Kathmandu blends historic squares, intricate architecture, and views of the Himalayan foothills. You will find a lively city that feels both ancient and energetic.
Kathmandu blends historic squares, intricate architecture, and views of the Himalayan foothills. You will find a lively city that feels both ancient and energetic.
Expect winding alleys, ornate temples, and bustling bazaars set against mountain silhouettes. Neighbourhoods like Thamel and Patan offer a mix of tradition, guesthouses, and modern cafés.
Kathmandu is a gateway to trekking in Nepal, from the Annapurna region to Everest trails. Plan a few days in the city first to adjust, explore, and arrange journeys into the hills.
Wander through courtyards, carved wooden facades, and royal squares that reveal Kathmandu's former palace heart.
Climb the hillside steps to this hilltop complex for sweeping views across the city and a peaceful vantage point at sunset.
Circle one of the largest stupas in the region, framed by prayer flags, rooftop cafés, and small craft shops.
Cross the river to Patan to admire finely detailed temples, courtyards, and traditional Newar architecture.
Step into a restored neo-classical garden near Thamel, ideal for a quiet break from the city's busy streets.
Explore lanes filled with trekking gear shops, bookshops, music venues, and cosy cafés that stay lively into the evening.
Take a short drive to Bhaktapur to discover another historic royal city with brick-lined streets and artisan workshops.
Use taxis or ride-hailing services for most journeys between districts, and explore old quarters like Thamel and Durbar Square on foot. For nearby heritage towns, pre-arranged cars or tourist buses offer a more comfortable ride, with taxis or short walks covering the last stretch.
Start your day early to watch city squares come alive with traders, students, and artisans. Small workshops, music venues, and independent galleries reveal how traditional crafts and contemporary culture sit side by side.
Seek calm in the Garden of Dreams, hilltop viewpoints around Swayambhunath, or quieter courtyards in Patan. Early mornings and late afternoons bring softer light and cooler air, ideal for gentle walks and scenic photo stops.
Try momos, hearty rice and lentil sets, and savoury snacks from small stalls and family eateries in Thamel, Patan, and around the old bazaars.
Head to Thamel, Lazimpat, and Jhamsikhel for cafés, bakeries, and relaxed restaurants offering Nepali favourites alongside international dishes, with smaller portions that make it easy to sample several plates.
Book a terrace restaurant in Patan or Boudhanath for views of courtyards and stupas, or choose rooftop spots in central Kathmandu to watch the city lights and distant hills after dark.
Modern malls in areas like Durbar Marg and along key arterial roads bring together international brands, cinemas, and dining, giving you a convenient one-stop outing.
Browse Asan and Indra Chowk for everyday goods and spices, and visit Patan and Boudhanath for handicrafts, metalwork, paintings, and textiles from local artisans.
In the evening, streets in Thamel and around Durbar Marg stay open with lit shopfronts selling gear, souvenirs, and clothing, all easily reached by short taxi rides from most hotels.
Peak season: October to November and March to April offer clear skies and comfortable days around 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), ideal for sightseeing and trekking. Shoulder season: December to February brings cooler, drier weather, with daytime temperatures around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F), and chilly nights. Low season: June to September sees the monsoon, with higher humidity, rain showers, and temperatures around 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F), when mountain views are often clouded but the valley is lush and green.