Kathmandu is where almost every trip to Nepal begins. It is chaotic, noisy and dusty, and it is also one of the most fascinating cities in Asia, packed with temples, stupas, courtyards and markets that have been in daily use for centuries. The Kathmandu Valley, which also holds the old royal cities of Patan and Bhaktapur, has seven monument zones listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Give yourself at least two full days here, before or after your trek. You will need it to recover from the flight, and you would miss a great deal by rushing through.
Quick answer: Kathmandu (about 1,400 m) is Nepal's capital and the arrival point for international flights. Don't miss Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay in Thamel for convenience or a quieter area like Lazimpat or Patan. Best time: October–April. Allow 2–3 days.
Kathmandu at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 1,400 m |
| Population | Kathmandu Valley: several million |
| UNESCO | Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site, inscribed 1979 |
| Airport | Tribhuvan International Airport |
| Best time | October–April |
| Time needed | 2–3 days |
Top things to see
- Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur): the old royal palace square, with temples, the Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess, and the Hanuman Dhoka palace.
- Swayambhunath: the hilltop "Monkey Temple" stupa with views over the city.
- Boudhanath: one of the largest stupas in the world, the centre of Tibetan Buddhist life in Nepal.
- Pashupatinath: Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, on the Bagmati River, with the evening aarati ceremony.
- Asan and Indra Chowk: the old bazaars, best explored on foot.
- Garden of Dreams: a quiet restored neo-classical garden next to Thamel.
Where to stay
Thamel is the tourist hub, with every kind of hotel, restaurant and trekking shop. For a quieter stay, consider Lazimpat, Boudhanath or the old city of Patan. Our Thamel guide explains what to expect.
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Pathao and inDrive are the easiest way to get around. Traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time. The old city is best explored on foot, ideally with a guide who can explain what you are seeing.
Best time to visit
October–November and March–April are warm and dry. Winter (December–February) is sunny with cold mornings. The monsoon (June–September) brings afternoon rain, but the city is still very visitable, and festivals such as Indra Jatra (usually September) are spectacular.
Trips and guides
- Kathmandu Valley heritage tour
- Kathmandu travel guide
- Kathmandu nightlife guide
- Day hikes around Kathmandu
Plan your visit
Kathmandu is worth more than a quick stopover: two or three days with a good guide will show you why. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.