Kathmandu
Nepal · Bagmati · 1355 m
Description
Kathmandu (काठमाडौँ) is the vibrant capital of Nepal and a fascinating center of spirituality, history, and everyday life. The city is known for its impressive stupas, Hindu temples, colorful markets, fragrant incense, and diverse cuisine. Landmarks such as the stupas of Boudhanath and Swayambhunath, the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, and the historic sites of the Kathmandu Valley shape its distinctive character. Kathmandu combines centuries-old traditions with modern urban life and serves as an important gateway to the Himalayan regions. From here, travelers head toward renowned trekking areas such as Everest and Annapurna, while the medieval city of Bhaktapur offers a glimpse into Nepal’s rich Newar heritage.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: March – April or October – November
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
- Patan Durbar Square(Day trip)
- Patan Museum(Day trip)
- Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)(Day trip)
- Krishna Mandir(Day trip)
- Thamel Quarter
- Garden of Dreams (Swapna Bagaicha)
- Everest Scenic Flight
- Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace
- Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess)
- Kasthamandap
- Taleju Temple
- Kal Bhairav Statue
- Jagannath Temple
- Nautale Durbar (Basantapur Tower)
- Ashok Binayak Temple
- Seto Machhendranath Temple (Jana Bahal)
- Kathesimbhu Stupa
- Akash Bhairav Temple
- Freak Street (Jhochhen Tole)
- Asan Tole Market
- Indra Chowk
- Itum Bahal Monastery Courtyard
- Rani Pokhari
- Narayanhiti Palace Museum
- National Museum of Nepal
- Museum of Nepali Art (MONA)
- Taragaon Museum
- Nepalese Army Museum
- Pashupatinath Arya Ghat
- Guhyeshwari Temple
- Bachhareshwari Temple
- Gorakhnath Temple
- Ram Temple at Pashupatinath
- Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple
- Amideva Buddha Park
- Kopan Monastery
- Shechen Monastery
- Guru Lhakhang Monastery (Tamang Gompa)
- Baber Mahal Revisited
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square(Day trip)
- Nyatapola Temple(Day trip)
- 55 Window Palace(Day trip)
- Dattatreya Square(Day trip)
- Changu Narayan Temple(Day trip)
- Kirtipur Old Town(Day trip)
- Bungamati Village(Day trip)
- Khokana Village(Day trip)
- Pharping and Asura Cave(Day trip)
- Dakshinkali Temple(Day trip)
- Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu)(Day trip)
- Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park(Day trip)
- Nagi Gompa(Day trip)
- Jamacho Gompa Hike(Day trip)
- Chandragiri Hills Cable Car(Day trip)
- Taudaha Lake and Chobhar Gorge(Day trip)
- Godavari Botanical Garden(Day trip)
- Nagarkot Himalayan Viewpoint(Day trip)
- Namobuddha Monastery(Day trip)
- Dhulikhel Old Town and Himalayan Views(Day trip)
- Indra Jatra Festival (August - September)
- Dashain Festival (September - October)
- Tihar Festival (October - November)
- Maha Shivaratri at Pashupatinath (February - March)
Getting there
- Airports:
- KTM