Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is a vibrant valley city framed by hills and Himalayan peaks on the horizon, where historic squares, courtyards, and narrow lanes create an intimate, atmospheric setting. You will find a blend of heritage architecture, lively streets, and a relaxed, friendly pace of life.

What to expect
The city centres on busy hubs such as Thamel and Durbar Marg, where shops, cafés, and guesthouses line the streets. Colourful tuk-tuks and taxis share the road, while rooftop terraces offer views over layered brick buildings and distant mountains. Expect a mix of traditional artisans, trekking outfitters, and modern services.

Plan your trip
Kathmandu is the gateway to many of Nepal's trekking regions, as well as nearby hill towns and viewpoints. You can spend a few days exploring the valley's historic towns, then connect onwards to the Himalayas or other parts of the country. The city works well as both a standalone break and a starting point for longer adventures.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Wander through this historic royal square, where old palaces, courtyards, and intricate woodwork give a sense of the valley's traditional architecture.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Climb the hillside steps for views across the city and admire the striking white dome, gilded tower, and surrounding shrines.

Thamel District

Explore this compact neighbourhood of trekking shops, cafés, and guesthouses, ideal for picking up gear or simply people-watching.

Patan (Lalitpur) Old Town

Cross the river to discover a quieter historic centre with narrow alleyways, brick houses, and a beautifully preserved Durbar Square.

Boudhanath Area

Visit this landmark circular plaza, where a towering white dome is encircled by traditional houses, small shops, and rooftop cafés.

Garden of Dreams

Take a break from the busy streets in this restored neo-classical garden with lawns, ponds, and shaded seating areas.

Nagarkot Viewpoint

Head into the hills outside the city for sunrise or sunset views of layered ridgelines and, on clear days, distant Himalayan peaks.

Asan Market Area

Walk through this bustling crossroads market where narrow streets are filled with stalls selling spices, produce, and everyday goods.

Experience Kathmandu's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most practical way to cover longer distances in Kathmandu, especially between neighbourhoods like Thamel, Patan, and Boudhanath. For shorter hops, walking lets you discover side streets and small squares, but allow extra time for traffic and uneven pavements.

Local life & culture
Daily life plays out in small courtyards, local tea shops, and open squares where people meet, chat, and browse market stalls. Traditional artisans still work with wood, metal, and textiles, while trekking stores and cafés cater to international visitors. The mix of long-time residents and travellers gives the city a relaxed, cosmopolitan feel.

Where to unwind
You can unwind in hidden green spaces like the Garden of Dreams, where shady benches offer a quiet pause near central Thamel. In the surrounding hills, viewpoints such as Nagarkot or nearby hiking trails provide fresh air and broad valley panoramas. Early morning and late afternoon are often the most pleasant times to be outdoors.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
Kathmandu's streets and small eateries serve warming dishes such as steaming dumplings, hearty soups, and spiced snacks. Areas around Thamel, Asan, and local neighbourhood crossroads are good places to try simple, freshly cooked plates that reflect everyday valley tastes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Thamel, Durbar Marg, and Jhamsikhel offer a wide range of cafés and restaurants, from relaxed spots serving local staples to venues with international menus. Portions are usually modest enough to sample a few different dishes, making it easy to share and discover new flavours with your travelling companions.

Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop terraces across Thamel, Boudhanath, and Patan combine city or stupa views with leisurely meals. Some venues in taller buildings offer sweeping outlooks of the valley and surrounding hills, especially at sunset. Booking ahead can help secure a table with your preferred view for a memorable evening.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
While Kathmandu is best known for its smaller streets, newer shopping centres and lifestyle complexes are appearing around the city. These bring together international brands, local labels, cafés, and cinemas, offering a convenient place to browse, dine, and spend a relaxed afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and side streets remain the heart of shopping in Kathmandu. Thamel is known for trekking gear, handicrafts, and souvenirs, while Asan and Indra Chowk offer a more local atmosphere with textiles, spices, and household goods. Patan is a good place to find metalwork and artisan workshops.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, streets in Thamel and Durbar Marg light up with shopfronts, small stalls, and open-front cafés. You can stroll, browse for last-minute gifts, and enjoy the cooler temperatures after sunset. Local taxis and ride-hailing services make it simple to reach these areas and return to your hotel at the end of the night.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Kathmandu brings mild to warm days, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F). The air is often clear in the mornings, making it a pleasant time for valley walks and cultural sightseeing, with blooming flowers adding colour to gardens and hillsides.

Monsoon season (June to September, low season)
During the monsoon months, temperatures generally range from 20–28°C (68–82°F), with frequent showers and lush greenery across the valley. This is a quieter time for city sightseeing, and you can enjoy cooler evenings, vibrant markets, and rich, atmospheric views when clouds drift across the surrounding hills.

Autumn and winter season (October to February, peak season)
Autumn and winter bring cooler, often clearer conditions, with daytime temperatures typically between 10–20°C (50–68°F) in the city. Many visitors appreciate the crisp air and bright skies, which are ideal for valley exploration and mountain views, while evenings invite cosy indoor dining and relaxed rooftop sunsets.

Frequently Asked Questions