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.
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
Sights & attractions in Kathmandu
Asan Tole & Indra Chowk Markets
Boudhanath Stupa
Budhanilkantha (Sleeping Vishnu)
Chobar Gorge & Jal Binayak Temple
Garden of Dreams (Swapna Bagaicha)
Gokarna Mahadev Temple
Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)
Central Zoo (Jawalakhel Zoo)
The Perfect Kathmandu 2-Day Itinerary
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Valley Day Trips Beyond the Tourist Trail
Kathmandu Valley Hidden Gems
Kathmandu with Kids: A Family Travel Guide
Kumbeshwar Temple, Patan
Mahabouddha Temple, Patan
Narayanhiti Palace Museum
Pashupatinath Temple
Patan Handicrafts & Metalwork
Patan Museum
Rani Pokhari (the Queen's Pond)
Seto Machhendranath (Jana Bahal)
Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple)
Taudaha Lake
The Top Attractions in Kathmandu
Adventure in Kathmandu
Trekking & treks in Kathmandu
Food experiences in Kathmandu
What 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
Is Kathmandu Safe for Travellers?
The Perfect 3-Day Kathmandu Itinerary
Kathmandu Neighbourhoods Guide
Kathmandu on a Budget
Kathmandu Travel Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
Nepal Visa on Arrival at Kathmandu Airport
Where to Stay in Kathmandu by Area
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?+
Three to four 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. Stay longer if you're working remotely or using the city as a base.
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.