Flights from Paris (CDG) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is a lively valley city framed by Himalayan foothills, where historic squares, winding lanes, and scenic viewpoints sit alongside modern cafes and guesthouses. You can explore atmospheric old quarters by day, then relax in contemporary neighbourhoods in the evening.

What to expect
The city is centred around historic Durbar Squares, busy shopping streets, and the traveller-friendly Thamel district. Colourful markets, local workshops, and rooftop terraces create an energetic yet welcoming atmosphere, while the surrounding hills and viewpoints provide sweeping views over the valley.

Plan your trip
Kathmandu is a natural starting point for journeys deeper into Nepal, from scenic flights to trekking gateways like Pokhara and the Everest region. Allow time in the city at the beginning or end of your trip to adjust, pick up essentials, and experience the valley’s unique blend of heritage and mountain landscapes.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Stroll through this historic royal square to see intricate courtyards, traditional architecture, and lively streets around one of the city’s key heritage areas.

Boudhanath Stupa

Visit one of Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks, a vast white stupa surrounded by rooftop cafes, handicraft shops, and a steady flow of visitors.

Swayambhu Hill

Climb or drive up to this hilltop complex for panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and a mix of shrines, statues, and resident monkeys.

Thamel district

Wander the narrow streets of Thamel, a central area packed with trekking gear stores, cosy restaurants, and relaxed rooftop terraces.

Garden of Dreams

Take a break from the busy streets in this restored neo-classical garden featuring shaded paths, ponds, and quiet corners for reading or resting.

Patan city

Cross the river to explore Patan’s historic core, with its own Durbar Square, artisan workshops, and traditional architecture in compact lanes.

Nagarkot viewpoints

Head out of the city to hilltop viewpoints around Nagarkot, where on clear days you can enjoy sunrise or sunset over distant Himalayan peaks.

Asan market area

Experience a traditional side of the city at Asan, a maze of streets where locals shop for spices, produce, and household items.

Experience Kathmandu’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are a practical way to move between neighbourhoods, while much of central Kathmandu can be explored on foot. For a different perspective, take short drives to hilltop viewpoints on the valley rim. Ask your hotel to help arrange trusted local transport for longer outings.

Local life & culture
Street life is lively, with shopfronts, small courtyards, and artisan workshops spilling into the lanes. You will notice layers of history in the buildings and squares, alongside newer cafes and guesthouses serving travellers. Each neighbourhood has its own rhythm, from trading streets to quieter residential corners.

Where to unwind
Escape the bustle in city parks, restored gardens, and rooftop terraces overlooking the lanes below. Short drives take you to nearby hills, where walking paths and guesthouses offer cooler air and sweeping views. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for relaxed walks when temperatures and traffic are gentler.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites such as dumplings, rice and lentil sets, and savoury snacks in small eateries and family-run kitchens across the city. Areas around Thamel and the older market streets offer a wide range of simple, flavourful options popular with residents and visitors alike.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Thamel, Lazimpat, and the main roads of Patan host relaxed restaurants and cafes serving both local and international dishes. Menus often feature sharing plates and smaller portions, so you can try several flavours in one sitting. Many venues are used to early starts and late returns from day trips.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a rooftop terrace or higher-floor restaurant overlooking the valley and city lights. Some properties on the hills around Kathmandu combine views with quieter, resort-style settings. Consider timing a special meal to sunset to watch the colours change over the surrounding ridges.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls and shopping centres around the city offer international brands, electronics, and services in air-conditioned comfort. They often include cafes, cinemas, and family-friendly activities, making them easy places to combine errands with a relaxed break from the busy streets outside.

Markets & local crafts
For local crafts, explore the lanes of Thamel, the squares of Patan, and the Asan market area. You will find textiles, metalwork, paper products, and trekking gear alongside small boutiques. Take your time wandering side streets, where many independent makers run their own shops.

Evening retail scene
After dark, streets in Thamel and other central districts stay active, with shopfronts, stalls, and cafes open into the evening. Neon signs, music, and lit-up facades create a lively but walkable atmosphere. Most popular areas are easy to reach by short taxi rides, which your hotel can help you arrange.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (Chaitra–Jestha, March–May, shoulder season)
Spring in Kathmandu is pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures around 20–28°C (68–82°F). Clear mornings and mild evenings are ideal for city walks and short hikes around the valley. This period is popular with travellers planning onward treks, and the city feels active but not overcrowded.

Monsoon season (Asar–Bhadra, June–September, low season)
The monsoon months bring regular showers and lush green hills, with temperatures typically 22–30°C (72–86°F). Rainfall often comes in bursts, leaving windows of dry weather for sightseeing. It is a quieter time for urban exploring, with softer light and fewer crowds at many attractions.

Autumn and winter season (Ashwin–Falgun, October–February, peak season)
From autumn into winter, Kathmandu enjoys cooler, generally clear days, around 10–22°C (50–72°F). Views of surrounding hills are often at their best, and many travellers start or end longer journeys in this period. Evenings can feel crisp, so it is a good time for warm layers and cosy indoor stops.

Frequently Asked Questions