The city of Kathmandu is located in a bowl shaped valley surrounded by lush green hills and the rugged Himalayas. Kathmandu is a city that blends serenity with chaos with the utmost perfection. Also known as the city of temples, you can practically find a temple, every few hundred meters. This post will explain the top things to do in Kathmandu Valley.
Sprayed with ancient temples, palaces, chaotic streets, and the scent of incense running through the thin mountain air, Kathmandu is a city like no other. The city mixes history, culture and adventure to make up for a memorable experience. Whether you are a history enthusiast, foodie or an adventure junkie, there is something for everyone. Here is your detailed guide on top things to do in Kathmandu valley.
Things to do in Kathmandu Valley
Table of Contents
1. Go back in time in Kathmandu durbar square
Step into the durbar square, a sprawling plaza where kings of the past once ruled. Take a look at the intricate wood and stone carvings of the ancient architecture, a tale of Nepal’s royal past and the sight is sure to take anyone back in time. A UNESCO world heritage site, once hit by the 2015 AD earthquake has been restored to its former glory. The Kathmandu durbar square is a living museum of the Malla and Shah dynasty architecture.
Highlights: The hanuman dhoka palace, a museum with royal artifacts and the Kumari ghar, home to the living goddess. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of her peeking out of the window, a rare and humbling sight.
Experience: Sip a cup of tea or coffee at one of the many rooftop cafe’s and enjoy the durbar square come to life with vendors, pigeons and the local people.
Pro tip: If you want to avoid the crowd and aim for a peaceful experience there, arrive at dawn. The entry fee is NPR 1000 for foreigner and is totally worth it.
2. Climb Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey temple)
Situated atop a small hill to the west of the city, Swayambhunath is also famously known as the monkey temple. Believed to have sprouted from a lotus plant when Kathmandu valley was a lake, the monument holds a significant religious significance. The 365 steps resembling the 365 days of a year is a workout in itself. But the climb is worth it with the reward being a panoramic view of the valley, and the white monument with its fluttering praying flags.
Highlights: The iconic white stupa with its gazing eyes, playful monkeys all around and view of the valley
Experience: Climb the 365 steps which feels like a pilgrimage and watch the panoramic views of the valley below.
Pro tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset to avoid crowds and take good care of your belongings.
3. Shop and Haggle in Thamel
Thamel is Kathmandu’s tourist hub, a maze of narrow streets with restaurants, bars, trekking shops, handicraft shop and many more. It’s the perfect place to buy souvenirs to take back home and try your bargaining skills while you are at it. Enjoy the cool afternoons with a plate of Nepali momo’s if you are visiting in spring or autumn. Unwind yourself with a cold beer or at a eatery in the evenings. With restaurants and rooftop bars aplenty, thamel’s nightlife is lively too with live music. Visiting thamel and enjoying is hustle and bustle is one of the top things to do in Kathmandu valley.
Experience: Go on souvenir shopping and test your bargaining skills.
Pro tip: Wander around in the evenings as it gets lively.
4. Taste authentic Nepali cuisine
Nepal is an ethnically rich country and Kathmandu is its cultural capital. With a blend of Tibetan, Nepali, Newari and Indian flavors, Kathmandu is a foodie’s delight. Some of the dishes you outght to try are Thakali dish rice, lentil, curry and meat), Thukpa (Tibetan noodle soup) and gundruk (fermented leafy greens). Furthermore, Kathmandu is predominantly inhabited by newari people, and their cuisine has a big place in Nepals food culture. You should try choila (spicy buffalo meat) and Bara. All in all, trying out Nepali dishes is an underrated yet one of the top things to do in Kathmandu valley.
Experience: Try Newari food in Patan, Tiben inspired food in Boudhanath and Nepali dishes in Thamel
Pro tip: There is a saying in Nepali ‘Khaja mitho newari and khana mitho Thakali” which essentially means newari food is best served for lunch and Thakali food is best served for dinner. Try Tibeten inspired dishes in the mornings in Boudhanath and newari for lunch and Thakali for dinner.
5. Go on a hike in Shivapuri National Park
Located on the northern fringe of Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri National park offers a fantastic hiking experience with its diverse wildlife, lush green forests and stunning views. Standing at 2,732 meters above sea-leve, it is the second highest hill around Kathmandu valley. The hike starts off with a 30 minute drive from central Kathmandu and is a 6-7 hours of a round way trip.
Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with the views of mountains such as Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu among many more. The trail is covered by dense forests of rhododendron, oak and pine and you might also get a chance to spot wildlife such as rhesus monkeys, Himalayan black bears and some of the parks 177 bird species.
Experience: The hike is a perfect blend of serenity, natural beauty and cultural stops. On the way you can visit Nagi Gompa, a buddhist nunnery and Baghdwar which is the source of holy Bagmati river and marked by a tiger-mouth shaped stone spout.
Tips: There are no teahouses on the way so make sure you bring packed lunch and at least 2-3 litres of water. Start early to catch clear views of the Himalayan range. The route is hikeable year round except the heavy monsoon months (June-July) but the best seasons are the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather and clear views.
