Flights from Tokyo (TYO) 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 colourful courtyards create a rich urban tapestry. You can expect an energising mix of heritage architecture, mountain views, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

What to expect
The city centres on traditional plazas, narrow streets, and compact neighbourhoods that reveal hidden courtyards and rooftop terraces. Traffic can be busy, but many of the main areas are easily explored on foot, with small cafés and guesthouses offering welcome breaks along the way.

Plan your trip
Kathmandu is a natural starting point for wider adventures in the surrounding valleys and mountains, thanks to its role as the main international gateway. Whether you are planning treks, cultural journeys, or short escapes to nearby hill towns, the city works well as both a base and a jumping-off point.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Explore a historic royal square filled with traditional architecture, intricate carvings, and lively public spaces.

Patan Durbar Square

Discover a beautifully preserved old city centre with elegant courtyards, museums, and artisan workshops.

Bhaktapur Old Town

Wander through brick-lined streets, open squares, and traditional homes that showcase the valley's historic character.

Thamel District

Stroll through a compact neighbourhood of guesthouses, cafés, trekking shops, and souvenir stores that stays busy into the evening.

Garden of Dreams

Relax in a restored neoclassical garden with lawns, pavilions, and shaded corners close to central Kathmandu.

Nagarkot Viewpoints

Head to nearby hilltop viewpoints for broad panoramas of the valley and, on clear days, distant Himalayan peaks.

Ason and Indra Chowk

Experience bustling local squares where everyday shopping, small temples, and traditional buildings sit side by side.

Kirtipur Hilltown

Visit a quieter historic town on a ridge with narrow lanes, old houses, and far-reaching views over the city.

Experience Kathmandu's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride services are the most convenient way to cover longer distances between neighbourhoods in Kathmandu. For shorter trips, walking lets you discover hidden squares and side streets at your own pace. Many visitors combine both, using taxis to move between areas, then exploring each district on foot.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Kathmandu often unfolds in courtyards, lanes, and small squares, where neighbours talk, trade, and relax outdoors. Traditional crafts, such as metalwork and woodcarving, still play a role in several districts. As you wander, you will notice how historic buildings and modern cafés share the same streetscape.

Where to unwind
When you need a break from the busy streets, small parks, gardens, and rooftop terraces offer peaceful spots to pause. Hilltop viewpoints around the valley provide fresh air and broad views, especially in the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
Kathmandu's compact streets are home to stalls and small eateries serving local snacks and comforting, home-style dishes. Areas around the old city squares and central neighbourhoods are good places to sample flavours enjoyed in everyday life across the valley.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Cafés and casual restaurants cluster in central districts, offering both local staples and international favourites in relaxed settings. Menus often feature smaller portions and shared plates, allowing you to try several different dishes during one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, rooftop restaurants and terrace cafés across Kathmandu pair city or valley views with carefully prepared menus. On clear days and nights, these elevated venues offer a sense of space and a welcome change of perspective above the streets below.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in and around central Kathmandu bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining in one place. These air-conditioned spaces are handy when you want an easy, all-in-one stop for shopping and a relaxed meal.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional squares and surrounding streets house shops selling textiles, handicrafts, and everyday essentials. Districts such as Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur are popular places to browse for handmade items and locally inspired designs in a compact area.

Evening retail scene
In the evening, central streets and tourist-focused neighbourhoods remain active, with shops and cafés open later into the night. You can combine a gentle stroll, window-shopping, and a relaxed drink before heading back, with taxis and other local transport options making these areas straightforward to reach.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (Basanta, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Kathmandu brings mild to warm days, typically around 18–28°C (64–82°F). Clearer skies often reveal good mountain views, and blooming trees add colour to the valley. It is a popular time for walking and cultural sightseeing.

Monsoon season (Rainy months, June to September, low season)
During the monsoon, temperatures hover around 20–29°C (68–84°F), with frequent showers and more humid conditions. The rain brings lush greenery to the surrounding hills, and quieter visitor numbers create a calmer atmosphere in many areas.

Autumn and winter season (October to February, peak season)
From October, Kathmandu enjoys cooler, drier weather, with temperatures roughly 5–23°C (41–73°F) depending on altitude and time of day. Clear days offer crisp views across the valley, making this a very popular period for both city stays and trips to the nearby hills.

Frequently Asked Questions