Kathmandu, Nepal

A Himalayan gateway city of stupas, temples, prayer flags, and mountain trekkers.

pashupatinath and temple in Kathmandu, Nepal

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Kathmandu

  • Swayambhunath Stupa — Swayambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan and Sanskrit name for the site means 'self-arising' or 'self-sprung'. The hill on which the stupa stands has been an ancient pilgrimage place considered the home of the primordial Buddha known as the Adi-Buddha. For the Buddhists throughout the world, the stupa is venerated as one of the most ancient and important stupas in the world, having hosted numerous Buddhas of the past: Koṇāgamana Buddha, Kakusandha Buddha and Kassapa Buddha. For its outstanding universal value, Swayambhunath was designated a UNESCO's World Heritage Site in Nepal in 1979.
  • Pashupatinath Temple — Pashupatinath Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupati, a manifestation of Shiva. Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal, the temple is one of the oldest and most significant religious complexes in South Asia. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, it is one of seven monument groups in UNESCO's designation of Kathmandu Valley and is described as an "extensive Hindu temple precinct" comprising a vast network of temples, ashrams, inscriptions, and images raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple, considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus, is built on an area of 246 hectares and includes 518 mini-temples and the principal pagoda-style temple.
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square — Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historically and culturally significant site in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Thamel — is a commercial neighborhood located in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The name comes from Tha Bahi, indicating its root origin to have come from the Newar community, the indigenous people of Kathmandu Valley. Tha Bahi has been the centre of the tourist industry in Kathm
  • Patan Durbar Square — Patan Durbar Square is situated at the centre of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of its attractions is the medieval royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square — Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a former royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It housed the Malla kings of Nepal from 14th to 15th century and the kings of the Kingdom of Bhaktapur from 15th to late 18th century until the kingdom was conquered in 1769. Today, this square is recognised by UNESCO, managed jointly by the Archeological Department of Nepal and Bhaktapur Municipality, and is undergoing extensive restoration due to the damage from the earthquake in 1934 and the recent earthquake of 2015.
  • Garden of Dreams — The Garden of Dreams, also, the Garden of Six Seasons, is a neo-classical garden in Kaiser Mahal Kathmandu, Nepal, built in 1920. Designed by Kishore Narshingh, it consists of 6,895 square metres (74,220 sq ft) of gardens with three pavilions, an amphitheater, ponds, pergolas, an
  • Narayanhiti Palace — The Narayanhiti Palace Museum is a public museum in Kathmandu, Nepal located east of the Kaiser Mahal and next to Thamel. The museum was created in 2008 from the complex of the former Narayanhiti Palace following the 2006 revolution. Before the revolution, the palace was the residence and principal workplace of the monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal, and hosted occasions of state.
  • Kopan Monastery — Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery near Boudhanath, on the outskirts of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is a member of the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), an international network of Gelugpa dharma centers, and once served as its headquarters.
  • Budhanilkantha Temple — Budanilkantha Temple, located in Budhanilkantha, Nepal, is a Hindu open air temple dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu. Budhanilkantha Temple is also known as the Narayanthan Temple for Hindus, and can be identified by a large reclining statue of Lord Mahavishnu. However, in the Buddhist community, the term "Buddhanilkantha" refers to one of the various manifestations of Avalokiteshvara. The name means "Blue-Throated Buddha."
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🥾 Trails & Hikes in Kathmandu

  • Shivapuri National Park Trail — A day hike through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park offering dense rhododendron and oak forests with Himalayan views from the 2,732m peak.
  • Nagi Gompa Walk — A peaceful 2-3 hour hike through pine forests to a Buddhist nunnery at 1,991m with meditation facilities and valley panoramas.
  • Champadevi Hike — A forest ridge walk to a 2,285m summit with a Hindu shrine and 360-degree views of Kathmandu Valley and the Himalayan range.
  • Phulchowki Hike — A climb to the highest point surrounding Kathmandu Valley at 2,782m through diverse forests with exceptional birdwatching and mountain vistas.

🏖️ Beaches in Kathmandu

  • Tripura Resort Pvt.Ltd — A resort-backed stretch of sand near Koteshwar in Kathmandu, with sun loungers, calm swimming waters, and beachside facilities.
  • PROPOSED SITE — PROPOSED SITE, a beach in Kathmandu in the Sano Thimi area with soft sand and swimming water, popular for sunbathing and a coastal stroll.
  • Reliance Trekking Pvt Ltd — Reliance Trekking Pvt Ltd, a sandy stretch in Kathmandu in the Kathmandu-16 area known for its relaxed atmosphere and clear water for swimming.

🍽️ Restaurants in Kathmandu

  • Bhojan Griha — Authentic Nepali cuisine served in a 150-year-old heritage building that was once the royal priest’s palace, featuring traditional Newari feasts and cultural dances.
  • OR2K — A legendary vegetarian restaurant with colourful floor seating on cushions, serving Middle Eastern and Israeli cuisine in a bohemian Thamel setting.
  • Yangling Tibetan Restaurant — An authentic Tibetan restaurant known for momos, thukpa, and traditional Tibetan dishes in a cozy setting near Thamel.
  • Roadhouse Cafe — A charming eatery famous for signature wood-fired pizzas and fusion of Nepalese and international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Kaiser Cafe — An elegant cafe set within the Garden of Dreams’ historic Bashanta Pavilion, serving continental cuisine in a neoclassical garden setting.
  • Fire and Ice Pizzeria — A popular Italian restaurant serving authentic wood-fired pizzas since 1995, with vegan options and a casual Thamel atmosphere.
  • Third Eye Restaurant — Established in 1989, this highly-rated restaurant serves Indian and continental cuisine in a subtly lit space adorned with Newari and Nepali antiques.
  • Krishnarpan Restaurant — The signature restaurant at Dwarika’s Hotel offering slow-dining experiences with 6 to 22-course menus showcasing Nepal’s diverse regional cuisines.

🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Kathmandu

  • Tom & Jerry Pub — A legendary Thamel pub established in 1979 with pool tables, live music, and a dance floor, popular among trekkers and backpackers.
  • New Orleans Cafe — A hidden courtyard restaurant and bar since 1990 with live music, surrounded by charming old wooden buildings in the heart of Thamel.
  • Rum Doodle Bar & Restaurant — A Kathmandu landmark since 1979, now in Naxal with a garden setting, famous among trekkers and named after the mountaineering classic.
  • Purple Haze Rock Bar — A premier live rock music venue in Thamel with an industrial-chic atmosphere, featuring local bands and cover acts in a neon-lit space.
  • Sam’s Bar — A cult-status upstairs bar since the 1990s where walls are covered with visitors’ messages, serving drinks and popcorn in a low-lit, wood-lined space.

🎯 Activities & Tours in Kathmandu

  • UNESCO Seven World Heritage Tour in Kathmandu — There are seven awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. Dating back over 2000 years, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites rank as some of the finest in architecture and spirituality in all of Nepal. We know you want to see them, but what can you do when you
  • Private Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour | UNESCO World Heritage sites — Embark on a captivating journey through Kathmandu with our Private Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour. Led by our expert English-speaking guide, explore iconic landmarks and hidden gems, delving deep into Nepalese culture and history. Discover spiritual Hindu sites, explore majestic Budd
  • The Most Beautiful 1 Day Experience in Kathmandu Nepal — What a beautiful day in your life while you are in Kathmandu. Watching sunrise view from the Nagarkot view tower gives you stunning Himalayan panorama to see and 360° view including Kathmandu valley. Amazing experience to look Mt. Everest and Mt. Annapurna even not doing long tre
  • Kathmandu Food and Drink Walking Tour — Namaste! Come hungry to explore Kathmandu's culinary wonders on an immersive walking tour led by a professional licensed Tour and Trekking Guide and certified Barista. Having personally explored the diverse cuisines of India, Sri Lanka, China and Thailand, I bring a global perspe
  • Seven World Heritage Day Tour in Kathmandu Nepal — Enjoy a single Kathmandu day tour of all the Seven World Heritage Sites located in Kathmandu Valley. As UNESCO has declared most of the architectural and religious as well as historical sites of Kathmandu to be important that must be protected and preserved, you will get to see w
  • Kathmandu Heritage Tour — It is an opportunity to know the cultural sites, local customs and products at a time. Apart from visiting the sites, you will get a chance to taste local cuisines, participate in short workshop and interaction with local artisans, products and healing session. It includes an Eng
  • Cultural tour in Kathmandu — This trip to the UNESCO listed cultural heritage site Patan and Kathmandu Durbar Square​ will offer you a deeper understanding of the historical development of arts and architecture. The grand Stupa of Swayambhunath along with many monasteries will surely enlighten you spirituall
  • Private tour of Major highlights of Kathmandu top rated places — Flexible itinerary- time can be arranged as per your request. 1:        Depart from the hotel visiting Old Durbar Square area for an hour. 2:        Drive to Swayambhunath or Monkey Temple of 30 mins 3:       Drive to Pashupatinath Temple tour of an hour with 30 -40 mins driv
  • Best of Kathmandu: UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sightseeing Tour — Explore the diverse cultural heritage of Kathmandu on a full-day tour designed for both history buffs and casual travelers. Choose between two enriching options: visit all seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites for a comprehensive experience or focus on four key sites for a more leisu
  • Kathmandu Day Tour — A full-day Kathmandu city tour covers 4 cultural world heritage sites of UNESCO. The ancient royal palace and 3 religious sites are the places to visit during this one-day city tour in Kathmandu. You will learn a lot about ancient Nepalese history, religion, ritual, culture, art
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🏨 Hotels & Stays in Kathmandu

  • The Dwarika's Hotel — Heritage boutique hotel preserving Newari craftsmanship with hand-carved wood, Pancha Kosha Spa, and Krishnapan restaurant.
  • Hotel Yak & Yeti — Heritage luxury hotel on Durbar Marg with Club Nirvana spa, three restaurants, outdoor pool, and rooftop terrace.
  • Hyatt Regency Kathmandu — Luxury resort near Boudhanath with Club Oasis spa, casino, two restaurants, and yoga classes in tranquil gardens.
  • The Soaltee Kathmandu, Autograph Collection — Luxury hotel with casino, spa, three restaurants, and yoga classes near Kathmandu Durbar Square.
  • Madhuban Hotel — Mid-range hotel in Thamel with garden, restaurant, and comfortable rooms near Kathmandu Durbar Square.
  • Yakety Yak Hostel — Budget hostel in Thamel with bar, restaurant, and social atmosphere for backpackers exploring Kathmandu.
  • Famous House Kathmandu — Mid-range hotel in Thamel with rooftop terrace, restaurant, and traditional Nepali decor.
  • Rest Up Kathmandu Hostel — Highly-rated hostel in Thamel with 9.5 rating, dormitory and private rooms, excellent location and social atmosphere.
  • Birds Nest Hostel — Cozy hostel in Thamel with garden, bar, free WiFi and private parking, 9.3 rating from 274 reviews.
  • Hotel Thamel — Centrally located hotel in Thamel with 24-hour room service, free parking and 9.0 rating from 343 reviews.
  • +12 more hotels & stays
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