Many travellers rush through Kathmandu on the way to the mountains, but the Kathmandu Valley deserves at least three days. In that time you can see its seven UNESCO-listed monument zones, eat your way through the old bazaars, and catch the Himalaya from the valley rim or from the air. Here's our favourite plan.
Quick answer: Day 1: Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath at dusk. Day 2: Patan in the morning and Bhaktapur in the afternoon, with a night in Nagarkot if you like. Day 3: an Everest mountain flight, a day hike to Nagarkot–Changunarayan or Shivapuri, or a food tour.
Day 1: Kathmandu's great monuments
- Morning: climb to Swayambhunath for views over the city.
- Late morning: explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, then walk through Indra Chowk and Asan bazaars to Thamel.
- Afternoon: Pashupatinath on the Bagmati River.
- Dusk: walk the kora at Boudhanath and have dinner on a rooftop overlooking the stupa.
Our Kathmandu sightseeing day tour covers this day with a guide and private vehicle.
Day 2: Patan and Bhaktapur
- Morning: Patan: Durbar Square, the Patan Museum and the Golden Temple.
- Lunch: Newari food in Patan.
- Afternoon: Bhaktapur: Durbar Square, Nyatapola and Pottery Square; try juju dhau.
- Evening: stay in Bhaktapur, continue to Nagarkot for sunrise, or return to Kathmandu.
See our Bhaktapur and Patan day tour.
Day 3: choose your adventure
- See Everest: an early Everest mountain flight, back by breakfast.
- Hike: Nagarkot to Changunarayan or Shivapuri and Nagi Gompa.
- Eat: a food tour and cooking class.
- Relax: the Garden of Dreams, shopping in Thamel, and an evening of live music.
Where to stay
Thamel is convenient and lively; Lazimpat and Patan are quieter; Boudhanath is peaceful in the evenings; a night in Bhaktapur shows the old city at its best.
Getting around
Use a private car with a guide, ride-hailing apps (Pathao, inDrive) or taxis with agreed fares. Traffic is heavy, so start early. See our Kathmandu travel guide.
Entry fees
Foreign visitors pay entry fees at most major sites, including the three Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Keep tickets with you, as some are valid for several days.
Evenings
Hear live music in Thamel, dine in Jhamsikhel, watch the aarati at Pashupatinath, or see a cultural dinner show. See our Kathmandu nightlife guide.
Tips
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Walk clockwise around stupas.
- Carry small change for entry fees and donations.
- Use a guide at the major sites to understand what you're seeing.
Contact us to arrange guides and transport for your Kathmandu days.