11 Best Places to Visit in Kathmandu
4th May 2025
Kathmandu is a city where ancient temples, spiritual traditions, and buzzing bazaars coexist in a beautiful cultural tangle. If you're visiting Nepal's capital for the first time, this list of the 11 best places in Kathmandu will guide you through the city's most meaningful and memorable sights.
1. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Set on a hilltop west of the city, Swayambhunath offers a perfect blend of peace and panorama. The gleaming white stupa, painted with Buddha’s eyes, overlooks the Kathmandu Valley. With monkeys swinging from prayer flags and ancient shrines all around, it’s one of the city’s most atmospheric spots.
📍 Location: Swayambhu Hill
⏰ Best Time: Morning or late afternoon
📸 Top Tip: Climb the eastern stairway for a more dramatic entry.
2. Pashupatinath Temple
This sacred Hindu site is both powerful and humbling. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, it’s where cremation ceremonies unfold daily, blending raw emotion with age-old rituals. While non-Hindus can’t enter the main temple, the surrounding area is rich with shrines, sadhus, and spiritual energy.
📍 Location: Gaushala
💡 Good to Know: Dress modestly and be respectful near cremation ghats.
3. Boudhanath Stupa
A symbol of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, Boudhanath is massive and mesmerizing. Locals and pilgrims alike circle the stupa in quiet prayer, spinning prayer wheels and chanting mantras. Visit at dawn or dusk for the most magical light and spiritual ambiance.
📍 Location: Bouddha
🍜 Don’t Miss: Try Tibetan momos or butter tea at one of the nearby rooftop cafes.
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
This historic heart of the old city was once the royal palace complex of the Malla kings. Though some parts were damaged by the 2015 earthquake, the intricate wooden carvings, pagoda-style temples, and the Kumari Ghar (home of the Living Goddess) still captivate.
📍 Location: Basantapur
🎫 Entry Fee: Approx. NPR 1000 for foreigners
5. Patan Durbar Square
Just across the Bagmati River in Lalitpur, this square is known for its harmony of art and architecture. The highlight? The Patan Museum—one of the finest in South Asia. Patan feels quieter and more intimate than Kathmandu’s main square.
📍 Location: Patan (Lalitpur)
🖼️ Highlight: Don’t miss the museum’s rooftop café.
6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur is like walking into a time capsule. Its brick lanes, traditional woodwork, and artisan workshops offer a true glimpse of medieval Nepal. It’s also famous for juju dhau—Bhaktapur’s delicious "king curd."
📍 Location: Bhaktapur
🚶 Top Tip: Spend a full day exploring nearby Taumadhi and Dattatreya Squares.
7. Garden of Dreams
Need a break from the Kathmandu chaos? This serene neo-classical garden near Thamel is the perfect place to unwind with a book or a cup of tea. It’s romantic, peaceful, and beautifully landscaped.
📍 Location: Thamel, next to Kaiser Library
🎟️ Entry Fee: Approx. NPR 300 for foreigners
8. Kapan Monastery
Located in the hills above Bouddha, Kopan Monastery is ideal for meditation retreats, Buddhist teachings, or simply a quiet escape with views of the city below. Visitors are welcome year-round.
📍 Location: North of Bouddha
🧘 Retreat Option: 7- to 10-day meditation retreats available.
9. Thamel
Kathmandu’s tourist heart beats in Thamel. A maze of souvenir shops, bookstores, restaurants, and travel agencies, it’s the go-to place for food, nightlife, or prepping for your trek.
📍 Location: Central Kathmandu
🛒 Pro Tip: Bargain when shopping, but politely.
10. Asan Tole Market
Step into the vibrant chaos of Kathmandu’s oldest market square. Asan is where locals shop for spices, textiles, produce, and brassware. It’s photogenic, intense, and authentic—everything a market should be.
📍 Location: Between Thamel and Durbar Square
🧂 What to Buy: Himalayan spices, brass utensils, traditional garlands.
11. Chandragiri Hills
Want Himalayan views without trekking? Ride the cable car up to Chandragiri Hill for panoramic views, a hilltop Shiva temple, and a cool breeze above the smog. On a clear day, you might even spot Everest.
📍 Location: South-west of Kathmandu
🎟️ Cable Car Fee: Approx. NPR 700–1000 (round trip for foreigners)
Kathmandu is more than just a gateway to the Himalayas—it's a treasure trove of ancient culture, living history, and spiritual depth. Whether you’re into temples, food, or simply soaking up chaotic charm, this list gives you the best of the valley to begin your journey. Kathmandu is a city that blends ancient heritage with vibrant culture, offering experiences that linger long after you’ve left. Whether you're exploring sacred temples, bustling markets, or scenic hilltops, every corner tells a story. To make the most of your journey, choosing the right guide can make all the difference. That’s why we recommend Nepal Horizon Treks — a trusted name in Nepalese travel, known for personalized service, deep local knowledge, and a passion for creating unforgettable adventures. Let your Kathmandu experience begin with experts who know it best.
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