Kathmandu is a historic valley city framed by Himalayan peaks, where old royal squares, carved wooden houses, and lively streets sit side by side. You find a mix of calm courtyards and bustling lanes that feels both intimate and adventurous.
Discover Kathmandu
Discover Kathmandu
Why visit Kathmandu?
What to expect
You can wander narrow alleys lined with brick homes, courtyards, and small shrines, then step into open squares filled with centuries-old architecture. Outside the centre, hilltop viewpoints and nearby towns offer quieter neighbourhoods and sweeping valley views.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your base for exploring the wider valley and planning journeys into the Himalayas or to other regions of Nepal. Allow time in the city both at the start and end of your trip to adjust, explore, and prepare for onward adventures.
Top sights in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Stroll through this historic royal square to see traditional Newar architecture, ornate wooden windows, and a cluster of palaces and courtyards in the heart of the old city.
Swayambhu Hill
Climb the hill for wide views over the city, a breezy ridge-top walk, and a chance to see prayer flags and statues framed by the skyline and distant hills.
Boudha neighbourhood
Circle the giant white stupa along with locals and visitors, browse nearby craft shops, and enjoy the relaxed pace in surrounding side streets and rooftops.
Patan Historic Centre
Cross the river to Patan to wander its own Durbar Square, quiet lanes, hidden courtyards, and small museums showcasing the city’s art and craft traditions.
Bhaktapur Old Town
Spend a day in Bhaktapur’s brick-paved streets, admiring stepped temples, carved wooden houses, and open squares that feel like an open-air museum.
Thamel and Ason streets
Explore these lively districts for trekking gear shops, cafés, and busy market streets where daily life, street stalls, and small shrines share the same space.
Kopan Hill
Head up to the hillside north of the city for a quieter atmosphere, tree-lined paths, and sweeping views over Kathmandu Valley and the distant mountains.
Experience Kathmandu’s everyday rhythm
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most practical way to cover longer distances between neighbourhoods and the valley’s historic towns. Within the old city, you move faster on foot, weaving through narrow alleys, while short rickshaw rides give you a different view of the streets.
Local life & culture
Life spills into the streets, with people gathering in small courtyards, temple squares, and teahouses from early morning. You can watch artisans at work in tiny workshops, see festivals and processions at different times of year, and sense how the valley’s layered history shapes daily routines.
Where to unwind
Find calm in shaded courtyards, rooftop terraces, and garden cafés tucked behind busy lanes. Head to viewpoints on the valley’s edge for soft evening light over the city, or visit nearby green spaces and short hillside walks in the early morning before the day warms up.
A taste of Kathmandu
Street food & local specialties
Try favourites such as momos, hearty lentil-and-rice sets, and savoury snacks in neighbourhood eateries around Thamel, Ason, and Patan. Smaller side streets and local canteens are where you often find the most satisfying plates.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You can enjoy relaxed cafés and bistros in Thamel, Lazimpat, and Patan, where menus often combine local flavours with international dishes. Portions tend to be moderate, so you can sample several plates and share with friends.
Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, book a rooftop restaurant overlooking city squares or valley views, or choose a restored heritage house for a more atmospheric setting. In the cooler months, long lunches with a view of the distant hills are especially rewarding.
Retail therapy in Kathmandu
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres around areas like Durbar Marg and the wider city offer a mix of international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés, making them handy spots to combine errands with a relaxed break.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Ason, Indra Chowk, and Patan’s side streets for textiles, copperware, handmade paper, and traditional artworks. In Bhaktapur, you can wander lanes lined with pottery, woodcarving, and other locally made pieces.
Evening retail scene
After dark, streets in Thamel, Durbar Marg, and parts of Patan stay lively with lit shopfronts, gear stores, and craft boutiques. Short taxi rides link these districts easily, so you can explore several areas in one evening.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
Peak season (October to November, and March to April) brings clear skies and mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F), ideal for both city exploring and mountain views. Shoulder season (December to February) is cooler and drier, with daytime temperatures of about 10–18°C (50–64°F) and colder nights, making it quieter in the city. Low season (June to early September) is the monsoon period, with temperatures around 20–28°C (68–82°F), higher humidity, and frequent showers, but lush valley scenery between rains.