Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is a Himalayan gateway where historic architecture, vibrant streets, and mountain backdrops meet. You can explore narrow lanes lined with traditional buildings, lively squares, and hidden courtyards that reveal the city’s layered past.
What to expect
The city centre around Thamel and Durbar Marg is energetic, with cafés, guesthouses, and trekking shops alongside long-established artisans. Expect busy streets, colourful signage, and a mix of modern conveniences and older neighbourhoods that still follow time-honoured ways of life.
Plan your trip
Kathmandu is the starting point for many journeys into the wider valley and the greater Himalayan region. It works well as both a base for day trips to nearby towns and viewpoints, and as a staging hub for longer adventures into mountain areas.