Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu blends historic architecture, lively neighbourhoods, and dramatic mountain backdrops into a compact, walkable city. You will find colourful streets, intricate courtyards, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and explore at your own pace.

What to expect
The city centres around bustling hubs like Thamel and Durbar Marg, where traditional buildings sit alongside modern cafes and guesthouses. Traffic can be busy, but side lanes, courtyards, and rooftop terraces offer quieter pockets with views towards the surrounding hills.

Plan your trip
Kathmandu is a natural starting point for exploring wider Nepal, from short hikes in nearby valleys to longer adventures in the Himalayas. Many travellers spend several days here to adjust, arrange onward journeys, and experience the city’s distinct character before heading further afield.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Wander among centuries-old palaces and courtyards, admiring detailed woodwork and lively public squares in the heart of the old city.

Boudhanath Stupa

Circle this vast white dome, explore the surrounding lanes, and watch the changing light over its colourful rooftop skyline.

Thamel

Stroll through this energetic district filled with guesthouses, trekking shops, and cafes, ideal for both browsing and people-watching.

Garden of Dreams

Relax in a restored neo-classical garden with lawns, ponds, and shaded corners, a calm contrast to the busy streets outside.

Swayambhu Hill

Climb up through forested paths and terraces for panoramic views over Kathmandu Valley and the city’s rooftops below.

Patan (Lalitpur)

Take a short trip south to discover Patan’s fine plazas, artisan workshops, and beautifully preserved brick and timber buildings.

Asan Bazaar

Explore a network of market streets where locals shop for everyday goods, spices, and textiles in a lively atmosphere.

Experience Kathmandu’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are a practical way to move between districts, while walking lets you discover lanes and courtyards that vehicles cannot reach. For nearby excursions, private cars and organised transfers help you navigate the valley with ease.

Local life & culture
Daily life spills onto the streets, with small shops, tea stalls, and corner groceries forming natural gathering points. Neighbourhood squares act as social spaces, where you can observe craftspeople at work and families going about their routines.

Where to unwind
Green pockets like the Garden of Dreams and riverside walks offer space to pause after a day in traffic and crowds. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant, with softer light and cooler temperatures enhancing views of the surrounding hills.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
You can try dishes such as steaming dumplings, savoury snacks, and hearty soups in casual eateries dotted around Thamel, Asan, and the old city lanes. Small family-run spots often focus on a few favourites prepared fresh throughout the day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In central areas like Thamel and Durbar Marg, you will find cafes and restaurants serving regional and international flavours. Menus are typically flexible, with sharing plates and smaller portions that make it easy to sample several dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
Rooftop terraces across the city offer simple yet memorable meals paired with views over courtyards, old rooftops, and distant hills. Some venues around Boudhanath and Patan also provide a calm setting where the outlook is as appealing as the food.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu’s modern side appears in shopping centres and mixed-use complexes around Durbar Marg and the city’s main boulevards. Here you will find international brands, local boutiques, cinemas, and cafes in one convenient location.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional areas such as Asan, Indra Chowk, and parts of Patan are known for textiles, metalwork, and handcrafted souvenirs. Narrow streets lined with small workshops let you see how many items are made before you decide what to take home.

Evening retail scene
After dark, areas like Thamel and Durbar Marg stay active with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores. Night-time browsing is relaxed and atmospheric, and central locations are easy to reach using taxis or pre-arranged transport.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (Chaitra to Jestha, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Kathmandu brings mild to warm days, with average temperatures around 18–28°C (64–82°F). Skies are often clear in the mornings, making it a pleasant time for city walks and nearby hikes when flowers start to bloom.

Monsoon season (Asar to Bhadra, June to September, low season)
During the monsoon, temperatures usually range between 20–28°C (68–82°F), with regular afternoon showers and lush greenery. Rain brings fresher air and quieter streets, and there are still many opportunities to enjoy museums, cafes, and indoor attractions.

Autumn and winter season (Ashwin to Falgun, October to February, peak season)
Autumn and winter offer cooler, crisp conditions, with average temperatures of about 8–22°C (46–72°F), cooler at night. Many visitors appreciate the clearer valley views and comfortable daytime weather, which make sightseeing and short excursions especially enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions