Things to do in Kathmandu

Activities, attractions and tours

Golden Temple showing a city
Golden Temple showing a city
Boudhanath showing a city
Nepal featuring a temple or place of worship, heritage elements and a lake or waterhole
Kopan Monastery showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship
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Top places to visit

1. Pashupatinath Temple

One of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines is a fascinating temple complex known for its beautiful pagoda architecture, monuments and shrines.
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Colourful ascetic in Pashupatinath temple Kathmandu, nepal

2. Boudhanath

Join devotees on their ritual walk around one of the biggest stupas in the world, spinning prayer wheels as you go.
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Boudhanath which includes a temple or place of worship

3. Kathmandu Durbar Square

The lively historic center of Kathmandu is a place to discover ancient architecture, statues of deities and some of Nepal’s holiest religious sites.
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Kathmandu Durbar Square showing a square or plaza and a temple or place of worship

4. Swayambhunath

The Monkey Temple is a spectacular Buddhist shrine that is home to gilded statues, prayer wheels, mani stones and dozens of mischievous monkeys.
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Swayambhunath showing religious aspects

5. Garden of Dreams

Go for a stroll among the elegant pavilions, pergolas, ornamental fountains and lush green lawns of this beautiful historical garden.
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Garden of Dreams showing heritage elements

What to do in Kathmandu

Popular places to visit

Pashupatinath Temple which includes markets

Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath showing a city

Boudhanath

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Boudhanath
Kathmandu Durbar Square showing a temple or place of worship

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Malla's Royal Palace, Durbar Marg, Patan, Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, Asia, Unesco World Heritage Site

Durbar Marg

During your trip to Kathmandu, you can enjoy retail therapy at Durbar Marg. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens, or seek out the local tours.

Durbar Marg
Swayambhunath showing religious aspects

Swayambhunath

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Swayambhunath
Garden of Dreams showing heritage elements

Garden of Dreams

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Garden of Dreams

National Museum of Nepal

You can study the exhibits at National Museum of Nepal, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Kathmandu. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens, or seek out the local tours.

National Museum of Nepal

Basantapur

You can learn about the history of Kathmandu with a visit to Basantapur. Wander the picturesque gardens in this culturally rich area.

Basantapur

Kathmandu Civil Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Kathmandu Civil Mall during your stay in Kathmandu. Wander the picturesque gardens in this culturally rich area.

Kathmandu Civil Mall

Areas of Kathmandu

Mount Everest on the Early morning from Kalapatthar.

Thamel

Unique features of Thamel include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Ballys Casino or Garden of Dreams while you're exploring the area.

Thamel
Woman walking beside Boudha stupa

Boudhha

Unique features of Boudhha include the gardens and spas. Make a stop by Boudhanath or Shechen Monastery while you're exploring the area.

Boudhha
Aerial view of Kathmandu, Nepal

Lazimpat

Gardens, restaurants, and historic sites are some highlights of Lazimpat. You might stop by Ballys Casino or Narayanhity Palace Museum while you're in the area.

Lazimpat
Pashupatinath temple shrines panorama,the UNESCO the Oldest iconic Hindu temples of Pashupatinath. World Heritage Site in the heart of Kathmandu. Temples Panoramic

New Baneshwor

Though New Baneshwor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Royal Nepal Golf Course and Pashupatinath Temple.

New Baneshwor
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Sinamangal

While there might not be top attractions in Sinamangal, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Royal Nepal Golf Course and Pashupatinath Temple.

Sinamangal
Dharahara high tower a circular balcony, Sundhara, Kathmandu, Nepal

Sundhara

If you're spending some time in Sundhara, Kathmandu Civil Mall and Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara) are top sights worth seeing.

Sundhara
The tree shrine in Gokarna Mahadev temple, Gokarneshwar in Kathmandu valley, Gokarna, Nepal

Gokarneshwar

Pashupati is an hindi temple and place of cremations at river bank in kathmandu, nepal

Tarakeshwar

Aerial view of Chandragiri Hills Resort nestled amidst lush greenery, overlooking Kathmandu Valley under a clear sky, Chandragiri, Bagmati Province, Nepal.

Chandragiri

Frequently asked questions

Is Kathmandu worth visiting?
Providing a mix of history and culture, there are many things to do in Kathmandu. While you're here, head to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kathmandu?
After you've visited top attractions like Freak Street and Patan Museum, spend some time discovering the retail and food options in Kathmandu.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kathmandu?
You can't leave without visiting Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kathmandu.
Is three days enough to stay in Kathmandu?
Three days in Kathmandu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers stay for three days on average. Bodhnath Stupa, Freak Street and Patan Museum are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Lalitpur.
Is Kathmandu a walkable city?
That depends on what you'd like to see and do in Kathmandu. Several sights, including Bodhnath Stupa and Freak Street, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Kathmandu's neighborhoods, Thamel is 2 kilometers away from downtown, while Lazimpat is 0.48 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Kathmandu with kids?
If you are after activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Kathmandu with kids.

What to do in Kathmandu for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Kathmandu, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Durbar Marg or Bhajya Pukhu.
Are there free things to do in Kathmandu?
From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Kathmandu. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Freak Street is a must for anyone wishing to save on their traveling adventures.

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