Flights from Paris (CDG) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Gateway to the Himalayas

Kathmandu is a captivating blend of ancient squares, winding alleys, and lively neighbourhoods nestled in a broad valley surrounded by mountain peaks. Colourful markets, carved wooden facades, and historic courtyards give the city an intimate, human scale, even as it serves as the main hub for adventures across Nepal.

Beyond its historic heart, Kathmandu offers leafy residential districts, rooftop cafés, and modern amenities that make it easy to settle in. You can spend your days exploring heritage areas, then unwind with a warm drink as the sun dips behind the hills. Whether you are passing through on a wider journey or staying longer, the city rewards slow, curious exploration.

Many travellers use Kathmandu as a launchpad for trekking and scenic flights, but the city itself has a rich cultural life, from traditional crafts and music to contemporary art spaces. It is a place where everyday life unfolds in public squares and streets, inviting you to pause, observe, and take in the valley atmosphere.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Durbar Square

Discover intricate palaces, carved windows, and historic courtyards in Kathmandu Durbar Square, the traditional centre of the old city.

Thamel

Wander through Thamel's maze of streets, filled with cafés, shops, and guesthouses catering to trekkers and urban explorers alike.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Climb the hillside to Swayambhunath for sweeping views over the Kathmandu Valley and a close look at its iconic white dome and gilded spire.

Garden of Dreams

Relax in the Garden of Dreams, a restored neo-classical enclave with landscaped lawns, pavilions, and quiet corners near the city centre.

Patan

Cross the river to Patan to explore another beautifully preserved Durbar Square, artisan workshops, and charming backstreets.

Experience the Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is an ideal base for discovering the wider valley, with short hikes and day trips that reveal terraced fields, hillside villages, and distant peaks. Join a guided walk to nearby viewpoints for sunrise or sunset, or set out on multi-day treks that start just a short drive from the city.

Within the urban area, you can explore by bicycle, rickshaw, or on foot. Neighbourhood walks around Asan, Indra Chowk, and the old bazaars introduce you to spice stalls, metalworkers, and textile merchants. Many visitors also choose to join a cooking class, handicraft workshop, or photography tour to connect more deeply with local daily life.

For a different perspective, scenic flights departing from Kathmandu Airport offer views of snow-covered Himalayan ranges on clear mornings. Back in the city, cultural centres and galleries host exhibitions, music performances, and film screenings, giving you a sense of a contemporary Kathmandu that is creative and evolving.

A taste of Kathmandu

Kathmandu’s dining scene brings together traditional valley flavours and global influences. You can start with simple, comforting staples in local eateries, then discover rooftop restaurants serving regional specialities with views over the city. Many places offer cosy interiors for cool evenings and terraces to enjoy milder days.

International cafés and bakeries are easy to find in areas such as Thamel and Lazimpat, where you can enjoy coffee, freshly baked goods, and light meals. In contrast, family-run restaurants and street-side stalls offer hearty dumplings, savoury snacks, and warming soups, popular with residents and trekkers preparing for journeys into the hills.

Vegetable-forward dishes are common, and menus often include a range of mild and spiced options. As the city welcomes visitors from around the world, you will also find a growing number of fusion restaurants and contemporary eateries that put a modern twist on familiar ingredients.

Retail therapy in the valley

Shopping in Kathmandu is as much about atmosphere as it is about what you bring home. Narrow lanes around Asan and Indra Chowk are lined with stalls selling colourful textiles, metalware, and household goods, creating a lively backdrop for your search for mementoes.

In Thamel, you will find a wide range of trekking gear outlets, bookshops, and souvenir stores, making it easy to prepare for mountain journeys or pick up gifts. Handmade paper products, traditional masks, and locally produced garments are popular items to browse.

For a more contemporary retail experience, newer shopping centres and boutiques around the city offer clothing, accessories, and homeware from local designers. Wherever you choose to shop, take time to explore side streets and smaller courtyards, where independent artisans often display their work in quieter settings.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild days of around 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F), blooming flowers, and generally clear views of surrounding hills, making it pleasant for city walks and short hikes while the valley feels lively but not overly busy.

Summer monsoon (June to September, low season) sees warmer temperatures from about 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), with regular showers that refresh the air. Streets are quieter between bursts of rain, and the surrounding countryside becomes lush and green, offering atmospheric views from city viewpoints.

Autumn (October to November, peak season) offers comfortable temperatures of roughly 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F), stable weather, and some of the clearest skies of the year. It is a popular time for trekking and sightseeing, with crisp mornings and evenings that are ideal for rooftop dining and exploring historic squares.

Winter (December to February, shoulder season) is cooler, with daytime temperatures around 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F). Mornings can be misty, creating a soft atmosphere in the valley, while sunny afternoons are well suited to exploring heritage areas and enjoying warm drinks in cosy cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions