Kathmandu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Patan Durbar Square showing markets
Nepal was hit by a devastating earthquake on 25 April 2015. Travelers are strongly advised to seek information before traveling to Nepal until further notice.

Nepal’s capital is an alluring blend of sacred monuments, medieval landmarks and lively shopping districts as well as being a gateway to Kathmandu Valley.

A cacophony of sights, sounds and smells welcomes visitors to Kathmandu. It is a spellbinding combination of medieval centre, holy city, shops and breathtaking natural scenery. Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital city, set in the picturesque Kathmandu Valley. Wander its maze of winding streets to discover centuries-old traditions amid stunning Newari architecture.

A great place to start your visit is at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the city’s architecturally impressive historic and religious heart. Spot multi-tiered pagoda temples, colourful shrines and exotic wood carvings. Highlights include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari House, Kasthamandap and Maju Deval Temple. Weave between rickshaws, cows and holy men as you stroll through the square’s surrounding alleyways. Bargain for fresh fruit and flowers at the markets and peak into courtyards to see carpets of sundried chilies.

A short walk north of Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Thamel district. Within this popular backpacker hangout you’ll find a variety of guesthouses and hotels, bakeries, bars and restaurants. Explore the bazaars, where shops sell everything from prayer beads and bronze Buddha statues to pashmina scarves, incense and spices. Escape the noise at the serene Garden of Dreams and then learn about Nepal’s royal and political history at the Narayanhiti Palace Museum, the palace where Nepal’s monarchs used to live.

South of Durbar Square is Freak Street, a bohemian enclave home of chic cafés. Discover more temples and street hawkers at Indra Chowk and relax in Ratna Park, one of the few green spaces in the city centre.

Be sure to visit Kathmandu’s ancient sacred landmarks. Climb the 365-step staircase to the magical Swayambhunath. Spin prayer wheels as you walk around the Boudhanath stupa with monks and devotees. Watch ancient Hindu rituals at Pashupatinath Temple and glean insights into the lives of Buddhist monks at Kopan Monastery.

Reach Kathmandu by flying to Tribhuvan International Airport and get around on foot, rickshaw, public buses and low-cost taxis. Save some time to visit Patan, Bhaktapur and Nagarkot, some of the atmospheric towns scattered around the Kathmandu Valley. For adventurists, Kathmandu is also the jumping off point for treks to Everest Base Camp.

Where to stay in Kathmandu

Garden of Dreams showing a fountain

Thamel

4.5/5(76 area reviews)

Unique features of Thamel include the shopping and cafes. Make a stop by Garden of Dreams or Asan Tole while you're exploring the area.

Thamel
Boudhanath which includes a city

Boudhha

4/5(9 area reviews)

Unique features of Boudhha include the gardens and spas. Make a stop by Boudhanath or Bodhnath Stupa while you're exploring the area.

Boudhha
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Lazimpat

4/5(12 area reviews)

Get to know Lazimpat by checking out its gardens, restaurants and historical sites. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Narayanhity Palace Museum or Durbar Marg during your time in the area.

Lazimpat
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New Baneshwor

While visiting New Baneshwor, you might make a stop by sights like Seto Macchendranath Temple and Vaisha Dev (Toothache Tree).

New Baneshwor
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Sinamangal

4/5(2 area reviews)

When in Sinamangal, you can plan a visit to Royal Nepal Golf Course and Pashupatinath Temple, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sinamangal
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Sundhara

While visiting Sundhara, you might make a stop by sights like Bhimsen Tower (Dharahara) and Kathmandu Civil Mall.

Sundhara
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
3 out of 5
Tridevi Marg, KMC- 29, Kathmandu
The price is ₹5,094 per night from 11 May to 12 May
₹5,094
per night
11 May - 12 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
9/10 Wonderful! (197 reviews)
"Very clean,pleasant, excellent service."

Reviewed on 7 May 2024

Fairfield by Marriott Kathmandu
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
5 out of 5
Manakamana Marg, Naxal, Kathmandu
The price is ₹14,197 per night from 11 May to 12 May
₹14,197
per night
11 May - 12 May
Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
9.6/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel in great location. Excellent amenities such as gym and spa. I got a wonderful massage. The food is delicious and the service was impeccable."

Reviewed on 22 Apr 2024

Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
5 out of 5
Taragaon Boudha, Gpo Box 9609, Kathmandu
The price is ₹11,274 per night from 23 May to 24 May
₹11,274
per night
23 May - 24 May
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa.
8.4/10 Very Good! (398 reviews)
"amazing front staff and restaurant staff"

Reviewed on 4 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Elegant Apartment Kathmandu
Elegant Apartment Kathmandu
2.5 out of 5
Thamel Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace.
Elegant Apartment Kathmandu
Boudha Apart Hotel
Boudha Apart Hotel
3.5 out of 5
Ramhiti Boudha Rd, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province
Stay at this aparthotel in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Boudhanath and Pashupatinath Temple are located ...
Boudha Apart Hotel
Four Red Doors Apartments
Four Red Doors Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Province No. 3
Stay at this apartment in Kathmandu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a casino. Popular attractions Durbar Marg and Pashupatinath Temple are located ...
Four Red Doors Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kathmandu

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
32
" "5 - Excellent 43.24324324324324%
4 - Good
33
" "4 - Good 44.5945945945946%
3 - Okay
7
" "3 - Okay 9.45945945945946%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 2.7027027027027026%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
7 Jan 2020

Great place to explore. Some real air quality and environmental problems.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
2 Jan 2020

I’m still discovering the City It is fascinating Not certain on safety or cleanliness but everyone I’ve met so far has been friendly The hotel is an Oasis in an unusual area.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
25 Nov 2019

Much cleaner and less dusty that in the past after a major road resurfacing project. Still an amazing experience and Nepali people are so friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
21 Nov 2019

Loads of amazing and cheap restaurants in Kathmandu.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Nov 2019

Kathmandu is a great place. I would probably only visit for short periods as the busyness and crowds are pretty hectic. As well the air pollution is quite bad at times. Lots to see and do. Many great places to eat.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Nov 2019

What an amazing and chilled place. The locals are all friendly and helpful but the traffic is horrendous at times. However, you just go with the flow.

Cities near Kathmandu