How many days acclimatise before trekking?
At least one full day in Kathmandu — two if flying straight from sea level.
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Kathmandu Travel Guide
Things to do in Kathmandu — Explore Kathmandu
Photo: Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley holds Durbar Square pagodas, Swayambhunath stupa eyes, Thamel trekking shops and the gateway aura for Everest and Annapurna adventures.
Kathmandu is a stop in Nepal, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 45–80 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: October–November and March–April for clear mountain views. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
October–November and March–April for clear mountain views
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Getting around
Taxis and walking in valley; domestic flights or road to Pokhara; trek agencies in Thamel
Experiences
Things to do in Kathmandu
1
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
2
Boudhanath Stupa
3
Pashupatinath Temple
4
Kathmandu Durbar Square
5
Patan Durbar Square
6
Thamel streets and gardens
7
Bhaktapur day trip
8
Nagarkot sunrise viewpoint
Budget travel
Free things to do in Kathmandu
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Pashupatinath Temple
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square
Thamel streets and gardens
Nagarkot sunrise viewpoint
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Kathmandu itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Old Kathmandu
- Durbar Square and Kumari Bahal
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) stupa circuit
- Thamel dinner and gear browsing
- 2
Day 2
Sacred sites
- Pashupatinath Temple ghats (exterior respectful viewing)
- Boudhanath stupa kora walk
- Patan Durbar Square across the river
- 3
Day 3
Valley viewpoint
- Nagarkot sunrise (overnight or very early drive)
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square pottery squares
- Return via Changunarayan temple
Prefer a full 5-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Kathmandu itinerary guide.
Budget
Kathmandu trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 45–80
per person / day
Luxury
USD 120+
per person / day
Budget paradise — trekking permits and flights to Lukla dominate adventure budgets, not city costs. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Kathmandu
Estimated total (USD)
$1,655
≈ $828 per person · $236 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $45/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Kathmandu mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 45–80 · luxury 120+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Kathmandu
Thamel
Best for: Trekkers
Gear shops, agencies and international restaurants
Boudha
Best for: Spiritual calm
Guesthouses near Boudhanath stupa
Patan (Lalitpur)
Best for: Crafts
Quieter durbar square and metalwork workshops
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
OR2K
Vegetarian Middle Eastern · Thamel institution loved by locals and travellers
- $$
Bhojan Griha
Nepali · Traditional Newari feast in a restored house
- $$
Fire and Ice Pizzeria
Italian · Surprising local favourite since the 1990s
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Dwarika's Hotel
Battisputali · Heritage hotel built from salvaged Newari woodwork
- $$$
Hyatt Regency Kathmandu
Boudha · Spacious resort near Boudhanath
- $$
Kathmandu Guest House
Thamel · The original tourist favourite since 1967
Shopping
- Bhat-Bhateni Supermarkets & Department Stores
- Bank of Asia
- Century Commercial Bank
- Himalayan Bank
- Nepal Bank Limited Central Office
- Nepal Rastra Bank, Central Office
Travel tips
- Get TIMS and national park permits through a registered agency for treks
- Mask up during dry season — valley dust and pollution spike
- Only drink treated or bottled water
In pictures
Kathmandu gallery
Photos: Gerd Eichmann, Bijay chaurasia, Qrystal45, SUMIR SHRESTHA, Bijay Chaurasia — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Kathmandu travel FAQs
Is post-earthquake Kathmandu rebuilt?
Major sites are restored or under ongoing conservation — still deeply worth visiting.
What are the best things to do in Kathmandu?
Top picks in Kathmandu include Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square. See the full list and itinerary on this Kathmandu travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?
October–November and March–April for clear mountain views.
How many days do I need in Kathmandu?
Plan at least 3 days in Kathmandu for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Kathmandu?
Base yourself in Thamel (Trekkers), Boudha (Spiritual calm), Patan (Lalitpur) (Crafts). Pick the area that matches your trip style, then book within walking distance of transit or main sights.
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