by Svetlana Grechkina (cropped image) / [CC BY-SA 2.0

An Ancient City Caught Between Tradition, Sacred Sites, and Modern Challenges

A. About Kathmandu

Nickname: The Doorway to the Himalaya

Located 1300 meters high, the fascinating capital of Nepal is home to no less than four UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Buddhist stupas, and the Hindu temple Pashupatinath).

With its many palaces, temples, and monasteries Kathmandu reflects the centuries-old history and tradition of the kingdom.

While in many areas, the city seems unchanged since the Middle Ages, in other parts it looks like a polluted developing-world capital.

Best Things to do in Katmandu

The Good

First of all, Kathmandu enjoys a fantastic location at the confluence of the Bagmati and Vishnumati rivers set high up in an emerald-green valley, surrounded by terraced hills. 

In addition, the capital of Nepal delights visitors with numerous interesting sights.

Furthermore, prices in Kathmandu are very affordable.

Finally, you can expect welcoming and friendly people.

The Not-So-Good

Kathmandu is ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world. In many parts, the city is dusty and dirty. People throw rubbish everywhere! 

To a certain degree, limited public transport can be an issue.


B. Best Things to Do in Kathmandu in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)

In total, we count more than fifty sights in Kathmandu. The following sights contribute to a very impressive score of 7.00/10 in this most important category:

# BOUDHANATH STUPA 7 3.6 out of 5 stars

Just outside Kathmandu, this spectacular stupa — a mound-like structure used for meditation — with its golden spire is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists. 

Buddhist Temple 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1979 | Height: 36 meters/118 ft

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Alexander Shafir / CC BY-SA 3.0

# SWAYAMBHUNATH TEMPLE (Monkey Temple) 7 3.5 out of 5 stars

Known as the "Monkey Temple", due to hundreds of monkeys living in the surrounding trees, this impressive Buddhist complex on its hill over Kathmandu consists of a stunning domed stupa, as well as ornate and beautifully decorated shrines and temples. 

 Buddhist Temple 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1979

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# PASUPATHINATH TEMPLE 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Lying on the banks of the Bagmati River, this sacred temple dedicated to the god Shiva is one of the holiest sites in all of Hinduism. 

The vast complex includes 518 temples, buildings, and structures, but the main temple is limited to certain people of Hindu practice. 

Hindu Temple Complex 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1979 | Temples: 492 | Established: 16th century

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0

# DURBAR SQUARE 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Meaning "Royal Squares" in English, Durbar Square is the historic heart of Kathmandu with its impressive palaces, pagodas, and temples. It consists of three loosely linked plazas.

Square 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1979

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0

# PATAN 5  2.5 out of 5 stars

Today almost grown together with Kathmandu, and only a 20-minute taxi ride from Thamel, the ancient royal city of Patan, offers magnificent historical monuments like the Golden Temple or the Kumbeshwar Temple. 

City 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1979

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Clemensmarabu / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Thamel 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Thamel is Kathmandu's lively tourist district, home to a partly pedestrianized labyrinth of narrow alleys.

Here you will find hostels, guesthouses, souvenir shops, trendy cafes, traditional restaurants, and lively bars.

City District

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Sergey Ashmarin / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Garden of Dreams 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Established in 1920, this European-inspired garden, with its pavilions and ponds, provides a welcome sanctuary to escape the chaotic streets of Kathmandu.

Park Area: 6,895 m2 / 74,220 sq ft | Created: 1920

Best Things to do in Kathmandu

by Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

# BHAKTAPUR 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

The mainly car-free small town of Bhaktapur, about ten kilometers from Kathmandu, is the third of the "Royal Cities" and best known for its opulent wood carvings of its historic buildings, especially the extraordinary five-story Nyatapola Temple. It remains Nepal’s best-preserved city. 

City 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 1979

by Nimesh Babu Oli / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Kopan Monastery 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Perched on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley, this monastery provides a breathtaking view of the entire area. 

It is home to 360 monks, lamas, teachers, and workers and welcomes visitors from all over the world to attend courses and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Buddhist Temple Complex

by Irina Gelbukh / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

# Kumari Ghar (Kumari Chowk) 5 2.5 out of 5 stars

This large three-story brick building on Durbar Square is the traditional home of the living goddess (a girl who is worshipped as the goddess Durga in human form) of Kathmandu.

House

by Sundar1 / CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Scoring and Icons Legend (Click here for detailed information)

10 = top-10 sight in the world

9 = world-class  

8 = outstanding

7 = excellent 

6 = impressive

5 = interesting

4 = decent

3 = mediocre

2 = bad

1 = abysmal

🌏 = World Heritage Site

= Excursion

C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Kathmandu

#11 | Hanuman Dhoka  5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Hanuman Dhoka is a significant historical and religious site in Kathmandu, known for its royal heritage and the revered Taleju Temple.

Temple Complex

by Mahalaxmi silwal / CC BY-SA 3.0

#12 | Guhyeshwari Temple  5 2.5 out of 5 stars

Guhyeshwari Temple, a sacred Hindu site in Kathmandu, is renowned for its Newari architecture and rituals honoring the goddess Guhyeshwari, part of the Shakti Peethas.

Temple Complex

by Rajesh Dhungana / CC BY-SA 4.0

    • Narayanhiti Palace Museum 5
    • Freak Street 5
    • Kailashnath Mahadev 4
    • Nasal Chowk 4
    • National Botanical Gardens 4
    • Namo Buddha (Stupa) 4
    • National Museum of Nepal 4
    • Patan Museum 4

D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Kathmandu

Chandragiri Hills 6 3.1 out of 5 stars

Reached by a scenic cable car ride from Thankot, the main destination of Chandragiri Hill offers breathtaking views of the great Himalayan Mountain ranges.

Mountain Distance from Kathmandu: 21 km

by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0

 

Shivpuri Nagarjun National Park (ca. 32 km from Kathmandu) 5

Pokhara (City ca. 200 km from Kathmandu) 5


E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Kathmandu 2024 (including close-by excursions)

To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend to you when visiting Kathmandu for at least three entire days.

🌏 BOUDHANATH STUPA  7 

🌏 SWAYAMBHUNATH TEMPLE (Monkey Temple) 7 

🌏 PASUPATHINATH TEMPLE 6 

🌏 DURBAR SQUARE 6 

🌏 PATAN 5

Thamel 5

Garden of Dreams 5

🌏 BHAKTAPUR 5

Kopan Monastery 5

Kumari Ghar (Kumari Chowk) 5