Flights from Nagoya (NGO) to Kathmandu (KTM)

About Kathmandu

Discover Kathmandu

Why visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu is a lively Himalayan city where historic architecture, busy streets, and mountain views come together. You will find winding alleys, traditional courtyards, and colourful squares that give the city a distinctive, energetic character.

What to expect
The city centres on the old quarters around Durbar Square, with nearby districts like Thamel offering guesthouses, cafés, and trekking shops. Traffic is busy, the streets are compact, and daily life spills out onto pavements, creating a vivid, sensory experience at every turn.

Plan your trip
Kathmandu is the main gateway for trips into the Himalayas, from short valley walks to multi-day treks. It also works well as a base to explore nearby towns in the Kathmandu Valley, where you can enjoy views, heritage sites, and local craft traditions.

Top sights in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Explore a historic royal square filled with intricate traditional architecture, open courtyards, and lively surrounding streets.

Thamel district

Wander through a maze of shops, cafés, and trekking outfitters in this popular neighbourhood for visitors.

Patan (Lalitpur)

Visit this nearby city in the valley, known for its beautiful central square and long tradition of fine metal and wood craftsmanship.

Bhaktapur

Spend time in this well-preserved historic town, where brick lanes and ornate buildings create an atmospheric setting.

Garden of Dreams

Relax in a restored neoclassical garden near central Kathmandu, a quiet retreat from the surrounding streets.

Swayambhu hill viewpoints

Walk up the hillside steps for wide views across Kathmandu and the surrounding valley, especially clear on bright days.

Nagarkot ridge

Take a day or overnight trip to this hilltop area east of the city for sunrise or sunset views of distant Himalayan peaks when conditions permit.

Experience Kathmandu's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing services are a practical way to move between neighbourhoods, especially from Thamel to the main squares and bus parks. For shorter distances, walking lets you explore narrow lanes and local shops, so plan extra time to navigate the busy streets safely.

Local life & culture
Much of daily life in Kathmandu takes place outdoors, in courtyards, roadside stalls, and small tea houses. Older quarters mix with newer developments, and you will see artisans at work, schoolchildren in uniform, and vendors sharing the pavements, creating a strong sense of local community.

Where to unwind
To take a break from the city, you can relax in quiet gardens, hilltop viewpoints, or the courtyards of traditional buildings. Early mornings and late afternoons are often calmer, giving you a softer light, cooler temperatures, and a more relaxed atmosphere for exploring the valley.

A taste of Kathmandu

Street food & local specialties
Around Thamel and the older parts of the city, you will find small eateries serving local staples such as dumplings, savoury snacks, and hearty set meals. Look for busy spots popular with residents, as these often serve fresh dishes with a strong sense of place.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Cafés and casual restaurants are scattered through Thamel, Lazimpat, and newer parts of the city, offering both local favourites and international options. Menu portions are generally modest, making it easy to share plates with friends and try several flavours in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, consider rooftop terraces in central districts, where you can dine with views across the cityscape and surrounding hills. On clear days, venues on higher ridges around the valley may offer memorable backdrops of distant mountains to accompany your meal.

Retail therapy in Kathmandu

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls and shopping centres in Kathmandu bring together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and cafés under one roof. They are convenient places to pick up everyday essentials, meet friends, and enjoy a more structured retail experience away from the traffic.

Markets & local crafts
In areas such as Thamel, Patan, and Bhaktapur, small shops focus on handicrafts, textiles, and decorative items. You can browse for handmade pieces, metalwork, and traditional designs that reflect the valley's long craft heritage and attention to detail.

Evening retail scene
As evening falls, streets in central districts stay active with lit shopfronts and late-opening stores. You can combine a stroll, some light shopping, and a relaxed drink or snack, with local transport options helping you return to your hotel comfortably after dark.

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), with clear mornings and some haze in the afternoons. It is a pleasant time for city sightseeing and valley walks, with blooming flowers adding colour to parks and hillsides.

Monsoon season (June to September, low season)
During the monsoon months, temperatures usually range from 20–29°C (68–84°F), with regular showers or heavier downpours. The rain refreshes the valley and keeps the surrounding hills lush and green, and quieter streets can make slower-paced exploration appealing.

Autumn and winter season (October to February, peak season)
From October, cooler, drier air brings many clear days, with average temperatures from about 8–22°C (46–72°F). Views of the surrounding hills and distant mountains are often sharp, and the crisp air makes walking tours and day trips around the valley comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions