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Nepal
Things to do in Kathmandu
Nepal's temple-rich capital in the Kathmandu Valley, gateway to the Himalaya.
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Trips in Kathmandu
Planned and run by verified locals. One clear price.
3 trips in Kathmandu
Best time
Oct–Nov · Mar–Apr
Altitude
~1,300–1,400 m
Region
Bagmati Province, Nepal
Languages
Nepali · Newari · English
Overview
About Kathmandu
Nepal's capital sits in the Kathmandu Valley at about 1,300–1,400 m, a bowl of temples, stupas and old royal squares. Seven monument zones in and around the city make up one UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan. Most visitors give the city two or three days: the big four sites in one or two, then Patan and Bhaktapur. Thamel, 5–6 km from the airport, is where most travellers stay. October–November and March–April bring the clearest skies; the monsoon runs from mid-June to early October.
Why visit Kathmandu
The sights and trips that make it worth the visit.
Pashupatinath
Nepal's holiest Hindu temple, on the Bagmati river.
Boudhanath
The largest stupa in Nepal, circled by monasteries.
Swayambhunath
The hilltop "monkey temple", the valley's oldest Buddhist site.
Durbar Squares
Royal palaces and temples in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
Thamel & Asan
Old bazaars, rooftop cafés and trekking shops.
Newari food
Momos, choila, yomari and juju dhau from Bhaktapur.
Browse by interest in Kathmandu
Jump straight to the kind of trip you’re after.
Best time to visit
When to go, season by season.
Spring · Mar–May
Warm days and rhododendrons; haze builds by May.
Monsoon · Jun–Sep
Rain most days until early October; lush but cloudy.
Autumn · Oct–Nov
Clearest skies of the year, and festival season (Dashain, Tihar).
Winter · Dec–Feb
Cool, dry days and cold nights; winter smog can hide the mountains.
Getting there & around
How to reach Kathmandu and get about once you arrive.
By air
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is 5–6 km from Thamel, about 20–40 minutes by taxi.
By road
From India, the main crossings are Raxaul–Birgunj, Sunauli–Bhairahawa and Panitanki–Kakarbhitta, then a long day on the road.
Visa
Indians need no visa. Carry a passport or original voter ID. Most others get a visa on arrival, from US$30 for 15 days.
Travel tips
Practical tips for a smooth trip.
Temple etiquette
Walk clockwise around stupas and take your shoes off where asked. Non-Hindus can't enter Pashupatinath's main temple.
Entry fees
Heritage sites charge foreign visitors roughly NPR 200–2,000 each. SAARC visitors pay less, and Indians enter Pashupatinath free.
Money
Indian ₹200 and ₹500 notes are accepted again (up to ₹25,000 per person); ₹2,000 notes aren't. Indian UPI apps work at Fonepay QR codes.
SIM & data
Ncell and Nepal Telecom have counters at the airport. Bring your passport.
Plan before you book
Travel guides for Kathmandu
Straight answers, with the trips you can book beside them.
How the day runs · Kathmandu
Chandragiri Cable Car: Ticket Prices and Timings
1 trip to book · from $29
8 min read
Before you go · Kathmandu
Pashupatinath: Aarti Time, Dress Code, Who Can Enter
1 trip to book · from $38
8 min read
Before you go · Kathmandu
Kathmandu for Indian Travellers: ID, Rupees, Entry Fees
3 trips to book · from $29
12 min readFrequently asked questions
What are the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu?
The Kathmandu Valley is one World Heritage Site made up of seven monument zones: Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka), Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan.
How many days do you need in Kathmandu?
Two days covers the big four: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Give it three to add Patan and Bhaktapur at an easy pace.
What's the best time to visit Kathmandu?
October–November and March–April. Autumn, after the monsoon, has the clearest mountain views and the Dashain and Tihar festivals. The monsoon runs roughly from mid-June to early October.
Do Indians need a visa or passport for Nepal?
No visa is needed. If you fly in, carry your passport or original voter ID. Aadhaar, PAN and driving licence aren't accepted at the airport.
What are the best day trips from Kathmandu?
Bhaktapur and Patan for old Newari towns, Nagarkot or Dhulikhel for a Himalayan sunrise, the Chandragiri cable car, and Namo Buddha monastery. All are within about two hours by road.
Can non-Hindus enter Pashupatinath Temple?
Non-Hindus can't enter the main temple. They can visit the complex and watch the evening aarti and the riverside ghats from the east bank of the Bagmati. Foreign visitors pay an entry fee (approx. NPR 1,000).
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