Fair warning: Kathmandu is one of those cities that feels like an assault on the senses—the kind of place you instantly fall in love with, even while it’s knocking you sideways. Stray cows on busy roads, the constant buzz of motorcycles, and prayer flags dancing in the breeze create the uniquely vibrant chaos that defines the city. So, what to see in Kathmandu? How do you navigate the whirlwind of sights and sounds? Well, Here’s your guide to exploring Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city, is not just a city. It’s a place where history mingles with culture in a dance as old as time. It’s a living museum, with 100 pro-pagodas (approximately) and whole corporations of monkeys that want to steal your street vendor food. Kathmandu sightseeing is a treat for the senses — one that’s sure to leave your head spinning. From the towering stupas to the vibrant heart of Durbar Square, Kathmandu’s attractions offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a history nerd, a spiritual wanderer, or just a humble traveler looking to immerse yourself in a little bit of everything (and something else), Kathmandu sites to see are sure to have you in a chokehold.
But that’s not all. In fact, there are many points of interest in this city. Whether you are gazing in awe at the golden Taleju Temple or the wooden windows of the intricately carved Kathmandu Valley’s wooden dwelling in shapes of the Malla Dynasty, Dharmic Sculptures, Screes-in- stone, Artifacts, and many other impressive items attract one’s attention. One can’t miss the Kumari Ghar—the Home of the Living Goddess, Kumari. Hunting her presence might remind you of an Easter Sunday egg hunt, but good luck with that!
Need a break from city chaos? The Garden of Dreams is your zen oasis. Located smack bang in the middle of town, this neoclassical-style garden is the perfect place for a relaxed wander, a lazy afternoon picnic, or some quiet reading time sans pollution.
Of all the places to visit in Kathmandu, the Garden of Dreams is an all-senses summer getaway.
Just outside Kathmandu city, Bhaktapur is a quick jaunt from town and a slice of medieval heaven. Squint your eyes and you’ll see: cobblestone alleyways, pottery lanes, and temples—Temples everywhere. Add Bhaktapur to your places to see in Kathmandu list pronto. Notable sites include the Nyatapola Temple and Juju Dhau (buffalo yogurt that’s more fun to eat than pronounce).
Swayambhunath Stupa: The Monkey Temple, an icon of spirituality
Swayambhunath Stupa, or the Monkey Temple, as locals affectionately call it, is one of those tourist spots in Kathmandu that delivers on all fronts. Monkeys? You bet there are. Altitude? It’s on a hill—you tell me. Provenance? More than 2,000 years. And of course, there are the sweeping views of the Kathmandu Valley that make the thigh burn of the hike up its rickety steps worth every gasp for oxygen.
And then there’s the stupa itself, those all-seeing Buddha eyes twinkling secrets at every pilgrim who circles in and out of its space. Turn the prayer wheels as you go, and perhaps accumulate some of that positive k-rrrrrrr-ma so many Westerners seem eager to frame in their irreverent Instagram captions. Pay a visit to the temple in its full decorated glory for the sacred holiday, Buddha Jayanti. The feasting, the praying, the butter lamps ablaze can give even a non-believer faith that magic still exists in the world.
Boudhanath Stupa: A giant of peace and tradition
Where Swayambhunath is almost intimate in its embrace, Boudhanath could be its bold, confident cousin. One of the largest stupas in the world, the solid white dome, framed by the gold glint of its crown-like spire, has a fiery majesty that cannot be denied from practically anywhere in the valley.
Seeking a little place of peace, Boudhanath, may be what you are looking for. This majesty is positively packed with history and culture, which you should know from the very beginning if you want to find out about Kathmandu and what to see.
As you round the structure, mixing in with shuffling pilgrims and earnest local devotees, you too might pick up some of that solemn devotion that seems to thrum up from the very earth itself.
The colourful merchants and pilgrims are a sight to see, but there are plenty of other things to do in Kathmandu. Alongside them, crimson-robed Tibetan monks hurry by, cymbals clash and the scent of hay and dung fills the morning air. Above, the eyes of the great white stupa look out in every direction, motionless, unblinking.
Durbar Square: The beating heart of Kathmandu’s history
Patan, is one of the three ancient kingdoms that make up the modern Kathmandu Valley. Among the best places to see in Kathmandu, Durbar Square is both a historically significant royal palace and a collection of temples of the Kathmandu, Hindu, Newar, and Tibetan Buddhists.
The Kumari Ghar- the residence of the Kumari (see below for more info on that) — is also located in Durbar Square. If you time it right, during the Indra Jatra Festival, a week-long celebration of dancing and just having a good time, you may see Durbar Square at its most active.
Still wondering what to do in Kathmandu Valley? Consider trekking. Shivapuri or Nagarkot are both great places to trek near town. Think breathtaking views, clean air, and the quiet of rural Nepal. A word to the wise: start early to catch the sunrise and to avoid the heat of the day.
If you are one to shop, then the local market will really interest you. From Asan Bazaar to Indra Chowk, Kathmandu markets will rock your socks off. Get ready: it’s an olfactory kaleidoscope, loads of colour, and (brace yourself) sensory overload.
One of our favorite things to do in Kathmandu is visit a local market; it’s also an incredible way to get fit.
Pashupatinath Temple: Where the sacred meets the eternal
Pashupatinath is the city’s most important Hindu temple, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims each year. The UNESCO heritage shrine complex is part of the Bhaktapur Kingdom, resting across the Bagmati River from central Kathmandu. In addition to being a popular place of worship, the temple also serves as the cremation grounds for the city.
Showing up at an open cremation might seem a harsh contrast for those looking for transcendence but I guess this is it when we talk about what to see in Kathmandu —sheer, audacious cultural freedom is a Kathmandu specialty. It can be shocking or even disconcerting, but when in Kathmandu, well take a deep breath and face your hesitation.
Pashupatinath is dedicated to Shiva, one of the most popular Hindu deities. The temple complex itself is beautiful, eyes shining out in every direction, a main gold/ silver roofed pagoda clinging to the river bank.
Can’t get enough of temples? Looking for where to go in Kathmandu outside of the norm? Changu Narayan Temple is a well-kept secret. Tucked away on a hilltop, this ancient temple is surrounded by picturesque villages. Ditch the city for a day of culture and hiking.
Kumari Ghar: The palace of the divine living Goddess
The best part has to be the atmosphere. This religious hub is where life and death collide, often on the narrow bank of the Bagmati River that runs through the temple complex. A rock in the middle of the river below helps release the bad karma of good Hindus.
On a spiritual note this has to be one of the best things to see in Kathmandu. There are few more spectacular (and strange) sights in the city than the Kumari of Durbar Square. Known as living goddesses, the Kumaris are chosen as children and live a life of pilgrimage to travellers and locals alike, wearing in ornate red robes and headdresses.
The tradition of choosing living goddesses is a centuries-old Buddhist / Shaktism tradition from Kathmandu Valley. It fuses the raw power of the two belief systems into one in the living palace of the Kumari, located right in the center of the palace. Want to visit the Kumari of Kathmandu? We hope you’re ready to embrace her spiritual journey.
Thamel: The vibrant heart of culture and commerce
If you’re wondering what to do in Kathmandu after you’ve seen one too many temples, have no fear. The answer is Thamel. This busy neighbourhood is a spiderweb of streets lined with trekking shops, souvenir shops, rooftop cafes, and bars.
Thamel isn’t a place — it’s an adventure. Shop for crafts, listen to cool beats or haggle yourself silly over a damn good deal on a singing bowl. We promise you: what to do in Kathmandu Valley starts (and ends) right here.
Thamel is also the nightlife hub of Kathmandu. You can find something exciting to indulge yourself in every day, ranging from music gig spots, rooftops, and chill-out wine nights with the ladies. There are simply fun and relaxing things to do after a long day of sightseeing not to be missed here. Don’t worry about getting hungry – keep room to sample local food like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), and Newari cuisine.
Pashupati Arya Ghat: A place of life and tradition
Pashupatinath Temple is both the highlight of visiting this Kathmandu place to see and also something else that is rarely mentioned – the Arya Ghat along the temple. The ghat is where cremation takes place intrinsically linked with the circle of life and death in Hinduism. It is a space that embodies spirituality and humanity – where the connection between us and our mortality merges. Apart from the smoke, the murmurs of the priests and oil lamps illuminating the waters give a peaceful and solemn environment.
Your visit to Arya Ghat gives you an understanding of the religious belief of life and death and the role of the living. So when you come to the temples, take a bit of time for yourself to ponder and learn, and see a custom passed down from generation to generation.
Dakshinkali temple: A ritual of power and devotion
A little outside the city is the mystical Dakshinkali Temple, one of the Kathmandu places to see near the city with incredible views. This temple was built to revere the fearsome goddess, Kali. What this Kathmandu place to see is famous for will probably give some of you remnant memories of Indiana Jones. As well as giving offerings, some people go as far as sacrificing animals for blessing by the goddess. It may not be for the faint-hearted but it is one of the many mystical and unusual things to do that tells you more about the fascinating practices of the country.
This temple is busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays and during the Dashain festival. You will also enjoy the scenery, as forest-clad hills surround the temple site offering an excellent mini day of pilgrimage and nature worship.
Visit Dakshinkali Temple during any of the many festivals, like Dashain, Tihar, or Holi. These are the ones that bring colour to your Kathmandu, and are among the top things to do if you want to experience something you don’t get at home.
Final thoughts
Kathmandu — it is one of those cities that you just can’t explain. It’s a charming city of marvels that draw you in and keep you capturing its beauty through its lively narrow streets. Bard, temples, markets, or that general buzz in the air, it’s somewhere you probably won’t shake from. Get set to explore its stupas, wander its streets and so much more. Kathmandu is just waiting to be discovered, even if it’s just a few days.
The best time to visit Kathmandu is in the months of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is warm, perfect outside for visiting. Raring to go? Choose a group trip to Nepal for a curated trip to the heart of this stunning city. And if you are looking for a trekking holiday in Nepal: Annapurna Circuit, one of the most interesting hikes in the world.
