Flights from Medan (KNO) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is a lively valley city framed by distant Himalayan peaks, historic squares, and winding alleyways. You will find a blend of traditional architecture, colourful streets, and welcoming neighbourhoods that invite you to slow down, explore, and take in the mountain air.

What to expect
The city centres on the old quarters of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Thamel, and surrounding neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes are lined with shops, courtyards, and heritage buildings. Traffic is busy, but pockets of calm appear in hidden squares, rooftop terraces, and tree-lined avenues around the wider valley.

Plan your trip
Kathmandu is a starting point for journeys across Nepal, from short valley hikes to longer mountain adventures. With a growing choice of hotels, cafés, and tour services, it works well for both short city breaks and longer stays before or after exploring the wider region.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Explore a historic royal square filled with courtyards, intricate woodwork, and traditional buildings that showcase the valley's architectural heritage.

Thamel district

Wander through a maze of streets packed with cafés, guesthouses, and trekking shops, ideal for people-watching and last-minute gear shopping.

Patan Durbar Square

Cross the river to Patan to see an elegant palace complex and finely crafted brick-and-wood structures surrounding a central square.

Bhaktapur old town

Take a day trip to this well-preserved historic town, known for its brick lanes, spacious squares, and traditional pottery workshops.

Garden of Dreams

Relax in a restored neo-classical garden near the city centre, where lawns, pavilions, and ponds offer a quiet break from busy streets.

Nagarkot viewpoint

Head to this hilltop village on the valley rim for sunrise or sunset views of distant Himalayan peaks on clear days.

Ason Bazaar

Experience a bustling traditional market square where locals shop for spices, vegetables, and everyday goods in a lively atmosphere.

Kirtipur hillside town

Visit this historic town on a ridge for valley views, narrow lanes, and a slower-paced look at everyday life near Kathmandu.

Experience Kathmandu's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Short taxi rides, ride-hailing services, and local buses are common ways to move between neighbourhoods in Kathmandu Valley. For the old quarters, walking is often the most practical option, with rickshaws in some central areas for shorter hops when your feet need a rest.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Kathmandu unfolds in courtyards, tea shops, and small family-run businesses lining the streets. You will see busy morning markets, groups of friends chatting on temple steps, and artisans working on metal, wood, or textiles in workshops that have operated for generations.

Where to unwind
When you need a pause from the traffic, head to green spaces and hill viewpoints around the valley. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times for gentle walks, letting you enjoy softer light, cooler air, and wide views over the city and surrounding hills.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
Kathmandu offers comforting local dishes such as momos, noodle soups, and rice-based plates served in small eateries and street-side stalls. Explore central neighbourhoods and market-lined streets to sample quick snacks and simple meals that are popular with residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find relaxed cafés, bakeries, and restaurants tucked into Thamel, Lazimpat, and emerging areas across the valley. Menus often combine local and international flavours, with portions sized so you can share plates, try a few different dishes, and linger over tea or coffee.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose rooftop terraces or hillside restaurants overlooking the city and surrounding hills. On clear evenings, these higher viewpoints offer twinkling city lights, cooler breezes, and an atmospheric backdrop for a relaxed dinner.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in Kathmandu bring together international brands, cinemas, and casual dining in one place. These air-conditioned hubs provide a comfortable break from the busy streets and a convenient way to pick up everyday items during your stay.

Markets & local crafts
For local goods, explore streets in Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur, where you will find textiles, metalwork, and handmade souvenirs. Smaller shops and workshops often display pieces made on-site, giving you a closer look at traditional skills and contemporary designs from the valley.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets around Thamel and other busy districts stay lively, with illuminated shopfronts and late-opening stores. Many visitors combine an evening stroll, a little shopping, and dinner in the same area, with taxis and ride-hailing services making it easy to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (Basanta) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring brings mild to warm days, with average temperatures around 18–25°C (64–77°F). Skies are often clear in the mornings, making it a pleasant time for valley walks and city sightseeing, with blooming flowers adding colour to gardens and hillsides.

Monsoon season (Barsaa) – June to September, low season
During the monsoon, temperatures hover around 20–28°C (68–82°F), with regular showers and more humid conditions. This season brings lush green hills and a quieter feel in some sightseeing spots, and you can enjoy the city at a slower pace between bursts of rain.

Autumn and winter season (Sharad and Hemanta) – October to February, peak season
Autumn and winter offer cooler, drier weather, with averages from 10–20°C (50–68°F) in the day and colder nights. Clear skies are common, making this a popular time for mountain views and outdoor activities while still allowing comfortable exploration of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions