Flights from Yangon (RGN) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is a colourful Himalayan city where historic squares, winding alleys, and mountain views create a distinct sense of place. You will find grand old architecture, busy neighbourhoods, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to slow down and explore.

What to expect
The city centres on lively districts such as Thamel and Durbar Square, where traditional buildings sit beside guesthouses, cafés, and trekking shops. Traffic can be busy, but step into a courtyard, garden, or rooftop terrace and the pace suddenly softens, revealing a gentler everyday rhythm.

Plan your trip
Many travellers use Kathmandu as a base for wider adventures, from scenic flights to trekking in the Himalayas. With a growing choice of accommodation, tour operators, and guides, it is an ideal gateway for first-time visitors to Nepal as well as those returning to explore new regions.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Explore this historic square filled with intricate palaces, statues, and traditional architecture that reflects the citys royal past.

Thamel district

Wander through Thamel’s busy lanes lined with cafés, trekking shops, and small hotels, ideal for soaking up Kathmandu’s urban energy.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) hill

Climb the hillside steps for wide views over Kathmandu Valley and a chance to see resident monkeys and colourful structures.

Patan Durbar Square

Visit neighbouring Patan to admire finely carved buildings, quiet courtyards, and museums that showcase traditional Newari craftsmanship.

Boudhanath area

Stroll around this atmospheric district, known for its impressive circular structure, surrounding cafés, and handicraft stores.

Garden of Dreams

Take a break from the busy streets in this restored neo-classical garden, with shaded benches and small cafés for a peaceful pause.

Nagarkot viewpoint

Head out of the city to Nagarkot for fresh air and, on clear days, far-reaching views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Experience Kathmandus everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are the most flexible way to move between neighbourhoods, especially if you are carrying trekking gear. Within central areas like Thamel and Durbar Square, walking is often the quickest way to get around, with narrow lanes offering plenty of shortcuts.

Local life & culture
Kathmandu’s side streets reveal small workshops, traditional houses, and local tea stalls where residents catch up on daily life. Around the older quarters you will see artisans at work, students heading to classes, and traders setting up early, giving a sense of how history and modern life blend together in the valley.

Where to unwind
When you need a pause, escape to quiet gardens, rooftop terraces, or cafés overlooking inner courtyards. Early mornings and late afternoons are especially pleasant for gentle walks along less crowded lanes or short drives to viewpoints on the edge of the city, when the air is cooler and the light is soft.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
Kathmandu offers comforting local dishes such as steaming dumplings, hearty soups, and spiced rice plates, often found in small eateries across Thamel and the old city. You can sample snacks from simple stalls or sit down in family-run restaurants tucked along the alleys.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around Thamel, Lazimpat, and Jhamsikhel you will find casual cafés and modern restaurants serving everything from local flavours to international favourites. Menus usually feature sharing plates and modest portions, so you can try several dishes with friends or mix lighter bites with more filling options.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a rooftop restaurant with views across the city or towards distant hills. Some hotels and heritage properties also offer refined dining rooms where traditional recipes are presented with a contemporary touch, creating a relaxed setting for a special meal.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Kathmandu’s main shopping centres bring together international brands, local labels, and cinemas under one roof, offering an easy place to pick up essentials or enjoy a relaxed afternoon. They are popular with local families and visitors looking for a familiar, climate-controlled break from the streets.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhoods such as Thamel, Asan, and Patan are known for small shops selling handicrafts, textiles, and outdoor gear. Here you can browse handmade items and unique souvenirs, from decorative pieces to trekking essentials, all within short walking distances.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets stay lively with open shopfronts, lit-up signboards, and late-opening cafés. It is a good time to stroll, window-shop, and enjoy the cooler air, with taxis and other local transport options making it straightforward to return to your hotel once you are ready to rest.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

Spring season (Basanta, March to May, shoulder season)
From March to May, daytime temperatures usually range between 15°C and 28°C (59°F to 82°F). The air is warm and comfortable, with blooming flowers around the valley and generally clear conditions that are good for city sightseeing and nearby hikes.

Summer monsoon (June to September, low season)
Between June and September, Kathmandu experiences its rainy season, with average temperatures of 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Showers are frequent but often brief, leaving fresh air and quieter streets, which can be appealing if you enjoy a slower-paced city experience.

Autumn and winter (October to February, peak season)
From October to February, temperatures range from about 4°C to 22°C (39°F to 72°F), starting crisp and gradually cooling into winter. Skies are often at their clearest in autumn, attracting many visitors, while the cooler winter months offer calm days that suit relaxed urban exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions