Why Visit Kathmandu?
Kathmandu captivates as the gateway to the Himalayas where Swayambhunath's golden stupa hosts monkeys on 365 steps ascending Monkey Temple hill, Durbar Square's pagoda temples showcase intricate Newari wood carvings despite 2015 earthquake damage, and Thamel's chaotic trekking district outfits mountaineers bound for Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, and Langtang valleys. Nepal's capital and largest city (about 850,000 in the city proper and around 4 million in the greater Kathmandu Valley) sits at 1,400 meters elevation surrounded by Himalayan peaks—clear days reveal distant snowcaps from rooftop restaurants. The city serves primarily as trekking/mountaineering hub—equipment shops, guide agencies, and permit offices prepare adventures—yet Kathmandu Valley's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites reward cultural exploration.
Boudhanath Stupa's massive mandala (one of world's largest) attracts Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims circumambulating clockwise while prayer flags flutter and monks chant in surrounding monasteries. Pashupatinath Temple on Bagmati River's banks hosts Hindu cremation ghats where pyres burn openly (respectful observation from across river). Durbar Square's (Rs1,000 entry, earthquake-damaged but rebuilding) Kumari Ghar houses the Living Goddess—young girl worshipped as incarnation until first menstruation.
Yet Kathmandu chaos assaults: dust, traffic, power cuts, and poverty contrast spiritual sites. Patan (Lalitpur, 30 min) preserves better Newari architecture with less tourist hassle, while Bhaktapur (1 hour, Rs1,500) feels medieval with car-free squares and yogurt culture. The food scene serves dal bhat (lentils and rice), momos (Tibetan dumplings), and Newari buffalo meat specialties.
With altitude at 1,400m causing mild breathlessness, monsoon season June-September bringing floods, and post-earthquake recovery ongoing, Kathmandu delivers Himalayan culture before mountain adventures.
What to Do
Sacred Sites
Swayambhunath Monkey Temple
Ancient hilltop stupa with all-seeing Buddha eyes overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Climb 365 stone steps past monkeys (bring no food—they're aggressive!), spin prayer wheels, and enjoy panoramic valley views. Entry around NPR 300 for foreigners. Go early morning (6-7am) for sunrise, prayers, and fewer crowds. Prayer flags flutter everywhere. One of Nepal's most ancient religious sites (2,500+ years old). Allow 2-3 hours. Best clear-day views October-November and March-April. Can get crowded afternoons.
Boudhanath Stupa
One of world's largest Buddhist stupas—massive white dome with all-seeing eyes. Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims circumambulate clockwise as monks chant in surrounding monasteries. Atmospheric, especially at sunset when butter lamps are lit. Entry around NPR 400-500 for foreigners. Tibetan refugee community—authentic Tibetan restaurants and shops around square. Less chaotic than other sites. Go late afternoon (4-6pm) for best light and prayer time. Monks welcome respectful visitors to monastery courtyards. Allow 2-3 hours. Combine with Pashupatinath (both east of city).
Pashupatinath Temple
Holiest Hindu temple in Nepal on banks of sacred Bagmati River. Public cremation ghats where Hindu funeral pyres burn openly—profound and solemn experience. Non-Hindus can't enter main temple but observe from across river. Entry around NPR 1,000-1,500 for foreigners. Photography of ceremonies discouraged—observe respectfully. Sadhus (holy men) offer blessings (small donation expected). Go morning or late afternoon. Allow 1-2 hours. Spiritually intense—not for everyone but deeply authentic. Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered).
Historic Squares
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Historic royal palace and temple complex—intricate Newari wood carvings, pagoda temples, and Kumari Ghar (house of Living Goddess). 2015 earthquake damaged many structures (ongoing restoration). Entry NPR 1,500 for foreigners. The Living Goddess (Kumari)—young girl worshipped as deity—sometimes appears at upper window (no photos if she does). Visit morning (9-11am) for best light on temples. Allow 2-3 hours. Thamel is 15-minute walk. UNESCO site. Guides helpful for history (Rs1,000-1,500 for 2 hours).
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Best-preserved medieval city in valley—car-free squares, pottery workshops, yogurt culture (famous juju dhau). 1 hour by bus from Kathmandu (Rs50). Entry NPR 2,000 for foreigners (or about US$15). Nyatapola Temple (5-story pagoda), pottery square where artisans work, and traditional Newari architecture. Less earthquake damage than Kathmandu. Quieter, cleaner, more authentic. Go morning (8-11am) before tour groups. Lunch at cafes overlooking square. Allow half to full day. Can stay overnight for deeper experience. Much better than Kathmandu's Durbar Square—highly recommended.
Patan Durbar Square
Separate city (Lalitpur) 30 minutes south with beautifully preserved Newari architecture. Durbar Square less crowded than Kathmandu's, with excellent Patan Museum (included with entry, best museum in valley). Metal crafts tradition—copper and bronze work. Entry NPR 1,000 for foreigners. More manageable than Kathmandu—easier to explore on foot. Combine with Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihara, Buddhist, beautiful courtyard). Go afternoon (2-5pm) after morning sites. Local buses Rs30, taxi Rs500. Allow 3-4 hours.
Trekking & Mountain Adventures
Everest Base Camp Trek Planning
Kathmandu is gateway for EBC trek—14-16 days round trip from Lukla. Organize here: trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park NPR 3,000 plus Khumbu local permit around NPR 2,000; many agencies also arrange TIMS card ~NPR 1,000-2,000), gear rental/purchase in Thamel, hire licensed guides ($25–$35/day) and porters ($20–$25/day) through registered agencies. Fly Kathmandu-Lukla (weather-dependent, often delayed). Book agencies early—research reviews. Note: solo trekking no longer allowed on most routes; licensed guide required. Best seasons: October-November (clear) and March-May (rhododendrons). Alternative shorter treks: Annapurna Base Camp (7-10 days), Langtang Valley (7-10 days).
Everest Mountain Flight
Can't trek? Take 1-hour scenic flight for Everest views—fly past Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest (8,849m). Early morning departures (weather-dependent, book flexible). Costs $200–$250/$200–$248 Window seats guaranteed, pilots point out peaks. 30 minutes flight time each way. Weather cancellations common (60% success rate in season). Book through Thamel agencies day before. Not as impressive as trekking but good alternative if time-limited. Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines operate.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: KTM
Best Time to Visit
March, April, May, October, November
Climate: Moderate
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 6°C | 8 | Good |
| February | 16°C | 7°C | 11 | Good |
| March | 20°C | 10°C | 17 | Excellent (best) |
| April | 23°C | 13°C | 20 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 24°C | 16°C | 29 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 25°C | 19°C | 29 | Wet |
| July | 25°C | 21°C | 31 | Wet |
| August | 26°C | 20°C | 31 | Wet |
| September | 25°C | 19°C | 29 | Wet |
| October | 25°C | 16°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 21°C | 10°C | 0 | Excellent (best) |
| December | 18°C | 7°C | 0 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Visa required
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): November 2025 is perfect for visiting Kathmandu!
Practical Information
Getting There
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is 6km east. Taxis to Thamel Rs700-1,000/$6–$8 (20-30 min depending on traffic). Pre-paid taxi booth at airport. Many hotels arrange pickups ($5–$10). Kathmandu is Nepal's only international gateway—flights from Delhi (1.5hr), Bangkok (3hr), Dubai.
Getting Around
Walking works in Thamel. Local buses chaotic (Rs15-30). Taxis everywhere (Rs200-600, agree price before—no meters). Uber limited. Rent motorcycles (Rs1,500/day, traffic chaotic). Micro-buses to Patan/Bhaktapur (Rs30-50). Tours include transport. Don't rent cars—traffic nightmare, narrow streets.
Money & Payments
Nepalese Rupee (Rs, NPR). Exchange $1 ≈ Rs$135–$1401 ≈ Rs$125–$130/EUR widely accepted. Cards at hotels, cash needed for sites, food, taxis. ATMs in Thamel (Visa/Mastercard). Tipping: round up or Rs100-200, 10% restaurants. Trekking guides: $25–$35/day, porters $20–$25/day.
Language
Nepali is official. English widely spoken in Thamel and tourism—former British influence. Hindi understood. Mountain areas: limited English. Signs often English. Communication easy in tourist zones. Namaste greeting universal.
Cultural Tips
Buddhist/Hindu etiquette: remove shoes at temples, circumambulate stupas clockwise, don't touch religious objects. Pashupatinath cremations: respectful observation only, no photos of bodies. Altitude: 1,400m—mild effect. Tap water: NEVER drink (bottled only). Power cuts common—headlamp useful. Trekking: hire licensed guides/porters through registered agencies. Momos: chicken/veg/buff (water buffalo). Pollution/dust: mask helpful. Traffic: chaotic—cross carefully. Thamel: tourist ghetto but convenient. Bandhs (strikes): occasionally paralyze city. Bargain at markets.
Perfect 3-Day Kathmandu Valley Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu Temples
Day 2: Bhaktapur Day Trip
Day 3: Stupas & Patan
Where to Stay in Kathmandu
Thamel
Best for: Tourist hub, trekking shops, hotels, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, chaotic, convenient
Durbar Square Area
Best for: Historic center, temples, Kumari house, earthquake damage visible, cultural, central
Boudha (Boudhanath)
Best for: Tibetan area, stupa, monasteries, Tibetan restaurants, quieter, spiritual, expat community
Patan (Lalitpur)
Best for: Separate city, better-preserved Durbar Square, Newari culture, less touristy, authentic
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