Kathmandu

The best places to visit in Kathmandu are Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Thamel and the Garden of Dreams. For mountain views nearby, add Nagarkot or the Chandragiri cable car.

Top things to do in Kathmandu include exploring the UNESCO Durbar Squares and stupas, watching the evening aarti at Pashupatinath, walking the kora at Boudhanath, catching sunrise at Nagarkot, taking a cooking class, shopping in Thamel and Patan, and flying to Everest on a helicopter day tour.

Yes. Kathmandu is one of Asia's great cultural cities, with seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones in one valley, living Hindu and Buddhist traditions, unique Newari food and architecture, and easy access to the Himalaya.

Two to three days is ideal: one day for Kathmandu's main sights, one for Patan and Bhaktapur, and one for a mountain experience such as an Everest flight or Nagarkot sunrise. With one day, follow our 1-day Kathmandu itinerary.

Start at Swayambhunath for sunrise, then visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and the Asan bazaar. Spend the afternoon at Pashupatinath and end with sunset at Boudhanath Stupa. A private car with driver makes this easy to fit into one day.

The Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site has seven monument zones: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan.

As a rough guide for foreign visitors: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Pashupatinath about NPR 1,000 each, Boudhanath about NPR 400 and Swayambhunath about NPR 200. Bhaktapur charges the most. Fees change, so carry extra cash and check at the ticket counter.

October and November are the best months, with clear skies, mild weather and major festivals. March and April are also pleasant. Winter is cold at night but sunny, and June to August is the rainy monsoon season.

Thamel is best for first-time visitors and trekkers. Boudha suits travellers who want a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere, Patan is best for culture and longer stays, and Lazimpat offers quieter, upscale hotels close to Thamel.

Tribhuvan International Airport is about 6–7 km from Thamel, roughly 30 minutes by car outside rush hour. Our airport to Thamel transfer has a fixed price and your driver waits for your flight.

Not from the city itself, but you can see the Himalaya from Nagarkot or Chandragiri on clear days, take a one-hour mountain flight, or fly to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar on an Everest helicopter tour and be back the same morning.

Popular day trips are Bhaktapur, Patan, Nagarkot sunrise, the Chandragiri cable car, Changu Narayan, Kirtipur, Dhulikhel and Namobuddha, plus Everest helicopter and mountain flights.

Kathmandu is generally safe and friendly for visitors, including solo and female travellers. Watch out for pickpockets in crowds, take care crossing busy roads and use registered taxis or pre-booked transfers. The Tourist Police can be reached on 1144.

Yes. Children enjoy the monkeys at Swayambhunath, the Chandragiri cable car, the Garden of Dreams, pottery in Bhaktapur and momo-making classes. A private car makes sightseeing with kids much easier.

Yes. Kathmandu is the starting point for most Nepal treks. Everest treks begin with a flight to Lukla, and Langtang treks start with a drive from the city. Our Everest Base Camp Trek includes Kathmandu arrival and departure days.

Try momos, dal bhat, thukpa and sel roti, plus Newari specialities such as bara, chatamari, choila and yomari, and juju dhau (king curd) in Bhaktapur. Boudha is the best area for Tibetan food.

Popular souvenirs include singing bowls, pashmina shawls, thangka paintings, prayer flags, handmade paper, Nepali tea and spices, Patan metal statues and Bhaktapur pottery.

Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and shoes that are easy to take off. Remove shoes and leather items where asked, walk clockwise around stupas and follow local signs about photography.