Kathmandu Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Top things to do in Kathmandu

The Kathmandu Valley holds an extraordinary concentration of heritage sites, several of which are grouped together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all within easy reach of the city centre.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square — Wander among palaces, pagoda-style temples and courtyards of the former royal quarter, and look out for the house of the Kumari, the living goddess.
• Swayambhunath — Climb the steps to this hilltop stupa, often called the Monkey Temple, for panoramic views over the valley.
• Boudhanath Stupa — Walk clockwise around one of the largest stupas in the world, the heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture in Nepal, surrounded by monasteries and cafes.
• Pashupatinath Temple — Visit this sacred Hindu temple complex on the Bagmati River; entry to the main temple is reserved for Hindus, but the riverside ghats and surroundings are open to visitors.
• Patan Durbar Square — Explore the neighbouring city of Lalitpur, renowned for its fine Newar architecture, metalwork and excellent museum.
• Bhaktapur — Take a trip to this beautifully preserved medieval town, famous for its squares, pottery and traditional yoghurt.
• Garden of Dreams — Relax in this restored neoclassical garden, a peaceful escape on the edge of busy Thamel.

Best time to visit Kathmandu

The best time to visit Kathmandu is in autumn, from October to November, when skies are usually clear, the air is fresh after the monsoon and mountain views are at their best. Spring, from March to April, is the second peak season, with warm days and rhododendrons in bloom in the surrounding hills, although haze can reduce visibility.

The monsoon, roughly June to September, brings frequent rain, humidity and occasional disruption to road travel and mountain flights, though the valley is lush and green. Winter (December to February) has sunny, pleasant days but cold mornings and nights, as the city sits at around 1,400 metres above sea level.

Kathmandu’s festival calendar is rich. Dashain and Tihar, Nepal’s biggest festivals, usually fall in September to November and bring family gatherings, decorations and lights. Indra Jatra fills Durbar Square with processions and masked dances, and Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated in spring. Festival dates follow the lunar calendar and change every year.

Getting from the airport

Tribhuvan International Airport is conveniently close to the city, around 5 to 6 km east of Thamel and central Kathmandu. The international and domestic terminals are separate buildings a short distance apart.

• Prepaid taxis — Taxi counters inside the arrivals hall offer fixed-price rides. The journey to Thamel, Durbar Square or Patan usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Ride-hailing apps — Available in the Kathmandu Valley and increasingly popular, with pick-ups just outside the terminal area.
• Hotel transfers — Many hotels and guesthouses offer free or pre-arranged pick-ups; staff usually wait with a name sign outside arrivals.
• Boudhanath — Staying near Boudha is especially convenient, as it is only around 15 to 20 minutes from the airport by road.

Roads in the valley can be congested and dusty, especially at peak hours, so allow extra time when heading back to the airport for departures.

Where to stay

Kathmandu offers everything from simple guesthouses to heritage hotels. Where you stay shapes your experience, from the lively backpacker streets to quiet, spiritual neighbourhoods.

• Thamel — The busy traveller hub, full of guesthouses, restaurants, trekking shops and nightlife; ideal for first-time visitors and trekkers.
• Lazimpat — Quieter and close to Thamel, with embassies, upscale hotels and good restaurants, suited to business travellers and families.
• Boudha — A peaceful base near the great stupa, perfect for those interested in Buddhist culture, meditation and early morning walks.
• Patan (Lalitpur) — Charming and less hectic, with heritage guesthouses, cafes and craft workshops close to Patan Durbar Square.
• Bhaktapur — Staying overnight lets you enjoy the old town in the calm of early morning and evening, after day-trippers leave.

Travel tips

• Getting around — Walking is the best way to explore the old centres. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are handy for longer trips; agree the fare before setting off if the taxi is unmetered.
• Payment — Nepal is largely a cash economy outside hotels and larger restaurants. Carry rupees for markets, temple entrance fees and taxis. ATMs are widespread in Thamel and central areas.
• Tipping — Around 10% is appreciated in restaurants that do not add a service charge, and tipping trekking guides and porters is customary.
• Etiquette — Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels, remove shoes before entering temples and homes, dress modestly and ask before photographing people or ceremonies. The traditional greeting is “Namaste” with palms pressed together.
• Health and comfort — Drink bottled or purified water, and consider a mask on dusty days. If trekking to high altitude afterwards, allow time to acclimatise and check your travel insurance covers it.
• Entry requirements — Rules vary by nationality. Check before you travel.