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

P2,065
per adult
Temples and Stupas Tour in Kathmandu Valley
Spiritual Nepal Tour From Kathmandu

Kathmandu Small Group Spiritual Nepal Tour

P3,226
per adult
Kathmandu Small Group Spiritual Nepal Tour
Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group

P2,734
per adult
Chandragiri Cable Car & Monkey Temple Tour- Private/Group
Kathmandu Rickshaw Night Explorer Tour

Kathmandu by Night: Small-Group Rickshaw Ride & Hidden Gems

P2,679
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Kathmandu by Night: Small-Group Rickshaw Ride & Hidden Gems
Picture 2 for Activity Kathmandu to Sharing Jeep Transfer to Salleri.

Kathmandu to Sharing Jeep Transfer to Salleri.

P1,793
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)

P837
per adult
Kathmandu: Bus Ticket to Pokhara (VIP Luxury Sofa Seater)
Everest Mountain Flight with Pick Up and Drop Off

Kathmandu: Everest Scenic Flight with Window Seat and Transfer

P14,519
per adult
Kathmandu: Everest Scenic Flight with Window Seat and Transfer
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Top places to visit

1. 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.

2. 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 stone doorway with a seated figure in traditional attire.

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.
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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.
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What to do in Kathmandu

Stay near popular Kathmandu attractions

A colorful prayer flag arrangement in front of a stupa.

Boudhanath

9.2/10 (572 reviews)
The massive white dome of Boudhanath Stupa houses one of Buddhism's most sacred sites in Nepal. Join pilgrims in the ritual kora walk around the stupa while spinning prayer wheels beneath Buddha's watchful eyes.
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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 traditional building with a conical roof, colorful prayer flags, and a large eye symbol.

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 Narayanhity Palace Museum or Durbar Marg 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 stone doorway with a seated figure in traditional attire.
Photo by Animesh Purohit
Open Photo by Animesh Purohit

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

A mountainous landscape with a city in the valley below, a prominent white building with a red roof, and a large body of water in the distance.

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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