Things to do · Nepal
The Best Things to Do in Kathmandu
Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Thamel and the valley's temples — the best things to do in Kathmandu.
The best things to do in Kathmandu centre on its astonishing concentration of temples, stupas and medieval palaces, all packed into a compact valley that has been a crossroads of Hindu and Buddhist culture for centuries. As the gateway to almost every adventure in the country, the city is the natural first chapter in any list of the best things to do in Nepal. You can stand before a 2,000-year-old shrine in the morning, watch Tibetan pilgrims circle a giant stupa at dusk, and bargain for pashmina in a lantern-lit lane after dark. This guide rounds up the experiences that define the city; for specific monuments, see our companion list of places to visit in Kathmandu.
Wander the old royal squares
Start at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the medieval heart of the city, with its tiered temples, the old royal palace of Hanuman Dhoka and the courtyard of the Kumari, Nepal's living goddess. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most atmospheric place to feel the city's history.
Climb to the stupas
Two great stupas crown the Kathmandu experience. Swayambhunath, the "Monkey Temple", sits atop a forested hill with sweeping valley views, while Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and the focus of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal — best at dusk when butter lamps flicker and pilgrims circle clockwise. For the full Buddhist trail, see our guide to Tibetan Buddhist sites near Kathmandu.
Visit Pashupatinath
On the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, famous for its riverside cremation ghats and the evening aarti. It sits within easy reach of Boudhanath, so the two combine into a single afternoon. Place it in context with our guide to the famous temples of Nepal.
Dive into Thamel and the bazaars
The traveller hub of Thamel buzzes with trekking shops, cafes and rooftop bars, while the older markets of Asan and Indra Chowk sell spices, beads and brassware much as they have for generations. It is the place to gear up before a trek and to taste the city's famous momos.
Escape to the valley rim
When you need a breather, ride out to a hill station near Kathmandu such as Nagarkot or Dhulikhel for a Himalayan sunrise, or cross to Patan with our Patan and Lalitpur guide. To fit it all together, see the wider Nepal bucket list and plan around the best time to visit Nepal.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Kathmandu?+
Kathmandu's essentials are the medieval Kathmandu Durbar Square, the hilltop Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), the great Boudhanath stupa, the sacred Pashupatinath temple, and a wander through the bustling lanes of Thamel and the old bazaars of Asan and Indra Chowk.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?+
Two to three days covers the city's UNESCO sites and old quarters at a comfortable pace, with time for a day trip to Bhaktapur, Patan or a hill station such as Nagarkot for sunrise over the Himalaya.
What can you do in Kathmandu in one day?+
A focused day takes in Kathmandu Durbar Square in the morning, Swayambhunath at midday, and Boudhanath in the late afternoon for the atmospheric dusk circumambulation, ending with dinner in Thamel.
Is Kathmandu worth visiting?+
Absolutely. Kathmandu packs an extraordinary density of temples, palaces, stupas and living traditions into a compact, walkable old city, and it serves as the gateway to almost every trek, safari and adventure in Nepal.
