by Svetlana Grechkina (cropped image) / [CC BY-SA 2.0
An Ancient City Caught Between Tradition, Sacred Sites, and Modern Challenges
Table of Contents
A. About Kathmandu
Nickname: The Doorway to the HimalayaLocated 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.
➕ 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
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
by Alexander Shafir / CC BY-SA 3.0
# SWAYAMBHUNATH TEMPLE (Monkey Temple) 7
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
by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0
# PASUPATHINATH TEMPLE 6
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
by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0
# DURBAR SQUARE 5
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
by Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0
# PATAN 5
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
by Clemensmarabu / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Thamel 5
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.
by Sergey Ashmarin / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Garden of Dreams 5
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
by Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0
# BHAKTAPUR 5
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
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.
by Irina Gelbukh / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Kumari Ghar (Kumari Chowk) 5
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.
by Sundar1 / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Kathmandu
#11 | Hanuman Dhoka 5
Hanuman Dhoka is a significant historical and religious site in Kathmandu, known for its royal heritage and the revered Taleju Temple.
by Mahalaxmi silwal / CC BY-SA 3.0
#12 | Guhyeshwari Temple 5
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.
by Rajesh Dhungana / CC BY-SA 4.0
D. Best Day Trips and Excursions from Kathmandu
Chandragiri Hills 6
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
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.