Things to do in Kathmandu

Once one of the world's most inaccessible destinations, a holiday in Kathmandu is now very easy to arrange. Many travel to Kathmandu to start expeditions into the rest of the country, as well as to experience its vibrant traditions, preserved architecture, and fascinating Buddhist and Hindu culture.

A holiday in the capital attracts mainly those intent on undertaking adventure trips in Nepal, full of trekking, rafting, and mountain climbing. But the city has its share of diversions and tourist attractions, with more temples and monasteries than any traveller could possibly hope to visit.

Must-see sites include Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, the Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Boudhanath Stupa. There are also many sites close to the city, making for exciting excursions. The city has plenty of restaurants in its Thamel tourist district, and shopping in Kathmandu offers visitors a variety of goods ranging from authentic local handicrafts to religious souvenirs.

There are many shops selling handwoven cotton fabric, clothing, and popular Nepalese souvenirs, including Tibetan carpets, and (scroll paintings), Terai baskets, and traditional rice paper.

Kashmiri shawls, Tibetan robes, and embroidered kaftans are also very popular, and there is a lot of religious paraphernalia for sale at Buddhist sites in Kathmandu. However, the most sought after treasures are the rare lime-green tourmaline gems.

Durbar Square photo

Durbar Square

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Durbar Square is the religious and social heart of Kathmandu's old city. Built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient kings o…

Swayambhunath Stupa photo

Swayambhunath Stupa

Colourful fluttering prayer flags adorns the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhu Stupa. It crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the …

Royal Chitwan National Park photo

Royal Chitwan National Park

Of the 14 national parks and reserves in Nepal, the Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest and most popular safari destination for visitors. Situated in the subtropical Tarai lo…

Bhaktapur photo

Bhaktapur

Also known as the City of Devotees, Bhaktapur lies just 22 miles (35km) east of Kathmandu. The wealth of fabulous architectural showpieces, soaring pagodas, richly ornamented house…

Patan photo

Patan

Officially called Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Patan is one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its fine crafts, evid…

Pashupatinath Temple photo

Pashupatinath Temple

One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pashupatinath is one of the major temples devoted to Lord Shiva on the Indian subcontinent. It …

Boudhanath Stupa photo

Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is the largest in the Kathmandu Valley, standing about 131 feet (40m) tall. It's one of the biggest and most important Buddhist stupas in the world. The all-se…

Changu Narayan Temple photo

Changu Narayan Temple

Dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu, Changu Narayan Temple sits on a ridge overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Believed to be 1,600 years old, it's one of the oldest and most impressiv…

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