Kathmandu is a lively Himalayan capital where ancient squares, carved wooden temples, and mountain views sit alongside busy markets and modern cafés. You experience a city that feels intimate yet endlessly layered, with something new on every corner.
Discover Kathmandu
Discover Kathmandu
Why visit Kathmandu?
What to expect
You can wander narrow alleys in the old city, explore historic Durbar Squares, and watch daily life unfold around hidden courtyards. Expect busy streets, colourful storefronts, friendly greetings, and a slightly slower pace as you move away from the centre.
Plan your trip
Kathmandu works as both a standalone city break and a starting point for treks into the Himalayas or visits to other Nepali cities. Allow time to adjust to the altitude, explore nearby valleys, and arrange any onward journeys before you head into the mountains.
Top sights in Kathmandu
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Stroll through this historic royal square to see palaces, courtyards, and intricately carved buildings that reveal the citys former royal heart.
Swayambhu Hill
Climb the steps up Swayambhu Hill for sweeping views over the city, prayer flags fluttering around you, and a panoramic sense of the Kathmandu Valley.
Boudha neighbourhood
Circle the vast white stupa at Boudha, then duck into nearby lanes filled with small shops, rooftop cafés, and artisan workshops.
Patan city
Cross the river to Patan to explore its exquisite Durbar Square, traditional Newar architecture, and quieter backstreets filled with studios and galleries.
Thamel district
Head into Thamel for outdoor gear shops, handicrafts, live music venues, and a dense cluster of cafés and restaurants ideal for your first evening in the city.
Garden oases
Step into one of the citys historic gardens to escape the bustle, sit under mature trees, and plan the next stage of your Nepal journey.
Valley viewpoints
Take a short trip out of town to nearby hills for sunrise or sunset views over terraced fields and layered Himalayan ridges on the horizon.
Experience Kathmandus everyday rhythm
Getting around
Short taxi rides and ride-hailing services are the simplest way to move between districts such as Thamel, Patan, and Boudha. For a different view, walk through side streets and alleys where traffic is lighter, and use local taxis or rickshaws for the last stretch back to your hotel.
Local life & culture
You can watch daily life in neighbourhood squares where families gather, children play, and artisans work in open-fronted workshops. The rhythm is social and outdoors, with festivals and small community events often spilling into courtyards and streets.
Where to unwind
Seek out quiet courtyards, boutique hotels with leafy terraces, or hilltop viewpoints around the valley to unwind. Early mornings and late afternoons are the calmest times to enjoy soft light, cooler air, and gentler traffic.
A taste of Kathmandu
Street food & local specialties
Try local favourites such as steamed dumplings, spiced soups, and savoury snacks in busy areas around Thamel, Patan, and Ason. Small eateries and stalls let you sample quick bites between sightseeing stops.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Thamel and newer districts, casual cafés and contemporary restaurants serve everything from local comfort food to international dishes, with menus designed for sharing so you can try several flavours in one meal.
Signature & scenic dining
Book a rooftop terrace or hillside restaurant for views over the city lights and valley ridges, turning dinner into a relaxed evening with a memorable backdrop.
Retail therapy in Kathmandu
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres combine international brands with local labels, cinemas, and cafés, offering a convenient place to pick up essentials or enjoy a relaxed afternoon indoors.
Markets & local crafts
Explore streets around Ason, Thamel, and Patan for handmade textiles, metalwork, artwork, and trekking gear, often sold directly by craftspeople and small family businesses.
Evening retail scene
After dark, busy lanes in Thamel and central areas stay open with lit shopfronts, music, and a steady flow of visitors, and you can reach these districts easily by short taxi ride from most hotels.
Best time to visit Kathmandu
Peak season runs from October to November and March to April, with mild days around 15–25°C (59–77°F), clearer skies, and comfortable conditions for city exploration and nearby hikes. Shoulder season includes December to February, when cooler temperatures of 5–18°C (41–64°F) bring crisp mornings and evenings, quieter streets, and occasional fog. Low season falls from June to September, with monsoon rains, higher humidity, and temperatures of 20–28°C (68–82°F), though the surrounding countryside turns lush and green.