Every adventure to Nepal starts in Kathmandu, the gateway capital city of the country. But it is a bustling and vibrant place to start. There are lots of fascinating things to do in Kathmandu to start your Nepal adventure right.
We love Nepal by the way and have no doubt that you will too. It is an incredible destination for travel, culture, adventure, Momo’s, history and much more.
Here are 14 things to do in Kathmandu when you first arrive to Nepal.
- Travel to Nepal
- About Kathmandu
- Best time to visit?
- Getting there
- Getting around in Kathmandu
- How long do you need?
- Things to do in Kathmandu
- Kathmandu with kids
- Day trips from Kathmandu
- Nepalese food in Kathmandu
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- More about travel in Nepal
Travel to Nepal
This tiny country in the north of South Asia offers much to travellers in search of amazing scenery, trekking, hiking, cultural experiences, and fascinating historic cities.
Nepal is home to ten of the world’s 14 highest mountains!
Albeit noisy in the cities, it is a budget traveller’s haven. It stacks right up there as one of the most vibrant, colourful and friendly destinations for travel.
About Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the vibrant and historic capital city of Nepal.
For travellers, it is a blend of ancient history, religious sites, and a bustling urban atmosphere.
Plus it serves as a gateway to the Himalayas and the Kathmandu Valley for trekking and tours. Kathmandu is where every hiker starts their journey into the mountains – whether it is for the Poon Hill Trek, Everest or something in between.
What is the best time of year to visit Kathmandu?
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This time of year offers pleasant weather and clear skies, ideal for sightseeing and trekking.
We visited Kathmandu in September and had fantastic weather.
Getting there
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the primary airport for Kathmandu, located a few miles east of the city.
There are many airlines flying into Kathmandu from other Asian countries, Middle East and Europe.
To get from Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) in Kathmandu to your accommodation, use the pre-paid taxi service available at the airport, paying a fixed fare at a kiosk before exiting.
Getting around in Kathmandu
It is easy to get around in the central old city on foot. Most of the things to do in Kathmandu are located within walking distance in the old city.
Albeit I say ‘easy’ though you will be dodging locals and tourists galore. Plus more than the old trishaw! It all adds to the experience though right?
To get out of the city to visit Bhaktapur, Nagarkot of the Monkey Temple you can take a taxi or a public bus.
How long do you need?
If you want to visit just Kathmandu, then even 2 days should suffice. Most of the things to do in Kathmandu are located within walking distance in the old part of the city centre.
Or if you are arriving into Kathmandu with just a couple of days before heading out to go trekking, 1 – 2 days would be perfect. This would give you enough time to see the key things to do in Kathmandu and stock up on any trekking supplies you need.
Post-trekking it is ideal to have another 1 – 2 days back in Kathmandu to finish site seeing and enjoy the atmosphere of the old city and Thamel too.
Regardless, on day one in Kathmandu you should visit Durbar Square and enjoy Thamel.
Things to do in Kathmandu
The following are 14 things to do in Kathmandu, Nepal.
1. Thamel – Things to do in Kathmandu
Originally Thamel was known as Tabitha Bahal and is one of the oldest areas in Kathmandu. Today it is the busiest and most bustling part of the city.
Thamel is popular for its wide range of restaurants and cafés, live music and other attractions. Plus, it is widely regarded as the centre of Kathmandu’s nightlife, frequented by both tourists and locals.
2. Thamel Bazaar
Thamel Market is known as one of the biggest shopping markets of Kathmandu city.
Since the hippie trail, this part of Kathmandu has become a hub for travellers and backpackers as well as being frequented by locals. It is the main tourist shopping area of the city with markets and shops to stock up for trekking.
We made the most of the shops to get last minute gear for the Poon Hill Trek.
3. Dharmadhaatu Stupa
Welcome to the first of many Stupa-things to do in Kathmandu!
This stupa stands in a fairly large square in Thahiti Chowk, as you walk from Thamel towards Durbar Square.
The central stupa is surrounded by shops and small food kiosks and eateries.
4. Kathesimbhu Stupa – Things to do in Kathmandu
The next stupa, Kathesimbhu Stupa is another popular Buddhist pilgrimage site in the old town.
This one is located in the central city, about 650 meters from the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, and estimated to have been built around 1650 AD.
In its surroundings there are more stupas of various sizes and two monasteries. Plus a LOT of pigeons around!
5. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Of all the things to do in Kathmandu, visiting Durbar Square is the most famous of the historic sites. Durbar translates to ‘palace’.
There are three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, with the Kathmandu Durbar Square being most central for visitors to the city.
The Durbar Square is where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised, translating as the Royal Squares of the city.
In Kathmandu, it still today remains the heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture.
6. Taleju Temple – Durbar Square
The Taleju Temple is a Hindu Temple in Huanuman Dhoka, dedicated to Taleju Bhawani, the the patron deity of Newari Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley.
The goddess was brought to the Kathmandu Valley in the 14th century. Following which, the temple was built in 1564 by Mahendra Malla to serve as a centre for royal ceremonies.
It is a sacred site where access to the inner sanctum is restricted, traditionally only allowing Hindus and, even then, with limitations.
For everyone else, it can only be viewed from the outside. But it is stunning and a pivotal part of the Durbar Square history to look out for.
7. Hanuman Dhoka – Kathmandu Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, known as Hanuman Dhoka is situated within the Durbar Square Complex.
It was allegedly founded during the Licchavi period (4th to 8th centuries AD). But the compound was expanded considerably by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century.
Unfortunately, some of the structure was destroyed in the 2015 earthquake. Though even from the outside the palace is impressive.
8. Asan Market Square – Things to do in Kathmandu
Asan Tole is ceremonial and market square in central Kathmandu.
It is located about midway on the only diagonal thoroughfare in Kathmandu that links Durbar Square with Durbar Marg. So, the chances are you will pass this way on route to Durbar Square.
I remember this square so clearly from my first visit to Nepal, years ago. It is a six spoked juncture that is always bustling with people selling everything from Yak-cheese dosa to souvenirs, Hindu offerings and tourist trinkets.
The junction also has several famous temples including Asanbhulu Ajima Temple and Kumari Temple.
9. Seto Machhendranath Temple – Jan Bahal
Seto Machhendranath Temple is southwest of Asan Tole at the junction known as Kel Tole.
This temple attracts both Buddhists and Hindus – Buddhists consider Seto (White) Machhendranath to be a form of Avalokiteshvara, while to Hindus he is a rain-bringing incarnation of Shiva.
- Tip: Just to the north of the temple on the side street known as Bhedasingh is a collection of shops selling topi (cloth hats) and the Nepali traditional dress.
10. Indira Chowk
Indra Chowk – or Wongha (Newari) – is another one of the ceremonial and market squares in the old city. It is located on the main artery passing through the historic section of the city centre towards Durbar Square.
Traditionally Indra Chowk was a centre for the sale of blankets and cloth.
So, the surrounding laneways that lead off the junction are lined with textile, fabric and cloth shops as well as modern clothing kiosks.
11. Akash Bhairab Temple – Indra Chowk
At the focal point of Indra Chowk is the large rectangular building known as Akash Bhairab Temple (Indra Mandir).
This temple houses statues of both Bhairab and Indra, the rain goddess.
12. Shri Vansheshwar Mahadev Mandir
The full name of this temple is Shri Vansheshwar Mahadev Mandir. Though names aside, this is another of the things to do in Kathmandu on your way through the old city towards Durbar Square.
This is a central Hindu temple to one edge of Indra Chowk. Though this temple is famously adorned with blankets and rugs – on sale – on the temple!
Indra Chowk is traditionally a centre for the sale of blankets and cloth, and merchants cover the platforms of the Mahadev Temple.
13. Swoyambhu Mahachaitya – Kathmandu Monkey Temple
Swayambhu Mahachaitya is another ancient religious complex and another of the iconic things to do in Kathmandu. Though this one is located on a hilltop just beyond the city.
Believed to date back to 460AD, this stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal, with numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.
Swayambhu literally means ‘self-existent one’.
It was built by King Manadeva and by the 13th century, it had become an important centre of Buddhism in South Asia.
14. Pashupatinath Temple
This Hindu Temple has been in existence since 400 A.D.
Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. It is one of the holiest sites in all of Hinduism attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
- Tip: If you visit late in the afternoon you can time it to see the evening Aarti ceremony (like in Varanasi) around 6:30pm.
Things to do in Kathmandu with kids
Kathmandu isn’t a city that’s obviously set up for kids. But as a family travel destination it does offer a blend of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities.
The main Durbar Square and the Buddha Stupa are interesting for kids. If not only for the number of pigeons amidst beautifully decorated deities and prayers flags.
There are enough of things to do in Kathmandu with kids that will keep little ones interested and entertained. Plus, obviously there are Momo’s to taste!
- Ride a Trishaw
- Eat Momo’s
- Garden of Dreams
- National Museum of Kathmandu
- Nagarkot Family Hike
- Bhaktapur Medieval City
- Chandragiri Cable Car
- Chandragiri Hilltop Station
- Whoopee Land Amusement Park
Nagarkot and Bhaktapur are both nearby day trip options from Kathmandu with kids.
Day trips and things to do near Kathmandu
Here are some popular day trip options from Kathmandu:
- Bhaktapur: Explore the ancient city of Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its unique Newar architecture, intricate temples, and vibrant cultural scene.
- Nagarkot: This is a hill station not far from the capital with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas – including Mount Everest.
- Chandragiri Cable Car: A scenic cable car up Chandragiri Hill with more panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains.
- Everest Mountain Flight: This was one on my bucket list of things to do in Kathmandu on my first visit! Incredible, unparallel views of the majestic mountains.
Nepalese food to try in Kathmandu
You can’t talk about the food in Nepal without bringing up Momos. Or Dal Bhat for that matter.
But Momos really reign supreme in Nepal. They are a type of dumpling originally from the Himalayan region.
It is absolutely one of the best dishes in Nepalese cuisine and something you can find pretty much anywhere in the country.
Dal Bhat is considered the (other) Nepali national dish. It is a platter meal that consists of lentil soup (Dal) and steamed rice (Bhat) served with a variety of side dishes like vegetable curries, papadum, achar (pickle) and yoghurt.
These are some of the other most famous Nepalese food to try in Kathmandu:
- Momo – steamed dumpling
- Dal Bhat – Nepalese national dish
- Samosa – deep fried snack
- Chatamuri – Nepalese pizza-equivalent
- Thukpa – noodle soup
- Sukuti – dried meat
- Dal Puri – fried stuffed Roti
- Aloo Tama – potato bamboo shoot
- Sel Roti – Nepalese donut
Plus, Nepalese people also drink tea. Nepali Chiya is a milk-based spiced tea enjoyed by most Nepali anytime of the day!
Restaurants, cafes and where to eat in Kathmandu
Our best advice for the best food? For Nepali food, skip the touristy-themed restaurants and follow locals to the small family-run eateries.
Albeit I’ve got to admit that post-trekking for our stay in Kathmandu we ate religiously at the small local café in our hotel neighbourhood. (It was within a short walking distance for those recovering legs!).
But we did love the adventure of seeking Momo’s and Dal Bhat in other directions of the city on first arrival.
These are some great restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu:
- Newa Mo:Mo Restaurant: This tiny restaurant is down a small alley but worth the hunt for delicious local style Momo’s.
- Yangling Tibetan Restaurant: This place is famous with Nepal food bloggers for serving up delicious fried chilly momos.
- Thamel Momo Hut: This is popular tourist (and local-ish) Momo restaurant overlooking Thamel Bazaar.
- Pleasure Garden Thakali Vhancha Ghar: This is the small local restaurant we got hooked on Dal Bhat and Momo’s just 100m from our hotel.
- Guchha Mo:Mo: This tiny hole-in-the-wall local Momo’s shop is epic! We returned here multiple times for the small, cheap and tasty Momo’s with awesome service to match.
Accommodation and where to stay in Kathmandu
There are endless options of hotels and accommodation to choose from in Kathmandu. When I first visited Nepal several years ago, I stayed further out of the main tourist area.
This time we stayed in Thamel which was convenient for shopping before our trek and being close to all the things to do in Kathmandu.
- Magnificent Hotel
We really enjoyed our stay here with amazing service, a great breakfast each morning and a clean, comfortable room.
- Hotel Yambu
This is a great mid-range option right in Thamel with a courtyard, restaurant and comfortable clean rooms.
- Oasis Kathmandu Hotel
The hotel is conveniently located away from the hustle and bustle of the Thamel area but within walking distance to all the key things to do in Kathmandu.
- Kathmandu Guest House
Central location, decent simple rooms with beautiful gardens.
- Nepal Pavillion Inn
A small guesthouse with 18 rooms located in the heart of Thamel only 1km from Durbar Square.
Read more about Poon Hill Trek
- Poon Hill Trek Day 1 – Pokhara to Nayapul – Nayapul to Hille.
- Poon Hill Trek Day 2 – Hille to Ghorepani.
- Poon Hill Trek Day 3 – Ghorepani to Tadapani.
- Poon Hill Trek Day 4 – Tadapani to Ghandruk.
- Poon Hill Trek Day 5 – Ghandruk to Pokhara.
More about travel in Nepal and South Asia
- How To Get The Bus Kathmandu To Pokhara.
- Overnight Train In Pakistan From Islamabad To Karachi.
- How To Apply For The Pakistan e-Visa.
- Crossing The Wagah Border From India To Pakistan.
- Pakistan Travel Guide.
- Money In India: Using ATM’s.
- How To Use A Squat Toilet In Asia.
- Our Complete Packing List For Travel In India.
- Bangladesh Travel Guide.
Useful links for planning travel in Nepal and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Make sure you have insurance before embarking on things to do in Kathmandu!
