Kathmandu blends Himalayan scenery, layered history, and a lively urban energy. You find ancient squares, mountain views, and a creative, youthful spirit sharing the same streets.
Discover Kathmandu
Discover Kathmandu
Why visit Kathmandu?
What to expect
Expect bustling alleys, shrines at every turn, and colourful courtyards framed by carved wooden houses. The city moves at a busy but friendly pace, with calm corners in old squares and hilltop viewpoints.
Plan your trip
Kathmandu is your gateway to the wider Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayas, from cultural day trips to trekking adventures. Allow extra time in the city at the start and end of your journey to adjust, explore, and prepare.
Top sights in Kathmandu
Durbar Square
Walk through palace courtyards and intricately carved temples that showcase the citys royal past and Newar architecture.
Swayambhunath
Climb to this hilltop stupa, often called the Monkey Temple, for wide views over the city and a peaceful, elevated perspective.
Boudhanath Stupa
Circle one of the largest stupas in the region, surrounded by flag-lined lanes, rooftop terraces, and craft-filled side streets.
Pashupatinath riverside ghats
Stroll along the riverbanks to see historic stone shrines, old bridges, and terraced steps that form a striking cultural landscape.
Thamel district
Explore a lively neighbourhood packed with gear shops, cafés, music bars, and small courtyards hidden just off the main lanes.
Patan (Lalitpur) Durbar Square
Take a short trip south to discover another historic royal square with museums, metal workshops, and quiet backstreets.
Bhaktapur
Spend half a day wandering brick streets, traditional squares, and pottery areas in this well-preserved heritage town east of Kathmandu.
Experience Kathmandus everyday rhythm
Getting around
Use taxis or ride-hailing services for flexible trips between neighbourhoods, and hire a car with driver for day excursions around the valley. For short hops, walking through inner-city lanes is often quickest, especially in Thamel and the old quarters.
Local life & culture
You see daily life spill into courtyards, from morning gatherings at shrines to artisan workshops in side alleys. Neighbourhoods such as Asan, Thamel, and Patan reveal a mix of traditional homes, roadside stalls, studios, and modern cafés where locals and visitors mingle.
Where to unwind
Escape the traffic in garden cafés, rooftop terraces, and heritage courtyards dotted around Thamel, Lazimpat, and Patan. For fresher air and broader views, head to nearby hill viewpoints in the early morning or late afternoon when the light over the valley is softest.
A taste of Kathmandu
Street food & local specialties
Try momos, spiced soups, and hearty rice and lentil sets in simple eateries around Thamel, Asan, and Patan. Small street stalls and family-run kitchens often serve the most memorable plates.
Casual & modern dining hubs
You find relaxed restaurants in Thamel, Jhamsikhel, and Lazimpat offering everything from local comfort food to international favourites. Menus often feature smaller portions and sharing plates, so you can sample a range of flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop restaurants near Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and in Patan offer dinners with views of temples, courtyards, or the wider city. In the hills around the valley, lodges and restaurants serve meals with sweeping outlooks towards the mountains when skies are clear.
Retail therapy in Kathmandu
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in areas like Durbar Marg and along the Ring Road offer international brands, local labels, and cafés in one place. They are popular spots to pick up last-minute items or relax between sightseeing.
Markets & local crafts
Head to Asan for everyday goods and spices, Thamel for trekking gear and souvenirs, and Patan for metalwork and handcrafted pieces. Many workshops sell textiles, ceramics, and handmade jewellery directly from the makers.
Evening retail scene
After dark, streets in Thamel and around Asan stay lively with lit shopfronts, music, and late-opening stalls. Taxis and ride-hailing services make these areas easy to reach and return from in the evening.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
Peak season runs from October to November, with clear skies, mild days around 20°C to 23°C (68°F to 73°F), and cooler evenings, ideal for sightseeing and mountain views. Shoulder season typically includes March to May and December, with daytime temperatures around 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), blooming hillsides in spring, and cooler, drier conditions in early winter. Low season falls mainly from June to early September, when the monsoon brings frequent rain, humidity, and temperatures around 23°C to 27°C (73°F to 81°F), but also greener landscapes and quieter visitor numbers.