Located within the majestic Himalayas, Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, offers a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern allure. This bustling metropolis is a melting pot of cultures, where ancient temples stand alongside bustling markets and trendy cafes. Kathmandu's tourism thrives on its rich history, with iconic landmarks like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durbar Square and the sacred Swayambhunath Stupa drawing visitors from across the globe. A Kathmandu travel guide would navigate through the narrow alleyways of the old city, where aromas of spices mingle with the sound of temple bells, ensuring an immersive experience in this enchanting destination.
How to reach Kathmandu?
- By air: Tribhuvan International Airport is the only international airport in Nepal, located 4.08 km away from Kathmandu. IndiGo operates daily, non-stop flights to Kathmandu.
- By bus: You can reach Kathmandu from India by bus as well, from either Varanasi or Gorakhpur to the Nepalese Border, Sunauli. And then travelling by local bus to Kathmandu. There is also a new bus service from New Delhi to Kathmandu, that takes about 30 hours.
- Getting around/local transport in Kathmandu: Local city buses, taxis and rental cars are the most common modes of transportation to travel in the city.
Places to visit
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The Durbar Square complex
The Durbar Square complex in Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic palaces, temples, and rich culture.
Exploration time: 2 - 4 hours%20Large.jpeg)
Swayambhunath Stupa
Exploration time: 1 - 2 hours
Boudhanath Stupa
Exploration time: 1 - 2 hours
Thamel District
Exploration time: : 2 - 4 hours
Pashupatinath Temple
Exploration time: 1 - 2 hoursPlaces to eat
Kathmandu boasts diverse culinary delights, from traditional Nepali cuisine at local eateries to international flavours in trendy cafes.
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Thamel House, Thamel
A Traditional Newari-style restaurant that serves impeccable food, especially veg and non-veg thalis and raksi (Nepali rice wine).
Popular dishes: Momos, dal bhat, Newari delicacies, and flavorful curries
Kaiser Café, Thamel
An atmospheric dining venue set within the historic Garden of Dreams (entry Rs.200) with excellent Continental cuisine.
Popular dishes: Momos, thukpa, yak cheese sandwiches, traditional Nepali thalis, and freshly brewed coffee.
Krishnarpan, Dwarika’s Hotel
A slow dining experience like the ritual feasts of the Newari community, this traditional fine-dine serves meals ranging from six to twenty-two courses on conventional brass and earthenware.
Popular dishes: Momo, dal bhat, and sel roti.
Mustang Thakali By State III
Simple Nepali eatery serving great momos, fried rice and daal bhat. A traditional sit-down section on low stools rounds out the experience.
Popular dishes: Dhido, buckwheat pancakes, and mutton curry.
Kathmandu Steak House, Thamel
If you are a meat lover, there’s no better place for steaks in Kathmandu than this! Ask for the mustard or garlic steak, served medium-rare, accompanied with steamed vegetables and fries.
Popular dishes: Grilled steaks, juicy burgers, flavorful pasta, and refreshing salads.
Rosemary Kitchen & Coffee Shop, Thamel Marg
This small café off a Thamel side street allows you to dine indoors by candlelight or in the beautiful quiet garden.
Popular dishes: Homemade fresh baked ravioli, rosemary chicken and yoghurt cheesecake
Blueberry Kitchen & Coffee Shop, Thamel
A great fusion restaurant serving Continental and Nepali fare, you can try some of the local dishes as well as some Chinese and Thai dishes.
Popular dishes: Momos, local pancakes, Nepali organic coffee, and refreshing smoothies.
The Old House, Durbar Marg
Franco-Nepali fusion food is served in a 200-year-old home with a serene courtyard and vertical garden. There are a variety of dishes from main course meals to snacks.
Popular dishes: Nepali spicy chicken, sandwiches, pork skewers, lime trout, chicken leg with olives.
Things To Do
Temple visits
Heritage excursions
Historical site
Shopping
Vibrant nightlife
Museum exploration
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. These seasons have pleasant weather, the skies are clear, and outdoor activities are enjoyable.
View MoreMost commonly spoken languages
The most commonly spoken languages in Kathmandu are Nepali, which is the official language, followed by English, and various regional languages such as Newari and Maithili.
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Shopping
Kathmandu is a shoppers’ delight with Buddha heads, colourful masks, Tibetan beads and chains, bright funky T-shirts and traditional souvenirs to take home. Posters of Mount Everest and the Annapurna Range are also popular collectables.
- Mangal Bazaar: Trawl the markets of Mangal Bazaar or hop into a Thamel store to pick up embroidered T-shirts with mandalas, Buddha eyes or ‘Yak Yak Yak,’ ‘Tintin in Tibet’ and ‘Hard Yak Café’.
- Durbar Marg: If you’re not into hippie clothes, try the more upmarket shops on Durbar Marg for western-style clothes or browse through Kathmandu Mall on New Road.
- Bhadgaon and Bhaktapur towns: The towns of Bhadgaon and Bhaktapur are famous for the Newari black cap called Bhadgaule topi or you could pick up the striped traditional Dhaka topi. Patan, one of Nepal’s ancient kingdoms is called the ‘City of Living Art’ and has several artisans selling paintings, metal sculptures, singing bowls and masks.
- Khukri House & Handicrafts: To pick up traditional Nepali curved daggers or khukris, head straight for Khukri House & Handicrafts in Patan Industrial Estate. Folk Nepal is another fair-trade handicraft shop.
- The Peacock Shop: Drop by at The Peacock Shop near the Peacock Window at Bhaktapur and pick up pottery and terracotta artefacts while exploring Thimi. At tourist hubs like Bouddha and Swayambhunath locals can be seen working on paintings, thangkas, mandalas and stone sculptures, making it an excellent place to buy directly from the artists.
Festivals
Kathmandu, the cultural heart of Nepal, hosts vibrant festivals reflecting its rich heritage. Here are the top four festivals:
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Dashain
Dashain, the biggest festival in Nepal, celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Lasting 15 days, it involves family gatherings, feasting, and rituals honouring the Hindu goddess Durga. Colourful tika (blessings) is applied, and elders give Dakshina (gifts) to younger family members, fostering unity and joyous festivities.
Tihar
Tihar, also known as Diwali in India, is a vibrant celebration in Nepal. Lasting five days, it honours various aspects of life, including animals, siblings, and prosperity. Homes are adorned with colourful lights, and rituals involving offerings, music, and dance mark this joyous occasion, fostering community spirit.
Bisket Jatra
This is a vibrant festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, Nepal, marking the Nepali New Year. It involves pulling chariots, community gatherings, and religious rituals. The highlight is the pulling of a large chariot carrying idols of gods, symbolising the triumph of good over evil in an exhilarating display of culture.
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is celebrated annually honours Indra, the Hindu god of rain and king of heaven. It features vibrant processions, masked dances, and the erection of a ceremonial pole known as "Yosin." It's a cultural extravaganza marked by music, dance, and religious rituals in Kathmandu Valley.
More reasons to visit
Kathmandu offers several great things to do and places to visit, making it a must-visit destination for travellers. One of the more reasons to visit Kathmandu is:
- Kathmandu Valley: While exploring, a map of Kathmandu will undoubtedly guide you better to find various tourist attractions. The old capitals of the Malla confederation across the Kathmandu Valley—Kantipur, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, which is also known as Patan—are charming fortified cities with durbar squares lined with pagodas and monuments. At Bhaktapur, see the Lu Dhowka (Golden Gate), the Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar (Palace of Fifty-five Windows), the five-storey Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square, Peacock Window and Hanuman Ghat, a collection of lingams (including Nepal's largest). At the centre of Lalitpur is Patan Durbar Square, with Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), Rato Machhendranath Temple and the Taleju Bhawani Temple dedicated to the Malla clan’s deity.
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