How to Spend a Perfect Day in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern-day life. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes, Kathmandu has something to offer for everyone. Most tourists stop through Kathmandu at the beginning or end of a trek. So, if you have limited time to explore this beautiful city, fear not, for we have created a guide to help you make the most of your time here.

Know Before You Visit Kathmandu

Where to Stay in Kathmandu

Kathmandu has a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. If you’re looking for a central location, Thamel is the place to be. This bustling neighborhood is full of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect base for exploring the city. Some popular hotels in Thamel include the Kathmandu Guest House and the Hotel Moonlight.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful retreat, check out the Garden of Dreams. This tranquil oasis is located in the heart of the city and offers a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

What to Eat in Kathmandu

Nepali cuisine is a delicious fusion of Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese flavors. Some must-try dishes include momos, a type of dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, dal bhat, a lentil soup served with rice and vegetables, and chow mein, a stir-fried noodle dish. For dessert, try some sel roti, a sweet, deep-fried bread made with rice flour.

If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the street food stalls and try some local delicacies like buff (buffalo) choila or samay baji, a traditional Newari dish consisting of beaten rice, lentil soup, and a variety of meat and vegetable dishes.

Lastly, masala chai is served literally everywhere and is a staple of Nepalese culture. Be sure to try some for breakfast, a break, or during a meal.

Getting Around Kathmandu

Public buses can quickly become a traffic nightmare in Kathmandu. We recommend walking when possible, or hiring a taxi or private driver for the day for farther out places.

Tips for Visiting Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a city steeped in culture and history. Some of the most iconic landmarks include the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and the Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The city is also home to the Kumari House, where the living goddess resides, and the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world.

Nepal is a predominantly Hindu and Buddhist country, and visitors should be respectful of local customs and beliefs. Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites, and be mindful of your actions and behavior.

• Kathmandu can be dusty and polluted, so make sure to bring a mask to protect yourself from the air.
• Bargaining is common in Kathmandu, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices at markets and shops.
• Be respectful of local customs and traditions. For example, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.
• Make sure to stay hydrated and carry a reusable water bottle to refill at water stations around the city.

Top Things to Do in Kathmandu

If you have limited time in Kathmandu, here are the things we would put at the top of your list to do on your visit. As with all of our destinations, we bookmark our top spots in our Google Maps – Kathmandu is below or check out our Travel Maps page for all of our destinations!

Explore the Ancient City of Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world. The city is known for its intricate wood carvings, pottery, and weaving. Take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets of Bhaktapur and explore the temples, palaces, and courtyards that have stood for centuries.

Bhaktapur is about a 20 minute drive from Kathmandu, without traffic. Be careful with your timing visiting Bhaktapur, as traffic can get crazy between 9am to 7pm.

Plan extra time for getting to and from the city and consider making this a day trip.

Walk to the Top of Swayambhunath Stupa

Also known as the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is a Buddhist stupa that sits atop a hill overlooking the city. The stupa is surrounded by prayer wheels, shrines, and statues of Buddhist deities. The views from the top of the hill are breathtaking, and the monkeys that inhabit the area add to the charm of this iconic landmark. Buy some biscuits in advance to feed the monkeys!

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is another buddha stupa to visit, and one of the largest in the world. They painted eyes on each side of the top of the stupa to make it seem like the building is keeping a watchful eye out in all directions. .

Take a Stroll through Durbar Square

Durbar Square is the historic center of Kathmandu and home to several ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Take a leisurely stroll through the square and marvel at the intricate architecture and the vibrant atmosphere.

While in Durbar Square, try to spend at least 30 minutes exploring Taleju Temple. This temple is one of the most important Hindu sites in the nation, so it’s technically closed to the public. You can, however, spend a few minutes appreciating the exterior.

Shop at a Bazaar

Bazaars are a great way to experience Nepalese culture at a leisurely pace. The Ason and Sagarmatha Bazaars are walking distance from Themal while the Mangal Bazaar is a little further south. Remember to haggle with vendors for the best price!

Eat and Window Shop in Freak Street

Conveniently next to Durbar Square is a street called “Freak Street” or Jhochhen Tole. Named after the hippies who flocked the street in the 60’s and 70’s, this quaint street is full of shops, restaurants, and culture to explore.

Visit the Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visitors can witness the Hindu cremation rituals that take place on the banks of the river.

Go Trekking in the Himalayas

Kathmandu is the gateway to the Himalayas, and there are several trekking options available for adventurous travelers. The Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek are some of the popular trekking routes that offer stunning views of the Himalayas.

Visit Thamel

Ideally, if you’re spending the night in Kathmandu, you’re spending it in Thamel. This will make it easy to visit this bustling district. We recommend walking around to explore, but watch out for cars and bikes as the area can get busy. While you’re walking around, wander over to the Garden of Dreams, a neo-classical garden built in 1920.

Sample the Local Cuisine and Nightlife

Like we mentioned above, and there are several local delicacies that you must try for the full cultural experience. Momos, a type of dumpling, are a popular street food item, and Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepali meal consisting of lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry, is a staple dish in most Nepali households.

1 Day Itinerary for Kathmandu

Morning

First up on our list is Monkey Temple, also known as Swayambhunath. This ancient Buddhist temple sits atop a hill overlooking the city and is home to a large population of monkeys. Spend about an hour exploring the temple and its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful prayer flags. Admission is 200 Nepalese Rupees per person and the temple is open from 7am to 7pm.

Next, we’ll head to Thamel, the city’s bustling tourist hub. Here, you can find everything from trendy cafes and bars to local markets and shops selling traditional handicrafts. Take your time wandering through the colorful streets and soaking up the lively atmosphere. Spend a few hours in Thamel, and don’t forget to stop by the Garden of Dreams.

Afternoon

For lunch, we recommend trying some of the local cuisine. In particular, we recommend getting some momo, a traditional Nepali dish consisting of dumplings filled with vegetables or meat. Yangling Tibetan Restaurant has some fantastic momo, or you can check out a food stall on your stroll. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some buffalo or yak meat. Make sure to get some masala chai with your meal, it’s a staple of Nepalese culture.

After lunch, we’ll make our way to Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the city’s cultural and historical heritage. If you’re walking, stop by Asan Bazaar for some quick window shopping.

Once you’re in Durbar Square, you can see an array of stunning temples, palaces, and statues dating back to the 12th century. Spend about 1-2 hours exploring the square and taking in its intricate architecture and rich history. Admission is 1000 Nepalese Rupees per person, and the square is open from 10am to 5pm. Check out Kumari Ghar and the Taleju Bhawani Temple. If you have time, take a stroll down Freak Street before catching a ride out to Buddha Stupa for the late afternoon.

Evening

Next, we’ll head to Buddha Stupa, also known as Boudhanath. This magnificent stupa is one of the largest in the world and is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Spend about 1-2 hours here, taking in the stunning architecture, spinning the prayer wheels, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. Admission is 400 Nepalese Rupees per person, and the stupa is open from 7am to 7pm.

Our final stop of the day (time permitting) is Pashupatinath, a sacred Hindu temple complex located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Here, you can witness the unique rituals and ceremonies that take place every day, including cremations on the riverbank. Spend about 1-2 hours exploring the temple and its beautiful surroundings. Admission is 1000 Nepalese Rupees per person, and the temple is open from 5am to 12pm and 5pm to 9pm.

Dinner

For dinner, order some Keemu noodles from Spize Restaurant. You can choose from chicken or beef in this delicious spicy noodle dish. Enjoy some masala chai if you haven’t had any yet. If you’re interested in getting a drink after dinner, check out Sam’s Bar and grab a Mt. Everest beer!

Extra Time

If you have extra time, you should spend a half day or day trip and visit the ancient city of Bhaktapur. It has it’s own set of temples and Durbar square to explore, but requires a 20 minute (plus traffic) drive out to the city.

Found this post helpful? Subscribe to our blog or follow us on Instagram for our latest travel tips!