The capital, Kathmandu, is more than a city where you will be blown away by the beauty of the Himalayan valley. This ancient capital will blend your experience of spiritual serenity with bustling local life along with the stunning cultural heritage, and also the perfect gateway to Nepal’s stunning hiking destinations.
Kathmandu, being the capital and the most important city of Nepal, is the center point of all the major cities around the country. Walking through a living museum where the ancient temples stand alongside cozy cafés, and chaotic local shops with some peaceful courtyards, Kathmandu makes your trip to Nepal a great start to the Journey. As a traveler, either you’re seeking culture, food, adventure, or spiritual renewal, Kathmandu has it all to offer you a lifetime experience.
Things to Do in Kathmandu – The Capital City
Durbar refers to the Palace in the native Nepalese language and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with palaces, courtyards, and temples. Don’t miss Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess that has been worshiped by the Nepalese people for over a few centuries.
Swayambunath– A temple often said to be self-created, where ‘ Swayam ‘ refers to being self in the native language as well. You can have a panoramic view of the city and find the sacred monkeys who are roaming freely around this ancient Buddhist stupa on the nearest cliff to the city.
Boudhanath– Boudhanath is a place of spiritual energy, Tibetan culture, and quiet contemplation. Try some local foods like Big Momos, Laphing & Tibetan cuisine while here in Boudhanath.
Pashupatinath– Pashupatinath is a sacred Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River and also a cremation area for the Hindus. Evening Aarti ceremonies here are mesmerizing and happen every evening from around 6 to 7 pm.
Thamel– Thamel is the main tourist hub for all the travelers coming to Nepal —full of shops, cafés, live music bars, and hiking gear stores. It’s a perfect place to start or end your day, especially for trekkers.
Cuisines & Shopping in Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a lot to offer for foodies around the world. Momos, which are Nepali-style dumplings, steamed or fried. Also, try their sauce called Achar. Also, try Dal Bhat, which is a Nepalese traditional daily meal with some delicious vegetables, meats, lentis and papad. The best thing is to try it in a cultural dance restaurant, where you can witness the authentic Nepalese dance as well. Other Newari cuisines, like Choila, Yomari, Bara etc., are unique to the Kathmandu Valley—rich in flavor and tradition.
From handcrafted souvenirs to spiritual items to Khukuris, pashmina, singing bowls, and trekking gear, Thamel market is a perfect choice for travelers. Asan Bazaar is also there for a real local market experience where travelers can find everything from groceries to clothing to some local foods as well. For Branded Wears & items, there are renowned shopping malls like Bhatbhateni’s Super Market & Durbar Marg.
Where to Stay in Kathmandu
Whether you are looking for a heritage stay or a modern luxury hotel, Kathmandu offers everything :
- Premium: The Marriot, Dwarika’s Hotel, Hyatt Regency, The Soaltee, The Hilton etc.
- Mid-Range: Boutiques and hotels inside Thamel.
- Budget: Any Hotels around the city.
Best Time to Visit Kathmandu
Kathmandu has a moderate climate compared to other cities around the nation. For trekkers looking for the Annapurna & Everest region, September to March might be ideal. Kathmandu can be visited for all 12 months. Travelers can experience the monsoon between June, July and August. Still worth visiting.
How to Reach Kathmandu
Many International flights operate to Tribhuwan International Airport from major parts of the world, like India, Japan, Australia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, Bangladesh etc.
Visas & Travel Tips
Visas are on arrival for most nationalities, with Dollars and Euros easily accepted in most tourist cafés and hotels, with Wi-Fi internet being free in most places. Do carry a Local SIM which will make it easy to use the internet data while hanging around Kathmandu.