10 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Valley: A Historical and Cultural Gem in Nepal

Kathmandu Valley, lying in the center of Nepal, the capital city , has a rich history; it is believed that in pre-historic times, it was a huge lake that was drained by Manjushree, a Buddhist saint, to make a path for human settlement and later on, people started farming and building houses. 

Kathmandu itself is UNESCO World Heritage Site which is famous for its cultural diversity, ancient arts and architecture, and holy spiritual significance, luring the travelers from all over the world.

The famous Kathmandu Durbar Square, the holy Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and the buzzing Thamel area are among the most visited places in Kathmandu. Besides, Patan, Bhaktapur and Changunaryan are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu Valley.

The Kathmandu valley is nestled among lush green hills all round like Chandragiri, Shivapuri, Nagarjung and Nagarkot, containing fertile plains with terraced fields and rivers like Bagmati and Bishnumati at an altitude of approximately 1,400 meters above sea level. 

Presently, Kathmandu Valley represents a bustling metropolis that blends modern facilities with its historic charm and spiritual atmosphere.

Read our other Blog Posts Related to 10 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu

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2. Ten Best Winter Treks in Nepal

3. Top 5 Winter Treks in Nepal

4. 5 Best Day Hiking Around Kathmandu

5. Best Beginners' Treks in Nepal

6. Best Morning Walk Destinations near Thamel 

The accommodation in Kathmandu Valley ranges from five-star hotels like Hyatt Regency, Radisson and Dwarika's Hotel to low-budget guesthouses in Thamel.

Each of the above hotel and restaurants represents a fair number that give varied cuisine, with typical Newari dishes, momos, dal bhat, and international options available at almost every other food outlet or street stall. However, the local foods in the street are recommend for the visitors that they may cause tommy problems. 

Public transport in Kathmandu comes in the form of buses, taxis, and motorbikes plying the roads, with ride-sharing services like Pathao and In-Drive for convenience.

The Kathmandu valley has over 4.5 million people from different ethnic backgrounds, such as Newars, Tamangs, and Chettris.

Short hikes around Kathmandu include sunrise views at Nagarkot, Champadevi Hill for its panoramic views, Chandragiri Hiill Hiking, Nagarjun Hill Hiking and the Shivapuri National Park trek.

Day tours around Kathmandu valley include exploration of Bhaktapur, Patan Durbar Square, Budhanilkatha and the ancient town of Kirtipur for glimpses of history and culture.

Among them, visitors can feast their eyes on the centuries-old temples, monasteries, woodand copper carvings, and festivals and fairs that happen throughout the year in Kathmandu.

Actully, Kathmandu valley is considered as live museum itself by the international travelers. Spending a coupel of days, at least, to a week in Kathmandu valley and nearby will be a magnificent experience while travelling in Nepal.

10 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu 

Kathmandu Valley represents a UNESCO World Heritage site with breathtaking cultural, historical, and natural landmarks. The following are the top ten places to visit in Kathmandu.

Swayambhunath Stupa, or the Monkey Temple, sits atop a hill, offering great views of the valley below; it is considered one of the oldest Buddhist shrines and thus attracts pilgrims and monkeys alike…..HEEEE….Monkeys as well? Yes……hundreds of monkeys…jumping and swimming in the pool….

Pashupatinath Temple is a very sacred Hindu site, where several devotees and sadhus come, especially on Maha Shivaratri, and follow ancient rituals along the Bagmati River.

Boudhanath Stupa stands as one of the largest stupas in the world, exuding peace as Buddhist monks and visitors circumambulate its white dome, spinning prayer wheels. The Thanka Schools, restaurants and souvenirs shop all round make Bouddhanath Stupa more fascinating. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square presents medieval architecture that includes the Kumari Ghar, residence of the living goddess, who makes very rare public appearances that tourists can behold. While beholding Kumari, they feel that they are blessed from heaven. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square enslaves every visitor with its Nyatapola Temple, pottery square, and Newari customs preserved in time.

Patan Durbar Square boasts the magnificent Krishna Mandir and the Patan Museum, which stands as proof of the ancient arts and skills.

The Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest Hindu shrine of the Kathmandu valley, is home to some of the finest wood and stone carvings of the 4th century.

Nagarkot is a quiet hill retreat that facilitates the awesome Himalayas views-starting from Mount Everest to Dhaulagiri at sunrise to sunset.

Thamel has all ways of souvenirs, cuisine delights, and nocturnal revelry- a real tourist hub filled with vivacity.

The Traditional Ason Bazaar:  The Traditional Ason Bazaar in Kathmandu is a busy marketplace full of historical and cultural heritage, full of bustling energy with trade routes considered centuries-old. Local life hovers around this market, which is an amalgamation of spices, fresh vegetables, traditional Nepali wares, and intricately crafted items against the backdrop of stunning Newari architecture and ancient temples.

Now let’s discuss about 10 best places to visit in Kathmandu one by one. 

1.Swayambhunath Stupa

The Monkey Temple, or Swayambhunath Stupa, is probably the most iconic landmark of Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. According to mythology, this place was created out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of a lake once covering Kathmandu Valley as a sign of enlightenment.  Visiting Swyombhunath Stupa is a significant part of Day Tour to World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu.

The main highlights of Swyombhunath stupa are the white dome and the gilded spire with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. A complex web of prayer wheels, colored flags, and other mini-shrines and statues add to the fascination of the main structure.

Swyombhunath  is a sacred site that provides panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the faraway peaks of the Himalayas including Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, especially during clear mornings and evenings. Locals come to walk around it for exercise, enjoying the serene atmosphere of the surroundings in the morning and in the evenings.

Visitors should walk clockwise around the Swyombhunath stupa, spinning prayer wheels and maintaining silence to respect the spiritual ambiance. Feeding the monkeys or engaging with them is not advisable since they can get aggressive.

There is a holy Ajima Temple where people take their children to cure with special offerings to the temple. 

The holy pond at the bottom where parking is located, can offer you an opportunity of testing your luck by throwing the coin. You can see monkeys enjoying swimming in the ponds located in the premises of Stupa during the summer days.

Precautions while visiting Swyombhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple include securing personal belongings from mischievous monkeys and being cautious on the steep stairs leading up to the stupa. The best times of the day to visit are early morning and evening, as it is quiet and the views across the valley and surrounding mountains are spectacular.

Entry ticket for Swyombhunath Stupa can be bought at the entrance by paying Rs. 400. 

2. Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a very famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its history goes back at least to the 5th century, where legends say that it originated from a divine, self-manifested Shiva Lingam discovered by a cowherd.

This temple, enlisted in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, is an architectural marvel with its two-tiered golden roof, silver-plated doors, and intricate wood carvings. It lies on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, considered holy in Hinduism, and features ghats (riverbanks) used for ritualistic purposes and cremations.

Pashupatinath is the focal point of pilgrims and tourists for its spiritual environment, the possibility of observing daily rituals, and the chance to observe the ascetics, sadhus, and yogis that come together, especially in Maha Shivaratri. Shivaratri falls every year in the month of February or March and is joyously celebrated with pomp including prayers, offerings, and cultural performances.

Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the Pashupatinath temple. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the main temple and can only wander around the premises or watch rituals from the outside. Photography of cremation ceremonies can be taken; one should always be on guard against cunning monkeys here as well like in Swyombhunath Stupa.

The entrance fee for foreigners in Pashupatinath Temple is NPR 1,000, which can be purchased at the main entrance gate. Visitors should remain respectful, avoid littering, and prepare for a deeply spiritual and cultural experience.

3. Boudhanath Stupa

Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, Bouddhanath Stupa is said to be the largest stupa in the world, besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site Tour in Kathmandu Valley.

It is believed that the Bouddhanath stupa was built in the 14th century by Licchavi King Sivadeva and renovated in the 15th century after the earthquake destroyed it.

The great white dome of the stupa and the all-seeing Buddha eyes on the gilded spire signify wisdom and compassion.

The place is considered a pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists and attracts tourists through its calm atmosphere and spiritual aura.

Tourists visiting the place should walk in a clockwise direction, spin the wheel of prayer, and respect the culture of the locals.

One must not climb the stupa themselves, nor be overly loud or boisterous while moving around it.

One is expected to dress decently with shoulders and knees hidden to keep this place respectable if it is possible for you. But, it is not mandatory at all.

Visitors should be wary of pickpockets in the area and should not feed the stray dogs or monkeys, who can be aggressive.

Buddha Jayanti - On the full moon of Baisakh month, which usually fallsn April or May, prayers, rituals, and offerings of butter lamps mark the birthday celebrations of Buddha in Bouddhanath Stupa . Admission Fee: For foreign nationals to enter into Bouddhanath Stupa, the entrance fee is NPR 400, and tickets are available at the main entry gate.

4. Kathmandu Durbar Square 

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, situated in the heart of Kathmandu in Nepal. It includes a historic complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that initially originated during the time of the Licchavi period, 4th-8th century, and was further expanded by the then Malla kings during the 12th to 18th century, hence being an architectural and cultural masterpiece.

The Kathmandu Durbar square is known for its ancient palaces, which include Hanuman Dhoka, one that used to serve as a royal residence, and the patios now used as museums displaying the history of Nepal. One gets to see the Kumari Ghar, the house of the Living Goddess Kumari, besides other temples like the Taleju Bhawani Temple and Bhairab Temple, which are famous for their intricate woodwork and religious significance.

The two great attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square  are the huge bell, locally called Basantapur Bell, and the statue of Kal Bhairab. It is a place of action, especially during Navaratri and Astami during Dashain celebrated in either September or October with great rituals and animal sacrifices at the Taleju Temple.

Dress modestly-shoulders and knees to be covered-as a rule if posible, as this is a holy place; do not eat or smoke in the area. Photography may be restricted in some areas, like Kumari Ghar. Read all the instructions properly. 

People should not disturb the monkeys if they see there, let alone stray dogs, as they might become aggressive. Do not tourch the things put in the museum. The entrance fee is NPR 1000 for foreigners and NPR 150 for SAARC nationals, which is provided at the ticket counters at the square's entry points.

Precautions include comfortable shoes, water, and caution against pickpocketing. Respect religious and cultural sensitivity to make this visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square a worthwhile experience.

5. Bhaktapur Durbar Square 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur, Nepal, is one of the important UNESCO World Heritage Sites that epitomizes the rich cultural and architectural history of the ancient Newar kingdom established in the 12th century during the reign of King Anand Dev Malla, which blossomed as a royal palace complex of the then Malla kings till the 18th century.

Other major attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the 55-Window Palace, which exhibits excellence in wood carving; the Golden Gate, an intricately decorated gateway to the courtyard inside the royal house; and Nyatapola Temple, a pagoda that contains five tiers and is Nepal's tallest temple. Equally important features are the Vatsala Temple, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square, a hub displaying artisans engaged in age-old pottery.

Tourists are supposed to be modestly dressed out of respect for the culture, not showing too much. Photos may be restricted in some areas around the square, such as temples, and any visitor is not allowed to climb or touch a sacred structure and the objects kept in the museums. Comfortable shoes are recommended because of touring on uneven cobblestone streets.

Events like the Bisket Jatra, celebrated in mid-April, make Bhaktapur Durbar Square become a festival site with chariot processions and cultural dances. Foreigners pay an entrance fee of NPR 1500, and tickets are available at the main gates leading to the square.

Visitors can indulge in Bhaktapur's specialty dishes, including "Juju Dhau," or king curd, which is a very creamy yogurt found only in this city. Bara and coffee are very popular in Bhaktapur.

6. Patan Durbar Square 

Patan Durbar Square is one of the major UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which is located in Lalitpur, Nepal. The place is famous for its beautiful Newari architecture, wood carvings, and other rich history. It originated during the third century when the Kirat Dynasty ruled and developed during the Malla era, particularly in the 17th century, when it became a hub of art, culture, and religion.

The visitors can see the Krishna Mandir, a stone temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, and the Patan Museum in the ancient royal palace that displays artifacts of Nepal's history. The Patan Durbar square boasts an impressive woodwork, especially in the Golden Temple and Vishwanath Temple, with finely carved doors and windows, exemplifying Newari craftsmanship.

Dress modestly while visiting, especially when entering temples; avoid revealing clothes. Photography is allowed but with respect, especially in religious areas. Smoking and littering are not allowed, and visitors should not touch sacred artifacts or interfere with any ceremonies.

During Krishna Janmashtami in August, the square fills up with thousands, praying and worshiping in Patan Durbar Square. Sweet steamed dumplings called yomari and Newari samay baji are food items one must try here while visiting Patan Durbar Square. You can find several authentic Newari restaurants for offering these items of foods nearby Patan Durbar Square.

Entrance fees for foreigners are NPR 1,000, which one has to pay at specific ticket counters. One should carry cash in their pocket, wear comfortable shoes, and keep an eye on pickpocketing while visiting this cultural treasury of Patan.

7. The Changu Narayan Temple

The Changunarayan Temple in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, is one of the oldest Hindu temples in operation. It originated in the 4th century during the Licchavi dynasty and is very important in history to this date. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it consists of a World Heritage Site selected by UNESCO and is exceptional in its craft and historical import. This is the embodiment of ancient Nepali architecture, adorned by intricate wood carvings, stone inscriptions, and pagoda-style roofs.

Changunarayan Temple has its most distinctive feature: its wood architecture, especially in carvings on the doors and windows with the depiction of Hindu gods and goddesses along with their mythological stories. Also not to be missed is the courtyard of the temple with sacred idols and statues and beautiful surroundings covered with tranquil gardens.

Visitors should dress decently; covering their shoulders to knees for modesty reasons is expected but not mandatory. Photography is allowed, but may not be allowed not within the main temple premises. Read the instrictuons proeperly before making the photographs. It is not advisable to make noise or cause disturbance inside.

During special celebrations like the Vishnu Jayanti festival, usually falling in April or May, one can see jostling processions and associated rituals in this temple. The nearby surroundings have a good number of places to go around: erstwhile historical palaces and museums in Bhaktapur.

Special local delicacies one can try here in Changunarayan Area are the Newari food in Chhoela and Momo. Entrance Fee: The entrance fee for the Changunarayan Temple is NPR 150 for foreigners, and tickets are available at the temple entrance.

8. Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a panoramic hill resort, which is located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It stands at an elevation of 2,195 meters (7,201 feet) above sea level, with stunning panoptic Himalayan scenery comprising Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Langtang Lirung (7,227 meters), and Ganesh Himal (7,406 meters). Basically, Nagarkot is renowned for its sunrises and sunsets, viewed by many nature lovers and photographers, escpeially bird lovers.

Historically, Nagarkot was a retreat for kings during the rule of Malla and started developing as a tourist destination in the 1950s. It has since grown into a sought-after getaway from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

The drive to Nagarkot from Kathmandu is about 1.5 to 2 hours through a very scenic route; alternatively, visitors can hike there. The road to Nagarkot is well-paved, and taxis or private vehicles are widely available. Even local buses operate, but it will take longer and be less comfortable.

Changunarayan-Nagarkot Hiking and Chisapani-Nagarkot Hiking are two popular day hiking to Nagarkot from Kathmandu.

Accommodations in Nagarkot range from guesthouses to luxury resorts with great views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy dal bhat, or lentil soup with rice, momo, a type of dumpling, and sel roti, a rice doughnut.

Nagarkot offers a short trek, cycling, and cultural exploration nearby villages like Dhulikhel, Jaharsinghpouwa and Banepa.

 The entrance to the viewpoint area in Nagarkot is not charged, its free of cost, anyone can go there and make the pictures and videos. The Nagarkot viewpoint can be availed from the local authorities or hotels nearby. 

Major attractions in Nagarkot are the Nagarkot View Tower, an outstanding panoramic viewpoint, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changunarayan Temple on the way,  rich in historical and cultural heritage.

Visitors must avoid littering and respect the local culture while trekking or exploring Nagarkot . Carrying water and snacks is also necessary during a hike to remote spots.

9. Thamel

Thamel is one of the most dynamic, lively areas in the heart of Kathmandu and has become the main tourist area of the city. It started as a traditional area with narrow streets and local markets but grew into a busy district for international travelers since the 1960s. Its history goes back to the early days of the Newar culture, but it became a focal point for travelers after the opening of Nepal to the outside world.

Visitors come to Thamel because of its vivid atmosphere, brightly colored shops, and diversified food establishments. It is the perfect base for travelers going to the Himalayas, with a range of accommodation from low-budget hostels to super-de-luxe hotels. Furthermore, Thamel is only a 20-minute drive from Tribhuvan International Airport, making it easily accessible to all kinds of travelers.

It has many places to eat in Thamel where one can eat food right from Nepali cuisine to international foods, among the local food; Dal Bhat and momo are foods that one shouldn't miss; yak cheese-based dishes are very different. The global favorite cafes and restaurants are located in plenty: from OR2K to The Yak Restaurant, Northfield Cafe and the likes, Fire and Ice Pizza.

Most range in accommodation from star hotels to basic guesthouses and include places such as Hotel Yak and Yeti or The Kathmandu Guest House, Ramada Encore,  which give service that is truly great; a great number of places to relax at like spas.

The nightlife of Thamel is vibrant, filled with clubs and bars such as the Purple Haze and the Old Pali Pub. A major highlight of the place is shopping for souvenirs in Tibetan jewelry, handicrafts, and art. Tattoo parlors line up, offering a number of places where one can get themselves custom-designed tattoos.

Though quite safe, Thamel requires one to be conscious of his or her luggage, especially when in crowded places. Haggling over prices is common; therefore, it will not be out of place to haggle at markets. Beware of being overcharged, especially at tourist hot spots. It is also unadvisable to take late-night walks.

In short, Thamel provides a variety of activities and experiences, from cultural sites to delicious food to vibrant nightlife. It is the most important place to visit for those coming to Kathmandu, where one can feel the blend of tradition and modernity.

10. The Traditional Ason Bazaar

Ason Bazaar, one of the oldest and busiest marketplaces in Kathmandu, traces its origin back to medieval times-the 12th century-where it used to be a center for traders. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Ason has always been an important point for merchants to exchange goods, retaining its traditional vibe while blending with modern-day commerce. Its significance as a cultural and historical landmark makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking a glimpse into the past. 

Do you one key fact about Thamel? There would be a huge hasish (weed) market in the 18th century and even the international travelers seek the shops in Ason who sell hashish to them. But, it’s illegal to sell and carry weed in Nepal.  

Ason Bazaar is accessible from Tribhuvan International Airport, and it takes only a 20-minute drive to get there. The famous tourist area, Thamel, is just a short 10-minute walk away from Ason. Ason is pretty much accessible for both locals and international visitors. The market is a lively combination of local and international goods, which gives one the pulse of the everyday life of Kathmandu.

No visitor will miss exploring the narrow alleys of Ason Bazaar, lined with shops selling everything from spices and textiles to incense and traditional Newari food. This is a great place to shop for souvenirs like handcrafted jewelry and vibrant fabrics. The revered Goddess Ason Temple and the famous Annapurna Temple are pretty close, hence one can easily visit these temples to give the busy atmosphere here a spiritual touch.

Being in Ason, one should never forget that the market is highly crowded and hence, pickpocketing can never be ruled out. Haggling is common, but respect local customs when trying to drive down prices. The tourists should not be loud and disturb the serenity of the temples.

The food items offered in Ason are a foodie's dream come true, especially delicacies such as momo and sel roti that are quite famous among the locals and tourists. Ason is also noted for its spices, which are visually stimulating.

Ason Bazaar is a place where visitors can look for the traditional Newar culture to glimpse daily life that incorporates old and new. From shopping and eating to just wandering its colorful streets, Ason remains one of those unforgettable destinations in Kathmandu.

 Final Words 

Kathmandu Valley is a treasure trove of cultural and historical wonders. Housing seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyombhunath Stupa, Patan, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Bhaktapur and Changunarayan, Kathmandu Valley promises to amaze your imagination with the rich tapestry of Nepal's rich heritage through these ancient temples, stupas, and palaces; hence, worth seeing by any visitor.

The heart of Kathmandu, Thamel, is full of vitality, including thriving streets filled with shops and eating houses. The area provides ample opportunities to get in touch with locals and shop for some souvenirs.

Ason Bazaar hosts narrow lanes that are always heaving with their market and creates an immersive feel of real bustle associated with Kathmandu. A place where you may well experience true local culture, everything is available, from various spices to fine textiles.

While searching for an unobtrusive getaway, Nagarkot Hill creates a tranquil backdrop with breathtaking Himalayas panoramas in contrast with the hustle and bustle going on in Kathmandu City. It will jointly set your Kathmandu journey to be memorable for the lifetime.