Travel Guide of Kathmandu in Nepal by Influencers and Travelers

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, with a population of around 2.5 million. Also known as the city of temples, with one of the oldest pagoda design, known with Pashupatinath Temple, the city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres above sea level in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley in central Nepal.

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Kathmandu

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is situated at the centre of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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2 - Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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3 - Trekking | Kathmandu

Embark on a guided trek to the Langtang Valley and Tserko Ri viewpoint. Explore the charming villages, lush forests, and enchanting Langtang region.

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4 - Katmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, with a population of around 1 million. Present as a valley below mesmerizing hills of Shiva Puri Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu is also, economically, the most developed city in Nepal.

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5 - Lalitpur

   6 km away

Lalitpur Metropolitan City, historically Patan, is the third largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara and it is located in the south-central part of Kathmandu Valley which is a new metropolitan city of Nepal. Lalitpur is also known as Manigal.

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6 - Hiking | Kathmandu

Shivapuri National Park hiking is a perfect one day trip near Kathmandu to experience the Manaslu, Ganesh & Langtang Himalayan range as well as enjoy panoramic view of nature around Kathmandu valley.

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7 - Thamel

Thamel is a commercial neighborhood located in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Thamel has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathmandu for over four decades, starting from the hippie days when many artists came to Nepal and spent weeks in Thamel.

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8 - Hiranya Varna Mahavihar

Hiraṇyavarṇa Mahāvihāra, also Kwa Baha: informally called The Golden Temple with literal meaning "Gold-colored Great Monastery" is a historical vihara situated in Patan, Nepal. It is known locally as the "Golden Temple" and it is famous for feeding rats.

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9 - Sightseeing | Kathmandu

Immerse yourself in the local way of life with a homestay in Bandipur and Panauti. Explore the ancient town of Panauti, known for its rich Newari culture.

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10 - Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is a famous and sacred Hindu temple complex that is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, approximately 5 km north-east of Kathmandu in the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley, the capital of Nepal.

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11 - Amadablam Expedition

Taboche is a mountain in the Khumbu region of the Nepalese Himalaya. Taboche is connected to Cholatse by a long ridge. Taboche lies directly across the Imja River from Ama Dablam and above the villages of Pheriche and Dingboche.

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12 - Kàtmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, with a population of around 1 million. Also known as the city of temples, the city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres above sea level in the bowl-shaped Kathmandu valley in central Nepal.

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13 - Kirtipur

   8 km away

Kirtipur is a Municipality and an ancient city of Nepal. The Newars are the natives of Kipoo that is believed to be derived from Kirati King Yalamber. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley 5 km south-west of the city of Kathmandu.

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14 - Bhaktapur Durbar Square

   11 km away

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is the royal palace of the old Bhaktapur Kingdom, 1,400 metres above sea level. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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15 - Chandragiri

   11 km away
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16 - Nyatapola Temple

   12 km away

Nyatapola Temple is a 5-storeyed Hindu temple. Meaning is Five Storeys Roofed Temple. Pagoda Style temple located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. The temple was erected by Nepali King Bhupatindra Malla during a 7-month period from late 1702 to 1703. It is the temple of Siddhi Lakshmi, the Tantric Lakshmi who bestows auspiciousness.

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17 - Bhaktapur

   12 km away

Bhaktapur, also known as Khwopa, also known as the city of the temples, is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal about 8 miles from the capital city, Kathmandu.

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18 - Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park

   12 km away
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19 - Chitlang

   16 km away

Chitlang is a village located in Thaha Municipality of Makwanpur District, Bagmati Pradesh, Nepal.

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20 - Nagarkot

   18 km away

Nagarkot is a former Village Development Committee located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur District in Bagmati Pradesh and as of 2015 part of Nagarkot Municipality.

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21 - Langtang National Park

   37 km away

Langtang National Park was established in 1976 as Nepal's first Himalayan national park and the country's fourth protected area.

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22 - Gosaikunda

   42 km away

Gosaikunda is a rural municipality located in Rasuwa District of Bagmati Pradesh in Nepal. Rasuwa district is divided into five rural municipality and Gosaikunda is one of them. It is located near the border of Tibet-China on Himalayan range.

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23 - Dhading

   44 km away

Dhading Besi is the district headquarter of the Dhading District in Nepal. The town lies in Nilkantha Municipality of Dhading. The word besi in the Nepali language means lowlands in the river basin, the reason many people settled here.

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Pictures and Stories of Kathmandu from Influencers

20 pictures of Kathmandu from Ashes Sitoula, Joshua Watson, Lucas Newton and other travelers

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Why should you visit Kathmandu ?

Travel to Kathmandu if you like:

  🏰 Temple     🏘️ Town     🐾 Wildlife     🏊 Swimming pool     🤿 Underwater     🏰 Hindu temple  

How to visit Kathmandu ?

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Traveling to this vibrant destination is a must for adventure seekers, spiritual travelers, and those seeking a unique cultural experience. From ancient temples and bustling markets to the stunning Himalayan backdrop, Kathmandu offers a mix of attractions that cater to every traveler's taste.

To reach Kathmandu, you can fly into Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), the only international airport in Nepal. There are direct flights from several major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi, pre-arranged airport transfer, or local bus to reach the city center.

Before embarking on your journey, it's wise to book some activities in advance, particularly if you plan on trekking or taking guided tours. Popular treks, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Circuit Trek, require permits that can be obtained through a trekking agency. Booking a tour to historical sites like Bhaktapur or Patan can also help you save time and ensure a more enriching experience.

The costs of traveling in Kathmandu vary depending on your preferences, but it's generally an affordable destination. Expect to pay around $20-50 per night for a mid-range hotel and up to $100 for a luxury stay. Meals at local restaurants cost around $3-10, while entrance fees for major attractions range from $1 to $15. If you plan on trekking, budget for additional costs such as permits, guides, and equipment rental.

Some of the best things to do in Kathmandu include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa. Exploring the narrow streets and bustling markets of Thamel, Kathmandu's tourist hub, is also a must. For a taste of adventure, consider taking a scenic flight over the Himalayas or embarking on a white-water rafting trip.

When it comes to dining, you can't miss sampling traditional Nepali dishes like momos (dumplings) and dal bhat (rice and lentil curry). For a delicious meal, check out OR2K, which serves Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine with vegetarian options, or Yangling Tibetan Restaurant for authentic Tibetan food. For a fine dining experience, head to Krishnarpan Restaurant at Dwarika's Hotel, which offers a multi-course Nepali feast.

For accommodation, consider staying at the charming Kantipur Temple House, a traditional Newari-style boutique hotel, or the luxurious Dwarika's Hotel, which showcases Nepal's architectural and cultural heritage. For budget travelers, Alobar1000 Hostel offers a comfortable stay in a lively atmosphere.

Off the beaten path:

For an unusual travel experience, venture to the outskirts of Kathmandu and visit the Kirtipur, an ancient Newari town that is often overlooked by tourists. Here, you can explore well-preserved traditional architecture and enjoy a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. While in Kirtipur, don't miss the chance to dine at the Newa Lahana restaurant, where you can savor traditional Newari cuisine in a charming, authentic setting.

Learn More about Kathmandu

Located at 1 350 m of altitude, at the confluence of Bagmati and Vishnumati rivers, the city of Kathmandu is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Its name means "wooden temple" in Sanskrit. It was one of the ancient Newar royal capitals of the three kingdoms of the valley. Stroll through its old quarters, the monumental center of Durbar Square or the temple of Taleju.

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is situated in a valley surrounded by the Himalayas. At the heart of the labyrinthine lanes of the old city is the huge Durbar Square, which is crowded during the Indra Jatra religious festival of masked dances. Many of the city's historic sites were damaged or destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. The Durbar Square Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kasthamandap, a wooden Hindu temple, are being rebuilt.

The city stands at an altitude of 1,350 metres at the confluence of two rivers: the Bagmati and the Bishnumati. It is surrounded by a ring of medium-sized mountains (up to 3,000 metres) in the foothills of the Himalayas, which is why it is known as the Kathmandu Valley (administratively known as the Bagmati area, "Bagmati anchal"), which also includes Patan and Bhaktapur and is populated by about 1.5 million people.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Kathmandu

Is Kathmandu safe ?

Kathmandu is safe to visit, and it's known for extremely friendly people and hospitality towards tourists and visitors. It is no stranger to tourists, is extremely friendly to visitors, and is very well organized for traveling around.

Is Kathmandu beautiful ?

Kathmandu is as fascinating as it is frantic; as charming as it is chaotic. A melting pot of culture, history and religion, its exotic atmosphere is unique and not easily forgotten. Lose yourself within the streets of this incredible bustling city and, if you can, give it more than a two-day pass.

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