🇳🇵 Nepal

10 best places in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a chaotic, mesmerizing city of temples at the foot of the Himalayas, where ancient UNESCO squares sit shoulder to shoulder with bustling trekking-gear and incense bazaars.

Sight

Kathmandu Durbar Square

A complex of ancient palaces and temples that once housed Nepal's royal court, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sight

Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)

One of the world's oldest Buddhist stupas, perched on a hilltop with sweeping city views and its iconic painted eyes.

Sight

Boudhanath Stupa

Nepal's largest stupa and the spiritual heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan Buddhist community.

Sight

Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal's most important Hindu temple, set on the Bagmati River and a site of cremation rituals and pilgrimage.

Museum

National Museum of Nepal

A collection of Nepali history, weaponry, and religious art housed in a 19th-century building.

Sight

Patan Durbar Square

A neighboring Newar-era royal square famed for its intricate wood and stone carving, home to Nepal's art museum.

District

Thamel

The tourist quarter of trekking-gear shops, guesthouses, and cafés catering to climbers and travelers.

Market

Asan Bazaar

The city's oldest and busiest market, a maze of alleys selling spices, fabric, and street food.

Café

Himalayan Java Coffee

A beloved Nepali coffee chain where locals and travelers alike gather.

Restaurant

Bhojan Griha

A traditional Nepali restaurant in a restored Rana-era mansion, complete with cultural performances.

FAQ

When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?

October and November are the sweet spot, right after the monsoon: clean air, clear skies and mountain views. March and April are also good, with rhododendrons in bloom. Monsoon rain runs from June to September, and winter brings cool days and heavy smog in the valley.

How many days do you need in Kathmandu?

Two days cover the city itself: Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Add Patan and Bhaktapur and you want 3-4 days for the whole valley. Many travellers also use Kathmandu as a launch pad for trekking, which adds a day or two for permits and gear.

Is Kathmandu safe for travellers?

Crime against visitors is relatively rare and the city feels calm. The real risks are different: chaotic traffic, bad winter air quality, earthquake exposure and persistent touts in Thamel. Stick to bottled or filtered water.

Can foreigners live in Nepal long term?

Many nationalities get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan for 15, 30 or 90 days, extendable up to a capped number of days per calendar year. Staying longer means a work, NGO, business or student route; foreigners cannot own land and citizenship is effectively out of reach. Fees and limits change, so check the immigration department directly.