15 Best Things to Do in Kathmandu, Nepal

Looking for the best things to do in Kathmandu? Here are the must-see attractions and places to visit in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city!

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, can be busy and chaotic at times, but nevertheless it is a special place.

Kathmandu is home to numerous temples and stupas and there is an old saying that in Kathmandu there are more temples than houses. It is probably not true anymore but you will see that there really are so many temples wherever you go!

I have been visiting and periodically living in Nepal since 2015, and despite the bad reputation Kathmandu can get, it is a great place with so many activities to do.

Some of the best things to do in Kathmandu include visiting the World Heritage Sites, going on day trips, hanging out in Patan, or go on hiking trips around the Kathmandu Valley.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Kathmandu!

Best Things to Do in Kathmandu

1. Visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square

• Kathmandu Durbar Square Ticket Price: Rs. 1,000 (foreigners), Rs. 500 (SAARC), Nepalese: free
• Kathmandu Durbar Square Location: on google maps here

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the top attractions in Kathmandu. It is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, with the temples built with beautifully carved wooden windows.

‘Durbar’ means ‘royal palace’, and although the construction of the square began in the 3rd century, most of the temples were built during the 16th century.

The temples were heavily damaged by the earthquake in 2015, however, the reconstruction has been since mostly completed.

How to Get to the Kathmandu Durbar Square:

• By walk: if you are staying in Thamel, it is only about 5-10 minutes’ walk away.
• By taxi: book a taxi through Nepali taxi apps for the best taxi prices.

💡 Did you know? You can get a Visitor’s Pass to the Kathmandu Durbar Square for the duration of your visa! When purchasing the ticket, simply take 2 passport photos and a copy of your passport and visa with you. The ticket officer will prepare your pass to the Kathmandu Durbar Square!

2. Visit the Swoyambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple)

• Swoyambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple) Ticket Price : Rs. 200 (foreigners), Rs. 50 SAARC, Nepalese: free
• Swoyambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple) Location: on google maps here

The Swoyambhu Stupa is a short walk away from Thamel, situated on a small hill. As the temple is on the top of a hill, you will have to climb some stairs to get to the top. From there, you will get to stroll around the temple and get a nice view of the valley.

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Popularly, the Swoyambhu Stupa is also referred to as the Monkey Temple as there are many monkeys around. Be careful of the monkeys as they can come up to you and grab things/food off you.

If you like sunsets, the Swoyambhu Stupa is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu to see the sunset over the Kathmandu Valley.

How to Get to the Swoyambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple):

• By walk: The Monkey Temple is a 30-minute walk from Thamel.
• By taxi: The taxi from Thamel to the Swoyambhu stupa costs around Rs. 350 if you use Nepali taxi apps.

3. Stroll Around the Boudha Stupa

• Boudha Stupa Ticket Price: Rs. 400 (foreigners), Rs. 100 (SAARC), Nepalese: free
• Boudha Stupa Location: on google maps here

Take a stroll around the Boudha Stupa and watch the sunset from one of the rooftop restaurants. One of my favourite is La Casita, which is famous for its Spanish food. The view is amazing, and you can still get in the restaurant from the side street without even having to pay for the stupa entry fee. 

How to Get to the Boudha Stupa:

• By bus: Take a bus/minivan from Jamal Road (close to Thamel) or take a bus from the Ring Road and ask for ‘Boudha’. The bus ticket price is Rs. 25. More information on how to get around Kathmandu by public transport here.
• By taxi: book a taxi through Nepali taxi apps for the best prices.

4. See the Open Air Cremations at Pashupatinath Temple

• Pashupatinath Temple Ticket Price: Rs. 1,000 (foreigners), Rs. 1,000 (SAARC), Indian nationals: free, Nepalese: free
• Pashupatinath Temple Opening Times: 4 am – 9 pm
• Pashupatinath Temple Location: on google maps here

The Pashupatinath Temple is the largest temple complex in Nepal built in the 5th century. It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, and the temple complex includes smaller shrines and temples constructed in Nepalese pagoda style.

The Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on the bank of the Bagmati River.

The Pashupatinath Temple is the biggest open air burial site in Nepal and is known for its open air cremations. The cremations are performed daily on the bank of the Bagmati River.

After the burial, the ashes are spread into the Bagmati River, which goes to join the River Ganga. In the Hindu religion, the Ganga is a holy river that washes away the sins. Thus, it explains the meaning behind the ceremony of dispersing the ashes into the Bagmati River. 

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In the evenings, 3 sadhus also perform a special Aarti ceremony at Pasupatinath Temple. It usually starts around 6-6:30 pm and if you would like to see it, make sure to find a seat around 5 pm before it gets too crowded.

Seeing the open air cremations and the evening aarti ceremony, makes visiting the Pashupatinath Temple one of the most unique and best things to do in Kathmandu.

The temple complex is across a large area and you could easily spend about 2 hours there. It can get hot during the day so it is best to go in the morning or after 3 pm. Take at least 1 litre water with you, although there are a lot of vendors selling water within the complex. 

How to Get to the Pashupatinath Temple:

• By bus: Take a minivan/bus from Jamal to Gaushala and walk from there. More information on how to get around Kathmandu by public transport here.
• By taxi: Taxi from Thamel to Pashupatinath Temple cost around Rs. 400-500. For the best prices, book a taxi through one of the Nepali taxi apps.

5. Go on a Day Trip to Bhaktapur

• Bhaktapur Durbar Square Ticket Price: Rs. 1,800 (foreigners), Rs. 500 (SAARC), Nepalese: free
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square Location: Bhaktapur (on google maps here)

Bhaktapur is located 13 km east of Kathmandu and it takes about 1 hour to get there by bus or taxi. Bhaktapur used to be a Newari settlement and it is famous for its Newari architecture, culture and food.

Most people come to Bhaktapur as a day trip but there are so many things to do in Bhaktapur that it is easy to spend 2-3 days here.

🏠 For accommodation in Bhaktapur, our top recommended hotel is the Hotel Rupakot and Rooftop Restaurant!

The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley, and there are many temples and museums in Bhaktapur.

When you visit Bhaktapur, make sure to check out the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square and Dattatreya Square that have some of the nicest temples in Nepal.

As Bhaktapur used to be a Newari settlement, having Newari food in Bhaktapur is a must. Check out the best restaurants in Bhaktapur and Newari food to try while in Bhaktapur.

💡 Did you know? You can get a Visitor’s Pass to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square for the duration of your visa! When purchasing the ticket, simply take 2 passport photos and a copy of your passport and visa with you. The ticket officer will prepare your pass to the Kathmandu Durbar Square!

6. Visit Patan

• Patan Durbar Square Ticket Price: Rs. 1,000 (foreigners), Rs. 250 (SAARC), Nepalese:free
• Patan Museum (inside Patan Durbar Square) Ticket Price: Foreigners: free but you have to show your Patan Durbar Square ticket, Nepalese: Rs. 30, Nepalese Students with ID: Rs. 15
• Patan Durbar Square Location: Patan (on google maps here)

Patan is about 6 km south of Kathmandu and it takes 15 minutes to get there by taxi.

The Patan Durbar Square is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it is a great place for a day trip from Kathmandu. There are many temples in Patan that are hidden away among private houses, so it is good if you follow a map to find these secret temples.

Some of the best things to do in Patan include visiting the Patan Durbar Square, explore secret temples, try Newari food, hang out in restaurants and cafes or take a Nepali cooking class.

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Apart from the temples and stupas, Patan has a very relaxed atmosphere with many little cafes and restaurants to chill at. Patan is also where most of the INGOs and embassies are located, so you will find that Patan is the area where most expats live.

💡 Did you know? You can get a Visitor’s Pass to the Patan Durbar Square for the duration of your visa! When purchasing the ticket, simply take 2 passport photos and a copy of your passport and visa with you. The ticket officer will prepare your pass to the Kathmandu Durbar Square!

7. Chill in the Garden of Dreams

• Garden of Dreams Ticket Price: Rs. 400 (foreigners, SAARC, Chinese), Rs. 150 (Nepalese)
• Garden of Dreams Opening Times: Everyday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
• Garden of Dreams Location: Thamel (on google maps here)

The Garden of Dreams is the perfect little oasis to get away from the crowded streets of Kathmandu. It is a popular spot to hang out with friends or enjoy the quietness while reading a book.

Although it can get crowded on the weekends or when the weather is good, it is still a nice place away from the dust.

It is more quiet when the weather is rainy, however, there are some sitting areas that are covered in case of rain, which makes it perfect to enjoy the garden with only a few people around.

8. See a Museum Exhibition in Kathmandu

Although Kathmandu is mostly known for its temples and stupas, the city also has a number of great museums.

The museums in Kathmandu provide a great insight into the history, art and culture of Nepal and they are great to visit once you have checked out the heritage sites or simply just want to learn more about Nepal.

Some of the best museums in Kathmandu include the Taragaon Museum, Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Museum of Nepali Art (MONA), Music Museum of Nepal and the Aviation Museum.

9. Embrace Peace at the Kopan Monastery

• Is the Kopan Monastery free to visit? Yes, it is free, if you just want to visit the Kopan Monastery and walk around the garden. If you want to enroll in a course, check the courses and fees here.
• Kopan Monastery Visiting Hours: Everyday 9 am – 5 pm.

The Kopan Monastery is located in Kopan, the outskirts of Kathmandu and is a popular place to learn about Buddhism.

Course you can take at the Kopan Monastery include ‘Introduction to Buddhism’, ‘Compassion in Everyday Life’, ‘Emotional Balance’, and ‘Meditation and Mind Training’.

If you don’t want to enroll in a course, you can still visit the Kopan Monastery. The monastery has a peaceful garden you can walk around and escape the busy streets of Kathmandu.

How to Get to the Kopan Monastery: 

• By bus: Take the bus from Ratna Park to Kopan. Once the bus drops you, you will have to walk about 10 minutes to reach the monastery.
• By walk: if you are staying in Boudha, there is an option also to walk to Kopan. The walk takes about 35 minutes from Boudha to Kopan.
• By taxi: use Nepali taxi apps for the best taxi prices.

10. Take a Nepali Cooking Class

• Nepali Cooking Class Price: USD 20-50
• Nepali Cooking Class Duration: 2-3 hours
• Dishes you can usually learn to cook: momo, dal bhat, thupka

Follow your stomach and sign up for a Nepali cooking class in Nepal. Most of the bigger cities have cooking classes available, such as in Kathmandu, Pokhara or Patan.

The cooking classes usually last between 2-3 hours and cost around USD 20-50. The most traditional Nepali dishes are dal bhat and momo and those are the dishes that are usually offered in the cooking classes.

The great thing about taking a cooking class is that you not only learn about making the dish, but you also learn a lot about the culture of Nepal. The cooking teachers also tell you stories about Nepali culture and cooking traditions, so you can learn a lot!

11. Take a Vipassana Meditation Course

• Vipassana Meditation Course Price: Free, including accommodation and food
• Vipassana Meditation centres and course sign up here

The Vipassana meditation technique is said to have originated with Gautam Buddha 2,500 years ago. It first spread around northern India, then Asia.

After it spread around Asia, the pure form of the Vipassana meditation technique was only preserved in Myanmar. The Dhamma Vipassana Centres around the world are based on the pure form of the Vipassana technique and were helped set up by a notable teacher S.N. Goenka.

There are a number of Vipassana Centres in Nepal where you can complete a course. Usually, if it is your first time, you will have to complete a 10-day course.

During the course you will not be allowed to speak, and will have to deposit your phone and cease all communication with the outside world.

The Vipassana Meditation course can be challenging and is definitely not a holiday – it is hard work of meditation from 4:30 am to 9:00 pm for 10 days. If you are curious, check out my experience of taking a Vipassana Meditation Course in Nepal.

12. See a Theatre Play

The Mandala Theatre is the perfect place to watch a theatre play in Kathmandu.

Although most shows are in Nepali, if you love theatre, it is a great experience to see a play in Nepal. Usually there is one show on at a time and tickets can be booked both online or in person.

13. Go Swimming

• Price: most hotels will charge around Rs. 2,000 for a day ticket for outside guests to use their swimming pool. Even if you don’t stay at the hotel you can get a day ticket.

Nepal can get very hot and sometimes, there is nothing better than to go for a swim. Swimming can be therapeutic and even just 30 minutes of swimming can help to de-stress.

Many of the hotels in Kathmandu have a swimming pool, some on the rooftop that give really great views of the city.

14. Shop at a Market

1. Asan Bazaar

The Asan Bazaar is the oldest market in Kathmandu and is located just between Thamel and the Kathmandu Durbar Square. 

Although it can get very busy, it is a really special place with little shops and stands selling everything from spices, tea, grains to clothes and souvenirs.

The market is full of colours and as you arrive in the market, you can breathe in the smell of spices. It is a must visit to experience a traditional Nepali market.

2. Thamel

As the tourist hub of Kathmandu, Thamel is full of souvenir shops. There is everything from jewellery, cups, calendars, singing bowls, khukuri knife, cashmere scarves to buddha statues.

3. New Road Market

The New Road Market is located next to the Kathmandu Durbar Square and it is the best place to buy electronic gear. The prices are also very cheap compared to Thamel.

4. Farmers Market at Le Sherpa

• When: Saturdays 7:30 am – 12:30 pm

Craving some cheese or freshly baked bread? Head to the Farmers Market at Le Sherpa on Saturdays between 7:30 am – 12:30 pm.

The market is popular so it’s best not to go too late, as the best products might already be sold out. In the compound of the farmers market, you will also find a cute little coffee shop and other shops selling locally made products that are perfect for gifts back home.

15. Try Newari Food

Nepal is mostly known for its traditional Nepali dishes such as dal bhat and momos, however, the different ethnic groups in Nepal have their own distinct cuisine as well. One of the most popular being the Newari cuisine.

Newari people are the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and they have specific dishes, mostly characterised by a variety of spicy meat. Originally it was made out of buffalo meat but nowadays chicken and pork have also become popular.

If you are in Nepal, you should not miss trying Newari food. There are some great newari restaurants in Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu where you can experiment with different dishes.

Some of the most popular newari dishes include bara (newari pancake), yomari (dessert), samay baji (newari thali set), choila (marinated spicy meat) and chatamari (Newari pizza).

Where to Stay in Kathmandu

Looking for a place to stay in Kathmandu? Check out our top recommended hotel in Kathmandu:

📍 Bodhi Boutique Hotel (9.6/10 ⭐ based on 893 reviews)

Kathmandu with Kids

Travelling to Kathmandu with kids and not sure what activities are there for children in Kathmandu?

Don’t worry, there are so many activities for kids in Kathmandu. Starting from exploring the heritage sites, museums and going on day trips, to archery, art and baking classes.

• Art and Dancing Classes: Grooming Tales, MCM Dancing, House of Palettes
• Baking Classes: Bread and Pastry Paradise
• Adventure Activities: Astrek Climbing Wall, Best Archery, Whoppee Land Amusement and Water Park, Jump KTM
• Day Trips from Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car, Godawari Botanical Garden, Nagarkot

🎨 Check out the full list of the best things to do in Kathmandu with kids here!

FAQs: Best Things to Do in Kathmandu

What is Kathmandu famous for?

Kathmandu is the most famous for its 7 World Heritage Sites that include former royal palaces, temples and stupas.

The 7 World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley are the: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa and the Changu Narayan Temple.

Are 3 days enough for Kathmandu?

3 days is a short amount of time to explore Kathmandu, nevertheless, in 3 days you will be able to cover the main attractions in Kathmandu.

If you only have 3 days in Kathmandu, some of the top attractions to visit should be Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, a half-day trip to Patan and a full day trip to Bhaktapur.

You may not be able to visit all these in 3 days without it feeling rushed but you can choose from among these sites.

What are the best places to visit in Kathmandu?

The best places to visit in Kathmandu include the World Heritage Sites (Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa), museums, the Garden of Dreams and the Kopan Monastery.

Is Nepal cheap for tourists?

Yes, Nepal is considered cheap for foreign tourists. The current exchange rate is about USD 1= Rs. 133.

So, Nepal is especially cheap for those tourists that come from a country that has a strong currency.

Is Kathmandu worth visiting?

Yes, Kathmandu is definitely worth visiting. Although most people only stay for a few days in Kathmandu after arriving and before leaving Nepal, it is the capital city of Nepal and there are so many things to do.

What are the must-see attractions in Kathmandu?

The must-see attractions in Kathmandu include the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudha Stupa, Swoyambhu Stupa, museums and the Garden of Dreams among others.

How many days should I spend in Kathmandu?

You should spend at least 4 days in Kathmandu to cover the main attractions in the city.

A lot of people stay 2 days in Kathmandu after arriving, and then 2 days again at the end of their trip before leaving Nepal. I would say this would give you just enough time to explore Kathmandu – even though it might feel rushed and tiring.

• Day 1: morning: wander around Thamel and recover from jetleg, afternoon: Swoyambhu Stupa, evening: Boudha Stupa
• Day 2: morning: Patan half-day trip, late afternoon/evening: Pashupathi Temple
• Day 3: Bhaktapur day trip
• Day 4: Kathmandu Durbar Square, shopping for gifts in Thamel

Other activities you may like: Nepali cooking class, museums, Garden of Dreams, Kopan Monastery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal and has many activities and top attractions worth checking out.

Kathmandu is home to numerous temples and stupas and wherever you go, you will find a temple or stupa hidden away among narrow alleyways or houses.

Some of the best things to do in Kathmandu include visiting the World Heritage Sites, going on day trips, museums, hanging out in Patan, or go on hiking trips around the Kathmandu Valley.