Things to do in Kathmandu

Activities, attractions and tours

A colorful street with traditional buildings, a small shrine, and people walking.
A white temple on a lake with a bridge in the foreground and colorful buildings in the background.
A traditional multi-tiered temple with golden roofs, surrounded by lush greenery and mountains in the background.
Colorful prayer flags strung across a building with traditional architecture.
A golden Buddha statue surrounded by lush greenery and rocks.

Things to do

Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley

Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley

P2,130
per adult
Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley
Picture 2 for Activity Kathmandu to Sharing Jeep Transfer to Salleri.

Kathmandu to Sharing Jeep Transfer to Salleri.

P1,836
per adult
Kathmandu to Sharing Jeep Transfer to Salleri.
Picture 1 for Activity Kathmandu: Bus Ticket to Pokhara

Kathmandu: Bus Ticket to Pokhara (VIP Luxury Sofa Seater)

P858
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kathmandu: Bus Ticket to Pokhara (VIP Luxury Sofa Seater)
Happy Travelers after their Mountain Flight

Kathmandu: Everest Scenic Flight with Window Seat and Transfer

P15,009
per adult
Kathmandu: Everest Scenic Flight with Window Seat and Transfer
Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

P2,820
per adult
Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group
Kathmandu: Observation Deck in Capital

Kathmandu: Skywalk Tower Entry Ticket

P1,880
per adult
Kathmandu: Skywalk Tower Entry Ticket
Picture 8 for Activity Kathmandu: 3-Day Chitwan Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers

Kathmandu: 3-Day Chitwan Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers

P12,068
per adult
Kathmandu: 3-Day Chitwan Safari Tour with Hotel Transfers
Kathmandu: 7 UNESCO-Listed City Sites Private Day Trip

Kathmandu: 7 UNESCO Sites Tour in 1 Day (Private Tour)

P5,516
per adult
Kathmandu: 7 UNESCO Sites Tour in 1 Day (Private Tour)
The Most Beautiful 1 Day Experience in Kathmandu Nepal

The Most Beautiful 1 Day Experience in Kathmandu Nepal

P2,506
per adult
The Most Beautiful 1 Day Experience in Kathmandu Nepal
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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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A historic temple complex with steps leading down to a river, surrounded by traditional buildings.

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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A colorful prayer flag arrangement in front of a stupa.

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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A traditional temple complex with tiered roofs and intricate carvings.

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.
Learn more
A golden stupa with a striped tower and colorful prayer flags against a clear blue sky.

5. Garden of Dreams

Go for a stroll among the elegant pavilions, pergolas, ornamental fountains and lush green lawns of this beautiful historical garden.
Learn more
A white gazebo with columns, a staircase, and a building in the background.

What to do in Kathmandu

Stay near popular Kathmandu attractions

A historic temple complex with steps leading down to a river, surrounded by traditional buildings.
Photo by Daniela Garza
Open Photo by Daniela Garza

Pashupatinath Temple

9.0/10 (574 reviews)
Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, Pashupatinath honors Lord Shiva with intricate pagoda architecture along the Bagmati River. Witness spiritual rituals that offer profound insights into ancient Hindu traditions.
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Where to stay in Kathmandu

Find the best Kathmandu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kathmandu
Learn more about Kathmandu
A large stupa with a golden dome, surrounded by colorful prayer flags and people.
Photo by Ryan de los Reyes
Open Photo by Ryan de los Reyes

Thamel

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

A mountainous town with colorful buildings and flags.

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.

A woman in a green dress standing in front of a large white building with a dome and a spire.

Boudhha

Gardens and spas are notable features of Boudhha. You might consider a stop by Boudhanath while you're exploring the neighborhood.

A white minaret with a balcony, surrounded by a densely packed urban area with various buildings and a mountain range in the background.

Sundhara

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

A detailed architectural entrance with ornate carvings and a golden arch.

Gaushala

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Gaushala and surrounding area, you can visit Pashupatinath Temple and Royal Nepal Golf Course.

A large tree with extensive roots and a thick trunk.

Gokarneshwar

A riverside temple complex with steps leading down to the water, surrounded by traditional buildings.

Tarakeshwar

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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