Flights from Switzerland to Kathmandu (KTM)

Discover Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?

Kathmandu blends ancient squares, intricate architecture, and dramatic mountain backdrops. You experience a city where winding alleys, courtyards, and historic sites sit beside relaxed rooftop terraces.

What to expect

You find busy streets filled with small shops, hidden temples, and vibrant neighbourhoods like Thamel. Heritage squares, nearby hill viewpoints, and artistic workshops shape your time in the city.

Plan your trip

Kathmandu works as both a city break and the starting point for journeys into the Himalayas and wider Nepal. Allow time for sightseeing, short hikes, and day trips to nearby valleys and towns.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Durbar Square

Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic palace complex filled with ornate courtyards, carved wooden buildings, and open squares ideal for slow wandering.

Swayambhu hilltop complex

Climb up to the Swayambhu hilltop complex for sweeping city views, atmospheric shrines, and a peaceful escape from the bustle below.

Boudhanath area

Walk around the Boudhanath area, circling its striking white dome and exploring surrounding lanes lined with handicraft shops and cosy cafés.

Patan historic centre

Take a short trip to Patan to see its beautifully preserved Durbar Square, art-filled museums, and traditional metal and wood workshops.

Bhaktapur old town

Spend a day in Bhaktapur strolling brick-paved streets, admiring courtyards and squares, and trying local snacks in centuries-old surroundings.

Thamel neighbourhood

Browse the Thamel neighbourhood for trekking gear, handicrafts, and travel cafés, and enjoy its lively atmosphere from day into evening.

Nagarkot viewpoints

Head to Nagarkot for sunrise or sunset views, where on clear days you can see layers of hills and distant Himalayan peaks along the horizon.

Experience Kathmandu’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Short taxi rides and ride-hailing services are the simplest way to move between neighbourhoods in Kathmandu. For a slower look at daily life, walk between central areas like Thamel, Durbar Square, and nearby markets, then use taxis for longer or evening journeys.

Local life & culture

You see daily life unfold in courtyards, small squares, and busy side streets, where artisans work and locals pause to chat. Morning and late afternoon are ideal for observing the city’s rhythm as streets wake up, then gradually quieten.

Where to unwind

Relax in quiet garden cafés or rooftop terraces that look over the city and surrounding hills. For a deeper break, visit nearby green escapes and viewpoints in the valley during early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are softer and the light is gentle.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties

Try local favourites such as dumplings, savoury snacks, and warming soups in the streets around Thamel, Ason, and other older market areas, where small stalls and eateries sit close together.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In central districts, you find cafés and relaxed restaurants serving regional and international flavours, often grouped along pedestrian-friendly lanes. Portions are usually modest, so you can share and taste a variety of dishes with your travel companions.

Signature & scenic dining

Seek out rooftop restaurants overlooking heritage squares or valley views for a memorable meal with a sense of place. In the cooler hours of evening, these spots are ideal for lingering over dessert or a hot drink while the city lights glow below.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Modern malls and lifestyle centres in central Kathmandu offer a mix of international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés, giving you a convenient one-stop option for shopping and relaxing.

Markets & local crafts

Head to areas such as Thamel, Ason, and Patan for handicrafts, textiles, metalwork, and artwork. Narrow streets and small boutiques invite you to browse at a slow pace and discover handmade pieces to bring home.

Evening retail scene

In the evening, central shopping streets and market lanes stay lively with lit shopfronts and relaxed cafés, especially in Thamel and nearby areas. Taxis and ride-hailing apps make it straightforward to reach these districts after dark.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Peak season: March to May, with mild to warm days around 18–28°C (64–82°F) and clearer skies, ideal for sightseeing and views of surrounding hills. Shoulder season: September to November, with comfortable temperatures of about 15–26°C (59–79°F) and generally good visibility. Low season: June to August, when monsoon rains bring higher humidity and temperatures around 20–29°C (68–84°F), and December to February, when cooler, drier weather sees daytime temperatures near 10–20°C (50–68°F) and colder nights.

Frequently Asked Questions