Things to do in Kathmandu

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Kathmandu

Types of activities

Kathmandu travel guide

Golden Temple featuring a city

Golden Temple featuring a city

Boudhanath showing a city

Nepal featuring a lake or waterhole, heritage elements and a bridge

Kopan Monastery featuring a temple or place of worship and heritage elements

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Top places to visit

1. Pashupatinath Temple

One of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines is a fascinating temple complex known for its beautiful pagoda architecture, monuments and shrines.

Colourful ascetic in Pashupatinath temple Kathmandu, nepal

2. Boudhanath

Join devotees on their ritual walk around one of the biggest stupas in the world, spinning prayer wheels as you go.

Boudhanath showing a temple or place of worship

3. Kathmandu Durbar Square

The lively historic center of Kathmandu is a place to discover ancient architecture, statues of deities and some of Nepal’s holiest religious sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square showing a temple or place of worship and a square or plaza

4. Swayambhunath

The Monkey Temple is a spectacular Buddhist shrine that is home to gilded statues, prayer wheels, mani stones and dozens of mischievous monkeys.

Swayambhunath featuring religious elements

5. Garden of Dreams

Go for a stroll among the elegant pavilions, pergolas, ornamental fountains and lush green lawns of this beautiful historical garden.

Garden of Dreams featuring heritage elements

What to do in Kathmandu

Popular places to visit

Pashupatinath Temple featuring markets

Pashupatinath Temple

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Boudhanath showing a city

Boudhanath

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Kathmandu Durbar Square featuring a temple or place of worship

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Swayambhunath featuring religious elements

Swayambhunath

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Garden of Dreams featuring heritage elements

Garden of Dreams

Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Durbar Marg

During your trip to Kathmandu, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Durbar Marg. Amble around this culturally rich area's picturesque gardens or seek out the local tours.

Dasarath Rangasala Stadium

Catch an event at Dasarath Rangasala Stadium during your trip to Kathmandu. Wander the picturesque gardens in this culturally rich area.

Basantapur

You can learn about the history of Kathmandu with a visit to Basantapur. Wander the picturesque gardens in this culturally rich area.

Kathmandu Civil Mall

You can search for that perfect souvenir at Kathmandu Civil Mall during your visit to Kathmandu. Wander the picturesque gardens in this culturally rich area.

Areas of Kathmandu

Mount Everest on the Early morning from Kalapatthar.

Thamel

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Unique features of Thamel include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Ballys Casino or Garden of Dreams while you're exploring the area.

Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet.
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Boudhha

4/5(9 area reviews)

Unique features of Boudhha include the gardens and spas. Make a stop by Boudhanath or Shechen Monastery while you're exploring the area.

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Sundhara

While visiting Sundhara, you might make a stop by sights like Kathmandu Civil Mall and Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara).

Mt Everest a view from the sky

New Baneshwor

While New Baneshwor may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Vaisha Dev (Toothache Tree) and Royal Nepal Golf Course.

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Lazimpat

4/5(12 area reviews)

Get to know Lazimpat by checking out its gardens, restaurants and historical sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Ballys Casino or Narayanhity Palace Museum during your time in the area.

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Sinamangal

4/5(2 area reviews)

When in Sinamangal, you can plan a visit to Royal Nepal Golf Course and Pashupatinath Temple, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kathmandu worth visiting?

Providing a mix of history and culture, there are many things to do in Kathmandu. While you're here, head to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, a leading attraction in the area.

How do I spend a day in Kathmandu?

After you've visited top attractions like Freak Street and Patan Museum, spend some time discovering the retail and food options in Kathmandu.

What is the top tourist attraction in Kathmandu?

You can't leave without visiting Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, ranked the top tourist attraction in Kathmandu.

Is three days enough to stay in Kathmandu?

Three days in Kathmandu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Bodhnath Stupa, Freak Street and Patan Museum are top-rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Lalitpur.

Is Kathmandu a walkable city?

That depends on what you'd like to see and do in Kathmandu. Several sights, including Bodhnath Stupa and Freak Street, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Kathmandu's neighbourhoods, Thamel is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Lazimpat is 0.48 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.

What are some activities to do in Kathmandu with kids?

If you are after activities and sights for all the family, have a look at these terrific ideas for what to do in Kathmandu with kids.

What to do in Kathmandu for adults?

There are lots of things to do in Kathmandu, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Durbar Marg or Bhajya Pukhu.

Are there free things to do in Kathmandu?

From checking out parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Kathmandu. If you're in need of ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Freak Street is a must for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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