Both lively and solemn, Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and considered the gateway to the Himalayas. Filled with awe-inspiring sights that are bound to enliven your soul and lift your spirits, Kathmandu is certainly the ultimate travel destination for those seeking an exhilarating adventure with a blend of bedlam and beauty. Whether you’re navigating through jam-packed alleyways or looking with amazement at elaborate medieval temples, Kathmandu’s exquisite appeal is on full display. For those who want to make the most of this unbelievable place, you must read on to uncover the top 10 things to see and do in Kathmandu.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Go sightseeing in Thamel on a rickshaw
A fabulous way to experience Kathmandu is to take in the sights on a rickshaw. A prime area is the bustling and exciting neighborhood of Thamel. Commandeered by an expert driver, sit back in your rickshaw as your guide navigates a network of narrow streets filled with various stalls and shops. Along the way, you can sample authentic Nepali cuisine, browse charming shops full of an array of locally-made souvenirs, and simply drink in Nepal’s unique ambiance. Thamel is the ideal place if you’re looking to take amazing snapshots and shop for unique merchandise.
2. Watch a cultural show and savor local food
Relish a one-of-a-kind dinner with memorable entertainment at one of Kathmandu’s stellar restaurants: Nepali Chulo. Housed in a former palace, Nepali Chulo’s opulent setting offers a scrumptious four-course meal of authentic Nepalese cuisine by candlelight. Patrons are entertained by a cultural show throughout the evening that provides extraordinary classic music, impressive dancing, and festive costumes of Nepal. Dining at Nepali Chulo is surely an event you won’t soon forget.
Book Tours : Nepali Dinner with Cultural Show in Kathmandu
3. Get a blessing at Pashupatinath and circumambulate Boudhanath Stupa
Afford yourself the experience of a lifetime by exploring two mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage sites in one tour. This captivating adventure allows you to discover the intriguing Pashupatinath temple, situated on the Hindu temple-lined Bagmati River. Participants also witness Hindu funeral rituals on the banks of the river. The next stop is Boudhanath Stupa. A glorious sight with eye-catching Tibetan settlements and a dome-shaped shrine festooned with colorful prayer flags and prayer wheels. This half-day excursion offers morning or afternoon departures.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Must visit temple for hindus and travellers who love architectures and historical sites. Foreigners need to pay NPR 1000 as an entry fee. Please note that non-hindus will not be allowed to enter to the main temple premises. You need to take off your shoes before entering the temple.
Visited this place?4. Explore villages in Kathmandu Valley
Here’s a chance to slow the pace of your non-stop Kathmandu adventure and travel to the tranquil countryside. Experience rural life in two authentic villages: Bungmati and Khokana. Spectacular temples can be found in both locations and you can see inhabitants of the Khokana village creating their wondrous traditional crafts. Observing interesting activities like spinning, winnowing, and crushing mustard seeds. For those with mobility issues, be aware it’s a 20-minute walk from Khokana village to Bungmati village.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Bungamati & Khokana Village Day Trip from Kathmandu
Kathmandu Tour Guide
Lina Smile
Hello! My name is Lina, and I am a passionate local tour guide based in the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, Cambodia. With years of experience in the tourism industry since 2019, I specialize in creating unique and personalized experiences that showcase the best of what my city has to offer. From the bustling markets and historical landmarks to hidden nightlife gems, I love sharing Phnom Penh’s ... Read more
Kathmandu Tour Guide
Kathmandu Tour Guide
5. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage treatment
Indulge in the ultimate relaxation with a rejuvenating massage package. Premier pampering is offered with this delightful and nourishing experience. This excursion begins with an out-of-this-world full-body massage followed by a wonderful healing treatment called Shirodhara that consists of soothing and warm Himalayan essential oils. These oils are known to help ease on-going headaches and sleeplessness and reduce anxiety. This massage experience is the perfect remedy for a worn and weary traveler!
Visited this place?6. Explore the City of Beauty
See much more of Kathmandu than its high-energy atmosphere with a grand and guided tour of its serene landscape. Your destination on this fabulous adventure is Patan Durbar Square, also known as the City of Beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a collection of historic temples and an ancient royal palace. Learn about the Nepalese culture and history while gazing upon indescribable images and statues that fill these astonishing structures. Participants can even shop for marvelous hand-made items made by Patan craftsmen.
Tip from tour guide
Nestled in Patan, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts ancient palaces and temples showcasing Newar craftsmanship. Notably, the stone masterpiece, Krishna Mandir, stands tall. Despite the 2015 earthquake's impact, ongoing restoration highlights its resilience. The square is a living museum, hosting vibrant festivals and rituals, making it a captivating destination for history and culture enthusiasts.Visited this place?Book Tours : Private Half-Day Tour of Patan From Kathmandu
7. Explore Swayambhunath under the guidance of a monk
With an experienced monk by your side, take a delightful tour of the beguiling Swayambhunath, or Monkey Temple. One of the holiest Buddhist chaityas in Nepal, Swayambhunath has stood as a symbol of faith and harmony for centuries and it also offers an excellent vantage point for spectacular panoramic views of the city. After exploring the temple, check out a guided tour of the monastery to gain insight into monastic Buddhist life.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Swayambhunath, Monkey Temple, Tour from a Monk
8. Check out the locals' best hideouts
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to check out where the locals’ best hideouts are to truly appreciate another layer of Kathmandu’s unique allure. This intimate food-walking tour gives participants the inside scoop on the top spots to dine. Explore five first-rate stalls that tourists have no idea exist and taste traditional Nepalese food such as flavorful momos and crunchy pani purri. Your experienced guide will take you to Kathmandu Asan, one of Kathmandu’s famed markets and you’ll learn how the locals shop and what they look for when preparing their meals.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Nepal: 3–Hour Secret Food Tour
9. Trek Everest base camp
What’s a trip to Kathmandu without experiencing majestic Mount Everest? You can do it in the most memorable way possible by taking this amazing journey to Everest’s base camp. Relish the world’s tallest mountain at its foothill when you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime excursion. Standouts of this adventure include a Himalayan sunrise from a stupendous vantage point, the beauty of 25 different mountain vistas, and an exploration of Namche Bazaar, the center of Sherpa life. Have your camera packed because you won’t be able to stop snapping pictures on this awesome trip.
Visited this place?Book Tours : 14 Day Everest Base Camp Trek from Kathmandu
10. Go on a market tour in old Kathmandu
Step into the world of Nepalese residents with an immersive walking tour through Ason Market. Kathmandu’s most famous market is found at the center of the city and this busy bazaar setting boasts endless sweets and spices that participants get to sample. With your professional guide, you can learn to haggle over fresh vegetables just like a local or purchase hand-made utensils along with other authentic merchandise. This walking tour takes you beyond what tourists traditionally see of Kathmandu’s mesmerizing Old City.
Visited this place?Book Tours : Market Tour of Old Kathmandu
11. Hello Kathmandu
Surrounded by natural beauty and compelling history, Kathmandu is a treasured destination for anyone who wants to feed their mind, body, and soul. From vitalizing body massages to interesting shops and markets to unparalleled ancient sites and beautiful landscapes, Kathmandu can leave you intoxicated in the most pleasurable way.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Catherine has written professionally for over 10 years, and a sizable amount has been travel writing. Her desire to see the world was sparked at a very young age. Growing up, there were many family...Read more
