Trek
Pharping to Champadevi Pilgrimage Hike
Pharping to Hattiban Hike
Phulchowki Hike
Ranibari Community Forest Walk
Ridge-Walk Hikes Near Kathmandu
Sacred Hikes & Pilgrimage Walks of the Valley
Sankhu to Manichud Forest Walk
Sankhu to Nagarkot Hike
Sankhu to Vajrayogini Hike
Seasonal Hiking in the Kathmandu Valley
Hikes in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park
Shivapuri Peak Hike
Shivapuri to Sundarijal Trek
Shivapuri Watershed Nature Walk
Short Nature Escapes from Kathmandu
Spring Rhododendron Hikes Near Kathmandu
Sundarijal to Chisapani to Nagarkot Trek
Sundarijal to Mulkharka Hike
Sundarijal to Nagi Gompa Walk
Sunrise Hikes Near Kathmandu
Suryachaur Meadow Hike
Swayambhu to Halchowk Hike
Tarebhir Cliff Hike
Taudaha Lake Nature Walk
Telkot to Nagarkot Hike
Tinchuli to Nagarkot Hike
Tokha to Shivapuri Short Hike
Trekking from Kathmandu
Buying Trekking Gear in Thamel
Trekking Permits for Nepal
Western & Southern Valley Rim Hikes
Winter Hikes Near Kathmandu
Food experiences in Kathmandu
What to do in Kathmandu
Asan Tole & Indra Chowk Markets
Boudhanath Stupa
Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu)
Chandragiri Hills
Chobar Gorge & Jal Binayak Temple
The Best Day Trips from Kathmandu
Dhulikhel
Free Things to Do in Kathmandu
Garden of Dreams (Swapna Bagaicha)
Gokarna Mahadev Temple
Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)
Most Instagrammable Spots in Kathmandu
Central Zoo (Jawalakhel Zoo)
Kasthamandap
The Perfect Kathmandu 2-Day Itinerary
Kathmandu on a Daily Budget
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Layover Guide (4 to 12 Hours)
Kathmandu on a Rainy Day: Indoor Ideas
Kathmandu by Mood: Things to Do for Every Trip
Kathmandu Valley Day Trips Beyond the Tourist Trail
Kathmandu Valley Hidden Gems
Kathmandu with Kids: A Family Travel Guide
Kathmandu with Teenagers
Kumbeshwar Temple, Patan
Mahabouddha Temple, Patan
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Pashupatinath Temple
Patan & Lalitpur Guide
Patan (Lalitpur) Durbar Square
Patan Handicrafts & Metalwork
Patan Museum
Rani Pokhari (the Queen's Pond)
Romantic Things to Do in Kathmandu
Seto Machhendranath (Jana Bahal)
Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple)
Taudaha Lake
The Top Attractions in Kathmandu
Unusual & Quirky Things to Do in Kathmandu
Shopping & markets in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Pashmina and Cashmere
Shopping in Kathmandu: Markets & What to Buy
Kathmandu Souvenirs and Gifts
Kathmandu Supermarkets and Essentials
Kathmandu Thangka and Handicrafts
Kathmandu Traditional Bazaars
Thamel Shopping Guide
Shopping in Thamel & Kathmandu
Nightlife in Kathmandu
Yoga & wellness in Kathmandu
Nepali cuisine in Kathmandu
Stay connected in Kathmandu
Getting around in Kathmandu
Plan your trip in Kathmandu
The Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
Festivals in Kathmandu
Hiking Gear Rental in Kathmandu
Hiking Guides and Clubs in Kathmandu
Is Kathmandu Safe for Travellers?
The Perfect 3-Day Kathmandu Itinerary
Kathmandu Valley Hiking: Trailheads & Logistics
Kathmandu Neighbourhoods Guide
Kathmandu on a Budget
Kathmandu Orientation: A Map of the City in Words
Kathmandu Travel Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Kathmandu Valley Hiking Permits
Nepal Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Trail Safety Around the Kathmandu Valley
Where to Stay in Kathmandu by Area
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?+
Three days is enough to see the Kathmandu Valley's three Durbar Squares, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath, with time left for Thamel's cafes and shops; four gives you breathing room for a day trip. Stay longer if you're working remotely or using the city as a base.
Is Kathmandu worth visiting?+
Absolutely. Kathmandu packs seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, medieval temple squares, living festivals and some of Asia's best food and craft shopping into one compact valley — and it's the natural gateway to Nepal's mountains. Give it a few days rather than treating it as a transit stop, especially in autumn when the festival season is in full swing.
Which area is best to stay in Kathmandu?+
Thamel is the central tourist hub with the most hotels, restaurants and trekking shops. For a quieter stay, Lazimpat and the area around Boudhanath are popular with longer-term visitors and remote workers.
Is Kathmandu good for digital nomads?+
Yes. Kathmandu has reliable 4G, several dedicated coworking spaces, a low cost of living and a strong cafe culture, making it an increasingly popular base for remote workers in South Asia.