Kathmandu is the incredibly busy, vibrant, and bustling capital city of Nepal that offers an incredible time to its visitors.
Various activities like sightseeing, hiking, trekking, wall-climbing, birdwatching, etc. are possible inside Kathmandu. Not to mention all the fantastic cafes, hotels, and restaurants around for an exquisite experience. Simply pick from our list of things to do in Kathmandu and enjoy yourself.
The nightlife of Kathmandu is amazing as well, streets are filled with lights, people, food, and friendly locals.
There won’t be a shortage of things to do, as we’ve put together our list of things to do in Kathmandu.
We will cover every important thing that is necessary to have a good time while in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Kathmandu is renowned for its extensive history, varied cultural expressions, festivals, and celebrations.
Kathmandu attracts tourists with its art, architecture, history, and culture. There are numerous historical sites, making the city a major place for those who want to witness and study the cultural, historical, and architectural history of Nepal.
Our list on site in Kathmandu is for tourists who want to learn about cultural diversity and beliefs, pilgrimage tours, and the lifestyle of people.
Durbar Squares
There are 3 Durbar Squares in total in Kathmandu and its surroundings, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Durbar Squares in Kathmandu is a major tourist attraction and a good place to witness Nepalese temple architecture and historical buildings that date back to the 16th and 19th centuries. Durbar Square has various temples, palaces, a museum, statues of various kings, and other important monuments.
There are three durbar squares in Kathmandu and they are:
- Patan Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
You will have a great time exploring these Durbar Squares, either with your friends or solo.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath is a UNESCO world heritage site that symbolizes the five elements of life (earth, fire, water, air, and ether). Boudhanath is a sacred religious monument for Buddhists around the world. The monument is surrounded by numerous other monasteries and small shops that sell handcrafted artifacts.
The stupa looks beautiful and vibrant, surrounded by prayer wheels, images of Buddhist gods, and prayer flags.
Swayambhunath
The Swayambhunath Stupa is found on a hilltop in Kathmandu and was built in the fifth century by King Manadev. The stupa is surrounded by a temple, a Tibetan monastery, shrines, a museum, and a library.
Tourists and visitors take 365 steps up the hill. A beautiful view of Kathmandu is seen from there, especially in the evening when the city lights are on.
You can reach Swayambhunath Stupa by taxi ride. You also can walk up the hill to witness the beauty of this stupa which can be, one of the intresting things to do in Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is a holy place for Hindus around the globe. Tourists following Hinduism visit here on special occasions and festivals. The temple was built by Malla King in 1696 and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The pinnacle of this temple is gold-glided, and there are four huge silver main doors, making the temple worth your attention.
The riverbank of the Bagmati River is a popular place for cremations, and one can witness the complete cremation process followed in Hinduism.
Hiking
Kathmandu is as rich in natural beauty as it is in artistic beauty. There are various hiking destinations inside the valley. Each hiking destination has a breathtaking view of nature. If you want to incorporate some peaceful time with nature, these short treks and hikes can be on your list of things to do in Kathmandu.
We have incorporated these hiking trails on our list of things to do in Kathmandu because these routes are mostly famous among local and international tourists.
Phulchowki Hike
Distance: 19km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Starting point: Godawari
Elivation of Nagarkot: 2782m
Phulchowki is the highest hill in the Kathmandu Valley. From the top of Phulchowki, you can enjoy the amazing sights of mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, and Jugal Himal, as well as the view of Kathmandu city. Many tourists visit Phulchowki for spiritual reasons, as Phulchowki Mai Temple is also situated here.
The hiking route starts with rough stairs and goes through a forest where you can witness rhododendrons, oak, and orchids. Birdwatching is another tourist attraction in Phulchowki.
Nagarkot Hike
Distance: 28km
Duration: 5 hours
Starting point: Sankhu
Elivation of Nagarkot: 215m
Nagarkot is one of the lovely spots in the valley that offers a majestic view of the Himalayas, including Everest. Nagarkot hiking is one of the must-do things in Kathmandu if you are into exploring nature. This hike is a perfect weekend getaway for the beautiful scenery of the hills and the Himalayas.
The journey to Nagarkot offers beautiful sights of the Himalayas, greenery, and the lifestyle of the Newari people.
Shivapuri Hike
Distance: 18km
Duration: 5 hours
Starting point: Budhanilkantha
Elevation of Shivapuri: 2,732m
Shivapuri National Park is home to 177 species of birds, 19 species of mammals, 150 species of butterflies, and 129 species of mushrooms.
The Shivapuri hike starts at the Budhanilkantha Temple and winds through woodlands of rhododendron, sal, and oak. This hike takes around 5 hours and offers a spectacular view of Mt. Ganesh Himal, Mt. Langtang Lirung, Mt. Langtang, Ganjala Peak, and Dorje Lakpa, at the end of the journey.
Incorporate this hike on your checklist of things to do in Kathmandu as it offers you a memorable experience.
Fun Fact: Shivapuri is one of the main sources of drinking water for Kathmandu Valley. 30 million liters of water are tapped from Bagmati and the Bishnumati, as well as from several other smaller streams.
Try the street food and cuisine of Kathmandu
You must include testing the food of Kathmandu in your to-list while planning your visit to the valley. Nepal has a wide array of food dishes, and the types of food vary from one region of the country to another. Nepali cuisine is known for its use of spices and herbs in the cooking process. Here, we have listed the must-try dishes while you are in Kathmandu Valley.
Various types of Newari food options are available in Kathmandu, among those popular cuisines, we are talking about four of the most loved ones in our blog.
MOMO
MOMO is a Tibetan dish famously consumed in Nepal as close to a staple diet. Momos are so popular here that every restaurant has them on their menu. There are different variations of Momo, such as chicken, mutton, pork, and vegetarian.
In Kathmandu, the most common type of momo served by restaurants and on the streets is a buff-momo.
Laping
Laphing is a Tibetan food popular on the streets of Kathmandu. It is prepared with the starch from flour marinated overnight with the fix of spices. Laphing is served with soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, red chili, and noodles. Its flavorful taste will surely make your mouth and eyes watery.
Juju Dhau
Juju Dhau is a curd prepared in a special way to give it a thick, creamy, and custardy consistency. It is served popularly in clay pots made inside Kathmandu Valley.
Juju Dhau translates as “King of Curds” and is usually consumed as an important component of all feasts and celebrations in the Newari community.
Choila
Choila is a Newari delicacy made from the meat of buffalo, duck, chicken, or goat. It is prepared by infusing different kinds of herbs and spices into the meat. Choila has a rich and spicy flavor and is served with other Newari dishes or just rice flakes along with Aila (homemade alcohol).
Tips & tricks to Kathmandu trip
While ticking off your bucket list of things to do in Kathmandu, please be careful about the tips and tricks below.
Respect the Religion: Nepal is a secular country, and people here practice many religions. You will see various holy places, such as temples, monasteries, churches, and mosques. While entering these places, dress and act modestly, remove your shoes, and avoid leather bags, belts, or jackets. Avoid drinking or smoking in these areas.
Photography: Before taking photos, please ask for the consent of the subjects. Many temples, museums, and religious sites prohibit photography. Kathmandu is full of art and artifacts shops, ask artists or shopkeepers permission before taking photographs.
Cultural Etiquette: Do not enter sacred places without permission not every temple and monasteries are open for common people like us. While eating, receiving, or giving things, use the right hands. Lastly, take off your shoes while entering people’s houses.
Health Safety: Ensure you eat healthy, drink clean water, and avoid any unhygienic food. Do not consume anything without knowing its ingredients. Get yourself an immune-boosting shot before traveling. Carry a small medical kit in case of an emergency.
Blog on Hotels in Kathmandu.
Conclusion
Kathmandu has some of the most beautiful cafes, places, vacation spots, and many other amazing spots to hang out. You can walk along the streets of this ancient city to soak in the cultural heritage and rich history of Kathmandu.
Various adventurous activities like canyoning, rock climbing, trekking, and wall climbing, are practiced inside the valley. Kathmandu also has plenty of local vendors who sell various hand-made arts and artifacts, which will make perfect souvenirs for your friends and family back home.
With plenty of activities to keep you busy, you’ll never run out of things to do in Kathmandu.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing day or an exciting activity, there are a wide range of things to do in Kathmandu that cater to your every need. So, if you’re ever visiting Nepal, check out the activities and places mentioned in this blog!!
FAQ’s
How to get a Visa for Kathmandu?
There are two ways to get a visa in Nepal: an on-arrival visa and a visa approved by Nepalese Diplomatic Missions. You can choose from either of them according to your convenience.
What are the best street foods in Kathmandu?
Laphing, Choila, Sekuwa, Momo, Aloo Chop, Somasa, Lakhamari, Sel Roti, Chatamari, Pani Puri, and many more.
Things to do in Kathmandu?
There are numerous things to do in Kathmandu. while in Nepal: Hiking, sightseeing, trying new food, mountain biking, canyoning, boating, wall/rock climbing, and Everest Flight Tour are some of the things to do on your vacation to Kathmandu.
