Kathmandu is a historic valley city framed by Himalayan foothills, where old palaces, courtyards, and alleys meet lively markets and cafés. You will find a blend of heritage and adventure at its doorstep.
Discover Kathmandu
Discover Kathmandu
Why visit Kathmandu?
What to expect
Expect a compact, energetic city with narrow streets, traditional architecture, and colourful neighbourhoods such as Thamel and Patan nearby. The air is filled with the sounds of street life, artisans at work, and views that open towards the surrounding hills.
Plan your trip
Use Kathmandu as your base for exploring the wider valley and gateway towns to Himalayan treks. Allow time to adjust to the altitude, explore the historic squares, and plan side trips to nearby hilltop viewpoints.
Top sights in Kathmandu
Durbar Square (Kathmandu)
Stroll through Kathmandu Durbar Square to see intricate wooden palaces, courtyards, and historic temples that showcase the citys royal past.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Climb the hillside steps to Swayambhunath for sweeping views over the city and a striking white stupa crowned with painted eyes.
Boudhanath Stupa
Walk the circular lane around Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest of its kind, ringed by rooftop cafés and artisan workshops.
Patan Durbar Square
Cross the river to Patan Durbar Square to admire finely carved brick and stone buildings and visit small museums housed in former palaces.
Thamel district
Explore Thamel, a buzzing district of trekking shops, cafés, guesthouses, and live music venues, ideal for people-watching and last-minute gear.
Garden of Dreams
Step into the Garden of Dreams, a restored neo-classical garden near Thamel, for quiet lawns, pavilions, and a calm escape from busy streets.
Nagarkot day trip
Take a day or overnight trip to Nagarkot on the valley rim for cool air and sunrise or sunset views towards Himalayan peaks on clear days.
Experience Kathmandus everyday rhythm
Getting around
Move around Kathmandu by taxi or ride-hailing services for flexibility, and use organised day tours for further valley sights such as Bhaktapur and Nagarkot. For the last mile in busy areas, walking often becomes the quickest way to thread through the narrow lanes.
Local life & culture
You will see everyday life unfolding in temple squares, neighbourhood courtyards, and small workshops where metalworkers and woodcarvers practise their crafts. Morning and evening are lively, with families gathering in public spaces and streets filled with music and conversation.
Where to unwind
Relax in the Garden of Dreams, rooftop terraces overlooking city temples, or cafés tucked along quiet side streets. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most peaceful times to enjoy views from hilltop viewpoints around the valley.
A taste of Kathmandu
Street food & local specialties
Sample momos, noodle soups, and hearty rice and lentil sets at local eateries in Thamel, Asan, and around Durbar Square, where small stalls and family-run cafés serve freshly made favourites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Seek out modern cafés and bistros in Thamel, Lazimpat, and Jhamsikhel for relaxed meals, coffee, and international flavours. Menus often encourage sharing, so you can try several smaller plates in one sitting.
Signature & scenic dining
Choose rooftop restaurants around Boudhanath, Patan, or central Kathmandu for city views that glow at sunset while you dine. On clear days, some venues on the valley edge also offer glimpses towards distant mountain ridges.
Retail therapy in Kathmandu
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Visit central malls such as those near Durbar Marg and in the city centre for international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés that double as meeting spots for residents.
Markets & local crafts
Browse Asan, Indra Chowk, and Patan for traditional metalwork, textiles, and handmade crafts, alongside everyday goods and spice shops that spill into the streets.
Evening retail scene
In the evening, lanes in Thamel and around Boudhanath stay open with soft lighting and open shopfronts selling handicrafts and trekking gear. Taxis and ride-hailing services make it easy to reach these areas and return to your hotel after dark.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
Peak season: October to November and March to April bring clear skies and mild conditions, with daytime temperatures around 15–24 °C (59–75 °F), ideal for sightseeing and trekking. Shoulder season: December to February is cooler and drier, with daytime temperatures about 10–18 °C (50–64 °F) and chilly nights; views can still be rewarding on clear days. Low season: June to September is the monsoon period, with temperatures roughly 20–28 °C (68–82 °F), higher humidity, and frequent rain, though the valley becomes lush and green.