Kathmandu

Kathmandu is Nepal’s capital and cultural heart. The city sits in a valley at 1,400 metres above sea level and is surrounded by green hills and distant Himalayan peaks. It is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Most Nepal tours begin and end in Kathmandu making it the gateway to everything the country has to offer.

Top Things to Do in Kathmandu

Visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Walk the circular path around the stupa, spin the prayer wheels and watch monks and pilgrims from across the Himalayan region gather here daily.

Explore Pashupatinath Temple, the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, this UNESCO site draws thousands of pilgrims every day and offers a deeply spiritual experience.

Discover Swayambhunath or the Monkey Temple, a hilltop stupa with panoramic views over the entire Kathmandu Valley. The 365 steps to the top are lined with shrines and resident monkeys.

Walk through Patan Durbar Square, a beautifully preserved medieval city just 20 minutes from central Kathmandu. The ancient palaces, temples and traditional Newari architecture make it one of the finest historic squares in Asia.

Best Time to Visit Kathmandu

October to November and March to May offer the best weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. The city is lively year round and cultural tours run in every season.

How to Get to Kathmandu

Tribhuvan International Airport connects Kathmandu to major cities across Asia. Direct flights operate from Delhi, Mumbai, Dhaka, Bangkok, Dubai and Singapore. Indian travelers do not need a visa. Most other nationalities can get a visa on arrival at the airport.