Kathmandu the capital city of Nepal, is full of temples, ancient culture and bazaars. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, this unique city is the first stop for travellers on their way to hike and climb mountains like Everest, Manaslu and Annapurna.
The streets of Thamel are vibrant and full of life and perfect for adventurers and those who love travelling off the beaten path and somewhere a little bit different.
I visited Kathmandu for 5 full days in September 2024 and it’s one of my favourite places I’ve visited in my life. I can’t wait to go back.
Here are 10 of the best things to see and do in Kathmandu!
1. SWAYAMBHUNATH TEMPLE (Monkey Temple)
Located on a hill overlooking Kathmandu, Swayambhunath, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Buddhist stupa is surrounded by trees, shrines, monasteries, cafes, souvenir shops and home to many monkeys. It’s one of the oldest Stupas of its kind and is important on a Buddhist Pilgrimage.
I walked here from Thamel, left around 6:30am and it took about 40-45 minutes as I went down the back roads and not the busy main road. I felt very safe as a solo female traveller doing this. When you arrive, you need to climb up 365 steps to reach the top.
It started raining when I was up the top at the Stupa so I went to Mhendo Cafe that had a gorgeous view over the Stupa and had a juice while I waited for the rain to stop.
2. PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
As one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world, Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. Located along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a religious hub but also a place of cultural significance. Witness the spiritual rituals, cremation ceremonies, and vibrant festivals that bring the temple to life. You’ll also definitely see some (fake?) Sadhus around the Temple too!
3. BOUDHA STUPA
The incredible Boudha Stupa is one of the largest in the world and a center of Tibetan Buddhism. Located only a 30 minute walk from Pashupatinath Temple, the giant white dome and gold spire has a great feeling of serenity. Buddhist pilgrims, monks, nuns and locals walk clockwise around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and saying mantras. Peedee Beans Coffee is a wonderful restaurant with vegan friendly options that have one of the best views of the stupa.
4. WALK UP TO KOPAN MONASTERY
A 45 minute walk up a hill from Boudha Stupa is the tranquil Kopan Buddhist Monastery. This monastery is a retreat center offering courses on Buddhism and meditation. Even if you’re not attending a course, the peaceful environment and breathtaking views make it a worthwhile visit.
5. KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
In the heart of Thamel, lies Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical and cultural center filled with ancient temples, courtyards and palaces. Once the residence of Nepalese royalty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site displays intricate Newari architecture and traditional craftsmanship. A once in a lifetime experience is visiting the Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess of Kathmandu. Hopefully you might get the chance to see her from the window! Here’s a step by step guide on How to get a multi entry visitor pass to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
6. PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Just a short taxi ride from central Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square is another site of Newari heritage that is known for its beautiful wood and stone carvings. The Patan Museum is very educational and gives a comprehensive insight into Nepalese history, art and culture. Don’t forget to look out the windows on the top level of the museum to see a beautiful view over the square.
7. BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Venture a bit further to Bhaktapur, a city frozen in time, where every corner tells a story of ancient Nepal. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a sprawling complex of temples, courtyards, and traditional houses. Don’t miss the intricately carved 55 Window Palace, the towering Nyatapola Temple, and the bustling pottery square where artisans create beautiful works of art. Read this article on How to get the public bus from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur
8. WANDER AROUND ASAN BAZAAR EARLY IN THE MORNING
Start your day with a visit to Asan Bazaar, a traditional market at the heart of Kathmandu. If you stay in Thamel, wake up early and walk the small streets to get here. At 6:30am it was already very busy. I found walking around early in Thamel very safe to do as a solo female traveller. At the bazaar they sell everything from fresh produce and spices to traditional textiles and kitchenware. It’s a really authentic way to get a feel of daily life in Kathmandu.
9. SHOP AT PILGRIMS BOOK HOUSE FOR SOUVENIRS
This famous shop is located in Thamel and has been around since the early 1980’s. It has 3 floors packed full of interesting books, souvenirs and ancient traditional artifacts. It has fixed prices so is a good place for travellers to go if you’re anxious about bargaining.
10. EAT DELICIOUS NEPALI FOOD
You can’t visit Kathmandu without trying traditional food from Nepal such as Momo and Dal Bhat. There are even Vegan Friendly Food options all around! Loving Heart had my favourite vegan Kothe Momo’s and Ace Himalayan Cafe had a delicious vegan Dal Bhat.
