🏛️Main Attractions
- ✓Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- ✓Boudhanath Stupa
- ✓Pashupatinath Temple
- ✓Durbar Square
- ✓Thamel
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
The capital and largest city of Nepal, Kathmandu is a vibrant cultural hub where ancient temples, palaces, and stupas blend with modern development. Known as the gateway to the Himalayas, it offers a unique mix of Hindu and Buddhist heritage.
🌐Other Cities in Nepal
Recommended Hotels in Kathmandu
Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (20 properties)
🏨Recommended Hotels
- ★Dwarika's Hotel
- ★Kathmandu Marriott Hotel
- ★Hotel Yak & Yeti
- ★Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
- ★The Everest Hotel
- ★Hotel Shanker
- ★Traditional Comfort Boutique Hotel
- ★Kathmandu Guest House
- ★Hotel Mulberry
- ★Kantipur Temple House
🍜Restaurants & Food
•Bhojan Griha
mid-rangeTraditional Nepali thali in heritage setting with cultural shows
•Fire and Ice Pizzeria
mid-rangeItalian cuisine, wood-fired pizza popular with expats
•OR2K
budgetMiddle Eastern vegetarian cuisine in bohemian atmosphere
•New Everest Momo Center
budgetAuthentic Nepali momos (dumplings)
•Roadhouse Cafe
mid-rangeWestern comfort food, burgers, and steaks
•Kaiser Cafe
mid-rangeGarden restaurant in Kathmandu Garden of Dreams
🛍️ Shopping
- •Thamel Marketmarket
Main shopping district for trekking gear, handicrafts, pashmina, singing bowls, and souvenirs. Bargaining expected.
- •Asan Bazaarmarket
Traditional local market selling spices, vegetables, textiles, and everyday items. Authentic Nepali shopping experience.
- •Patan Industrial Estatecrafts
Government-run handicraft center with fixed prices. Quality Nepali handicrafts, carpets, metalwork, and traditional crafts.
- •Boudha Stupa areareligious items
Shops selling Tibetan Buddhist items - prayer flags, thangka paintings, singing bowls, meditation cushions, and incense.
💡 Travel Tips
- • Drink only bottled water - check seal is intact. Tap water is not safe to drink.
- • Be prepared for frequent power cuts (load shedding). Most hotels have backup generators.
- • Bargaining is expected at markets - start at 50% of asking price in Thamel.
- • Dress modestly when visiting temples - cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering.
- • Air quality can be poor, especially in winter. Consider bringing a mask for sensitive individuals.
- • Earthquakes occur - familiarize yourself with safety procedures at your hotel.
- • Carry small bills - many shops and taxis struggle with large denominations.
- • Traffic is chaotic - be very careful when crossing streets.
🔗 Related Information
📋Quick Info
📅Best Season
October to November (autumn - clear skies, comfortable temperatures, post-monsoon freshness) or March to April (spring - warm weather, rhododendrons blooming). Avoid June-August monsoon.
💰Daily Budget
$20-40 per day (Nepal is very affordable - budget guesthouses, local restaurants, cheap transportation)/day
👥Popular With
Trekkers and mountaineersculture and heritage enthusiastsspiritual seekersbackpackersphotographers
🗓️Recommended Stay
3-4 days to explore temples, Durbar Squares, and Kathmandu Valley UNESCO sites
🌐Timezone
NPT (UTC+5:45) - unique 45-minute offset
💬Local Language
Nepali (official), English widely spoken in tourist areas
💱Currency
Nepalese Rupee (NPR) - ATMs available but often run out of cash. Carry backup cash. USD and EUR can be exchanged easily.
📅Kathmandu 3-Day Itinerary
Recommended plan for efficient sightseeing
Sacred Sites & Stupas
🌅
Morning2.5h
🎭
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
💡 Climb 365 steps for panoramic views. Watch belongings around monkeys. Best visited early for sunrise and fewer crowds.
🌅
Morning0.5h
📍
Walk down to Kathmandu Durbar Square
💡 Scenic walk downhill through old neighborhoods. Alternative: take taxi if tired from climbing.
🌅
Morning2h
🎭
Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square
💡 Entry fee NPR 1000 for foreigners. Many buildings damaged in 2015 earthquake but still impressive. Hire local guide for historical context.
☀️
Afternoon1h
🍜
Lunch in Thamel
💡 Try traditional dal bhat (rice and lentils) or momos (Nepali dumplings). OR2K for vegetarian, Fire and Ice for pizza.
☀️
Afternoon1.5h
📍
Garden of Dreams
💡 Peaceful neo-classical garden in heart of Kathmandu. Perfect for relaxing after morning's temple visits. Kaiser Cafe for refreshments.
🌙
Evening2h
🛍️
Explore Thamel district
💡 Main tourist hub - shop for trekking gear, handicrafts, pashmina shawls. Bargain hard. Good restaurants and bars.
🌙
Evening2h
🍜
Dinner with cultural show at Bhojan Griha
💡 Traditional Nepali cuisine in restored heritage house. Cultural dance performances included. Book in advance.
💡Tips
- •Purchase combined UNESCO site ticket (NPR 3000) if visiting multiple Durbar Squares - saves money
- •Download offline maps (Maps.me) - internet can be unreliable outside hotels
- •Carry small bills - many places can't make change for NPR 1000 notes
- •Be prepared for power cuts - bring flashlight and power bank
- •Start early - most temples and monuments open around 7-8am, cooler and less crowded mornings